Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World Chapter 1083 - 565: False Jianghu Rumors (Part 2)

After deep thought, he cupped his hands in respect.

"Thanks, Brother, for your advice. I'll head off now to locate my companions. Should we reunite at East Mountain, I hope you'll offer your support, Brother."

Hearing those words, Lan Yao knitted his eyebrows deeply.

"I've shared all the vital information. Why are you still set on going to East Mountain?"

"If it's really as you've described, we ought to aid in wiping out the Fan Sect. Yet, I'm uncertain about our odds against them, so that's why I'm seeking your help."

Grasping his intent, Lan Yao rubbed his head sheepishly.

"Ah, so that's your point. I got it wrong earlier."

"It's fine. Appreciate the warning, Brother. I'll go search for my travel mates now."

With a quick bow, the man spun around and departed.

As his figure receded, Hong Mei inquired, "Gu Sheng, do you reckon he'll share this intel?"

"Nope."

"How come?"

"Nobody has the guts to cross Saint Ya. He'll inform his companions, but he won't publicize it widely. Still, no secret stays hidden forever in the world. Once it's known to one, it'll spread like wildfire, whether on purpose or not."

"Maybe we should circulate the news ourselves? We're gunning for them anyway and don't shy from conflict."

Following Hong Mei's suggestion, Gu Sheng let out a light laugh.

"If we let the word out, we'll just sit back and watch the chaos unfold."

"But why? Plenty of folks are clueless about the facts, and they might rush in blindly to their doom."

"True, most are in the dark, but not all are after the Spiritual Pearl. Some among them aim straight for the Fan Sect or Saint Ya. Spreading the truth would only fuel Saint Ya's grudge against us even more."

"You imply..."

Even without finishing her thought, Hong Mei's face had turned grim.

Gu Sheng nodded softly: "Exactly. The Fan Sect's forces are all tainted with poison. It's as if Saint Ya has been crippled of a vital limb. She can't rebuild such a group anytime soon, so she'll have to rally supporters from the Jianghu to challenge us. Undoubtedly, her loyalists lurk in these crowds, ready to turn into our foes. Thus, there's no need for us to say a word."

Catching on to his logic, Hong Mei clenched her teeth in frustration.

"Unbelievable that a snake like her still commands followers! Some folks are just deranged!"

"Where there's gain to chase, it's a boon in their eyes. They're diving headfirst into ruin and will face the consequences eventually. Remember, the Peak lies exposed to all, and scum like them can't ascend it without a fight."

"Precisely! They're utterly unworthy!"

Noticing Hong Mei's ongoing fury, Gu Sheng placed a hand on her arm.

"Easy now, let go of the rage. They're mere nobodies. Don't let them poison your spirit; it's pointless."

In an uncommon gentle tone, Gu Sheng eased her ire, bringing a flush to Hong Mei's cheeks.

"Got it."

A hint of girlish timidity colored her voice, drawing soft laughs from the group.

Gu Sheng shot them a stern glance, silencing their amusement.

As daybreak arrived, Gu Sheng guided his crew forward.

At a fork in the road, he opted for the quieter route.

Though the way was rough, the sparse traffic meant the energies were clearer, letting him detect disturbances swiftly.

Having journeyed along that trail for half a day, Gu Sheng halted once more.

Gazing at the scorching sun overhead, Shi Lou mopped his brow and questioned, "Brother Sheng, time for a rest?"

A faint smile tugged at Gu Sheng's lips as he answered, "Not resting; we've run into a familiar face."

"A familiar face? Who is it?"

Gu Sheng directed his gaze toward the shaded spots and released a wisp of Spiritual Energy.

"Stop concealing yourself; it's us. Show yourself and greet us."

The group peered that way, spotting nothing alive. Gu Sheng's energy extended, yet no reaction came.

For an instant, confusion flickered among them.

"Brother Sheng, maybe you got it wrong? No one's around!"

Scrubbing his scalp, Shi Lou voiced it, while Lan Yao stretched to peer again.

The spot stayed serene, seemingly empty.

"Gu Sheng, perhaps your sensing faltered? It could be energy from a different route?"

Shaking his head with a grin, Gu Sheng dispatched another strand of energy.

"Quit hiding; we're allies here. Come join us."

This surge of energy was far stronger than the last. It hung in the air, and just as doubt crept in about Gu Sheng's judgment, movement stirred.

A soft rustle echoed, the foliage quivered a bit, and a subtle energy heralded someone's appearance.

The sight of the figure emerging caught them all off guard.

In that instant, the Qikong Sect Leader emerged cautiously, his gaze sweeping over their features.

Recognizing him, the others burst into astonished cries.

"It's you!"

"No surprise Brother Sheng called him one of ours—he really is!"

"What kept you hidden so long!"

At their exclamations, the Qikong Sect Leader grinned.

"Have I not provoked the Fan Sect's wrath? I've stayed extra vigilant on this trip. Sensing Gu Sheng's energy, I hesitated to trust it, worried it might be a trap to draw me out. Only with that thicker pulse did I venture forth. Never thought it was truly you all!"

The Qikong Sect Leader bounded from the cover, advancing toward them with delight.

"You here for the Spiritual Pearl too?"

That question made Gu Sheng crease his forehead.

"You actually think the Fan Sect holds the Spiritual Pearl?"

"What rubbish to believe! They're a pack of murderous thugs. How could something sacred like the Spiritual Pearl be with them? Bah! I'm staking my neck to rescue these foolish Jianghu wanderers. Without fearing their gruesome fate, I wouldn't bother with the danger. Can't they think straight? The Fan Sect having the Spiritual Pearl? Impossible!"

His outburst eased the tension in Gu Sheng's brows.

"Never mind if others buy the tale—your disbelief suffices."

"I absolutely refuse to believe it. Even with a blade at my throat, I wouldn't swallow that lie."

"How many did you bring along this time?"

"Plenty. I'm no hero against death, so I gathered a crowd, but looks like I overdid the caution."

As he mentioned it, he rubbed his head awkwardly.

Watching his demeanor, Gu Sheng chuckled softly.

"If I'm right, you've been whispering about the Spiritual Pearl to others on your path?"

"Something like that. I've tipped off sects I know; I won't let the Fan Sect pull it off."

"Not worried that those hunting the Fan Sect might snitch to Saint Ya?"

"At first, yeah, but then I figured, what's the point? We've clashed in two massive fights already, locking in our feud. Whatever I do or say, they're out for my blood. With my life on the line anyway, why hold back?"

Noting his bold stance, Gu Sheng clapped his shoulder.

"Rest easy; with us around, they won't claim your life."

"Brother Gu, hearing that settles my nerves completely."

He eyed Gu Sheng with keen trust, his sincerity evident, which sparked another round of amusement among the group.

"Now that we're together, our strength has grown. Even if foes lurk in the masses bound for the Fan Sect, they won't overpower us. Gu Sheng, why not scout ahead and check the lay of the land?"

After Bai Yu's input, Gu Sheng agreed with a nod.

"Agreed, let's press on first."

The Qikong Sect joined their ranks, all heading toward East Mountain united.

During the trek, Gu Sheng and his allies pushed without pause, soon reaching the base of East Mountain.

Once there, only a handful of Jianghu folk dotted the area, and as some started pitching tents, Gu Sheng's puzzlement deepened, his brows furrowing in thought.