Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World Chapter 1086 - 567: Stirring Public Outrage
Previously on Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World...
Once those words were uttered, the entire scene descended into pandemonium.
Gu Sheng glanced back at the crowd's response and spotted two clusters lurking in the shadows, their faces etched with gloom.
Observing their demeanor, Gu Sheng found himself knitting his eyebrows in concern.
Right then, members of one group advanced abruptly and declared, "I agree with what this brother has said. How could a faction like the Fan Sect possibly hold the Spiritual Pearl? They must have tricked us into coming here! Why else would they choose a sect brimming with Spiritual Energy?"
The statement instantly garnered widespread agreement.
Gu Sheng examined the faces of those two groups once more, noting how their looks had grown even more sullen.
"Since we've all been pulled into this, let's uncover what the Fan Sect is plotting! If they truly possess the Spiritual Pearl, we'll accept the misunderstanding, but if they don't, no sect that threatens the Jianghu will be permitted to stand!"
The assembly echoed the sentiment, their voices merging in solidarity.
Following the slaughter of every member from that sect, the participants resumed their places.
As he settled back, Gu Sheng's features bore a pensive look that lingered.
Noticing his state, Hong Mei edged nearer to him.
"Gu Sheng, what's on your mind?"
"I'm wondering if there'll be further disturbances this evening."
"Probably not, don't you think? After just going through one event, another would surely reveal their hand."
"They're already out in the open, and I reckon some might lash out in fury. There could still be moves made tonight, so use this moment to recuperate. We'll stay vigilant through the night to watch for any stirrings."
Grasping his point, the others promptly took seats to cultivate and restore their energies.
Gu Sheng positioned himself at the periphery of their makeshift encampment, cultivating while tuning into the noises beyond.
With twilight descending, Gu Sheng at last lifted his eyelids.
He released a deep exhale, his Spiritual Power and Divine Power now fully replenished.
His keen gaze pierced through the gaps, fixing on a particular encampment.
He recalled distinctly that one of the two groups with grim expressions had headed that way.
The rival site lay eerily still, devoid of any activity.
Gu Sheng observed in silence until Hong Mei stirred next to him and softly tapped his arm.
"Anything out of the ordinary?"
Gu Sheng pursed his lips and shook his head.
"Nothing unusual yet."
"Gu Sheng, are you perhaps worrying too much?"
"No."
The conviction in Gu Sheng's voice caused Hong Mei to hold back her thoughts.
She understood that Gu Sheng was seldom mistaken.
"Should another event unfold, no one will believe in the Fan Sect any longer."
"That suits us fine. Without Saint Ya around and given our forces, dispatching them would be straightforward."
"Gu Sheng, do you believe that if we eliminate the Fan Sect, Saint Ya might rage and strike at Yunhai outright?"
"She won't risk it. Though aware of the Wushuang Taoist's poisoning, she still hesitates to clash directly. The Wushuang Taoist's prowess is undeniable. She avoids reckless moves, which is why she's fostered so many wicked forces to plague the Jianghu."
Upon reflection, Hong Mei saw the logic in his reasoning and finally breathed easier.
She had constantly fretted over the Wushuang Taoist, yet Gu Sheng's assurance brought her comfort.
The darkness deepened as the night wore on past its midpoint, the surroundings maintaining their hushed calm.
Bai Yu and the rest had roused, each pacing with unease, frustrated by the foes' inaction.
Listening to their murmurs, Gu Sheng regarded them with a helpless shake of his head.
"You're making such a racket—how could they possibly reveal themselves now?"
His words prompted instant silence from the group.
Watching their compliance, Gu Sheng shifted his attention outward again.
As anticipated, after their camp fell quiet for an extended period, activity stirred from the other side.
Sensing a wisp of Evil Qi, Gu Sheng's eyes gleamed with intensity.
He inclined forward subtly, and abruptly, a figure slipped out from the enemies' tents.
Gu Sheng composed himself quickly to prevent alarming the intruder.
Once outside, the individual scanned the area and found the whole site in repose. He motioned with his long blade to those trailing him.
Shortly, several figures emerged from the shelter in unison.
Observing their furtive actions, Gu Sheng's gaze hardened.
The moment these figures appeared, the Evil Qi in the air thickened markedly, betraying their sinister intentions.
Noting their path, Gu Sheng's brow creased in displeasure.
He summoned his companions with a gesture, rallying them to pursue.
En route past another camp, Gu Sheng halted briefly.
Noting his sudden pause, the others held their tongues and eyed him quizzically.
Gu Sheng's lips curved into a sly grin as he crouched to scoop up some pebbles, selected one, and tossed it toward the front of a nearby camp.
True to form, the occupants inside grew alert and rushed out armed with blades to probe.
Perceiving their wariness, Gu Sheng extended his hand to indicate ahead, simultaneously directing a faint strand of residual Evil Qi their way.
Detecting that Evil Qi, the leader's expression shifted sharply; comprehending Gu Sheng's intent, he nodded vigorously and signaled back.
With that acknowledgment, Gu Sheng pressed on, striding ahead with his team.
The targets ahead crept along cautiously, their pace unhurried, enabling Gu Sheng's group to soon glimpse their forms.
These intruders appeared to be conferring in hushed tones, clustering their heads.
Seeing they hadn't initiated anything yet, Gu Sheng guided his followers to conceal themselves in shadows.
Once concealed, he glanced rearward, verifying that alerts had reached other sects—numerous figures now lurked in hiding spots, representing various major sects.