Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World Chapter 1091 - 569: I’m a Professional (Part 2)

"Brother Sheng, aren't we heading back to Yunhai?"

"No, this blaze will rage on for several days. We must remain here to watch over it, lest the winds shift and endanger the innocent—that would fall squarely on our shoulders."

Er Gou grasped his intent at once, nodding vigorously before dashing off with a grin to summon the rest.

In roughly half the time it takes an incense stick to burn, the group assembled near Gu Sheng, trailing him as he ventured further away.

Once they located an ideal location, Gu Sheng guided everyone to set up camp.

Huang Shan gathered some dry foliage, upon which they all reclined, their eyes fixed on East Mountain's ferocious inferno. A wave of satisfaction washed over them all.

"Brother Sheng, how long do you reckon this fire will keep burning?"

"We'll linger for three days. At the end of three, we'll quench it. That span should suffice to consume all those vile remnants."

"Brother Sheng, what's our destination once we depart from here?"

As Shi Lou posed the question, Gu Sheng cast a look toward Luochuan and murmured, "To seek out King Luo and Saint Ya."

"Seek them out? Yet we haven't a clue about their whereabouts."

"Saint Ya's location eludes us, but King Luo's is known, isn't it? Luochuan."

Seizing Gu Sheng's implication, Luochuan gave a firm nod.

"I'll guide you there."

His assurance eased the tension, drawing relieved breaths from the others.

For three days, they encamped in that spot, observing the flames die down gradually. Only after did Gu Sheng usher them closer.

Noting that the mountaintop's burnable elements had been devoured, reducing it mostly to barren scorched earth, Gu Sheng unleashed Spiritual Energy to douse the lingering embers.

His example spurred the companions into action, stamping out every last spark.

A quick survey complete, Gu Sheng summoned Divine Power to whip up a fierce gale.

As anticipated, certain patches of ash flickered back to life, with subtle flames emerging once more.

Zeroing in on those spots, Gu Sheng intervened repeatedly, testing back and forth until no embers stirred even under the gale's assault, before directing the group onward.

Parting from East Mountain, Gu Sheng turned his attention to Luochuan's features.

"Do you recall the path?"

"Of course, I was raised there. I could navigate it blindfolded. Still, I'm reluctant to confront him. When we arrive, might I stay out of sight?"

After a moment's reflection, Gu Sheng declined with a shake of his head.

"It's unlikely you'll evade notice. Our grasp on King Luo and Saint Ya's situation is murky at best. We'll require your insight at times."

His words left Luochuan's face shadowed with reluctance.

Observing this, Gu Sheng offered a soft smile.

"You can appear, but not in your true guise as Luochuan."

This puzzled Luochuan visibly.

"If not as myself, then in what guise? My father would spot me instantly."

"Fear not—I'll alter your appearance when the moment comes. Even your father won't know you."

"Brother Sheng, you possess the Disguise Skill?"

Shi Lou voiced his astonishment, met by Gu Sheng's confirming nod.

"I've picked up some basics; it ought to suffice."

No sooner had he spoken than Hong Mei clapped his shoulder.

"Gu Sheng, if your technique falters, don't push it—lest you endanger Luochuan. I'm adept at this; recall, I hail from Mirror Gate."

His eyes brightened as he regarded Hong Mei.

He'd been mulling his own capabilities and overlooked the expert right among them.

"I'd almost overlooked you. With your expertise, handle it yourself."

"Gladly. Luochuan, what transformation do you prefer? Something more striking or more mundane?"

"Mundane—I'd rather blend in, drawing no eyes, especially not his. The plainer, the better: so unremarkable that folks pass by without a glance."

Grasping his desire, Hong Mei thumped her chest assuredly.

"Consider it done. Though I'm short on supplies at present. We'll halt in the upcoming town; I'll procure necessities from the herbal store for your disguise."

"My thanks, Sect Leader Hong."

"Politeness is unnecessary—you're now under Bai Yu's wing, making us kin. Why stand on ceremony? Moreover, your role in this is crucial."

"Rest easy; my thirst for his demise outstrips yours all. I'll lend every effort to aid you."

Bai Yu, seeing his resolve, placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Have no doubts; I'll honor my vow."

"Thank you, Master."

Through their growing camaraderie, Luochuan had shifted his attachment from Gu Sheng toward Bai Yu, now addressing him as 'Master' with natural ease.

The party pressed on to the nearby town, reaching it at midday.

The savory scents drifting from the eatery made Shi Lou clutch his belly.

"Brother Sheng, it's uncommon to spot a proper restaurant—let's feast grandly, on your tab, what say you?"

Gu Sheng couldn't help but chuckle wryly at the suggestion.

"Shi Lou, you frame me footing the bill as some noble deed?"

"Brother Sheng, you're no stranger; whether you pay or I do, it's all the same. Let's savor a lavish spread!"

Er Gou bobbed his head enthusiastically beside him.

"Brother Sheng, I'm famished for it too—haven't tasted inn fare in forever. Let's indulge!"

Their eager hunger drew laughter from Gu Sheng, who agreed with a nod.

"Very well, my treat—we'll dine like kings!"

His consent sent the pair bolting into the establishment, outpacing one another.

By the time Gu Sheng and the rest stepped inside, Shi Lou and Er Gou had already placed their orders.

Soon enough, the table brimmed with tempting cuisine.

Noting the absence of spirits amid the victuals, Lan Yao furrowed his brow.

"What sort of ordering was that? Food aplenty but no drink—how can we truly revel?"

The duo exchanged a knowing look toward Gu Sheng upon hearing her.

"Brother Sheng never greenlit wine, so we held back from adding it."

"Just because Gu Sheng didn't approve, you cower? What's to fear? He doesn't devour folks."

With earnest emphasis, Lan Yao pivoted to Gu Sheng, flashing a coaxing grin.

"Brother Sheng, with time on our hands and King Luo's domain days off yet, shall we partake in some wine?"

Gu Sheng arched a brow in her direction.

"I don't consume people—why address me so deferentially?"

"It's mere courtesy; since you're the host, I ought to inquire, no?"

"Spare the questions—asking invites denial. Crave a drink? Save it for nightfall, when you foot the bill. Then guzzle to your heart's content."

Lan Yao beamed at the prospect.

"Splendid—I'm no pauper, silver's never an issue for me. Tonight, we'll carouse without restraint!"

Aware of Gu Sheng's deliberate nudge, Bai Yu smiled and nodded too.

"Duty calls later. Once the herbs are acquired and preparations set, we'll celebrate in earnest."

"Agreed, young master—my coffers run deep, drink freely without bounds."

Lan Yao's affluent flair brought smiles all around.

Having feasted sumptuously, Gu Sheng swiftly secured several premium chambers at the inn, settled the group, then proceeded directly to the apothecary.

Inside, Hong Mei thrust a list at the clerk without delay.

"Clerk, procure these herbs precisely as listed—not one extra or missing."

Perusing the script, the clerk rubbed his scalp in confusion.

"Esteemed patron, what condition does this formula address? It baffles me."

Her face soured at the query.

"You're an apothecary aide, not a physician—my prescription's intent is none of your concern. Simply fulfill the order, or I'll take my business elsewhere."

With that, Hong Mei snatched back the paper and turned to depart, prompting the clerk to block their path in haste, issuing profuse apologies while rushing to assemble the items.