Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World Chapter 1097 572: The Death of Ling Xiao Zhenren (Part 2)

Observing his condition, Huang Shan radiated an intense aura of dominance as he slowly advanced toward him.

With just half a pace separating them, Huang Shan abruptly unsheathed his blade and drove it straight into Ling Xiao's chest!

As the blade pierced deep, a gush of foul blood spilled forth, since his organs had long been corrupted into sludge by toxins, and he was merely propped up by a final burst of supernatural force!

Huang Shan knew this full well and quickly pulled out the knife, then swung it at his throat, cleanly lopping off his head!

The instant the head thudded to the earth, Huang Shan's blade rained down on the body relentlessly, halting only after turning the corpse into a pile of shredded flesh!

Finally ceasing his onslaught, out of breath, Gu Sheng glanced over at him.

"How does it feel? Ending him with your own hands, isn't it gratifying?"

Gazing at Gu Sheng, Huang Shan curled his lips into a grin of pure delight.

"Gratifying, this is the most thrilling act of my entire life! Brother Sheng, thank you, I've at last avenged my fallen comrades!"

His words barely ended when tears cascaded down Huang Shan's cheeks.

Witnessing this, Gu Sheng drew him into a tight hug.

Right away, Huang Shan broke down sobbing uncontrollably.

Gently rubbing his back, Gu Sheng murmured softly, "Let it all out, once it's done, we'll leave it all in the past."

As Huang Shan wept like a little boy, the rest of the group felt their throats tighten, staying by his side until he had poured out every last tear.

When his crying subsided, Huang Shan awkwardly rubbed his eyes.

"Apologies, for giving you all something to mock."

"Who's mocking? Can't you see our eyes are all puffy too? Huang Shan, with your vengeance settled, show more smiles from now on, drop that grim expression."

Lan Yao's words prompted a firm nod from Huang Shan.

"I'm no good with words, but I truly see every one of you as my brothers."

"We understand."

With shared smiles passing among them, Gu Sheng directed his attention to Hong Mei.

"How does it sit with you? Slaying Ling Xiao, has it quenched your fury?"

Gu Sheng's question drew a sigh from Hong Mei.

"Gu Sheng, he mentioned that killing him won't dismantle Qingxia Sect, and surprises lie in wait for us. I worry he has some contingency. Could it be hiding nearby?"

Her words came with a wary sweep of the area by Hong Mei.

Noticing her caution, Gu Sheng let out a chuckle.

"Save your searching; even if there's a trap, it won't be right here. If it was, Ling Xiao wouldn't have fallen to us so effortlessly."

"So you believe it's elsewhere?"

"Likely. After all, he concealed himself for ages; he's probably built a hidden web of influence. But relax, he's gone now, and whatever scraps remain aren't worth our time."

"Yet suppose he assembled a real army?"

"He lacks the power for that. His followers can't rival ours. I dismantled Qingxia Sect on my own, wiped out all those he'd groomed over years, so why dread the ones he scraped together afterward? Rest easy."

Gu Sheng's assurance eased Hong Mei's mind.

Departing the site, they soon located a nearby haven to rest.

With Hong Mei deep in slumber, Gu Sheng went to find Bai Yu and Luochuan.

At that point, the teacher and student were in conversation, and upon Gu Sheng's arrival, both turned their eyes to his features.

"Gu Sheng, why haven't you turned in yet?"

"I have a question for Luochuan. How close are we to King Luo's estate? Is the territory ruled by King Luo expansive? Does King Luo command any sects?"

After Gu Sheng's inquiry, Luochuan reflected briefly before responding, "We're roughly two days out. King Luo's domain is fairly vast, or he couldn't have held his throne this long. Regarding sects under him, I'm not certain. He always bars me from such affairs and hides them from me on purpose, but I reckon... he likely does."

Luochuan's tone grew serious, and Gu Sheng nodded in contemplation.

"Fine, that's clear. I just aimed to scout ahead, get a bearing. No need to fret."

As Gu Sheng wrapped up, Luochuan regarded him with remorse.

"Brother Sheng, forgive me, I know so little, probably won't assist much. But rest assured, I'll give it everything. Anywhere I can contribute, count me in."

Those words earned a shoulder pat from Gu Sheng.

"I get it, that's why I told you not to worry. As his offspring, you'll always hold more insight than we do. And you can detect his aura, that's already vital for our plans. That's plenty."

Gu Sheng's comforting words lifted Luochuan's spirits greatly.

Bai Yu eyed him and stated, "Once we sort this out, return with me."

This suggestion made Luochuan bob his head eagerly, beaming.

"Absolutely! I'll follow Master's lead!"

Luochuan's sudden boyish glee brought a laugh from Gu Sheng.

Over the next two days, the group pressed on without pause, arriving at Ping City after the complete journey.

Entering the gates, Ping City's bustle hit them immediately, markedly superior to other locales, boasting wide streets and bustling trade. Elegantly attired crowds thronged the avenues, embodying genuine opulence.

Glancing at their own appearances, the men—save for Hong Mei—seemed rather plain, even somewhat provincial…

"Ahem, Gu Sheng, perhaps we wander a bit, swap into fresh outfits, and gather intel before nearing King Luo?"

Lan Yao proposed, earning nods from the others.

Gu Sheng grasped his intent at once; as a classic dandy, how could he lag in style?

"Sure, you take the front."

Lan Yao's excitement surged at the approval, guiding them onward without delay.

After an extended trek, they halted before what appeared the grandest apparel store.

"This place looks promising, let's enter."

Lan Yao stepped inside first, the rest trailing.

Within, the clerk shot them a brief look before averting his gaze, offering no service.

The group paid it no heed, leisurely inspecting the wares.

Having surveyed the options, Lan Yao took a shine to a deep green robe.

"Shopkeeper, fetch this for me to inspect."

The clerk's lazy glance met Lan Yao's words.

"Payment in advance for this piece before handling it. Else, you wandering martial artists might ruin it. You couldn't cover the cost anyway."

This ignited Lan Yao's temper instantly.

As a privileged heir, funds had never been an issue. Now, to be belittled over mere coin?

Lan Yao's expression soured, his voice icy, "Your establishment welcomes patrons, yet you disdain me as a buyer? Who are you to judge?"

"Nobody special, just the shop's clerk, and I decide if you view it or not. Shouting won't change that. Produce the silver, then you can look."

He raked his eyes over Lan Yao mockingly, a sneer twisting his features.

Faced with this, Lan Yao's rage boiled over.

"My wealth isn't your call. No custom demands payment sans inspection! Hear me: don't underestimate me; I'm no pushover!"

The clerk dismissed his outburst entirely, even bursting into loud guffaws.

Suddenly, killing intent flared in Lan Yao, his hand inching toward the blade at his back.

Spotting this, Gu Sheng restrained him with a glance.

Lan Yao caught on immediately but seethed nonetheless.

Gu Sheng moved ahead, fixing a frosty stare on the clerk's face.

Still chortling wildly, the clerk met Gu Sheng's gaze, which brimmed with clear contempt.