Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World Chapter 1099 - 573: Repeated Probing (2)

Once Gu Sheng had uttered his words, he flicked his sleeve, propelling a strand of energy outward from it.

Uncertain if she aligned with Saint Ya's followers, Gu Sheng purposefully infused a hint of Wushuang Taoist's aura into the energy he dispatched.

As expected, detecting that aura caused the shopkeeper's face to shift expressions repeatedly until it settled.

She examined Gu Sheng from head to toe, seemingly attempting to pierce his facade.

Yet Gu Sheng proved cunning and composed; under her gaze, his demeanor stayed steady, betraying no secrets.

The shopkeeper yielded and, pondering briefly, suggested, “Shall we relocate to a more private spot, honored visitors?”

Gu Sheng agreed with a nod, prompting her to shutter the shop and guide them to the rear.

Throughout the journey, Gu Sheng kept a vigilant watch on his environment.

As they passed a hidden chamber, he glanced over and spotted it brimming with straw dummies, each affixed with talisman slips!

The instant his arm twitched, he distinctly sensed Saint Ya's aura!

Cold gleams emanated from the silver needles embedded in the dummies, clearly aimed with intent!

When Gu Sheng sought a nearer inspection, the shopkeeper appeared to notice and swiftly gestured to seal the door, uttering with evident unease, “That chamber sits idle most days; let us converse in the back instead.”

With that, she ceased leading solo and instead trailed them closely, eyes fixed watchfully.

During her backward glance, Luochuan hurried to Gu Sheng's side and murmured, “Brother Sheng, King Luo's aura lingers in that chamber, potent and peculiar.”

At these words, Gu Sheng arched a brow, his thoughts sharpening instantly.

Their haphazard choice of spot had evidently brought unforeseen fortune.

Grasping this, Gu Sheng quit scanning about and hastened his steps to keep up.

In the yard, the group settled facing one another, and the shopkeeper initiated the talk.

“To which sect do you owe allegiance? And what brings you here?”

After a brief reflection, Gu Sheng replied, “We hail from the Mirror Gate, and you can likely infer our aim.”

Though Gu Sheng withheld specifics, the shopkeeper grasped the gist.

For she had just perceived the aura from Gu Sheng and pieced together certain details.

“I prefer directness, so I'll be straightforward: if Saint Ya draws you here, I can share intelligence, yet you must side with me; you grasp my implication, yes?”

Catching the caution in her tone, Gu Sheng grinned and inclined his head.

He now understood the shopkeeper opposed Saint Ya, though unaware of his position, making her caution expected.

“Rest assured, our objectives match yours; as Mirror Gate members, we safeguard Jianghu, not endanger it. Our visit aims to thwart threats to Jianghu.”

As he declared this, Gu Sheng produced the Mirror Gate emblem along with traces of Wushuang Taoist's aura casually.

The shopkeeper detected it, and her gaze sparked with interest.

“It appears fate has united us unknowingly; I've roamed Jianghu for decades, yet this marks my first brush with such a longed-for aura. Your arrival proves a boon to me.”

Following exchanges of verification, both parties affirmed their allegiances and views, warming the mood considerably.

As discussion delved into core matters, the shopkeeper abruptly revealed a Jade Pendant.

“This pendant belonged to my master. Long ago, he served under Wushuang Taoist. In his final moments, he charged me to ally fully with Wushuang Taoist and her allies upon encounter. With your token, we can proceed in talks.”

Recognizing this as her ultimate verification, Gu Sheng promptly presented the item bestowed by Wushuang Taoist.

Sensing its profound aura and beholding it directly, the shopkeeper's eyes welled with fervor.

“My master yearned for this relic across years, dying without a glimpse; I scarcely dreamed I'd witness it myself. Henceforth, I pledge total alliance; eliminating Saint Ya unites our cause!”

Observing her, Hong Mei inquired curiously, “Who was your master?”

“My master was Wufang.”

At the name, Hong Mei's features altered, and she bowed promptly.

Witnessing the gesture's return, the shopkeeper showed clear astonishment.

“Are you among Wushuang Taoist's disciples?”

“Yes, I never anticipated you'd be Elder Wufang's apprentice.”

With identities reaffirmed, tensions eased fully.

Surveying the establishment, Gu Sheng mused, “If I surmise rightly, this shop serves as mere camouflage, doesn't it?”

“Partly yes, partly no; I route vast intelligence flows through here, requiring a facade, yet the business sustains me and my network, so it's both facade and genuine.”

Comprehending her point, Gu Sheng nodded.

“It's remarkable how you've, as a woman, built and run so vast an operation.”

“Truth be told, my master founded half of it. I now merely uphold his legacy. He dubbed me Little Lan Hua; feel free to address me as Lan Hua. Here's data my informants compiled: Saint Ya conferred with King Luo today; their scheme unfolds in tandem.”

Learning of their renewed collusion, Gu Sheng furrowed his brow and accepted the proffered material.

Upon thorough review, his visage hardened utterly.

“Did they squander such fortunes in gold and silver solely to forge Death Soldiers?”

“Precisely, they'd prepared a prior group but concealed their whereabouts, never deploying them. Recent clashes left them vulnerable, prompting this lavish effort for fresh recruits, born of manpower shortages.”

“Spot on, since we've slain their ranks.”

At this revelation, Lan Hua displayed marked shock.

“You claim your group felled Saint Ya's followers? You've slain her minions? The Evil Demon too?”

“Affirmative, the Evil Demon and Two White Ghosts perished by our blades. Prior to this journey, we razed the Fan Sect, presuming Saint Ya's remnants scarce, yet she crafts more anew.”

Aware that Gu Sheng's band had decimated much of Saint Ya's might, Lan Hua brimmed with admiration.

“I hadn't fathomed Wushuang Taoist's followers as so mighty; small wonder my master esteemed him lifelong. Indeed, Saint Ya thrives unchecked in Ping City thanks to King Luo's backing. His formidable troops, merged with her influence, let her amplify her sway. She leverages that to fortify his seat, propelling his ascent. To confront Saint Ya truly, King Luo cannot be spared.”

Following her account, Gu Sheng assented.

“We're aware, hence our pursuit led here. Who oversees King Luo's operations? Given his exalted rank, he scarcely handles all directly, correct? Does a sect serve him?”

“You're right. King Luo commands Qingcheng Sect, famed across Jianghu. Ostensibly, Luo Qin leads it, but true power stems from King Luo.”

Encountering the novel name, Gu Sheng consulted Luochuan.

“Who might Luo Qin be?”

“He's King Luo's youngest offspring, sired by that rear-palace consort! Retrieved to the clan at two years old. King Luo harbors deep remorse, indulging him utterly. Even the heir apparent suffers neglect, all favors flowing to this youth, merely to curry the woman's favor!”

Absorbing Luochuan's bitterness-laden explanation, Gu Sheng pieced the dynamics together.

Evidently, that woman commanded profound sway in King Luo's affections; else her child wouldn't eclipse the rightful heir's standing.