Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World Chapter 1104 - 576: Making a Deal

Previously on Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World...
Luochuan vented his resentment toward his father for hypocritically expelling him while maintaining a righteous facade, drawing assurances from Bai Yu and Gu Sheng that they would aid in avenging his mother. After a night's rest, the group savored a sumptuous breakfast crafted by Lan Hua, whose attentive gaze on Gu Sheng went unnoticed amid the meal's praise. News arrived of Shopkeeper Wang, a greedy jeweler pressured by Luo Qin and plotting an escape, leading Gu Sheng to arrange a covert meeting through Lan Hua. As dusk fell, the brash Shopkeeper Wang entered the shop, leered at Lan Hua, and attempted to seize her hand, only for her to repel him and summon shadows to encircle the panicked man.

As individuals began appearing from the nearby areas, Manager Wang felt a surge of panic. He promptly adopted a grim expression and fixed Lan Hua with a hostile stare.

"Manager Lan, you ought to realize who stands behind me. If you dare lay a hand on me, you might not even comprehend how your end comes. I recommend you steer clear of inviting trouble onto yourself!"

Upon hearing his empty threat, Lan Hua let out a mocking laugh.

"Isn't the one supporting you Young Master Luo? Now, the entire Ping City is aware that you've angered Young Master Luo over the Purple Jade Dagger. You still expect him to back you? Aren't you worried he'll end your life!"

The moment Lan Hua uttered those words, Manager Wang's complexion shifted dramatically.

"What are you implying? What's the true intent behind summoning me here today?"

"Nothing particular, merely desired a conversation with you. Unfortunately, you failed to grasp the warning and attempted to sabotage me. I summoned these folks simply to urge you to restrain yourself a little. If Manager Wang agrees, perhaps we can discuss matters indoors?"

Noting Lan Hua's more conciliatory tone, Manager Wang's demeanor softened somewhat.

"Very well, since Manager Lan extends a genuine invitation, I'll honor it by coming in."

With those words, he strode inside wearing a frosty look.

Lan Hua trailed right after him, and once he was inside, she swiftly secured the door.

In the instant the candle's glow illuminated the space, Gu Sheng along with his companions stepped out from the darkness.

Spotting the numerous figures within the chamber, Manager Wang's features twisted in shock.

"Manager Lan, what is the significance of this?"

"We're not pleased about it ourselves, but the person supporting me wishes to speak with you. Kindly take a seat, Manager Wang."

Lan Yao and Er Gou had positioned themselves by the entrance. Realizing escape was impossible, Manager Wang took a chair, barely containing his fury.

Gu Sheng settled across from him and cast a brief look his way.

"Manager Wang, unless I'm wrong, you still haven't located a suitable gemstone for the Purple Jade Dagger, correct?"

At the mention of the Purple Jade Dagger, Manager Wang's eyes narrowed sharply.

"Who are you really? I've never encountered you in Ping City, so how are you aware of this? Remember, Ping City falls under the Luo family's dominion. Possessing such knowledge is tantamount to seeking your own demise!"

In response to his declaration, Gu Sheng gave a light chuckle.

"Is that the case? I view it differently. Instead, I believe I'm extending a saving hand to you. After all, without my involvement, Luo Qin intends to eliminate you, and you're plotting your getaway, right?"

As he revealed his innermost plans bit by bit, Manager Wang sensed an overwhelming dread from the man before him.

"Who are you precisely? How do you possess such extensive knowledge? Have you been monitoring me?"

"You don't merit my watchful eye, but as I mentioned before, should you choose to collaborate, I can provide an escape route and guarantee Luo Qin won't track you down, letting you thrive elsewhere. Are you interested in partnering?"

Gu Sheng offered this opportunity, and Manager Wang found himself irresistibly drawn to it.

He couldn't secure the gemstone since everyone under his command had exhausted their resources, leaving him in a desperate bind. Yet with Luo Qin closing in relentlessly, his only option was to arrange a flight.

He had initially figured that securing some protection would improve matters, at least boosting his odds of making it. To his surprise, Gu Sheng had approached him directly.

Even though he couldn't yet discern if Gu Sheng was ally or adversary, the offer was incredibly alluring, especially since it involved his very survival.

After deliberating intensely, he inquired, "What's your plan? What role do you expect me to play?"

Observing that he had bitten the hook, Gu Sheng's lips curved faintly.

"I require you to surrender the Purple Jade Dagger to me, and in exchange, I'll preserve your life."

Upon hearing this, Manager Wang's gaze sparkled.

"Is it really that straightforward?"

"Indeed, precisely that uncomplicated. To ensure your survival, hand over the Purple Jade Dagger to me and delay Luo Qin, preventing him from showcasing anything at the recruitment assembly."

Once Gu Sheng finished speaking, Manager Wang knitted his brows.

"You expect me to hinder him, yet I may not manage it. After delivering the Purple Jade Dagger, I must depart. Persisting in dealings with him would only reveal my position, wouldn't it?"

"Lacking the Purple Jade Dagger, you hold no worth to him. Upon your disappearance, he'll undoubtedly seek another to handle the task. As craftsmen, you possess your own connections. Must you appear in person to obstruct him?"

Grasping his implication, Manager Wang's thoughts raced once more.

Noticing his shifty eyes, Gu Sheng anticipated his calculations.

He produced a pouch of coins and slammed it down on the surface.

"I'll handle every cost; you simply execute the task."

The resounding impact made Manager Wang's eyes gleam.

"Excellent! Given that you're Manager Lan's supporter, I'll place my faith in you this time!"

Saying so, he reached for the pouch.

At his gesture, Gu Sheng retracted it abruptly, leaving Manager Wang to clutch empty space and scowl.

"What's the intent here?"

"No intent, merely a couple of inquiries."

"Proceed with your questions."

"Does Luo Qin control the Qingcheng Sect? What's their numbers? Where do they base themselves? I demand full details on this."

When he brought up the Qingcheng Sect, Manager Wang appeared uneasy.

Seeing his reluctance, Gu Sheng drummed his fingers against the table.

"Recall, he's the one seeking your demise now, while I'm offering salvation."

Under Gu Sheng's prompt, Manager Wang clenched his jaw and revealed, "From what I've gathered, King Luo has fully transferred the Qingcheng Sect to Luo Qin and is providing them robust backing. Rumors suggest they command a enigmatic group as well. They're based in the city's southern district, within the grandest residence there, commanding roughly a thousand troops, the majority shaped by King Luo's training. The remainder are Luo Qin's own, though it's whispered that Luo Qin's contingent isn't as formidable as King Luo's, prompting the recruitment effort to groom several skilled aides."