Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World Chapter 1105 - 576: Making a Deal (Part 2)

During their discussion, Shopkeeper Wang mentioned details about Saint Ya as well.

He was aware that Saint Ya backed Luo Qin’s faction, yet he remained clueless about the masterminds pulling the strings.

Unbeknownst to Shopkeeper Wang, Gu Sheng possessed full knowledge of it. Listening intently to each detail, Gu Sheng nodded in contemplation.

Right as he prepared to respond, Shopkeeper Wang continued, “Rumor has it that the Qingcheng Sect controls yet another faction, one with immense strength that could engulf the entire Jianghu, exclusively wielded by the Luo family. Outsiders who meddle with it face grave peril. This group is based on Tong Mountain, seldom showing their faces. But when they emerge, they wreak havoc. Have you heard of the Evil Demon? They claim he originated from that enigmatic organization, and even within it, he doesn’t rank at the top.”

This sudden revelation made everyone’s faces turn gravely serious.

The Evil Demon had already caused massive uproar across the Jianghu. If Shopkeeper Wang’s words held truth, and Luo Qin commanded forces far surpassing the Evil Demon, the fallout would be unthinkable!

“Who shared all this with you?”

“It came from Luo Qin’s men. He frequently commissions special goods from me and dispatches his lackeys to collect them. Occasionally, if there’s a delay, they linger in my courtyard for tea and talk. They let slip these details in their chats.”

Discovering that Luo Qin’s own followers were the source, Gu Sheng rubbed his forehead.

Noticing his gesture, Shopkeeper Wang grew uneasy.

“Is something amiss? Do you fear you can’t overcome him and thus fail to safeguard me?”

“That’s not it. Protecting you seems straightforward enough, but I hadn’t anticipated his influence to extend so vastly. Completely dismantling his operation won’t be straightforward.”

Once Gu Sheng uttered these words, Shopkeeper Wang’s eyes bulged in shock.

“You intend to eradicate him entirely? Isn’t that pure fantasy? Recall, he’s the offspring of King Luo! The Luo clan wields supreme authority in the court, their reach far exceeding what we can fathom. Challenging him is akin to a mantis blocking a carriage.”

Aware that these issues lay beyond his grasp, Gu Sheng refrained from further comment and shifted gears: “Deliver the Purple Jade Dagger to me by tomorrow at this hour, and I’ll arrange for your safe departure.”

Faced with talk of his own survival, Shopkeeper Wang bobbed his head vigorously.

Observing him, Gu Sheng warned, “Once you’re out, reach out to your network. Prior to the recruitment gathering, ensure Luo Qin gains no advantages. If not, I could trace your location, and ending you would prove effortless.”

“I get it. Having committed to you, I won’t renege. These tasks pose no challenge for me, as many in our circle have suffered under Luo Qin’s thumb and itched to strike back for some time. I’ll rally them to manage this.”

While speaking, Shopkeeper Wang’s eyes flicked toward his palm.

“Handling such dealings demands alliances, and the silver expenditure is substantial. You understand...”

Prompted by the hint, Gu Sheng remembered he hadn’t handed over the payment yet. That explained the crafty glances he’d been casting.

Sliding the coin purse across, Gu Sheng reiterated the instructions firmly.

Clutching the silver, Shopkeeper Wang nodded profusely.

After several checks, Gu Sheng at last released him.

Lan Hua’s subordinates shadowed him closely, confirming he made no contacts en route and simply slunk back to his residence stealthily. Only after that did they withdraw.

Upon getting this report, Gu Sheng murmured, “Shopkeeper Wang isn’t spineless. This affair has strong odds of succeeding. Hong Mei, mask his appearance tomorrow, then let Bai Yu escort him away.”

“Gu Sheng, where exactly will Bai Yu transport him? Luo Qin’s spies are likely monitoring his movements. Can you guarantee a secure exit?”

Her query carried a trace of concern in Hong Mei’s voice.

“Relax. If I’m employing him, his protection is assured. Bai Yu, you and Shi Lou escort him westward out of the city first thing tomorrow. Then activate my little cauldron to cloak your group, rendering you undetectable. Use that window to slip away, heading straight toward Stone Village environs. Shi Lou, alert the Third Elder. Our Sky Blue Sect allies there will secure his well-being.”

Grasping the plan, Bai Yu flashed a thumbs-up.

“Gu Sheng, your mind works like lightning. You’ve plotted it all so flawlessly. With intellect like yours in our sect, we’d have advanced ages ago.”

Before Gu Sheng could reply to that, Shi Lou raised his chin with pride.

“Naturally. Without Brother Sheng, would Stone Village be at its current state? It’s all Brother Sheng’s doing! With us guarding him, nobody can whisk Brother Sheng off!”

Amused by his display, Bai Yu laughed and gave him a pat.

“I’m merely jesting. How would I rival you? Anyway, Gu Sheng’s Dao Heart stands unshakeable; I couldn’t lure him away regardless! Make sure you two work smoothly tomorrow—the quicker the departure, the swifter the return.”

“Rest easy. Whatever mission Brother Sheng gives, I execute without flaw. I never drag Brother Sheng down.”

Following some light banter, Gu Sheng announced, “Time’s advancing. Everyone, retire for the night.”

The others rose with lively spirits, conversing merrily as they exited.

Noticing Lan Hua remained seated, Hong Mei prompted, “Lan Hua, let’s head out.”

In response, Lan Hua clutched her kerchief and replied, “Hong Mei, proceed without me. I’d like a private chat with Gu Sheng.”

At once, Hong Mei’s face changed, and she deliberately slowed her pace.

“In that case, I’ll remain here with you.”

Lan Hua quickly dismissed the idea with frantic waves.

“That’s unnecessary. I can speak to him solo. You go rest.”

Now, Hong Mei struggled to mask her feelings.

What had been a playful exchange among the group turned abruptly quiet, leaving them uncertain whether to depart.

Gu Sheng seemed somewhat awkward too and inquired of Lan Hua, “You require a confidential discussion?”

“Indeed, I wish to converse with you.”

“On which subject?”

With the rest still present, Lan Hua displayed a touch of reluctance.

Gu Sheng gently assured her, “There’s no need to shun them; they’re my trusted allies. They’re privy to all my secrets.”

Thus reassured, Lan Hua murmured, “I’d like to inquire about Sky Blue Sect affairs. I caught parts of your earlier exchange.”

Understanding her motive for lingering, Gu Sheng grinned and beckoned Hong Mei closer.

“You’ve posed the query to the incorrect individual. Direct it to Hong Mei.”

Surprised by this, Lan Hua blinked.

Avoiding her gaze, Gu Sheng directed Hong Mei to take a seat nearby.

“She can address any curiosities you hold. The rest of you, get some sleep. Hong Mei stays.”

Relieved by Gu Sheng’s resolution, the group exhaled and started to leave.

Now alone with the pair in the chamber, Lan Hua’s eyes darted between them.

After prolonged vacillation, she ventured, “Are the two of you... together?”

Hong Mei’s cheeks flushed at the directness.

“No.”

Their bond with Gu Sheng had never been formalized, so labeling them as partners felt inaccurate.

As Hong Mei glanced toward Gu Sheng, Lan Hua quietly eased.

Gu Sheng merely massaged his temple in silence.

“Hong Mei, do you belong to the Sky Blue Sect too? I thought you hailed from the Mirror Gate.”

After brief reflection, Hong Mei clarified, “True, my origins lie with the Mirror Gate, but it operates under the Sky Blue Sect’s banner.”

This revelation left Lan Hua even more stunned.

“That explains your boldness against King Luo from the start. Your backgrounds surpass my wildest guesses. Hong Mei, have you encountered the Wushuang Taoist?”

“Yes, I count myself among the Wushuang Taoist’s disciples.”

Hit with Hong Mei’s elevated standing, Lan Hua tensed up.

“And what of Gu Sheng? Does he also study under the Wushuang Taoist?”

“I do not.”

“So he doesn’t, yet you do...”

Struggling to accept Hong Mei’s lofty position, Lan Hua held back her words, though her feelings tangled further.