Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World Chapter 1106 - 577: Breaking His Rules

On the following evening, Shopkeeper Wang arrived carrying the purple jade dagger.

Prior to passing it along, he inquired multiple times, "Should I hand this to you, will you assure my safety?"

"Indeed, I never break my word."

"And if you decide to renege?"

"I swear an oath if needed."

Assured by Gu Sheng's words, Shopkeeper Wang at last let out a deep breath.

Once Gu Sheng had sworn the oath, he received the dagger from him.

Upon gazing at the dagger, Gu Sheng extended his fingers to feel it.

Undoubtedly, this blade stands as a true gem, masterfully forged with immense potency. Even without those absent gemstones for full perfection, it remains an uncommon marvel.

As Gu Sheng swung it several times, the sheer force it held became vividly clear to him.

"Are the stones embedded in this dagger infused with the essence of natural spiritual power?"

Impressed by such insight, Shopkeeper Wang's gaze sparkled with excitement.

"Precisely! I picked every single stone on this dagger with utmost care. They offer tremendous aid to folks like you in the Jianghu. Take this azure stone, for example—it boosts your might during fights and provides huge benefits to its user. When wounds occur, it activates reliably..."

While absorbing Shopkeeper Wang's fervent description, Gu Sheng gave an approving nod.

"Luo Qin truly undervalued this priceless item. In his view, could it merely equal some mere stones?"

With those words out, Shopkeeper Wang smacked his leg in thrilled agreement.

"Spot on! Those stones he demanded were nothing special. But mine are exceptional rarities; extra ones merely serve for beauty without affecting the blade's essence. Still, he fixated on it, going as far as endangering my existence. Tell me, why shouldn't I fume? Fortune smiled on me by sending a sharp-eyed soul like you. Without that, I'd have stewed in resentment forever! With the dagger now yours, my heart finds peace at last."

Caught off guard by his sentiments, Gu Sheng addressed Bai Yu directly, "Escort him out. Ensure he starts fresh with a changed persona."

Grasping the meaning behind it, Bai Yu agreed with a dip of his head.

Hong Mei altered his features, and Shopkeeper Wang beamed at the transformation. Following profuse gratitude toward Gu Sheng, he departed bearing his possessions.

From dusk through dawn, Gu Sheng along with his companions lingered in wait for Bai Yu and Shi Lou's comeback.

As the pair appeared, the group rose to their feet.

"What's his status? Did he survive?"

"Ridiculous question—with our dual guard, failure was impossible. He's in top shape, and Shi Lou has conferred with the Third Elder. From here on, he'll dwell safely under the elder's watch."

"What of your path? Did Luo Qin's men detect you?"

Following Gu Sheng's query, Bai Yu rubbed his scalp awkwardly.

"It's odd. We anticipated Luo Qin's tight surveillance on Shopkeeper Wang, maybe even extra guards. Yet astonishingly, just a pair trailed us, and they appeared half-hearted. By looping through the city's western edge, we ditched them easily, and the rest of the trip flowed without hitches."

Once done talking, Bai Yu eyed Gu Sheng puzzledly.

"By all reason, Luo Qin shouldn't yield so simply. Why the carelessness?"

After a brief reflection, Gu Sheng explained, "Perhaps he assumes Shopkeeper Wang is secured beyond escape, easing his concerns. Considering his status, Shopkeeper Wang has long backed him. Such a reversal likely never crossed his mind. His overconfidence in mastery caused this oversight, paving our victory."

Gu Sheng's conclusion drew nods from all around.

In that moment, Luochuan nearby chimed in, "Luo Qin has carried that haughty, unwavering attitude from his youth, often dismissing even King Luo's advice, relying solely on his instincts."

This revelation prompted Gu Sheng to arch a brow.

Should Luo Qin prove so utterly foolish, it bodes well for their cause.

"The Shopkeeper Wang issue is resolved. Prior to the enlistment event, Luo Qin won't muster much. Come morning, we'll venture city southward to gauge the Qingcheng Sect's moves."

Right after Gu Sheng spoke, Luochuan interjected, "Brother Sheng, overlook not King Luo. Should Luo Qin falter in delivery, aid will surely come. The Prince Mansion brims with prized goods, and he returns not bare."

Taking this in, Gu Sheng inclined his head in contemplation.

"True enough. Paternal support shields him, preventing utter humiliation. Yet, timing a revelation to first shame Luo Qin—then even floods of treasures from King Luo may fail to sway the Jianghu folk's disdain, wouldn't it?"

His suggestion ignited sparks in everyone's stares.

"Gu Sheng, got a clever scheme brewing?"

"Luo Qin sought a man's death over a dagger and berated merchants for coin, stirring endless resentments. For acts like these, why hide them? Broadcast it all, letting the world witness Luo Qin's true colors. Though greed and pettiness aren't his core, we paint him that way. The Jianghu shuns such miserly sorts, so labeling Luo Qin thus could shift allegiances. Thus, his standing crumbles."

Deliberating deeply on Gu Sheng's plan, the group's eyes gleamed brighter.

"Gu Sheng, your mind overflows with schemes, wise and wild alike!"