Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World Chapter 1107 - 577: Breaking His Rules (Part 2)

Once Bai Yu had finished his words, Lan Yao nodded with a smile.

"True enough, Gu Sheng suffers the greatest losses in this."

Hearing that, Hong Mei felt displeased.

"Why say it like that? He's merely stating facts, and I believe the plan is solid. Facing a man like Luo Qin requires tactics like these."

Noticing Hong Mei's slight irritation, Lan Yao hurriedly added, "Exactly, that's my point. I just worded it badly. Hong Mei has it correct; against folks like this, such approaches are necessary. Gu Sheng's brilliant!"

With those words out, he glanced toward Gu Sheng, winking repeatedly.

Gu Sheng caught on right away and felt a touch of amusement rise within him.

"We ought to spread word of this before the recruitment assembly begins. Avoid mentioning it prematurely so he can't ready any defenses. Tomorrow morning, we'll venture to the city's southern area to check out the Qingcheng Sect and gauge the extent of his ties with Saint Ya. After that, we'll plot their downfall."

"Fine by us, we'll go along with your plan."

Since Gu Sheng was calling the shots, no one else raised any issues.

As dawn broke, one of Lan Hua's underlings came with news that Luo Qin's followers had poured into the city, their faces grim as they scoured everywhere, probably hunting for Shopkeeper Wang's location.

On hearing this report, Lan Hua turned her gaze toward Gu Sheng without thinking.

Their eyes locking, Gu Sheng offered a grin.

"It's fine, let him hunt as much as he wants. Shopkeeper Wang is secure now. He'll come up empty, and this commotion he's stirring will only help when we circulate tales of his greed and stinginess. Let's start leaking a few whispers today, but keep it light. No need to push too hard, as forcing Shopkeeper Wang to shutter his business for protection will naturally spark some talk."

"Don't worry, I'll take care of it."

After giving her word, Lan Hua gathered her group and departed.

Within only an hour, she came back, her face beaming with triumphant glee.

"Gu Sheng, shouldn't we head to the south side? Come on, and we can overhear the gossip on the route."

Observing her expression, Gu Sheng realized she'd managed things perfectly, so he agreed with a nod.

"Sure, off we go."

On this outing, Lan Hua left the shop open instead of locking it up, assigning her staff to watch over it.

With Luo Qin's forces swarming the city now, closing the place might tip him off to something amiss.

Settling things at the shop, they made straight for the southern district.

Along the path, Gu Sheng noticed the ambient energy growing thicker. Probing it closely, he detected echoes of Luo Qin's presence mixed with Saint Ya's Evil Sect aura, blending into something deeply disturbing.

He glanced over at Luochuan, who appeared unconcerned.

After a moment's reflection, Gu Sheng inquired, "Does this aura feel familiar to you?"

At the query, Luochuan nodded without hesitation.

"Very familiar. It's a staple around the Prince Mansion."

"Does that mean Saint Ya visits the Prince Mansion often?"

"Likely so, though I've only glimpsed him a handful of times, this sensation has hit me plenty."

"So their partnership goes back a ways. Saint Ya's rise to power must stem from King Luo's support. To wipe out Saint Ya for good, targeting King Luo is essential."

"King Luo is truly a scourge. Never thought someone of his rank would pull off so many shady deeds behind closed doors."

Once Lan Yao had voiced that, Gu Sheng murmured, "That's reversed. He climbed to that rank through all the shady deeds done in shadows."

"Indeed, Gu Sheng, bringing them all down seems tough. Got any strategies?"

The moment Lan Yao posed that, all eyes turned to Gu Sheng.

Under their stares, Gu Sheng grinned, "Of his offspring, Luo Qin is the favorite of King Luo, right? We'll hit there first. Topple Luo Qin, and King Luo will go berserk. Then we strike at him, and with him gone, Saint Ya will panic too. Soon enough, they'll tumble into our snare sequentially."

His reasoning struck home, prompting nods from the group.

"Solid approach. It lets us pick them off individually, slowly rooting out all our targets."

Gazing at Gu Sheng, Bai Yu's admiration grew stronger.

He finally saw why Wushuang Taoist took to Gu Sheng so quickly. The man possessed remarkable talents and cunning. Should Gu Sheng build his own group, the White Cloud Sect could hardly stand against it.

Pressing forward, they arrived at the city's southern edge.

Unlike the central area, the south bustled with greater wealth, yet its inhabitants moved under tighter control than the liberty up north.

It was obvious this realm belonged to Luo Qin, ruled by his whims. Those choosing to dwell there followed his decrees, and Gu Sheng's mission was to quietly shatter those edicts from within.

Posing as traders, Gu Sheng's crew entered Luo Qin's turf.

Spotting it was simple; it stood as the grandest estate across the southern zone.

Even from a distance, its splendor shone clear, and after a sneer of contempt, Gu Sheng spotted figures drawing near. He promptly averted his eyes, chatting about textiles with his companions.

The newcomers feigned a casual stroll but eavesdropped intently. Catching only fabric chatter, they shrugged it off and continued on without pause.

The southern district's vibrancy drew merchants from afar, a well-known draw, so such visitors were commonplace. Unfazed, they strode away confidently.

Watching them depart, Gu Sheng gave a sly grin.

"I figured they'd watch sharper, but clearly not. Luo Qin's arrogance taints his followers too. Away we go. We'll return under cover of night."

At first, parts of the team harbored fears, yet Gu Sheng's calm attitude eased their tensions.

Seeking lodging, Lan Hua drew Gu Sheng apart.

"Gu Sheng, hunting for an inn?"

"Yeah, no heading home tonight, so a spot to rest here is needed."

"You should've consulted me for accommodations! I've roamed these parts for years and know folks. Follow me; I'll show you a spot that's utterly secure."

Trusting her reliability, Gu Sheng guided his group after her.

Mere turns later, Lan Hua halted.

"Here's the place—my acquaintance's inn."

As she spoke, her tone dropped to a hush, murmuring into Gu Sheng's ear, "We trade intel and leads, our fates linked, so you can rely on her fully."

Grasping her intent, Gu Sheng nodded.

"Fine, this will do for our stay."

Lan Hua beamed and entered the inn alongside him.

Witnessing their nearness, Hong Mei experienced a twinge of irritation, though without any claim on Gu Sheng, she masked her envy with a strained smile.

Lan Yao lingered nearby, noting each nuance in her look.

Unaware of it all, Gu Sheng felt a tug on his sleeve as she urged him forward, elbowing in to position herself by Lan Hua while gesturing discreetly at Hong Mei.

Swiveling around, Gu Sheng caught sight of Hong Mei's downcast expression.

Bewilderment hit him briefly.

"Something up?"

To his ask, Hong Mei shook her head.

"Nope."

"You look off, though. Unwell?"

"No, all good. Come on; Lan Hua's summoning you."

Saying so, Hong Mei sped up, abandoning their shared stride to join Bai Yu instead.

Puzzled still, with Lan Hua beckoning him, Gu Sheng rubbed his head and rejoined her side.

Lan Hua cheerfully presented her companion to him, and Gu Sheng replied with a warm smile.