Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World Chapter 1109 - 578: I Have Someone in My Heart (Part 2)

Once he finished talking, Gu Sheng didn't linger for their responses and simply turned away, departing alongside the group.

The companions had been suppressing their irritations for a while, just awaiting Gu Sheng's cue to depart; with the signal given, they trailed after him promptly.

Gazing at their retreating figures, Lan Hua felt an urge to pursue, yet she was held back by a firm grip.

"It's been ages since we last met, stick around with me and we'll talk things over this evening."

"No, we've got plans for tonight."

Lan Hua recalled Gu Sheng's mention of heading to Luo Qin’s residence that night, but she struggled to free her wrist from the grasp.

"There are plenty of them; it's not as if they can't proceed without you. Let them deal with it; let's catch up properly."

Realizing her words wouldn't sway the hold, Lan Hua reluctantly agreed with a nod, her eyes fixed on Gu Sheng's vanishing form.

Exiting the inn, Gu Sheng guided the group down another street until they reached a grand and imposing inn.

Upon spotting the inn ahead, Lan Yao gave an approving nod.

"This is decent; the inn appears spacious and elegant, so staying here should be quite pleasant."

After his comment, Shi Lou chuckled and added, "The wine here must be excellent too; I caught its scent right from the entrance. We can't indulge today, but tomorrow we can sample it. Young Master Lan, I'll rely on you for that."

"Sure thing, it's nothing major. Hong Mei, don't let someone like that upset you. Gu Sheng has explained it plainly, but she just doesn't grasp basic speech."

Grasping his implication, Hong Mei nodded in acknowledgment.

"I get it; no need for everyone to concern themselves over me."

Right after her words, Gu Sheng reached out and clasped her hand.

"I've always felt we're so perfectly in sync that certain matters don't require explanation from me—you just know. Yet today, I see that some statements aren't solely for you but also for those around to understand. Without voicing them, misunderstandings arise, so I spoke up. You're not bothered by it, are you?"

Meeting his gaze, Hong Mei flushed and shook her head.

"Not at all. I sense our harmony too. I know what's on your mind."

Their eyes locked, and smiles broke across both their faces involuntarily.

"Please, could you two tone down the sweetness? So many eyes are on you; spare us!"

Bai Yu shot them an eye-roll while speaking, earning nods of support from the rest.

Gu Sheng let out a light laugh and ushered the group inside the inn.

No sooner had they stepped in than the innkeeper hurried over.

"Esteemed guests, are you here to rest briefly or to lodge for the night?"

Sensing the innkeeper's presence and verifying no ties to Luo Qin’s followers, Gu Sheng replied, "We're looking to stay. Provide us with several upper-floor rooms."

At the mention of 'upper rooms,' the innkeeper's gaze brightened, and he swiftly escorted them up the stairs.

As Lan Yao had noted, the establishment was truly superior, far surpassing the accommodations at Lan Hua’s acquaintance's place.

"Gu Sheng, it looks like we picked wisely, or we'd be putting up with less."

Catching the reason behind Lan Yao's remark, Gu Sheng nodded.

"Make sure to inform Lan Hua tonight; we'll rendezvous there straight away."

Lan Yao caught on to the intent and consented without delay.

That evening, following a satisfying dinner at the inn, they set out.

For added security, they veered on a lengthy path before reaching the vicinity of the Qingcheng Sect.

After ensuring no tails were on them, they selected a concealed position to hunker down.

Shi Lou craned his neck to survey the area, then creased his brow. "What's taking Lan Yao so long to return?"

Glancing at the darkening sky, Gu Sheng mirrored the frown.

Logically, the inns were close by, and Lan Yao was swift; he ought to have returned already, yet no trace appeared. Something was definitely off.

Noticing Gu Sheng's concern, Shi Lou whispered, "Brother Sheng, want me to go check for him?"

After some consideration, Gu Sheng declined with a shake of his head.

"You're not as strong as him; it's wiser not to venture solo. We'll hold out a little more and watch for his arrival."

Though tension gripped the group, they followed his lead without option.

They lingered for an extended period, but Lan Yao remained absent.

Bai Yu advanced. "Stay put, everyone; I'll search."

This time, Gu Sheng offered no objection.

With a light push from her foot, Bai Yu soared into the shadowy night and vanished from sight.

After another stretch of waiting, two silhouettes finally approached.

Observing only the pair's return, Shi Lou questioned in confusion, "How come just you two are here? Weren't you fetching Lan Hua? Where are she and her group?"

At these words, Lan Yao spat in disgust.

"Don't even ask; I headed there but couldn't glimpse Lan Hua at all. Her friend's guards cornered me, nearly blowing my cover—it was rotten fortune!"

"What? You didn't spot her?"

"Nope! Her friend must have anticipated something, posting several watchers at the entrance. The moment I neared, they encircled me. They weren't aiming to slay but targeted sore spots with each strike. I scarcely broke free and crossed paths with Bai Yu en route."

With that, Lan Yao glanced toward Gu Sheng.

"We couldn't locate Lan Hua; what's the plan now?"

"It's fine; we'll proceed on our own."

Gu Sheng responded coolly, leaving the others to agree somberly.

Pressing on, they discovered the Qingcheng Sect's rear entrance.

Noting its unguarded state, Gu Sheng erected a protective barrier and ushered everyone through.

Everyone muted their presences, creeping along the walls. They hadn't advanced much when Gu Sheng detected a surge of Evil Qi.

At once, his brow furrowed deeply.

At that moment, he understood the Evil Demons' reputation was well-earned, for the auras they encountered revealed numerous individuals surpassing the Evil Demons in power!

Luo Qin's ability to nurture such forces was surely due to Saint Ya's influence!

Face set in grim resolve, Gu Sheng patted his waist, then released a profound sigh prior to moving onward.

The others shadowed him closely, scouting as they progressed, until sounds echoed ahead, at which point they retreated with Gu Sheng.

The instant their feet touched ground beyond the wall, the internal steps stopped precisely where they'd vacated.

Evidently, the subtle footfalls had been caught, drawing an investigator.

Luckily, Gu Sheng's prowess allowed him to foresee the approach, averting peril for them all.

The steps within patrolled restlessly, as Gu Sheng and his companions lay low outside, suppressing every hint of presence and biding their time in silence.

After what seemed an eternity, the intruders within finally withdrew.

Once the echoes of footsteps diminished, Gu Sheng refrained from hasty action. He tested the area multiple times, confirming no deception, before guiding his team away.

During the return journey, an unusual hush fell over the group; even the typically chatty Lan Yao stayed mute.

Back at the inn, Gu Sheng activated the small tripod to float overhead, and Hong Mei voiced first: "Gu Sheng, Luo Qin’s forces are way beyond what we anticipated. Plenty under him outmatch the Evil Demons, likely using Saint Ya’s techniques, but confronting them will prove extremely tough."

Following her statement, Bai Yu let out a heavy sigh.

"I never imagined the Qingcheng Sect under Luo Qin would hold such might. They project an air of righteousness with expert support, yet their concealed power is even greater. Hong Mei has it spot on; taking them on is far too challenging. Gu Sheng, and that's merely one Luo Qin—what's our next step!"

This revelation stirred unease among all.

Suddenly, the room's mood plunged into icy despair, with collective sighs filling the air.

Witnessing their demeanor, Gu Sheng massaged his temples, pondered briefly, then addressed Hong Mei: "Got any ink incense?"

"Yeah, though the supply is limited; it's a gift from my master."

"Hand it over."

Though uncertain of his intent, Hong Mei complied, passing the ink incense carefully.

In the handover, utmost care was taken by both, given the substance's lethal toxicity—utterly incurable, ensuring death upon contact, beyond any divine intervention.

As they managed the ink incense, the onlookers tensed up, even holding their breaths more shallowly.