Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World Chapter 1111 - 579: The Poison of Ink Fragrance (Part 2)

Realizing that the foe intends to corner him completely, Gu Sheng refuses to back down even a single step.

For in this instant, any retreat could summon reinforcements from that individual, endangering the entire group, whereas a bold advance means only one casualty among them!

With this realization, Gu Sheng casts aside all hesitation and lunges ahead.

A thick, foul exhalation strikes his limb, and Gu Sheng senses a surge of agony assaulting him, sweat dripping profusely from his brow.

Yet he pays no heed to it, gritting through the searing torment, darting to the enemy's position, merging steps in haste, and thrusting the Fire Spirit Dagger with savage force, taking the foe by surprise and claiming his life in an instant!

Watching the body crumple to the ground, Gu Sheng yanks back with his right arm and hurls the remains away forcefully.

Having dealt with the corpse, the throbbing in Gu Sheng's arm intensifies, but survival demands his focus now, so he races swiftly toward his companions' location.

Spotting Hong Mei, he observes the crimson streaks on her features, and his face darkens at once.

"What occurred?"

"No need to fret, that's not my blood—the folks inside must have been roused, we must hurry! Lan Yao and Bai Yu are clearing the path ahead!"

With these words, Hong Mei seizes his arm and bolts onward without a second thought.

Gu Sheng offers no resistance and sprints alongside her in frantic pursuit.

In the end, they slip away from Qingcheng Sect without harm and link up with Bai Yu and the rest.

Sharing a look, Lan Yao rotates her wrist, cleansing all traces of aura and blood from the group, before heading to the inn.

The dawn has yet to break, streets remain deserted, they retrace their steps and secure the window without issue.

As the shutters latch shut, a collective breath of relief escapes them.

"That was far too close; today we nearly met our end there, fortunate we made it back."

No sooner has Lan Yao uttered this than Gu Sheng glances his way.

"Who gave us away?"

At this query, the others heave deep sighs.

Noting their demeanor, Gu Sheng senses trouble brewing.

"Exactly who is it? Who seeks our demise?"

Declaring this, Gu Sheng's aura flares, sharp pain lances through his arm, drawing a sharp inhale from him.

Only now do the others notice his left arm hangs limp throughout! And the skin around his wrist shows unmistakable dark bruising!

"Gu Sheng, you've been hurt?!"

The group exclaims in alarm as Gu Sheng rapidly seals several points on his arm, then reiterates: "Who seeks our lives?"

"It was Lan Hua's acquaintance! That friend dispatched followers to tail us the whole way; we failed to detect them, allowing the ambush. He aimed to wield Qingcheng Sect against us, but we've slain him in retaliation. Gu Sheng, are you alright?"

After this swift account, Lan Yao anxiously probes his limb.

The moment her fingers make contact, Gu Sheng winces in agony.

Hearts pounding, Bai Yu hurriedly strips away the garment, revealing to all the limb swollen in shades of black and violet.

"Curses, that's Evil Qi!"

"That wretched Lan Hua, and her cursed companion—they all merit death!"

"Should Brother Sheng suffer any ill, I'd charge forth to eliminate them at any cost!"

As fury boils among them, Hong Mei advances with purpose.

"Gu Sheng, my master bestowed upon me a lifesaving treasure; I won't allow harm to befall you. Everyone, shield me!"

Hearing her, the group promptly settles cross-legged, channeling their energies to form a barrier over Gu Sheng.

Once the defensive field is up, Hong Mei retrieves a pristine Elixir Pill and presses it into Gu Sheng's mouth.

Gu Sheng gulps down the Elixir Pill just as slender Golden Needles descend upon him.

"This technique is my master's unique method; it will see you restored fully."

Declaring so, Hong Mei concentrates on applying the needles.

With each insertion, Gu Sheng feels the torment easing considerably.

He starts circulating the Qi from his Dantian, gradually aligning with Hong Mei's procedure.

The Golden Needles penetrate repeatedly, drawing out anguish with every withdrawal, persisting through a hundred pricks until the suffering vanishes entirely, and his arm regains its normal state.

Gu Sheng releases a long exhale, the vapor tinged with dark hues and impurities.

Beholding that strand of exhalation, Hong Mei's face shifts through various emotions.

"It's a good thing we acted promptly; else, this toxin might have claimed you swiftly, as it's far more potent than a typical Evil Demon's, and utterly bizarre."

Gu Sheng is well aware, yet facing Hong Mei's worried look, he grins and strokes her hair.

"Relax, I'm recovered now. Without your quick intervention, I could have perished for real."

Scarce has he spoken when Hong Mei thumps him firmly.

"Tch, don't spout such drivel—we're a strong bunch; how could you fall so readily?"

With that, Shi Lou affirms with teary eyes.

"Brother Sheng, should misfortune strike you, Er Gou and I would gladly trade our lives for yours!"

His words done, Huang Shan chimes in: "Count me in as well."

Surveying them, Gu Sheng beams once more.

"Fear not, I'm tougher than that, and surrounded by you all, even in death, you'd revive me through endless means."

Gu Sheng rises to stretch, his fluid and nimble motions finally easing the group's tension.

"Gather your belongings; trouble at Qingcheng Sect means a huge manhunt incoming. We can't linger—pack and depart."

At his command, the team briskly collects their items.

As they reconvene, a sharp rap echoes at the door.

The insistent pounding alters everyone's faces, igniting a shared killer's resolve.

Sensing the lethal vibe, Gu Sheng sighs: "It's Lan Hua."

This revelation intensifies their hostile aura.

"Without her friend, how would you have sustained such grave wounds? That ally plotted against us; perhaps she orchestrated it all!"

Lan Yao's statement draws fervent agreements from the others.

Observing this, Gu Sheng murmurs: "Lan Hua didn't orchestrate it; the incident ties to her, but she wouldn't endanger our lives. Let her enter."

His directive given, Shi Lou grudgingly unlatches the door.

Door sealed behind her, Lan Hua glares furiously at Gu Sheng.

"Gu Sheng, I always deemed you honorable, never imagined such baseness!"

This ignites uncontainable rage in the room.

Gu Sheng barely survived because of her ties, yet she opens with accusations of his villainy—where's the fairness in the world?

Facing Lan Hua, Gu Sheng's brows knit.

"What are you implying?"

"Gu Sheng, cease your feigned innocence! Did you slay my friend's man? Not just that—you dumped his body right at the inn's entrance! Such cruelty!"

Her words make Gu Sheng scan the group.

Er Gou steps forward: "Brother Sheng, that was me—I was furious, so I flung his body to the inn door!"

Learning it's Er Gou, Gu Sheng acknowledges with a nod.

Before he can respond, Lan Hua presses aggressively: "There, your follower confesses! This reeks of your orders! Gu Sheng, I believed you a noble soul, unvindictive despite my guilt toward you, but you stoop this low! My friend merely criticized you a bit—does that warrant taking a life?"

Her tirade deepens Gu Sheng's frown.

"You believe a mere critique from your friend prompted me to kill her man?"

"What else? The evidence stares us down—why deny it? Gu Sheng, be honest: had I not been at her inn, would you have targeted her too? Over some harsh words, you seek murder! Killing her people first was obviously aimed at her!"

These accusations push the group's fury to a boiling peak.

They once viewed Lan Hua as clever, but now she appears a utter simpleton! A monumental fool at that!

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