Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World Chapter 1113 - 580: The Truth (Part 2)

Though Lan Hua longed to offer a bit more explanation, the opportunity slipped away right then...

As she watched Gu Sheng and his group depart, she stormed back to the inn in a rage.

Upon her arrival, the Shopkeeper's gaze brightened instantly.

"So, how did it go? Did you give them a good scolding? They must have taken quite a hit, haven't they?"

Her stare at him turned even icier.

"You realize the cause behind your people being slain, correct?"

At these words, the Shopkeeper's face shifted subtly.

"No matter the cause, the truth remains—they ended my folks. I hold some standing in this area; do you believe my people can just be eliminated so easily?"

"Gu Sheng took out your people because you dispatched someone to tail them, aiming to let the Qingcheng Sect's members handle the deed. They struck back simply to stay alive! Why hold back on revealing those details?"

When Lan Hua's furious yell rang out, the Shopkeeper's expression altered again.

"Without removing Gu Sheng's sweetheart, how else could you advance your position? Everything I arranged was all for your benefit!"

Shaking her head in dismay upon hearing that, Lan Hua expressed her letdown.

"You acted solely to unleash your own fury, not truly for my welfare."

"Baloney! Without your involvement, why would I tangle with them at all?"

"I never requested your meddling with them; this entire mess stems from your choices alone, and it bears no relation to me."

"I..."

"Stop, say no more! We've been acquaintances for years, yet I never imagined you'd turn out like this! You harbor no grudge against Gu Sheng or his companions, so why show such cruelty? What do you even profit from their demise? All your deeds reek of shame and wrongdoing. A companion like you isn't worth retaining! Starting today, our ties end here!"

With that declaration, Lan Hua spun on her heel to depart.

Noticing her exit, the Shopkeeper hurriedly stepped to bar her way.

"You cannot go! Gu Sheng slew my people without providing any justification. Since you're allied with them, you bear part of the blame too!"

Her eyes flared wide at this accusation.

"You dispatched killers after them, leading to your own losses instead. How does that involve me in any way? This is plainly the backlash from your own schemes!"

"Had it not been for you, would I have gone to such lengths? You fail to value my sacrifices and instead berate me constantly. If I'd foreseen your nature, I never would've befriended you to begin with!"

As the argument escalated between them, Lan Hua sensed her spirit plummeting to its depths...

Meanwhile, within the city, Gu Sheng and his allies searched for a suitable shelter.

Having inspected several inns, Gu Sheng directed his sight beyond the city walls.

"The urban area feels too risky; we ought to seek an alternative spot."

Glancing in the direction he indicated, the group concurred with nods.

"That region promises greater security; the only question is whether lodging exists there."

"From the visible wisps of smoke, it seems likely some deserted dwellings await. We can make do there for now. Over the coming days, we'll use the time to infiltrate King Luo’s Mansion. Securing the needed intel will allow us to head straight to the recruitment assembly site."

Grasping his intent, the others affirmed with headshakes.

"Fine, we'll stick to your guidance!"

Lacking any dissent, Gu Sheng guided them away from the city.

After an extended journey, they at last discovered a forsaken residence.

This dwelling occupied a prime position, isolated without nearby inhabitants and perched atop an elevated terrain. It served as an ideal hideaway for their group.

"Gu Sheng, you've got a knack for picking spots; this beats any inn for ease!"

"Indeed, here we can act freely without worry of prying ears from adjacent rooms!"

Once Lan Yao and Bai Yu voiced their approval, Gu Sheng grinned and agreed.

"The downside is meals will be tricky here, so you'll all need to bear with it."

"That's trivial; survival trumps hunger any day."

After Lan Yao's remark, Shi Lou voiced opposition.

"Tasks demand our focus, yet proper meals matter too. Though no inns offer fine fare, wild game abounds. Meat surpasses plain greens any time. Moreover, Brother Sheng has just mended from his injuries and requires nourishment. You lot set up, while Er Gou and I hunt to ensure everyone eats heartily."

The group chuckled and consented, sending the pair off promptly.

Lan Yao tended to the fire, as the rest settled in quiet repose.

As dusk fell, Er Gou's call echoed from beyond the entrance.

"Brother Sheng, we've snagged a wild boar! Take a look!"

This announcement drew the entire party to the doorway.

Catching sight of the boar and hares in their haul, astonishment widened all eyes.

"You two gathered this haul in merely two hours?"

"Naturally, with our prowess, securing prey comes effortlessly. Is the fire set? We're set to feast!"

"Yes, I ignited it the moment you departed, though grilling a beast this size could drag on, couldn't it?"

No sooner had Lan Yao raised the issue than Hong Mei approached with a grin.

"Split the boar down the middle; roast half and pass the rest my way. I scoped out the house earlier, and the kitchen's stocked. I'll whip up some proper dishes. Everyone pitches in their part, and this night's meal will turn out lavish."

Elation swept the group at her suggestion, spurring them into swift action.

Gu Sheng offered assistance, only for the others to shove him back.

"Your arm's freshly mended; we'll manage the labor. You simply relax."

"Exactly, henceforth, such chores fall to us—no need for you to strain. Issuing commands suffices."

A helpless laugh escaped Gu Sheng at their insistence.

"Mere scratch, and I'm completely healed— no call for such pampering."

"No way! Rest up!"

Bai Yu declared firmly, echoed by the rest, forcing Gu Sheng to relent and take a seat.

That night, a spread of appetizing fare adorned the table.

A nearer inspection revealed it surpassed typical eatery offerings.

"Hong Mei, where'd the greens come from? Did you fetch them from town?"

"Wild ones grow on the hillside; gathering sufficed. Give it a taste—let me know if it suits. We can harvest more tomorrow if you enjoy."

The party dug in, and upon sampling, showered compliments.

In that instance, Gu Sheng regarded Hong Mei and stated, "The rear mountain stretches wide; venturing alone there isn't secure. Next time, avoid going by yourself—bring me along."

"However, your wound..."

"I'm all set now, and strolling requires no arm. Joining you poses no issue; in any case, solo trips aren't wise for you."

A tender warmth bloomed in Hong Mei's chest from his concern, prompting her joyful nod.

Just then, Lan Yao commented, "That Lan Hua still eyes you boldly. How does she measure up to our Hong Mei? From appearance to talents and temperament, she falls short entirely!"

The consensus rang through the group.

Ultimately, to them, Gu Sheng and Hong Mei formed an impeccable pair; an interloper like Lan Hua could never belong.

They'd once viewed Lan Hua as potential ally, but recent events had banished that notion, breeding outright aversion.

Overhearing the chatter, Hong Mei hastened to halt it.

"Enough, cease the talk. Lan Hua is a woman, after all. Speaking ill of her absent isn't proper."

Seizing her point, they grinned and steered the conversation elsewhere.

While Gu Sheng savored the cheerful vibe, Lan Hua desperately scoured for traces of their location.

Discovering their absence from every city inn, she furrowed her brow deeply.

"Did you search everywhere? They're truly nowhere in the city?"

"Yes, we've combed all lodging spots. They aren't present."

This repeated confirmation heightened Lan Hua's distress.

"This defies logic—they wouldn't depart with King Luo’s Mansion affairs pending. How did they evaporate so abruptly?"

As she uttered this, her features twisted abruptly.

"Have you verified? Perhaps my associates captured them?"

"We did, and no—they departed independently."

Relieved to learn Gu Sheng's party hadn't been seized, Lan Hua exhaled lightly yet fretted on.

"To where might they have fled? Are they evading me specifically?"

Her aides wavered at her query, opting for silence in the end.