Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World Chapter 1115 - 581: Luochuan Takes Action Personally (Part 2)

"I refuse it; his belongings feel tainted to me. You all should claim them. At first, I planned to rescue those folks, but now I believe purchasing gifts for you is wiser."

"However..."

"Brother Sheng, stop with the 'buts.' If you see me as a true ally, accept this silver; else, I'll toss it into the rear hills!"

With those words, Luochuan seized the chest and prepared to depart.

Witnessing his determination, Lan Yao swiftly seized his arm.

"Gu Sheng, why not accept it? Wasting such a large sum would be regrettable, right?"

On hearing that, Gu Sheng let out a resigned sigh.

After some thought, he proposed, "Retain the items from that lady for yourself, viewing it as redistributing their riches. This will give you a safety net later on, and when you wed, you can properly provide for your partner. Let's split the other two chests for our travels. Does that sound fair?"

"I refuse that lady's possessions."

"Luochuan, stop dwelling on it. Individuals are individuals, wealth is wealth. In this realm, who rejects fortune? You're young yet; plenty of time lies ahead, including marriage and offspring. Lacking funds as backup, you'll face hardships advancing, ultimately failing your spouse and kids. Better to hold onto it, boosting your assurance."

Once Gu Sheng concluded, Bai Yu added a few words of encouragement.

With their joint urging, Luochuan finally agreed with reluctance, yet he claimed only his portion, declining the rest.

Respecting his choice, Gu Sheng distributed the funds accordingly, and even split evenly, it amounted to a substantial sum for each.

Once they obtained their shares, the group joyfully expressed gratitude to Luochuan.

Observing their delighted expressions, Luochuan broke into a smile.

"Your joy brings me joy; it looks like my choice was spot on this time."

"As long as all are content. Yet Bai Yu, that lady has marked your White Cloud Sect as a target. After resolving things locally, rush back to thwart her ambushes. Your absence there would be disastrous."

Following Gu Sheng's statement, Bai Yu clenched his teeth.

"For countless years, none dared assail our White Cloud Sect. Never anticipated this woman's audacity! If she seeks our destruction, she'll need the strength for it! Gu Sheng, join me in returning; we'll demolish them with ease!"

"Very well, word is Saint Ya will appear soon; we'll confront her at the White Cloud Sect."

Those words convinced Gu Sheng to accompany Bai Yu back to the White Cloud Sect. Since it concerned the White Cloud Sect, he refused to watch idly. Once involved, he would see it through completely!

"Handle the recruitment event first, blocking their reinforcements, then head to the White Cloud Sect to face that hag."

Gu Sheng's words prompted nods from all, as they geared up to set off at dawn.

Right when they settled to rest, abrupt footfalls echoed from beyond.

The noises rang distinctly, audible to every ear.

In a flash, all held their breaths on instinct, gripped their arms, and silently eyed the entrance, poised for action.

As the steps halted at the threshold, Lan Yao was set to charge forth.

Then, a known presence approached, and Gu Sheng promptly restrained him.

"Stay put; it appears to be Lan Hua."

At those words, Lan Yao's forehead creased deeply.

"What brings her here? Why does she keep hovering!"

"Hold steady; the reason will reveal itself shortly."

Gu Sheng flung the door wide, fixing his gaze on Lan Hua's visage.

Spotting him, excitement lit up Lan Hua's features.

"Gu Sheng, you truly are all present!"

As she advanced with eagerness, Gu Sheng retreated a pace.

Catching his retreat, pain flickered in Lan Hua's eyes.

"Gu Sheng, I harbor no ill will."

"Do you seek us for a purpose?"

"The recruitment rally commences soon; I've gathered certain hints and wished to share them, so we could ready ourselves jointly."

"Whether we travel as one is our call, and your intel... we'll uncover it independently."

His clear boundary brought tears brimming in Lan Hua's eyes.

"Gu Sheng, I recognize my error from before; I've severed bonds with her, ending our friendship. That occasion, impulsiveness overtook me; forgive me, I'm truly sorry."

"I forgive you, yet future interactions aren't necessary."

"Gu Sheng, my master's testament charged me to aid you. Kindly don't shut me out; I hold no ulterior aims toward you. I truly aim to support you fully!"

Such words drew a sigh from Gu Sheng.

"I trust your honesty, but your wavering nature alarms me; mere persuasion from others sways you easily. With the grave secrets we guard, our actions risk lives. Should your susceptibility to influence spark chaos, mending it would prove futile afterward."

At that juncture, Gu Sheng stepped back.

"Behold my companions; their convictions are unshakeable. If I claimed the moon gleams green tonight, they'd affirm it instantly and uphold that truth henceforth. Even facing death, their resolve wouldn't falter; that's the loyalty I require, not yours."

Gu Sheng's speech concluded, and tears streamed down Lan Hua's cheeks at once.

"Gu Sheng, grant me one more opportunity; I vow..."

"Such vows you can't uphold; henceforth, we'll each go our ways, farewell."

With that, Gu Sheng shut the door firmly.

Lan Hua pleaded beyond for an extended period, yet he stood firm.

Slowly, irritation built in Lan Yao, who rubbed his scalp and suggested, "Gu Sheng, should I shoo them off?"

"Unnecessary; she truly intends no evil, avoid excess."

"Intentions may be pure, but serving as a pawn for such figures marks her unreliable. This clinging offers no aid."

"Dawn brings our departure. She won't endure until then. All, cultivate in silence, letting outer distractions forge our determination."

Grasping his intent, the group disregarded the outer din, arranging in a ring to cultivate.

When morning light dawned, Gu Sheng's eyes snapped open, and he snapped his fingers, sending a wisp of spiritual power outward.

True enough, the presence beyond had vanished; Lan Hua departed earlier.

Gu Sheng exhaled in relief, lifted his arm, and swung the door ajar.

The moment it parted, a faint noise arose outside, an item tumbling down.

Gu Sheng retrieved it to inspect; it was Lan Hua's dropped note, though its details matched what they'd learned directly at King Luo’s mansion, rendering it worthless to them.

Poised to shred it, Hong Mei emerged.

"Gu Sheng, what's that?"

"Lan Hua's leftover intelligence."

"Does it serve?"

"Not at all; we gained this directly from King Luo’s mansion. Examine it if you wish."

Handing it over, Hong Mei scanned then ripped it apart promptly.

"Useless items needn't linger, to prevent any trails."

Gu Sheng concurred, unleashing Spiritual Power to obliterate the shreds.

One by one, the others roused, and under Gu Sheng's lead, they departed.

Approaching midday, Lan Hua arrived with a meal carrier, discovering the site deserted.

A touch of alarm seized her, as she shouted Gu Sheng's name throughout, met with silence.

Having scoured all spots, she accepted that Gu Sheng had truly gone.

Her grip loosened, items crashing to the earth in shards, and Lan Hua dropped to her knees in the debris, sobbing fiercely.

Her followers watched with deep sighs.

"Shopkeeper, cease weeping; likely they headed to the recruitment rally. We'll track them down."

"Finding them changes nothing; Gu Sheng dismisses me now."

"Shopkeeper, truly, he's not to blame... I warned you that one had flaws, yet..."

He trailed off there, but Lan Hua grasped the implication.

Lips pressed firm, she responded after a pause, "My error in misreading people and ignoring your alerts led to this mess. I betrayed their faith."