Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World Chapter 1116 - 582: Two-Faced

Gu Sheng and his group came to a halt at the base of the mountain.

Bai Yu glanced around before picking out a spot for them to establish their base.

"Gu Sheng, that area has no people nearby, and the Spiritual Energy is plentiful there. Let's go with this location."

Gu Sheng gave it a quick inspection and then agreed with a nod.

"Fine."

The group began arranging their campsite in that area.

Soon enough, a black-robed man walked up to them.

"Have you come for the recruitment fair?"

"That's right."

Once Gu Sheng answered, the man promptly pulled out a piece of leather and offered it to him.

"Hand over the Silver Tael."

Gu Sheng stared at the leather piece, feeling somewhat puzzled.

Bai Yu caught on fast and swiftly pulled out some Silver Tael to give to the man.

"Sure thing, we'll claim this spot."

The man accepted the Silver Tael with a nod and departed.

Once the man was gone, Gu Sheng turned to Bai Yu, looking confused.

"What's all this about?"

"To join the recruitment fair, you have to purchase the pass, of course. That leather piece serves as the pass. It allows us to go in without issues."

"And if we skip buying it?"

"No pass means no entry. Events inside won't concern us at all. Don't brush off this leather lightly—it's available in limited numbers, so those arriving late could be out of luck."

Grasping the explanation, Gu Sheng nodded in contemplation.

"Then who's behind selling these leather pieces?"

Bai Yu paused for a second when Gu Sheng posed the question.

He was aware that entry required the leather piece, yet he'd never inquired about its source.

"Uh... I'm not sure myself."

"No worries, we'll figure it out in time."

Gu Sheng let the topic drop and kept directing the others in setting up the camp.

They had arrived early, with few others present so far. Once the camp was ready, they took a break right there.

A day passed in waiting, and the number of people around began to grow steadily.

Gu Sheng emerged from the tent for a peek, spotting several folks from different sects, alongside even more wanderers from the Jianghu.

His gaze swept over the scene, picking out a handful of talented-looking people.

"Gu Sheng, now that we're here, whose banner should we recruit under? We can't tie it to Wushuang Taoist in any way, particularly with King Luo targeting our Bai Yun label. Why not go with Lan Yao's name?"

Lan Yao had no objections upon hearing the suggestion.

"I don't mind; it's up to you."

After a brief reflection, Gu Sheng whispered, "Better to use the Stone Village identity. We should avoid linking to any groups."

"Gu Sheng, that works for me."

Lan Yao voiced her approval, yet Gu Sheng shook his head once more.

"No, within the Elf Clan, you don't hold the final say. Your brother stays inside the clan and may be unaware of outside events. He's not ready for this, so let's not drag him into issues. The Stone Village name is simpler and easier to handle."

Everyone pondered it and saw the wisdom in Gu Sheng's reasoning.

"Okay, we'll go along with your plan."

Gu Sheng rummaged in the storage ring until he located an item connected to Stone Village.

"Take these tokens, everyone, to verify who you are."

The group accepted the tokens and fastened them on.

As they prepared to interact with the Jianghu crowd, Lan Hua rushed over with her companions, her face lit with excitement as she hurried their way.

"Gu Sheng, you actually made it here. I've searched everywhere for you."

Gu Sheng's brow furrowed at her approach.

"Is there something you need from me?"

Coming nearer, Lan Hua murmured, "Gu Sheng, have you checked the hints I gave you earlier?"

Sensing how close she was, Gu Sheng backed away promptly.

"I did see them. We investigated those hints on our own too. Yours were much scarcer."

Lan Hua looked disheartened, realizing her hints hadn't helped.

"Apologies, I couldn't be of more use."

Gu Sheng shook his head in response.

"That's not true; you've got your ways, and you're pretty skilled. It's simply that our routes diverge."

"Gu Sheng, we share the same route. How could they differ? I erred in the past, but I've cut ties with her now. Please offer me one more opportunity. During the recruitment fair, I'll give it my all to assist."

Though Lan Hua pleaded earnestly, Gu Sheng showed no sign of yielding.

He gazed at her and let out a sigh.

"Lan Hua, our routes don't align, so we can't join forces. You roam the Jianghu frequently; you know what that means. Collaboration isn't possible—why push it?"

"Gu Sheng, I'm able to team up with you. I've reflected deeply on your earlier words, and yes, I was mistaken. It won't happen again."

"Lan Hua, stop pressing. Handle your master's requests by yourself. We've got our own tasks, and once we wrap up here, we're moving on. No need for you to tag along. Should fate allow, we can cross paths again in the Jianghu."

With those words, Gu Sheng started to turn away.

Lan Hua pursued him frantically as he departed.

Hong Mei's expression tightened, and she blocked Lan Hua's path.

"Lan Hua, Gu Sheng made himself perfectly clear. There's no point in continuing this, is there? For a woman, acting this way doesn't look good."

"I don't mind! I'm not seeking Gu Sheng's love anymore. All I want is for you to let me come with you. This was my master's dying wish to me—I must see it through."

"You haven't missed out at all. You've carried on with those efforts, correct? Go ahead solo; there's no requirement to link up with us. Had you remained ignorant of our true selves back then, we'd still be separate now. But with everything revealed, why cling on? Lan Hua, you really don't fit with me."

Lan Hua's expression darkened at Hong Mei's statement.