Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World Chapter 1117 - 582: Two-Faced

"What are you implying? Are you flaunting Gu Sheng’s fondness for you in my face? I've already told you, I’m not harboring those emotions at the moment—I only wish to collaborate with Gu Sheng. There's no reason for you to act so small-minded."

"Small-minded? If I were truly that way, Gu Sheng wouldn't have even spoken to you today. I'm merely pointing out the reality, and it's you who's stubbornly clinging on!"

"I'm not clinging to you at all—what business is it of yours? Move aside!"

Facing off against Hong Mei, Lan Hua shed her earlier poise, revealing a trace of bitterness and fury instead.

It was common knowledge that she harbored resentment over those two strikes from Hong Mei earlier.

Yet, could Hong Mei be blamed? Absolutely not. If they were in her shoes, they'd likely have struck with even greater force.

Witnessing Lan Hua shove Hong Mei, Shi Lou and the rest swiftly encircled her, their stares icy and unyielding.

Under the weight of their collective glares, Lan Hua felt a deep unease stirring within her.

"Are you all so desperate to shut me out? Has she whispered something to sway you? Can a woman's sly words fool every one of you?"

"Lan Hua, watch your tone! The more you behave this way, the harder it'll be for you to fit in with us! Hong Mei hasn't erred—she simply acted on what we all longed to do. What gives you the authority to fault her?"

"Precisely, you claim to acknowledge your faults, yet you keep directing blame at Hong Mei—your statements lack credibility! You uttered those vile remarks to Gu Sheng's face, but twist things once he's gone!"

"I despise duplicitous types like you the most!"

As Lan Yao declared this, Lan Hua's complexion drained of color, her frame trembling uncontrollably several times.

"That's not how it is..."

"We trust our own judgment—we won't listen to your excuses! We see exactly what sort of individual you are! Let me warn you: before we brand you an outright foe, you'd better keep your distance! If we do see you as an adversary, I won't spare a thought for your master's status—I'll strike you down without mercy!"

With that, Lan Yao unsheathed his blade.

Sensing the lethal aura emanating from him, Lan Hua instinctively retreated a step.

"I truly didn't intend that..."

"I couldn't care less about your intentions—scram now, and if you persist in this nonsense, don't fault me for turning hostile!"

Upon hearing his threat, Lan Hua cast her pleading look toward Gu Sheng.

Yet Gu Sheng avoided her gaze entirely, as though she were invisible, merely addressing his companions: "Let's proceed this way—I've made my choice."

At his command, the group ceased regarding Lan Hua and promptly trailed after him.

Gu Sheng paused briefly to clasp Hong Mei's hand in his.

"Don't let it bother you—we've got crucial matters ahead. Save your strength for those, not this triviality."

His reassurance brought a smile back to Hong Mei's lips.

"Fine, I'll follow your lead."

Noting the spark reignite in her eyes, Gu Sheng grinned and gently patted her head, his demeanor overflowing with affection, like he was gazing upon a precious gem.

This sight fueled Lan Hua's rage, her fists balling tightly as she glared at their departing figures with seething hatred.

As they ventured further, Shi Lou glanced back and spotted Lan Hua's group setting up camp nearby, prompting a scowl from him.

"Brother Sheng, they're pitching tents right close to ours."

"Pay them no mind—their camping spot is their decision, unrelated to us."

"Brother Sheng, are you certain we shouldn't confront them?"

"No point—it'd just invite needless complications. We lack the bandwidth for them; better to concentrate on priorities."

Grasping his intent, they all agreed with nods.

In the distance, an individual with faint spiritual energy sat in meditation.

Gu Sheng's attention remained fixed on him, evidently captivated.

Tracking his line of sight, Bai Yu knitted his brows.

"Gu Sheng, the fellow beside him radiates far more potent energy—why fixate on this one?"

"I believe he's the ideal fit for our Stone Village."

"How so? Stone Village's alliance with Sky Blue Sect means we should seek out mightier talents, no?"

"His power is immense, merely concealed—we simply can't detect it."

Upon Gu Sheng's explanation, they started examining the man more intently, yet discerned no hint of exceptional strength.

Pondering deeply, Bai Yu ventured, "Gu Sheng, could you be off the mark?"

"Have no doubts—I'm spot-on with judging character. He's likely the mightiest among these Jianghu wanderers. It's typical for the truly formidable to blend in humbly; I assure you, I'm correct."

His assurance shifted their perspective on the man, so they stood silently nearby, observing patiently.

Only as twilight fell did the man's energy begin to withdraw, his eyes gradually fluttering open.

"Brother Sheng, he's awake now."

Shi Lou's alert earned a nod from Gu Sheng.

"Stay put—I'll handle this."

Realizing his plan, they waited obediently without moving.

Gu Sheng approached solo, heading straight to the man's location.

"Friend, are you from the Jianghu world?"

Confronted directly, the man gave a nonchalant nod.

"I travel solo—do I seem affiliated with any sect?"

Met with the sharp reply, Gu Sheng merely chuckled.

"Fair point, but your presence here suggests you're seeking a sect to join, correct?"

"Naturally—why else would I show up, for leisure?"

"Not leisure, perhaps reconnaissance. With so many sects assembled now, has any piqued your interest?"

"Not a single one."

Swiveling to face him, a sly grin played on Gu Sheng's mouth.

"Every prominent sect is present, yet none appeal to you—are you holding out for a particular one?"

"No such thing."

His response came swift and direct, yet Gu Sheng picked up on subtle cues.

Had it been untrue, he'd have hesitated briefly, but the instant reply betrayed otherwise.

"With all the great sects here and none appealing, might you be awaiting the Qingcheng Sect?"

As expected, the mention of Qingcheng Sect caused a flicker in his eyes.

Gu Sheng seized on this detail and smirked.

"Seems I've hit the mark—choosing Qingcheng Sect with your abilities feels like a waste."

The remark drew a furrow to the man's brow.

"What are you getting at? Qingcheng Sect commands respect in Jianghu circles—how dare you belittle it?"

"It does enjoy recognition in Jianghu, but that's why it lags behind the elites. Take Luo Qin, for instance—he's no easy ally for just anyone, except..."

"Except for what?"

"Except if the ally shares his shadowy schemes and ruthless tactics."

Gu Sheng's statement ignited outrage in the man's gaze.

"That's outright defamation! Qingcheng Sect's power surges under Luo Qin's guidance, with throngs of Jianghu folk admiring him—your vile portrayal exposes your own twisted nature!"

Observing his wrath, Gu Sheng let out a dramatic sigh.

"Brother, I'm only sharing honest insights—why the rage? I've dealt with King Luo myself; that's how I know the inner workings. This is just friendly advice to spare you from trickery—if you dismiss it, that's your call."

With that, Gu Sheng shook his head and departed, appearing genuinely sorrowful.

Watching him go, the man squinted but made no move to detain him.

Detecting no pursuit, Gu Sheng smiled inwardly and rejoined his group.

Upon returning to camp, everyone clustered around, eager for details.

Gu Sheng relayed the exchange, leaving the listeners somewhat baffled.

"Gu Sheng, why hold back the full story from him?"

"He'd never accept my words—some truths must be witnessed firsthand to convince."

"Witnessed firsthand? Apart from us, who'd reveal it?"

"Recall the city incident earlier—that was public knowledge."