Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World Chapter 1118 - 583: A Master Among Masters

Hidden in the darkness, a pair of watchful eyes kept vigil over Gu Sheng’s campsite.

Though Gu Sheng felt the presence, he chose to ignore it for the moment.

He was aware that somebody was spying on him, and if that individual wished to catch the details directly, he wouldn’t interfere. All the folks from the southern part of the city were assembled; inevitably, certain rumors would filter through to them.

"Lan Yao, pull off some meat."

"Sure thing, there’s loads of wild game around; make sure everybody digs in."

The area around Gu Sheng buzzed with energy, causing the watcher to scowl intensely.

"Acting so carefree and lacking drive; it doesn’t seem like they’re from a famous sect."

With the curtain dropped, a couple of travelers paused to catch their breath right outside his tent.

"What rotten fortune. Had I realized Luo Qin was such a villain, I’d have stayed away."

"Right, I figured he’d manage Qingcheng Sect properly and prove himself honorable, but he’s just a rogue. If I’d known sooner, I wouldn’t have bothered showing up."

"Sigh, talk about misfortune. We arrived united for Qingcheng Sect, only to face this mess. Why did he reveal his real nature precisely now of all times?"

"Without Shopkeeper Wang’s fierce resistance, we might never have uncovered his facade. Still, it’s a silver lining; we’ve spotted his true self early and can steer clear moving forward."

"Exactly, just dodging him is enough. With all these prestigious sects present, we don’t have to cling to him. We’ll pick another option. If my skills aren’t up to par, am I worried nobody will take me? Come on, let’s scout a bit further."

Following a short break, the pair rose and departed.

The instant they moved on, the fellow emerged from his spot.

Gazing at their departure path, his forehead creased profoundly.

Gu Sheng shot a look in his direction, curved his lips faintly, and soon averted his eyes.

The fellow returned the glance, noting how Gu Sheng continued devouring his meat with gusto, so he promptly trailed after the duo, drifting through the crowd.

Folks from the city’s southern district were multiplying, and chatter centering on Luo Qin was everywhere.

Since Qingcheng Sect hadn’t shown up yet, discussions flowed freely without restraint.

In no time, the buzz expanded, and wherever the man ventured, talks revolved around Luo Qin.

When he learned that Luo Qin intended to viciously cast aside the longtime shopkeeper ally over a mere dagger, compelling numerous shopkeepers to spill hidden truths for their own safety, the man’s eyebrows knit firmly.

He seized a nearby person abruptly and demanded in a frosty tone, "Is everything you’re claiming accurate?"

"Absolutely, there’s no way this is fabricated. Eyewitnesses from south of the city saw it all. Luo Qin had been bullying these shopkeepers for ages; now that it’s exploded, it’s a lucky break for him!"

"Did witnesses truly observe it up close?"

The moment the question left his mouth, a bystander nearby thumped his chest confidently.

"I viewed it personally and even got thrashed by his underlings. Here’s the proof!"

Noting the wound on the man’s limb, the fellow clamped his mouth shut, his face darkening.

"Judging by your look, are you aiming to join Qingcheng Sect? Word is, Luo Qin’s followers are all fanatical warriors, not from legitimate lineages, so think twice."

At these words, the man’s forehead wrinkled even more.

"What proof do you have for that claim?"

"Nothing solid, just rumors floating around—up to you if you buy it."

The fellow didn’t wish to argue further and brushed him aside.

The man roamed a tad longer, and the worse the tidings grew with each earful, the stonier his visage became.

Catching the shift in his demeanor, Gu Sheng arched a brow involuntarily.

"Does he crumble so easily under pressure? How can mere gossip twist his features like that?"

"True, considering his power level, it ought not to affect him this much."

Lan Yao finished speaking, and Gu Sheng rubbed his jaw pensively.

"Come along, time for us to snoop around too."

The crew flicked their robes and meandered casually.

Hearing the whispers about death soldiers, Gu Sheng’s face altered.

They traded looks silently, yet none uttered a word, hastening their steps instead.

Once they looped back to their base, Lan Yao finally voiced her curiosity, "Who let that rumor loose? Is it possible someone else besides us picked up on it?"

With that thought, he spun toward Luochuan.

"Was it you?"

"Definitely not. I’ve stuck by your side the whole time, obeying my master’s directives. I wouldn’t breathe a word without his approval."

Observing Luochuan’s irritated look, Gu Sheng patted Lan Yao’s arm.

"It couldn’t possibly be Luochuan; he’s part of our circle."

Lan Yao caught on after hearing that and bobbed her head rapidly, "Right, right, I spoke without thinking, that was silly of me. Luochuan, no offense taken, I hope."

His manner softened Luochuan’s mood a touch; he shook his head mildly, "No worries, blame it on my cursed family name."

"I suspect Lan Hua and her crew are the ones who circulated the intel."

Gu Sheng agreed with Bai Yu’s input by nodding.

"If it isn’t from our group, then it has to be hers."

"Gu Sheng, what’s her angle here? Trying to curry favor with us?"

"I’m not sure, but since it plays to our advantage, no point probing too hard. Looks like Luo Qin’s recruitment is doomed this round."

As the team huddled, swapping tales and grins, they all concurred with nods.

"Yeah, that rings true."

In the pitch-black evening, Gu Sheng sought out the man once more.

"Friend, are you still keen on signing up with Qingcheng Sect?"

The man’s brow furrowed anew as he eyed Gu Sheng.

"How did you learn of these affairs?"

"Since I hail straight from the city’s core."

"You caught wind of it before?"

"Nope, I laid eyes on it myself."

Gu Sheng met the query head-on, and his straightforwardness eased the man’s tension a bit.

A moment later, he inquired, "What’s your aim in coming to me? Hoping to pull me into your own sect?"

"Spot on, even though you’ve masked your presence, I detect the spiritual energy inside you is vast and pristine like clear water, untouched by impurities. It’s a prime Spiritual Body; securing you would be a boon for whatever sect lands you."