Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World Chapter 1119 - 583: Experts Among Them (2)

Hearing Gu Sheng's words left the man astonished.

"Can you detect the Spiritual Energy around me?"

"Yes, and it's quite distinct."

This revelation shifted the man's look toward him dramatically.

"I'm curious which sect Brother hails from to possess such keen skills. If I'm correct, Brother is deliberately masking his aura, isn't he?"

"That's right; with the recruitment conference yet to start, I prefer avoiding unnecessary conflicts, though I can speak candidly to you. I'm from Stone Village. Have you come across it before?"

Mention of Stone Village caused the man's pupils to quiver.

"I have. I once lingered near Stone Village and experienced the transformations from the ebony there. Never thought you'd originate from Stone Village."

"I didn't anticipate your time spent there either. What are your views on Stone Village?"

Following a prolonged pause, the man inquired, "What role do you hold in Stone Village?"

Producing the Token, Gu Sheng declared with gravity, "I serve as the Village Chief."

The sight of the Token clearly stunned the man.

"I've never crossed paths with their Village Chief; didn't imagine meeting him in this place."

"Is Brother perhaps intrigued by Stone Village?"

Faced with the question once more, the man slightly compressed his lips.

After an extended quiet moment, he murmured, "Allow me some time to consider..."

Gu Sheng refrained from urging him, merely offering a soft nod.

"I'm Gu Sheng. You know my lodging spot. Whenever you're ready, seek me out."

"Very well, I'm Liu Ping. Regardless of whether I end up joining Stone Village, we can remain allies."

Gu Sheng grinned and gave him a wave.

As he came back, Lan Yao quickly moved closer.

"Gu Sheng, how did it go? Has he consented?"

"Not yet; he mentioned needing more reflection, yet this individual is truly formidable, surpassing my initial assumptions."

"That remarkable? It's no surprise he conceals his power so effectively that even we couldn't discern his actual might. Gu Sheng, did you learn his identity?"

"He revealed his name as Liu Ping."

The name struck Bai Yu with notable astonishment.

"So it's him. Rumors say he's roamed Jianghu for years, honing a righteous aura, and single-handedly rivals a minor sect's fighting force. He holds considerable fame in Jianghu, though he stays humble and rarely recognized. To think you've casually drawn in such a prominent person. Gu Sheng, your discernment is truly sharp."

Gu Sheng hadn't foreseen this man's widespread acclaim and felt even more pleased.

In that instant, Lan Yao questioned, "Gu Sheng, do you believe he'll commit to Stone Village in the end?"

"I believe it's likely."

"What makes you say that?"

"Since he lingered near Stone Village once and perceived its potency, he can undoubtedly pick up traces of the Sky Blue Sect's enduring presence. If he's prudent, he'll avoid other options."

"Suppose he chooses against joining Stone Village after all?"

"It won't matter; provided a powerhouse like him skips the Qingcheng Sect, his affiliation elsewhere poses no issue for us."

This explanation brought clarity to the group.

"Hearing that eases my mind considerably. It's unfortunate I can't recruit under the White Cloud Sect's banner at present, or I'd pursue some promising individuals too."

Noticing Bai Yu's disappointed look, Gu Sheng chuckled and clapped his shoulder.

"Save your regrets; aren't you accompanied by Luochuan? He's a prospect brimming with promise. Guide him properly, and he'll certainly measure up to Liu Ping."

"True, my apprentice will prove exceptional. Someday, I'll ensure he shines brightly!"

Bai Yu's regard for Luochuan deepened into that of a cherished student.

"The Qingcheng Sect ought to arrive shortly, at which point we must investigate their secrets to check for Death Soldiers. Should they exist, we'll strike swiftly."

Gu Sheng's words concluded, instantly sobering the others.

"Shall we make our move here?"

"That's impractical. Better on the return journey; it'll simplify cleanup."

"And the recruitment conference..."

"It holds little value for us. Our aim is mere interference. Preventing the Qingcheng Sect from gaining recruits fulfills that, alongside meeting Luo Qin and probing his history."

"Fine, we'll follow your lead."

As darkness enveloped the night, those at the mountain base drifted into slumber.

Bathed in moonlight, Liu Ping alone pondered deeply.

Two days passed, and the assembly convened, with Luo Qin at last emerging.

The Qingcheng Sect's arrival drew furtive stares and murmurs from the crowd.

Sensing the odd vibe, Luo Qin's stare turned darker.

His eyes raked over the faces with malice, prompting immediate averts as though all was normal, yet whispers resumed the moment he looked elsewhere.

Prideful by nature, Luo Qin brooked no such disrespect.

Summoning his followers, he hissed, "Uncover what they're muttering! Get every detail!"

With a gesture, his men scattered promptly.

Just then, Gu Sheng spotted a cloth-bound object at Luo Qin's waist, roundish in form, likely an item for the recruitment conference explaining his wariness.

After brief contemplation, Gu Sheng burst into laughter.

His amusement baffled the others.

"Brother Sheng, what's so funny?" Shi Lou wondered.

"I'm amused by Luo Qin's rather pathetic possessions."

This sparked excitement in Shi Lou's gaze.

"Brother Sheng, what has he carried?"

"Likely a Luminous Pearl."

"Eh? Just a Luminous Pearl? Such a basic thing, how could he flaunt it?"

"He probably has nothing better, hence the Luminous Pearl. Luochuan, did you strip his household bare?"

Eyeing Luo Qin, Luochuan chuckled triumphantly.

"I figure so, or he wouldn't stoop to this humiliation. Shopkeepers refuse him now, and we seized those two boxes. Producing a Luminous Pearl is fortunate; he might not get the opportunity anyway."

The group agreed; Luo Qin's sullied name deterred potential recruits, possibly leaving none.

In such a grand recruitment conference amid Jianghu notables and famed sects, even willing joiners would hesitate publicly. Attendees held status; none would boldly align with a disgraced sect, inviting scorn.

"Forward; venue entry time. We'll trail them near, Bai Yu, watch the back for any schemes he might deploy."

Grasping the hint, Bai Yu affirmed and dropped behind a bit.

A mountain bell tolled, urging all toward the venue.

Gu Sheng shadowed Luo Qin intently, casting occasional looks.

Close scrutiny elicited repeated sneers from Gu Sheng.

During the entry line, he purposefully aligned his arm with Luo Qin's, brushing as they moved, causing Luo Qin to scowl deeply.

"What's the hurry? As if you merit it?"

Gu Sheng offered a sheepish smile, said little, and withdrew a couple steps.

Discreetly, Gu Sheng clenched his right fist, curling his fingers, then slipped it into the storage ring before departing.

Amid the throng and hubbub, Gu Sheng's exit went undetected.

Ducking into the gloom, Gu Sheng barely registered Bai Yu’s aura when he sensed a presence trailing.

Alarmed, he seized the Fire Spirit Dagger, whirled about with murderous eyes ablaze.

Confronted by the lethal glare, Liu Ping's heart jolted, prompting an instant step back.

"Brother Gu, it's only me."

Recognizing him, the ferocity in Gu Sheng’s gaze faded gradually.

"Why tail me?"

"You told me to reply once decided. I've settled on my choice."