Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World Chapter 1123 - 585: Secrets of the Death Soldiers (Part 2)

"Indeed, that's the case—their bodies have been nurtured with medicinal herbs. From the time they could feed themselves, herbs have served as their regular sustenance, accounting for their unique physique. They're completely resistant to poisons; to any poison master, they're just insignificant bugs. Still, the herbs' damaging influence on their bodies is genuine. It appears King Luo supplies them with antidotes from time to time; without that, they couldn't endure."

"I understand, but after enduring such hardships in the Luo family, why do they stay so devoted?"

Lan Yao's inquiry left the group perplexed.

Wushuang Taoist cast another look at the individual before speaking calmly: "They're death soldiers, instilled with loyalty from a young age. It's their core purpose in life, ingrained deeply, impossible to forget or escape. Even under my control, they wouldn't utter a single word. That said, it's irrelevant. Once we uncover the creation process of these death soldiers, we'll surely develop a method to break them down."

"Wushuang Taoist, do you have any clues yet?"

"Some ideas, though certain aspects demand further testing. Gu Sheng, I need you to handle a specific task personally."

At Chun Feng's words, Gu Sheng promptly stood tall.

"Taoist, instruct me on what's required, and I won't fail the assignment."

"The Mystic Iron Soft Armor worn by these death soldiers proves hard to breach. Your success in eliminating them this round stemmed from their limited count. Should their numbers grow, the result would shift, so we need to shatter their soft armor, stripping away half their protection and making it simple to dispatch them."

"What's the way to break their soft armor?"

"Crafted from Middle-level Dark Iron, it requires High-level Dark Iron to counter it effectively. In the face of High-level Dark Iron, their armor becomes vulnerable."

"Taoist, how do we obtain High-level Dark Iron?"

"Head to Kunming Mountain and seek out Wang Chunshi. His sect is situated on Mystical Iron Mountain, rich in such materials. Yet he's quite peculiar, and not just anyone can approach him. I'll direct you to Kunming Mountain; succeeding beyond that depends on your efforts."

Hearing this, Hong Mei grew a bit uneasy.

"Master, what if he shows no interest in us and we fail to secure the Dark Iron?"

"In that case, we'll have to fall back on the brute approach of losing more lives to counter these death soldiers."

Aware that lives must be traded to overcome the death soldiers, Gu Sheng advanced and declared, "Wushuang Taoist, I'll give it a shot."

Gazing at him, a spark of approval lit Wushuang Taoist's eyes.

"Excellent, carry my token along. It'll ensure entry to Kunming Mountain, but from there, you're on your own. If he's inclined to share, gather as much as you can. If not, avoid prolonged disputes. He's highly unpredictable and merciless; steer clear of provoking him."

Wushuang Taoist lightly flung a token toward Gu Sheng.

Clutching the token, Gu Sheng reflected briefly before inquiring, "Taoist, can their sect rival ours, the Sky Blue Sect?"

"Long ago, we thrived together, equals with no dominance, thanks to their distinct nature, free from any sect's dominance. We've shared dealings, always guided by mutual harmony. We've declined since, while they endure strongly, and I'm uncertain if old pacts hold, so we'll test it out."

Grasping the implication, Gu Sheng nodded in contemplation.

"Taoist, while we're off to Kunming Mountain, what of the Luo family?"

"Rest easy—Hong Mei has briefed me on affairs there. I'll target Luo Qin first, making King Luo suffer the pain of losing his heirs. By your return, we'll face him head-on."

"Will you handle it yourself?"

"No, my poisoning remains untreated, barring direct confrontation. Facing Saint Ya would mean certain death for me. I've dispatched others; have no fears. They possess death soldiers; I command Hidden Guards as well."

Realizing Wushuang Taoist had contingencies in place, Gu Sheng exhaled in relief.

"Very well, we'll depart for Kunming Mountain right away."

"Proceed, but before leaving, deliver these items to Stone Village for Third Elder and my followers. They'll recognize their purpose upon sight."

Accepting the goods, Gu Sheng affirmed with a nod.

As he prepared to depart, Hong Mei seized his arm.

"Gu Sheng, are we setting out today?"

Meeting her gaze, Gu Sheng noted the evident hesitation in her eyes.

"No hurry—we can prepare today and leave tomorrow."

His response brought an immediate glow to her features.

"Master, with our departure tomorrow, could I sample some of your special brew this evening?"

Observing her, warmth deepened in Wushuang Taoist's gaze.

"Of course, you always crave my homemade wine; I anticipated your request upon return and readied it already. Gu Sheng, I'll host a feast tonight—everyone attends."

The assembly acknowledged with respect before withdrawing.

Beyond the entrance, Bai Yu elbowed Gu Sheng lightly.

"Wushuang Taoist is arranging a meal here. Won't you linger to assist?"

Glancing back, Gu Sheng grinned and replied, "Red Plum and the Fan Sect members suffice here. Better to grant them private moments; we ought to keep distance."

"Did you delay our journey by a day just to please Hong Mei?"

Gu Sheng arched his eyebrows, "That's right—any complaints?"

"None at all; acting for your beloved is an honor for me."

Noting Bai Yu's teasing demeanor, Gu Sheng remarked abruptly, "Upon our return from Kunming Mountain, I'll join you in visiting the Baiyu Sect."

This news visibly thrilled Bai Yu.

"You mean it?"

"Absolutely. I've already updated Wushuang Taoist on King Luo's schemes against the Baiyu Sect. After resolution, not only shall we go, but Sky Blue Sect reinforcements will follow, safeguarding the White Cloud Sect."

Learning of Wushuang Taoist's covert aid, Bai Yu expressed deep thanks.

"Why hold back this news before? Had I known, I'd have thanked the Taoist directly."

"It originated from Wushuang Taoist. She worried it might weigh on you, so she stayed silent. Your contributions have been substantial, and she's forwarded numerous valuables to your father. You'll discover them back home."

"I was completely unaware—why keep me in the dark?"

"It was concealed earlier. Now, with plans to revisit the White Cloud Sect, it's time you learned, so it's shared presently."

"You crafty fellow—I'm no stranger; why the delay in telling me! Absolutely not; tonight, I insist on expressing gratitude to Wushuang Taoist personally."

"As you prefer, but avoid overthinking—it's rightfully yours."

"Truthfully, my aid has been modest. Wushuang Taoist has bestowed plenty on me; since joining you in supporting her, I've gained multiple manuals, boosting my cultivation remarkably. It's swifter than all prior progress, so gratitude is due, yet I never anticipated additional gifts."

With these words, Bai Yu let out a soft sigh.

Witnessing this, Gu Sheng tapped him gently on the head.

"Wushuang Taoist withheld it to spare you unease. It's not your aim to burden her. All outcomes prove positive; don't stir unease."

Absorbing his advice, Bai Yu nodded swiftly.

"You're correct—everything works out well. I mustn't rashly influence others' feelings. Be at ease; I understand my course."

Observing his earnest expression, Gu Sheng relaxed fully.

"Come on, let's return to pack up. After savoring Wushuang Taoist's brew this night, we'll depart at dawn tomorrow. Visit Stone Village en route, then proceed to Kunming Mountain."