Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World Chapter 1124 - 586: Return to Stone Village

Following a satisfying banquet that night, Gu Sheng along with the rest finally embarked on the path leading to Stone Village.

During the return trip, Shi Lou, Er Gou, and the others displayed great enthusiasm.

Observing their retreating figures, Bai Yu smiled faintly.

"They haven’t appeared this thrilled for ages."

"True enough, this marks our longest outing yet."

"It’s similar for me too, though in past years I practiced by myself. This time, having everyone with me feels wonderful. I’ve sent a letter to my father, informing him that once we come back from Kunming Mountain, we’ll proceed to the White Cloud Sect."

With these words, Bai Yu glanced over at Gu Sheng.

"Gu Sheng, did you sense anything odd when I expressed gratitude to Wushuang Taoist yesterday evening?"

Reflecting on the events of the previous night, Gu Sheng denied it with a shake of his head.

"No oddity at all; your demeanor has truly shifted considerably."

Upon hearing that, Bai Yu lifted his chin promptly.

"Naturally, do you believe my escapade was pointless?"

Right after his words, Lan Yao interjected: "Gu Sheng, stop chatting with him. He excels at flattery; keep going and he’ll soar into the clouds."

Once Lan Yao spoke, the group erupted in laughter.

Amid the chuckles, Hong Mei alone kept a somber expression.

Spotting her mood, Gu Sheng motioned for Bai Yu and the rest to proceed as he fell into step beside Hong Mei.

"What’s troubling you? Unhappy to depart from Cloud Sea?"

"Not exactly, merely a sense of reluctance."

"Reluctant to part from Wushuang Taoist?"

"Yes, I hoped for progress on my master’s poisoning this round, yet it lingers unchanged. Leaving her by herself fills me with concern."

At these words, Gu Sheng halted momentarily.

"Hong Mei, would you prefer I accompany you back to Cloud Sea?"

"No, I wish to join you all at Kunming Mountain."

Hong Mei voiced this resolutely, though anxiety still furrowed her forehead.

Witnessing her state, Gu Sheng let out a gentle sigh and lifted his hand to softly ease the worry line on her brow.

"Cease fretting over Wushuang Taoist. While her toxin remains unaltered, her followers’ studies have achieved major advances. The moment simply hasn’t arrived, preventing detoxification for now. When conditions align, she’ll proceed."

Upon this revelation, Hong Mei’s gaze brightened.

"Do you mean that?"

"Absolutely. Did you observe the altered herbs in the Taoist’s garden and the new aroma from the pill furnace? It indicates she’s finished the prior phase and begun the subsequent, merely awaiting viable implementation."

Pondering deeply, Hong Mei then acknowledged the truth in Gu Sheng’s observation.

The heaviness in her heart vanished right away, bringing a grin to her features at last.

"It appears I missed the details, fixating solely on my master without regarding her surroundings. Reflecting now, it matches what you described. I’m far more relieved presently."

Noting her cheerful expression, Gu Sheng ruffled her hair affectionately.

"In truth, we could venture to Kunming Mountain independently. You might remain to keep the Taoist company."

Reiterating the suggestion, Hong Mei steadfastly declined.

"No way, Kunming Mountain holds such perils. How could I leave you unattended? As my master’s premier disciple, I carry her essence and influence. Should Wang Chunshi remember old connections, my being there could aid you greatly."

Grasping her resolve, Gu Sheng clasped her hand.

"Then I appreciate your dedication."

"No thanks required. This is all for the sect’s sake. Let’s quicken our pace, lest we fall behind."

Her spirits lifted, Hong Mei regained her vigor, hastening forward while tugging him to rejoin the group.

After two days, the party at last reached Stone Village.

Beholding the transformations in Stone Village, Shi Lou rubbed his eyes several times.

"Brother Sheng, could this truly be our Stone Village? How has it grown so thriving in mere days? Without the entryway stone marker, I’d scarcely identify it."

Once he concluded, Er Gou affirmed with a nod nearby.

"Yeah, I once deemed our Stone Village decent, yet beside the present, the former version seemed overly plain. Today’s Stone Village buzzes with activity, resembling the city’s southern district—or surpassing it even."

"Quite so, their area teems with evil qi whereas ours brims with rich spiritual energy. The contrast is stark. Brother Sheng, let’s enter."

Gu Sheng acknowledged Huang Shan with a nod and marched inward.

The companions advanced like those returning to their abode, yet found themselves halted at the threshold.

"What’s your business? Halt immediately!"

Abruptly impeded by a blade, Gu Sheng’s brow creased lightly.

He examined the obstructing individual from head to toe, recognizing the countenance vaguely, probably a dispatch from the Sky Blue Sect.

Meeting his gaze, Gu Sheng declared his status.

Listening to him, the fellow appraised him dubiously from top to bottom.

"I’ve heard nothing of any envoy tied to our Sky Blue Sect. Might you be impersonating an Evil Sect member?"

His utterance darkened all present expressions.

Not content with challenging Gu Sheng’s legitimacy, he implied ties to the Evil Sect? Utter nonsense!

"Take a good look. My Brother Sheng isn’t just a Sky Blue Sect envoy; he’s also Stone Village’s Chief! You stand upon our grounds— isn’t it excessive to interrogate him?"

Shi Lou advanced with icy demeanor, intensifying the man’s distrust.

"With claims to numerous positions, what proof do you offer?"

After brief consideration, Gu Sheng retrieved the Stone Village emblem and passed it over.

Grasping it, he inspected closely before remarking moments later, "I’m unfamiliar with this emblem."

His statement sparked utter exasperation among everyone.