Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World Chapter 1125 - 586: Return to Stone Village_2

Er Gou advanced boldly and bellowed, "You’re no native of Stone Village, so how do you know this token? In my view, you’re the one shrouded in mystery! Who are you really, and what brings you to our Stone Village?"

Hearing those words, the man stood tall with a frosty look on his face.

"I hail from Sky Blue Sect, dispatched here by the Taoist’s command."

Witnessing his haughty attitude, Er Gou felt a mix of laughter and fury rising within him.

Right as he prepared to act, some familiar figures came into view from the distance, prompting Shi Lou to call out hastily: "Er Niu, get over here!"

Catching the sound of his name being called, Er Niu and his group approached in bewilderment, casting puzzled glances at Gu Sheng and the others before inquiring, "How do you know my name?"

At those words, black lines appeared on Shi Lou’s forehead, and he smacked the back of Er Niu’s head.

"We were childhood friends, raised together—how could I forget you? Hurry and vouch for our identities; these Sky Blue Sect folks are barring our entry."

Struck without cause, Er Niu felt a surge of irritation.

"Who the heck are you!? You barge in and demand I verify you, like Stone Village is some open door? Listen up, touch me again and you won’t walk out of here alive!"

Watching Er Niu jab a finger toward his face while talking, Shi Lou nearly exploded in rage.

"Fine, Er Niu, we’ve been out adventuring with Brother Sheng for some time, and now you act like strangers? You seeking death! Er Gou, recall how this guy used to pummel you as kids? Get payback, thrash him senseless!"

Those words ignited Er Gou’s action as he lunged ahead right away.

Spotting his approach, Er Niu hastily backed away one step.

"Wait a second, who are you people? How do you know about that old beef between Shi Lou and me? Only we two are aware of it! And you’re no Er Gou—who are you really?"

Listening to Er Niu claim ignorance, Er Gou’s temper flared even hotter.

In that instant, Gu Sheng lifted his hand to halt the group.

"Everyone, ease up—we’re in disguise, so it’s expected they fail to identify us."

With Gu Sheng’s statement, the others halted briefly.

Shi Lou and Er Gou felt their own faces, at last comprehending the situation.

"Er Niu, sure, our looks are altered, but our aura remains unchanged. Don’t you sense it?"

In response, Er Niu shook his head firmly.

"Your aura feels completely unlike theirs, though there’s a faint resemblance, the gap is enormous."

"Brother Sheng, what’s going on here?"

Turning to Gu Sheng for help, Shi Lou flashed a sly grin.

"You’ve stuck with me through thick and thin, your cultivation has soared dramatically, so of course your aura has transformed. It’s no surprise he can’t detect it."

Gu Sheng turned to Er Niu and declared, "Even if you can’t tell, the Third Elder surely will. Fetch him at once."

Before Er Niu could budge from those instructions, the Sky Blue Sect members obstructed their way, questioning Er Niu cautiously, "Are these truly Stone Village folk?"

After a brief ponder, Er Niu rubbed his head and replied, "I’m unable to identify them at the moment, but we’ll summon the Third Elder."

"Hold on, examine this token—is this the Village Chief’s emblem from Stone Village?"

Once the token came into view, Er Niu’s eyes gleamed with recognition.

"Exactly, that’s our Village Chief’s token! How did it come into your possession?"

"He handed it to me."

The individual gestured toward Gu Sheng, causing Er Niu’s countenance to shift.

"He could well be our Village Chief, Gu Sheng, though my power is insufficient to verify it now. Stay put, I’ll go get the Third Elder—he’ll know you for sure."

Finishing up, Er Niu bolted away without awaiting a reply.

Gu Sheng and his group stayed rooted, keeping silent.

The man kept eyeing them intently, his stare now markedly altered.

Not long afterward, the Third Elder hurried up, and upon laying eyes on Gu Sheng, he sent out a thread of energy that swiftly wrapped around the entire party.

Sensing the well-known aura, the Third Elder’s gaze brightened.

"Gu Sheng, when did you come back? Why no prior notice to me?"

Noting the Third Elder’s acknowledgment, Gu Sheng grinned.

"We’ve returned this time by Wushuang Taoist’s directive. The haste left no opportunity to inform you in advance."

"Splendid news—you’ve been gone ages, at last you’re home; come in, we’ll discuss inside."

Clasping Gu Sheng’s arm, the Third Elder’s move snapped the gatekeepers out of their stupor.

"Third Elder, is this truly Stone Village’s Village Chief?"

"Absolutely, didn’t his token give it away?"

"I noticed it, but it’s my initial encounter... Is he genuinely our Sky Blue Sect envoy?"

"Appointed by Wushuang Taoist himself—how could it be otherwise? You may not know Gu Sheng, but Hong Mei should ring a bell; she’s Wushuang Taoist’s chief disciple, probably crossed your path before."

With the Third Elder clearing the suspicion, the man stared in astonishment at the only female among them.

"Are you... the Sect Leader?"

Meeting his gaze, Hong Mei’s features hardened.

"Couldn’t you detect my aura right away? We’ve merely altered our appearances, nothing else has shifted, yet you failed to spot us? Without the Third Elder’s word today, would you have kept us out? You know your error but offer no remorse to the envoys—is this the decorum taught in Sky Blue Sect?"

Hong Mei’s aura intensified sharply, overwhelming the man until he crumpled to the ground, drenched in icy perspiration.

"I apologize, Envoy, I apologize, Sect Leader—it was my folly that blinded me to your identities."

"Announce the envoy’s arrival. This evening, every Sky Blue Sect member must gather to honor the envoy."

"Yes, I’ll handle it right away!"

Saying that, the man didn’t dare delay and hurried off.

Gu Sheng beamed widely at Hong Mei.

"No surprise you lead Mirror Gate Sect—truly formidable."

His praise brought a flush to Hong Mei’s cheeks.

"How can I compare to your prowess?"

Gu Sheng let out a light laugh without pursuing the jest, turning instead to the Third Elder: "Any recent visitors named Liu Ping bearing my token?"

"Yes, I know he’s one you’ve recruited, and I’ve taken care of the necessary arrangements."

Learning the Third Elder had managed it all, Gu Sheng gave an approving nod.

"Excellent. He’s a rare prodigy; placing him in Stone Village will undoubtedly yield great advantages ahead."

"Precisely, so I’ve given him suitable roles, and now he bears key duties."

Aware the Third Elder had it all under control, Gu Sheng refrained from more questions as they proceeded into Stone Village side by side.

The path stirred interest in the group, drawing their eyes to every spot around.

Observing their fascination, the Third Elder chuckled and explained, "Stone Village’s overhaul stems from Wushuang Taoist’s efforts. As affiliates of Sky Blue Sect now, we can’t shame it like in the old days, so he rebuilt everything—and look, Stone Village stands fully revitalized."

Gazing afar, Gu Sheng smiled and nodded.

"It’s changed a lot. Nowadays, outsiders spotting us would puzzle over our progress and how we stayed hidden in the Martial World."

"Plenty are wondering just that, though we haven’t clarified. Being under Sky Blue Sect means no need for outside tales. Any words will come when Sky Blue Sect reclaims its past splendor."

Grasping the Third Elder’s wisdom, Gu Sheng dropped the subject.

"Is our old courtyard still in the same spot?"

"Indeed, it’s been tweaked a bit but kept in place. We worried you’d feel out of sorts upon return, so alterations stayed minor. Settle in for a bit; I’ll set up a feast to welcome you."

Gu Sheng had intended to refuse, yet the Third Elder slipped away before he could, after his declaration.

Gu Sheng could read his intentions and so made no effort to detain him, directing to Hong Mei instead, "Let’s head to my place and unwind."

Hong Mei’s blush deepened, but she agreed with a nod.

"Sure, let’s head there."