Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World Chapter 1127 - 587: His True Feelings (Part 2)

Upon hearing those words, Lan Yao dramatically rolled his eyes.

'Gu Sheng, aren't your words a bit too cutting? Who claims we can't find wives? We're merely lagging a single step behind you!'

'Not merely one step, I believe it will be several more, or else why the envy?'

At last grasping his point, Lan Yao let out a helpless sigh.

'Fine, fine, we've said too much. I won't utter another word, alright?'

With them finally falling silent, Gu Sheng grasped Hong Mei's hand and hurried toward his courtyard.

Once seated, Gu Sheng softly stroked Hong Mei's head.

'Ignore them; they just can't keep quiet, though their intentions are harmless.'

'I understand; they're not only your friends but mine as well. I know their character; it's simply a touch awkward being teased.'

'No need for embarrassment. We're in an open relationship, and my marriage to you is inevitable—no force can alter that.'

For the first time hearing such a declaration, Hong Mei's eyes grew wide.

'Gu Sheng, are you saying you wish to marry me?'

'Indeed, it means I'd wed no one else in this life but you.'

The moment Gu Sheng uttered this, tears streamed from Hong Mei's eyes.

'This marks the first occasion you've discussed this openly with me...'

Brushing away the tears from her eyes' edges, Gu Sheng drew her close into his embrace.

'It's my error for failing to voice reassurances and leaving you in uncertainty so often. Fear not; I won't repeat that. I'll regularly convey my affection for you.'

Pressed against his chest, feeling the steady, robust heartbeat, Hong Mei sobbed without restraint.

She was aware of Gu Sheng's fondness and their mutual care, yet he had never spoken his love aloud, often leaving her in speculation.

On her previous trip to the Cloud Sea, Wushuang Taoist had brought this up.

She desired to offer comforting words to her master but parted her lips multiple times without finding the right ones.

Since Gu Sheng had offered no vows or officially recognized their bond, she felt unqualified to assert much.

Yet today, these words finally reached her from his lips.

Gu Sheng comforted her for some time until her smile returned.

Stroking her head, Gu Sheng grinned and said, 'The hour grows late; retire early. You'll sleep here tonight, while I take the side room.'

At these words, Hong Mei rose swiftly.

'No, you rest here. This is your domain, and you're accustomed to this bed. I've only just come and can manage anywhere.'

'No, this spot offers the utmost comfort in all of Stone Village. I won't have my beloved endure discomfort. You take it tonight; we'll meet come morning.'

Rising, Gu Sheng pressed a kiss to her forehead before departing.

Once he was gone, Hong Mei pondered briefly and then settled onto his bed.

Inhaling the familiar aroma that surrounded her, she drifted into profound slumber.

As dawn broke, Gu Sheng awoke first.

Stepping outside, he caught sight of the Third Elder approaching from a distance.

Catching his eye, the Third Elder approached smilingly.

'Up already? Slept well? Adjusted to the changes?'

'Quite soundly, thanks for your worry, Third Elder.'

'It's my duty. As long as it suits you, that's enough.'

With that, the Third Elder handed him a small box.

'Gu Sheng, safeguard this well on your travels, and deliver it to Wushuang Taoist upon your return to the Cloud Sea.'

Sensing the energy within, Gu Sheng arched his brows faintly.

'This is a medicinal herb.'

'Correct, an utterly vital remedy, specially sought for Wushuang Taoist. This plant blooms only once every century, so treat it with utmost care.'

'Will this herb neutralize the toxin in Wushuang Taoist?'

'It requires combination with those herbs Wushuang Taoist grows herself. It can purge the poison, though perhaps not entirely. Still, no concerns—as long as some detox occurs, the remainder will prove simpler, so protect it diligently.'

Noting the Third Elder's insistent counsel, Gu Sheng nodded firmly.

'Have no fears, Third Elder; given its significance, I'll defend it with my very life.'

These assurances eased the Third Elder's worries.

As they conversed, the rest of the group began stirring.

Sensing their resolve, Gu Sheng clasped his hands toward the Third Elder.

'Third Elder, today we venture to Kunming Mountain. We entrust Stone Village to your care.'

'Rest easy; travel freely. I'm watching over things.'

Though the Third Elder's statement was light, it weighed heavily in Gu Sheng's mind.

Once assembled, the party farewelled Stone Village's inhabitants and departed for Kunming Mountain.

After two days of journeying, Gu Sheng came to a stop.

Noticing his halt, the companions paused as well.

'Gu Sheng, shall we pause for rest?'

As Lan Yao inquired, Gu Sheng glanced upward at him.

'Do you detect any presence?'

At this, Lan Yao appeared baffled.

'What presence? Demon beasts nearby?'

'Not demon beasts. Probe deeper; you ought to feel it.'

Perplexed, Lan Yao extended his senses, meticulously scanning the area.

Moments later, delight lit his features.

'It's the Elf Clan's presence!'

Confirming he had detected it, Gu Sheng smiled and inclined his head.

'Likely so. They're a fair distance off. Shall we approach?'

Without hesitation, Lan Yao agreed and took the lead.

The others shared looks and trailed after him.

After advancing several more miles, Lan Yao halted.

Remaining stationary, he channeled his divine force through his palms. A pale blue glow emerged as his fingers danced swiftly across his chest. A pattern materialized there; with a thrust of both hands, the azure array scattered outward.

Soon, wisps of presence drifted toward them. Gu Sheng examined them closely; all bore the Elf Clan's signature.

With mutual verification of presences, a band of elves emerged into view.

Spotting Lan Yao, joy surged through them as they advanced to pay respects.

Equally thrilled, Lan Yao extended his hand to assist them upright.

'What brings you here? Did my brother dispatch you?'

'Indeed, the Clan Leader dispatched us. We never anticipated encountering the Second Young Master in this place.'

'Nor did I foresee meeting you. Why has my brother sent you? Trouble in the clan?'

'No cause for alarm, Second Young Master. The clan fares well. The Clan Leader learned of a particular herb's emergence and tasked us with retrieving it.'

'A herb? Its location?'

'Kunming Mountain.'

These words caused a subtle shift in Lan Yao's expression before he turned toward Gu Sheng.

Perceiving his intent, Gu Sheng nodded affirmatively.

At the nod, Lan Yao's visage lit up brightly.

'Such fortune! We're bound for Kunming Mountain too. Since we've crossed paths, travel with us?'

Realizing their goals aligned, the elves beamed with delight and promptly expressed gratitude to Gu Sheng.

Reciprocating politely, Gu Sheng replied, 'No formalities needed, friends. Lan Yao is my brother, and the Elf Clan feels like kin to me.'

These sentiments warmed Lan Yao's heart deeply.

That night, the assembled group established their encampment.

Aware of his brother's needs, Lan Yao informed Gu Sheng, 'The herb my brother seeks holds immense potency. Should it truly manifest and we secure some, you could carry a portion back for Wushuang Taoist; it may aid her.'

After brief reflection, Gu Sheng agreed.

'We'll assess upon arrival. Remember, it's within Kunming Mountain, so we can't violate protocols for the herb.'

Grasping the implication, Lan Yao nodded.

'Fear not; I won't risk our primary objective for the herb. My brother will comprehend.'

'That's fair, yet we ought to strive our utmost. Thus, seek the herb first and proceed accordingly.'

As Kunming Mountain lay ahead, uncertainties abounded, so they held back further words, resolved to address matters as they arose.