Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World Chapter 1132 - 590: Seeking a Place Elsewhere

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Previously on Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World...
Gu Sheng and his companions endured Wang Chunshi's crushing aura suppression for two days and nights, bolstered by Gu Sheng's supportive power, before the door finally opened and they were invited inside. Upon greeting Wang Chunshi, they explained their mission from Wushuang Taoist to obtain High-level Xuan Iron to combat the evil sects' Death Soldiers clad in Mystic Iron Soft Armor. Wang Chunshi rebuffed their requests with sharp disdain, dismissing martial world troubles as irrelevant to Kunming Mountain's isolation and rejecting offers of exchange or assistance, though a disciple's plea for mercy—despite his own punishment—reluctantly granted them a three-day stay with stern warnings against taking any resources.

Once Wang Chunshi departed, the others cast glances at one another.

Rubbing his head, Lan Yao inquired, "Gu Sheng, what’s our plan now? Should we remain or head out?"

At those words, Gu Sheng revealed a sly grin.

"With a chance like this, we ought to stick around, of course."

"He mentioned we can’t take anything from Kunming Mountain, so doesn’t that rule out grabbing the Xuan Iron?"

"He’s already let us remain, showing some give; who can predict what comes after?"

Observing Gu Sheng’s amused expression, the group nodded in agreement.

"Staying beats getting chased off, for sure."

After Bai Yu voiced that, the others chimed in with support.

Gu Sheng guided the team outside and casually questioned a passerby, "Pardon me, where can we set up camp?"

The individual appeared confused at the query.

"Did my master truly permit you to stay here?"

"Indeed."

Receiving that confirmation, he showed clear astonishment but soon dismissed them with a wave, "Apologies, the master hasn’t instructed us to ready rooms for you. Figure it out on your own."

With that said, he rushed away, seemingly wary that Gu Sheng and his companions might follow.

Left with few options, Gu Sheng turned to questioning more folks.

Having consulted everyone nearby, they stood there somewhat stunned.

Though Wang Chunshi permitted their stay, no lodging was provided, indicating they remained outsiders.

Massaging his forehead, Gu Sheng let out a resigned breath.

Shi Lou clutched his belly and whined softly, "Brother Sheng, where will we even bunk down? I’m feeling pretty famished."

As Gu Sheng prepared to reply while eyeing him, a figure caught his peripheral vision, prompting him to intercept their route.

"Senior Wang has granted us permission to remain. Could you point us to a place to settle?"

His statement drew a cold huff from the man.

"Think permission lets you barge into our sect? Keep dreaming. The mountain’s huge—pick any spot. But you’re limited to three days; after that, scram and stay out of our business."

Noting the man’s shifting mood, Gu Sheng knitted his brows.

"We assisted in repelling the evil sect."

"And? My senior brother got disciplined thanks to you lot. Without his intervention, would you even be here? Show some gratitude."

Understanding the source of his irritation, Gu Sheng offered no retort, merely pressing his lips together.

Once the man departed, Gu Sheng faced his companions and stated, "He’s got a point—the Kunming Mountain spans widely, so a thorough look around should uncover a decent spot for us."

"Brother Sheng, does this mean we’re roughing it outdoors again?"

"That’s right. Such an opportunity doesn’t come often; enduring to stay is worth it. Come on, let’s scout a good location."

Gu Sheng directed the team onward, with numerous onlookers stealing peeks but none intervening.

Thanks to Wang Chunshi’s approval, they avoided the base of the mountain and selected a spot midway up the slope.

Gazing at the roomy cavern, Gu Sheng gave an approving nod.

"This makes for a solid base; we’ll make camp here. Lan Yao, hunt down some game for our meal."

"Got it, I’m off."

As Lan Yao set out, Huang Shan gathered a few to tag along.

Right when Gu Sheng aimed to take a seat, Hong Mei tugged him away.

"Wait a moment. With multiple nights ahead, we should arrange things right. Fetch some dry grass."

"Okay."

His tone carried a touch of complaint as he spoke, drawing chuckles from the group.

The team foraged nearby, collecting heaps of dry grass; Hong Mei laid it out evenly for padding, then signaled satisfaction once cozy.

"That’ll do—use the extras to start a fire."

With nods of approval, the group at last settled to relax.

Perched on the plush bedding, Bai Yu chuckled, "A woman in the group really makes all the difference; look how snug we are now. Without Hong Mei, us guys would’ve toughed it out miserably for ages."

"Spot on, completely agree. Brother Sheng and I have adventured far and camped wild plenty, but seldom this cozy."

With that, Shi Lou stretched out comfortably on the bedding.

Catching sight of his pose, Gu Sheng playfully tapped him with a hand.

"Have I ever shortchanged you before?"

"No, but nothing quite this plush. Brother Sheng, pick up some pointers from Hong Mei."

Watching him bob his head while lecturing, Gu Sheng smiled and shook his own.

Soon enough, Lan Yao and Huang Shan returned.

Eyes brightened at the game slung over their shoulders.

"That was fast—bagged so much already?"

"Yeah, who knew the mountain teemed with game; a quick hunt yielded all this. Oddly, the area feels off, like Demon Beasts lurk; I tried drawing them out, but nothing appeared. Might be some around, and we could even grill one up."

Lan Yao joked with a laugh, yet Gu Sheng pondered it seriously.

"You picked up on Demon Beast traces?"

"I believe so, blended faintly with the wild animals’ scents, hard to pinpoint. Still, beasts abound here. We could linger years without starving. Baffling how the Kunming Sect allows them to wander unchecked."

After his words, Gu Sheng rubbed his chin in contemplation.

Amid the bustle, Bai Yu drew near.

"Gu Sheng, you feel something’s amiss?"

"Absolutely. The Kunming Sect folks aren’t feeble; they wouldn’t tolerate loose beasts normally. And with Lan Yao noting Demon Beast presence, I reckon Wang Chunshi placed us here on purpose."