Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World Chapter 7 Wild Wolf

"Finally, I've gained some power to safeguard myself."

Gu Sheng experienced a mild sense of relief.

In these chaotic days, he remained just a weak fourteen-year-old youth. Facing a powerful grown man, he'd stand no chance.

With his woodchopping skill now at Great Success, he could utilize the full might of his body.

If equipped with an axe or hatchet, Gu Sheng believed his fighting ability would surge dramatically.

He headed back to his dwelling.

Gu Sheng ignited the stove and prepared some food.

The rice container was almost depleted, sufficient for only another four or five days.

Since his woodchopping had achieved Great Success, beginning tomorrow, his earnings from chopping would surpass his daily costs for the first time.

"Er Niu still hasn't returned. Has something terrible truly befallen him?"

Gu Sheng sensed a slight unease.

After his meal, he visited Li Lian.

He assisted Li Lian in hauling several pails of water to replenish her storage. Evidently, Li Lian appeared preoccupied, her face far paler from prolonged anxiety.

"Your Er Niu has been away for ages without coming back. If misfortune has struck him, what will become of us?"

Li Lian let out a gentle sigh.

Gu Sheng offered calm reassurance:

"Sister-in-law, none of the manor folks have returned yet. They might be held up in the hills. You should manage the household. Brother Er Niu will definitely come home."

Li Lian gave a quiet nod.

Gu Sheng lacked further options, so he inwardly hoped for Gu Erniu's safe arrival.

Although he possessed enhanced power and his woodchopping had attained the Great Achievement Realm,

the idea of heading solo into the mountains for a search was out of the question. He'd probably fall prey to beasts along the way.

…

The following day.

Gu Sheng resumed his woodchopping duties at the manor.

Upon hitting the Great Success level in woodchopping, he managed to employ his body's complete force, beyond merely cleaving one log. This helped him preserve considerable stamina.

His productivity soared.

During that day, Gu Sheng felled a total of nine hundred logs.

Exceeding his own expectations!

"Nine coins! At last, I can begin accumulating wealth!"

Gu Sheng felt thrilled. Balancing his food needs while saving one coin daily was no small accomplishment.

Consider this.

His father, toiling for the bulk of his years, had scraped together just five hundred and thirty-two copper coins.

"Yet today, my woodchopping proficiency rose by only 4%. It takes roughly two hundred logs to boost it by 1%."

At this pace, Gu Sheng figured it would require almost a month to attain the Perfect stage in woodchopping.

Though it seemed slower than earlier, Gu Sheng realized this speed was exceptionally quick. Many folks, despite decades of chopping, never achieved the Great Achievement Realm.

Utilizing the entirety of one's bodily power.

It appeared straightforward, yet it proved extraordinarily challenging in practice.

…

The steward's residence.

Gu He's expression revealed blatant surprise.

"What? You're saying you managed nine hundred logs?"

In under half a month.

Gu Sheng had utterly shattered Gu He's preconceptions. Initially, Gu He had assumed Gu Sheng might barely hit two hundred logs daily. Now, he handled nine hundred in one go.

This matched the output of two robust grown men.

Gu He rose abruptly.

Despite his interactions with Gu Sheng proving the boy honest, the astonishment lingered.

He yearned to understand Gu Sheng's method.

The pair proceeded to the woodshed.

Before Gu He uttered a word, Gu Sheng positioned a log steadily.

With a pivot of his foot and a swivel of his torso, he lifted the axe and swung it downward. To Gu He, Gu Sheng resembled a taut bowstring snapping loose, exploding with immense force. His movements flowed seamlessly, possessing a natural grace.

Crack!

The log parted cleanly into halves, encountering zero opposition.

Gu He's gaze shone with amazement, and he blurted out:

"What incredible aptitude!"

He readily discerned that Gu Sheng's boosted woodchopping yield stemmed purely from skill, not raw muscle.

"Channeling strength from every part of the body and refining such precise techniques from basic woodchopping—this is extraordinary. If this youth pursued martial arts…"

Gu He pondered briefly before inquiring abruptly:

"You're fourteen years old this year?"

Gu Sheng answered politely:

"Come this winter's end, I'll turn fifteen."

Gu He's eyes gleamed, and he nodded deliberately:

"Fifteen works well. When the manor's lads reach fifteen, they join Gu Jingang's classes to study martial arts. Are you aware?"

"Yes, I am."

"Keep pushing. Seize any opportunity to attempt it. In these perilous times, only strengthening your physique allows self-protection and mastery over your fate. Your talent is immense—don't squander it."

Gu He's advice rang with sincere motivation.

It was unfortunate he served only as a steward. If he belonged to the manor's core lineage, he'd pour resources into this talented youth.

With such gifts, in time, this boy might emerge as yet another martial arts master in the manor.

Regardless,

Gu He quietly vowed to extend as much aid as possible to Gu Sheng moving forward, building a bond that could yield future benefits.

Gu Sheng voiced his sincere thanks.

For Gu He to speak so extensively demonstrated remarkable benevolence.

Walking homeward under the dusk's glow.

Earning nine coins for the very first time lifted Gu Sheng's mood sky-high.

He collected the copper coins from recent days and tallied them meticulously—sixty-nine in all, nearly enough for seventeen pounds of rice husks.

Gazing at the leftover rice in the jar,

Gu Sheng reflected.

"Over the last ten days, I've consumed about ten pounds of rice husks. Luckily, from now on, I can maintain financial equilibrium."

Gu Sheng brimmed with inner delight.

Savoring porridge of rice husks blended with wild veggie roots, plus the final sliver of smoked meat from Gu Erniu, Gu Sheng felt profoundly content.

"Tomorrow, I'll purchase additional rice. It's regrettable, however—no more meat remains."

Even those two tiny portions of smoked meat had quenched his hunger pangs. In the prior ten days, the daily two pounds of rice husks had cost money, but the gains were evident.

Gu Sheng clearly noticed his frame toughening—not as delicate and feeble as previously.

"Continuing this way, I ought to grow even more robust."

Gu Sheng's thoughts swirled,

and he fell asleep on the warm kang bed.

…

Under the nocturnal heavens.

A soft wind whistled. Far off, occasional dog barks and cicada songs echoed, both distant and close.

In his slumber, Gu Sheng's brow creased faintly.

Howl~!

He appeared to catch the wail of a wolf.

Shifting restlessly in sleep, he started groggy, but abruptly snapped alert.

The wolf's call rang as though beside his ear!

His sleepy gaze sharpened instantly. Gu Sheng's eyes widened in alarm.

"Wolves have invaded the village!"

A cold shiver raced across his skin. Despite midsummer's warmth, chills prickled his limbs, and his pulse hammered wildly.

This spelled dire trouble—wolves!

A lone adult with a weapon might repel one wolf, but they hunted in groups. Meeting them in open terrain often meant doom.

"How is this possible? Why would wolves abruptly assault the village?"

Gu Sheng's heartbeat accelerated further. Hearing the howls draw nearer, fear and bewilderment gripped him.

Logically, Gu's Manor boasted many residents. Wolves, being cunning, seldom launched such reckless attacks.

But now wasn't the moment for pondering.

Gu Sheng drew a steadying breath, grabbed the hatchet from the wall inside, and crept toward the entrance. Peering through a gap, he dimly spotted two or three dozen nimble shapes dispersing through the village.

Their forms mirrored fierce resolve in his vision. Gu Sheng inwardly lamented:

"They look dispersed, yet their threat looms larger for ordinary people. By the time the manor's warriors respond, countless villagers may already fall to the wolves' fangs."

Dozens of wolves couldn't topple the manor, but for the villagers, it heralded disaster!

As Gu Sheng eased, thinking the feral wolves had bypassed his home,

a scuffling noise sent tingles across his scalp. His relaxed sinews stiffened once more!

The scrape of talons on soil and the labored panting of a wild wolf pierced the silent night. Gu Sheng warily glanced through the door's slit.

He beheld a sturdy wild wolf scenting the air. With a swift bound, it cleared the courtyard's barrier.

A wolf had targeted this spot!