Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World

Chapter 49: Chapter 49: Dust Settles

The long-lost sound of arrows piercing through the air was even more distinct than before. Despite its clarity, the speed was astonishingly fast. Just as everyone barely became aware, the arrow had already shot straight at Zhang Da’s face. If it were an ordinary bandit, their eyeballs would undoubtedly have been shattered by the arrow.

Gu Xiaojiang’s bloodshot eyes widened, hoping for a miracle.

Yet, in the very next moment.

Everyone’s hearts sank.

They saw Zhang Da’s initially forward-leaping body suddenly halt mid-motion. With a step of his foot, he retreated awkwardly, swinging his long blade swiftly. The arrow aimed at his eye was instantly cut apart and deflected. He burst into maniacal laughter:

”You little rat hiding in the shadows—I’ve been waiting for you!”

He had been observing for a long time.

Though the marksman in the shadows had an extraordinary mastery of archery, they were far from being a martial artist. Zhang Da’s Refining Skin technique had reached the Iron Skin level; as long as he protected his vulnerable areas like his eyes, even if hit, the injuries would only be minor and far from lethal. In fact, the arrows might not even break through his defenses!

Moments ago, he had intentionally exposed a flaw to lure Gu Sheng into action.

However, he was still shocked by Gu Sheng’s archery skills. The arrows were swift and cunning, leaving even Zhang Da, who had been prepared, in a precarious position. He could feel the bone-chilling presence on the arrow.

Gu Xiaojiang’s gaze turned dim with despair.

Gu Dajiang was rushing over desperately, taking a brutal strike from the Wolf Fang Club. He spat blood, now drawing closer yet still unable to reach.

Zhang Da moved forward again with a burst of laughter, utterly unwilling to waste even a moment.

But his expression suddenly shifted as a surge of danger filled his senses. A subtle, near-inaudible whistling sound crept into his ears. Unlike the deafening roar of the previous arrow, this one was stealthy and unexpected, trailing closely behind the first arrow such that he only realized it when it was too late!

Gu Sheng had fired two arrows in quick succession!

Gu Sheng’s gaze was icy cold.

From the very beginning, he had never intended for the first arrow to succeed. Zhang Da was far too wary and cunning to expose such an obvious opening.

The first arrow was merely a lure. Gu Sheng deliberately used a special drawing technique to amplify its sound slightly. The second arrow was launched immediately afterward!

This was the utmost limit of what he could achieve.

The second arrow was his true killing strike!

Gu Erniu, standing nearby, was dumbfounded. Such archery was simply beyond the realm of words.

Zhang Da’s hair stood on end. The arrow was too fast, leaving him no time to wield his blade. Gritting his teeth, he used his left arm to shield his eyes and continued retreating.

Swish!

The spinning arrow collided with Zhang Da’s darkened arm. The iron point of the arrow met immense resistance, as though striking reinforced steel. What could have been a powerful shot to pierce a throat ultimately managed only to barely embed half the arrowhead.

Gu Sheng’s eyes revealed a trace of regret.

If his mastery of archery had reached beyond the Perfect level, producing additional effects, he might have been able to tear through a Refining Skin martial artist’s defenses.

Alternatively, if he himself were a martial artist wielding a three-stone bow or even a four-stone bow, he could have pierced Zhang Da’s arms and shattered his eyeballs.

But there were no ”ifs.”

He had already pushed himself to his limit.

Shooting a third arrow at this point wouldn’t make much of a difference. From such a distance, hitting the vital points of a martial artist was exceedingly difficult. If he were closer, perhaps the arrow might strike the eyes, but doing so would put Gu Sheng in immediate danger.

”Now, we leave it up to fate,”

Gu Sheng thought silently, glancing at Gu Xiaojiang, who was struggling to get up, and at Gu Dajiang, who was desperately rushing over.

The arrow had been coated with Black Blood Powder.

If luck favored them, Gu Dajiang might have a chance to save Gu Xiaojiang; however, Gu Sheng knew the odds were slim.

The Black Blood Powder likely wouldn’t take effect so quickly.

Gu Sheng and Gu Erniu quickly shifted positions while keeping a close watch on the battlefield. If victory was utterly beyond their grasp, fleeing was the only option. Dying meaninglessly here would serve no purpose. Gu Sheng had already done everything he could; at the very least, he was at peace with himself.

At that moment, Zhang Da’s left arm, pierced by the arrow, burned with the pain of torn flesh, prompting him to scream in agony.

”You despicable wretch! Don’t let Grandpa Zhang Da catch you!”

He yanked out the arrow and roared into the sky.

”I’m going to kill that brat today—let’s see who dares stop me!”

Blood drenched Zhang Da’s left arm, making him look even more ferocious. He stared viciously at Gu Xiaojiang, who, though severely maimed, was still stubbornly trying to rise. Wielding his blade in his right hand, he aimed to charge forth once again!

But suddenly, his body froze abruptly, his bloodstream slowing dramatically. His entire physique stiffened and grew numb, an increasingly intense sensation.

”The arrow is poisoned!”

Shock and fury engulfed Zhang Da’s mind; he nearly ground his teeth into powder.

Fate sometimes plays cruel tricks.

Under normal circumstances, Black Blood Powder wouldn’t activate so swiftly. But its effects were exacerbated by Zhang Da’s earlier consumption of the Blood Boiling Pill stored between his teeth.

The Blood Boiling Pill, a medicine passed down by the Fire Worship Cult, doubles blood circulation speed upon consumption. This pill is particularly potent for Refining Skin martial artists and also offers benefits to Blood Refining realm fighters.

Its downside lies in subsequent weakness requiring recovery, and excessive use could harm the martial artist’s foundation.

To most fighters, however, it’s a powerful trump card, enabling explosive bursts of strength in critical moments.

Having received the Blood Boiling Pill from Wang Chong, Zhang Da had always treasured it. But without options moments prior, he had no choice but to use it. Who would’ve thought that it would now turn into his fatal flaw!

Accelerated blood circulation spread the Black Blood Powder through Zhang Da’s system with unprecedented speed, even amplifying the poison’s effect.

His muscles grew numb; dizziness clouded his mind, leaving Zhang Da unable to focus on pursuing Gu Xiaojiang.

Gu Sheng noticed Zhang Da’s strange state with a flicker of suspicion.

Logically, the Black Blood Powder shouldn’t be acting this fiercely.

Meanwhile, Wang Chong, also having taken a Blood Boiling Pill, charged forward yet again, his massive muscles swelling. With his Wolf Fang Club, he aimed to intercept Gu Dajiang.

But Gu Dajiang was wholly focused on saving his son, unwilling to waste time engaging Wang Chong. His left fist transformed into an iron-like hue and struck fiercely like a hammer. Yet, a flesh-and-blood body—even honed with Refining Skin techniques, which don’t reach the bones—is no match for a massive weapon.

Crack!

Gu Dajiang’s left arm drooped lifelessly, the entire limb a mangled mess of flesh.

Wang Chong hadn’t anticipated Gu Dajiang’s audacity—choosing to sacrifice his arm to save his son. This brief shock allowed Gu Dajiang to seize the chance and dart forward instantly.

Gu Dajiang stared at his son’s pitiful state, a deep rage filling his bloodshot eyes.

”You damned bastard... I’ll take your life!”

His right hand gripped a thick-backed blade firmly. Even an injured Blood Refining realm expert was leagues ahead of Zhang Da, particularly now that Zhang Da was poisoned by Black Blood Powder.

Slash!

Gu Dajiang’s blade swept downward like a torrential waterfall, unleashing all his fury and grief in a single strike. An overwhelming force sliced Zhang Da cleanly in two, splitting him at the waist!

Blood, shattered bones, and organs sprayed everywhere in an instant, painting a chilling scene.

Gu Dajiang stood covered in blood, his farmer-like figure now resembling a terrifying demon.

Even Gu Sheng froze for a moment.

But he quickly snapped awake, realizing Zhang Da’s death didn’t settle everything. Though Zhang Da was dead, he had achieved his goal—Gu Dajiang’s left arm was crippled, leaving him unable to fend off Wang Chong.

Wang Chong’s fury erupted like an inferno upon seeing his trusted aide cut down. With the Wolf Fang Club in his grasp, he stomped forward, embodying an enormous predator.

Everyone’s hearts trembled.

Then.

A figure raced toward the battlefield in the distance—a towering bald man with a tiger-like gait, each stride covering a tremendous distance.

”You damned scoundrels! It’s your Grandpa Jingang’s turn to send you to hell!!”

Though the man was still far away, his ferocious aura had already engulfed the battlefield. With muscles bulging and veins surging, he hurled a slab of green stone, half the height of a man, aiming fiercely at Wang Chong.

Unstoppable and overwhelming.

The people of Gu’s Manor burst into cheers of joy and excitement.

Gu Sheng finally breathed a sigh of relief, slumping onto the ground.

”Gu Jingang... You finally showed up, damn it...”

With reinforcements now arriving, Gu’s Manor was saved.