Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World

Chapter 138: Chapter 103: The Black Sand Ceremony! Blood Refining Small Success!_2

[Name]: Gu Sheng

[Age]: 16

[Realm]: Blood Refining Realm (entry-level)

[Martial Arts]: Chopping Wood (First-level Tearing), Archery (First-level Penetration), Iron Stone Fist (Perfect 90%), Shapeshifting (Perfect 71%), Snake Breath Skill (Great Success 31%)

...

Two Perfect martial arts skills and one Great Success martial arts skill had made Gu Sheng’s martial arts foundation far deeper than before.

As the saying goes, mastering one technique leads to mastery of all techniques. Human comprehension is not fixed, and Gu Sheng has the support of his panel.

Every time he perfected a martial art, it was also a process of growth in his martial arts insight.

”Let’s see how long it takes to master Flying Thunder Leg!”

With high morale, Gu Sheng flipped open the martial arts manual.

”Flying Thunder Leg emphasizes the movement of the leg like a thunder strike—swift and fierce. To make quicker progress, matching it with the Plum Blossom Poles is needed. It is divided into static and dynamic techniques...”

With his prior martial arts accumulation, Gu Sheng comprehended the skill rapidly.

...

Just as Gu Sheng was refining the Blood Strengthening Pill.

Zhao Honglie led several senior figures of the Black Sand Gang through the county office’s main gate. From a distance, he saw Liu Yuanhu’s figure appear and heartily laughed:

”Boss Zhao, what a rare guest, truly! Just this morning, I said there was a bird hovering over my courtyard, disturbing my dreams. Turns out it was a welcoming sign for distinguished guests! Fortunately, I didn’t slap that silly bird dead.”

Liu Yuanhu chuckled as he looked at Zhao Honglie and his entourage, completely devoid of his prior ruthless overbearing demeanor seen in the barren mountains. Instead, he now resembled a sociable and gentle wealthy merchant.

The other Black Sand Gang high-level members all frowned.

But Zhao Honglie laughed heartily:

”Master Liu, you jest! How could I possibly be such a rare guest? You truly flatter me beyond measure!”

”After Master Liu’s promotion, I should have come often to pay my respects. Alas, the cumbersome affairs of the gang kept me tied down. I pray Master Liu does not take offense. I heard this morning that Master Liu eradicated a stronghold of villains. I came specially to congratulate you!”

His otherwise plain eyes squinted, seemingly smiling, but faintly revealing a sharp glint.

”Come forward, present the gift our Black Sand Gang prepared for Master Liu!”

Straightaway, a gang member stepped up carrying a brocade box.

Liu Yuanhu’s smile remained fixed as he glanced at Zhao Honglie and quipped:

”Boss Zhao, your information really travels fast. I had just stepped into the county office, and here you are already at my door! Truly impressive—if I need intel in the future within Canghe County, I’ll be sure to consult Boss Zhao!”

Though his tone sounded casual, the latent coldness in his words was unmistakable.

Zhao Honglie immediately apologized:

”What is Master Liu saying? Everyone who matters in the city knows of this great feat of yours. Please, no need for modesty! I only regret that my news reached too late. Otherwise, I would’ve been the first to fight under your banner, rounding up those criminals so none escaped, ensuring no threats linger to trouble Master Liu in the future.”

He chuckled, sipping his tea.

Liu Yuanhu snorted coldly:

”They’re just petty outlaws who slipped through the cracks. If they dare come knocking at my door, I’ll certainly show them the error of their ways.”

”Naturally, naturally! Should you ever require anything in the future, just say the word to our Black Sand Gang—we wholeheartedly support you.”

Upon hearing Zhao Honglie’s flattering remarks, Liu Yuanhu suddenly smiled and said:

”Now that you mention it, there truly is a matter I’d like Boss Zhao’s assistance with.”

”Master Liu, do tell!”

”Recently, Canghe County has been plagued by rampant banditry. Murderous villains roam freely, endangering both the city and countryside alike. Law and order remain major concerns. I plan to establish the role of ’Blade Catcher’, dedicated to eliminating these criminal outlaws. With Black Sand Gang’s abundant talent, if anyone is willing to take the role, they can become Blade Catchers and claim bounties based on outlaws captured. Naturally, the county won’t treat you unfairly.”

As he spoke, Liu Yuanhu’s gaze sparkled with a smile.

Zhao Honglie paused for a moment before grinning widely:

”Master Liu is truly the upright guardian of the people! I thank Master Liu on behalf of Canghe County’s citizens. Upon returning, I will immediately relay your intentions to the gang. Master Liu’s concerns align entirely with our Black Sand Gang’s goals!”

With a boastful clap to his chest that resounded loudly, the two men’s lively conversation left the surrounding witnesses astounded.

Were it not for knowing Liu Yuanhu had just destroyed Black Sand Gang’s illicit auction market, the others would have easily assumed the two were as close as brothers.

Seeing this unfolding, everyone felt an unspoken realization—one must possess a thick enough skin to become a true leader.

After more conversation, Zhao Honglie finally took his leave with his gang members.

As Zhao Honglie’s figure disappeared into the distance, Liu Yuanhu’s trusted confidant, Zhang Guangqun, leaned closer and whispered in confusion:

”Master Liu, what is Zhao Honglie up to? Is he really planning to surrender and bow to you?”

Liu Yuanhu sneered coldly, casting a glance at the brocade box gifted by Black Sand Gang.

”Zhao Honglie is as cunning as a venomous snake—hesitant and duplicitous. How could he surrender so easily? Even if he did, I wouldn’t believe him. Snakes like him can only bring peace once crushed entirely underfoot.”

Zhang Guangqun understood immediately and ordered the box opened.

Inside, nails were clustered together into a spiked ball, faint traces of blood still visible.

Zhang Guangqun erupted in rage:

”Damn Zhao Honglie! How dare he mock us? Master Liu, let me gather men and deal with them now!”

Liu Yuanhu gestured to dismiss the idea with a hearty laugh:

”No need. I never expected him to present us anything proper anyway. This is his way of advising caution—if we push too far, he’s ready to retaliate and bloody our hands...”

”Besides, I wasn’t planning to eliminate him now anyway. Destroying his gang is inevitable, but for now, letting him run wild doesn’t hurt. Let him enjoy his fleeting freedom a little longer; taking him out is only a matter of time.”

His gaze remained as calm as still water. Zhao Honglie’s arrival and intentions were exactly as he had predicted—a mix of reluctance to start an all-out war and a subtle warning not to overstep boundaries.