Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World

Chapter 74: Chapter 74: An Encounter on the Road (Please Follow)

During the day, after finishing his errands, Gu Sheng returned to a secluded courtyard. Deep into the night, when all was quiet, he finally had the time to earnestly examine the secret scroll of Shapeshifting.

”Shapeshifting, to put it plainly, is using power to manipulate the skin, flesh, and bones of the human body to achieve the goal of altering one’s appearance—even one’s physique can be transformed!”

”As for what that person mentioned about its assistance in Bone Refining, that’s something to think about later. Even if it truly has such divine effects, it would likely require astronomical amounts of time and might only be achievable upon mastering the Perfect Realm. Otherwise, experts in the Bone Refining Realm wouldn’t possibly give up on such a Divine Skill.”

Although this was purchased in the black market...

Gu Sheng didn’t believe that the major factions didn’t have spies or tendrils extending into the black market. If something truly valuable surfaced, it wouldn’t be allowed to slip away.

”Getting started is easy; as long as the power reaches the skin and flesh of the face and performs simple movements, it counts as a success.”

Gu Sheng began channeling his power throughout his body.

Cautiously, he directed it toward his facial area. This was one of the human body’s critical weaknesses, requiring the utmost care.

Following the methods and techniques described in the scroll.

Waves of power ”tempered” the skin membrane on his face. Gradually, Gu Sheng began to feel a surge of heat and a trace of pain there, as though the flesh and skin of his face were ”coming alive.”

He had the sense that he could control minute movements of the flesh.

But as the power dissipated, this sensation gradually faded.

Though entry-level practice was simple...

It wasn’t something that could be achieved all at once.

At this moment, the benefits of mastering Iron Stone Fist in the Great Success realm came to light. Abundant power allowed Gu Sheng to keep trying continuously.

Only when his power had weakened significantly did Gu Sheng finally stop practicing.

His entire face was now burning with pain.

He came to understand the principle behind the Shapeshifting technique.

By stimulating one’s own flesh and bones with power, one could ultimately achieve small-scale manipulation, enabling alterations in appearance and even physical shape.

”However... that person must have held back something; this scroll likely requires specialized ointments or a secret technique to massage and relax the flesh and bones, which could significantly accelerate the cultivation progress.”

”Otherwise, like me now, each practice session would require stopping to let the body recuperate naturally. Any carelessness could lead to torn flesh and fractured bones.”

Gu Sheng seemed to gain some insight in his heart.

No one in the black market was a simple character.

Fortunately, he had his system panel; otherwise, he’d be fumbling around blindly just like everyone else.

”At my current progress rate, I estimate that I can reach entry-level mastery within four or five days. By then, with the effects of my panel, even without the complementary secret techniques or ointments, my speed of improvement will far surpass that of ordinary individuals!”

”Hopefully, the Shapeshifting technique will be usable once it reaches Small Success or Great Success.”

Gu Sheng silently thought to himself.

Soon after, he lay down to rest without removing his clothes. Tomorrow, he would be returning to Gu’s Manor and needed to conserve energy. If they encountered another ambush like the last time, it would be troublesome.

...

The following noon.

Gu Renbing called for the coachmen and porters to start distributing the procured goods. A few villagers who had come along were already waiting nearby.

Gu Sheng, naturally, was among them.

He noticed Gu Jingang at the forefront, speaking in hushed tones with a few Martial Artists. Gu Sheng didn’t join them and refrained from greeting them. Ever since deciding to conceal his strength, Gu Sheng had deliberately distanced himself from the circle of Martial Artists in Gu’s Manor.

Gu Xiaojiang had invited him several times, but Gu Sheng had made excuses to decline.

Everyone knew that Gu’s Manor’s famed sharpshooter wasn’t adept at socializing and only focused on solitary, rigorous cultivation.

”Let’s move out!”

Gu Renbing shouted loudly, and the convoy steadily began heading toward the city gates.

Gu Sheng kept a low profile as he mixed in with the group.

Soon enough...

Gu’s Manor convoy exited the city gates. Suddenly, there was some commotion within the group.

Gu Sheng looked up and saw another convoy approaching them from the distance, heading toward them. This convoy bore a resemblance to Gu’s Manor’s, but...

It was adorned with flags emblazoned with the insignia of the Li family stronghold.

”It’s the Li family stronghold’s convoy... But what’s Han Lu doing here? Has the Li family stronghold become this brazen?”

Gu Sheng’s sharp instincts kicked in.

At the center of the Li family stronghold convoy, the curtain of a carriage cabin was lifted, revealing Han Lu’s recognizable bristly beard.

Han Lu made no attempt to hide himself.

Upon spotting Gu’s Manor convoy, he laughed heartily and called out:

”Ah, so it’s the convoy from Gu’s Manor. What a coincidence!”

Gu Jingang’s eyes narrowed, and he retorted sarcastically:

”How thoughtful of Gang Leader Han to personally escort the Li family stronghold convoy into the city. If not for the flags being displayed, I would have thought this was a convoy from the Black Sand Gang.”

Han Lu wasn’t offended. He chuckled shamelessly and said:

”Come now, Gu Jingang, don’t twist words. The Li family stronghold suffered from bandits last year, losing nearly all their Martial Artists. This year, they paid the annual tribute in full. Naturally, we of the Black Sand Gang must show diligence, otherwise others might claim we take money and fail to deliver.”

He gave Gu’s Manor convoy a deliberate once-over and clicked his tongue, adding:

”If your Gu’s Manor wishes, I can escort you as well. It’d save you trouble in case any bandits show up on the road. We’re all acquaintances—five hundred taels of silver should suffice.”

The members of Gu’s Manor turned pale with anger.

Gu Jingang stared daggers at Han Lu, letting out a cold snort:

”No need for your effort, Gang Leader Han. If any ignorant bandits dare appear, I, Gu Jingang, will crush their skulls with one punch!”

His words carried a murderous edge.

With that, he gave a low command to those behind him and turned away from Han Lu, urging Gu’s Manor convoy to speed up and avoid the Li family stronghold convoy.

Gu Sheng kept his head down, avoiding Han Lu’s gaze as it swept over Gu’s Manor convoy.

As the two convoys passed each other, Gu Sheng caught a glimpse of Han Lu sneering disdainfully before retreating into his carriage. Faintly, he heard a coquettish, seductive voice coming from inside:

”Oh, Master Han~ Don’t lose your temper. Why bother stooping to the level of those impertinent folks from Gu’s Manor~”

Soon enough, Han Lu’s hearty, raucous laughter echoed out, carrying a trace of debauchery.

As the distance between the two convoys grew, the sounds completely faded.

Gu Sheng silently smirked.

This deputy gang leader of Black Sand Gang truly knew how to indulge himself, even traveling with a concubine. Just hearing her voice revealed her to be an alluring seductress.

Recalling Han Lu’s earlier words, Gu Sheng mentally raised his guard.

Although he suspected Han Lu was merely causing annoyance, there was no harm in being cautious.

Gu’s Manor convoy continued its slow journey outward from the city. Because of the earlier encounter with Han Lu and the Li family group, the atmosphere in the convoy felt rather tense.

...

The mood couldn’t have been more different for the Black Sand Gang.

Han Lu was currently enjoying himself, laughing wildly amidst indulgent pleasures.

A pair of slender, lotus-like arms were wrapped around Han Lu’s neck, gently feeding him pastries. Gazing back at him were seductive, enchanting eyes. The woman wore a plunging red dress that accentuated her bewitching charm to its fullest.

She was undeniably stunning, but more than that, her wantonness was incomparable to any respectable woman.

Han Lu toyed with the soft curves of the beauty’s waist, squinting his eyes in a dazed enjoyment.

The woman leaned close to Han Lu’s ear, her rosy lips parting slightly as she whispered:

”Master Han~ Did you manage to find out the information I asked about last time? Was there anyone in the Black Sand Gang who hunted a silver fox last year~~”