Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World

Chapter 115: Chapter 95: Great Success Serpent Breath! Enlightenment of the Truth!_3

The procurement team, led by the steward Gu Renbing, slowly left the manor. The team stretched out like a long serpent, very similar to when Gu Sheng had entered the city for the first time.

As before, it was Gu Dajiang and Gu Xiaojiang leading the team as father and son.

The difference was that Gu Sheng’s identity had now completely transformed.

The team moved forward along the road.

There were no disturbances along the way. Gu Xiaojiang, vigilant from time to time, was a stark contrast to his demeanor during Gu Sheng’s first trip to the city. The encounter during that first trip — narrowly escaping death — had changed him greatly, making his personality far more cautious.

Luckily.

There were no troubles along the way. Ever since Liu Yuanhu became the interim magistrate of Canghe County, he held complete authority over the area. Many mountain bandits dared not act too recklessly, lest they provoke an eradication campaign.

Gu Xiaojiang spoke quietly with Gu Sheng, discussing insights into cultivation, various experiences, and amusing anecdotes.

Suddenly, he sighed and remarked:

”Asheng, I actually understand my father’s intentions. He doesn’t want me to stress too much, hoping I can maintain a balance between work and relaxation. But there’s no helping it—if I don’t push myself, how can I possibly advance to the Blood Refining Realm before the age of eighteen?”

Gu Sheng did not know what to say in response. After a moment of silence, he said:

”Xiao Jiang, your talent is remarkable. Now that your Iron Stone Fist has even reached the Great Achievement Realm, don’t you have it in your grasp?”

Gu Xiaojiang shook his head, his gaze somewhat melancholy.

”Hard to say.”

”With my talent and the resources allocated to me within the manor, advancing to the Jade Skin Realm before the end of this year is practically a sure thing—perhaps even faster. But the real challenge lies in advancing to the Blood Refining Realm.”

The two rode tall horses, silently pulling away from the rest of the group.

Gu Sheng tilted his head to listen.

”Like I told you before, to advance to the Blood Refining Realm, the first requirement is extensive medicinal baths to push the transformation of one’s flesh and blood to its limit. That part isn’t difficult for me. With my Iron Stone Fist having reached Great Success, coupled with ample resources, I can achieve that within seven or eight months.”

”The challenge lies in the second step.”

Gu Xiaojiang suddenly rubbed his face, his expression troubled.

”The second step requires the fusion of power with flesh and blood, creating Qi Blood Power. This bottleneck can stymie even those without talent for a lifetime—and that’s not uncommon. While I’m confident I can break through, the timing is uncertain.”

He glanced at Gu Dajiang and continued:

”My father took several years to break through the Blood Refining Realm back then. For me to do it faster—it’s incredibly difficult.”

Gu Sheng nodded silently.

For most people, that was indeed the case. Getting stuck at a bottleneck for a lifetime was all too common.

Many martial artists, unable to break through, might eventually give up, turning instead to a life of pleasure-seeking or chasing wealth and status. Others might persist, allowing time and effort to gradually erode the barrier, eventually breaking through.

Gu Sheng had long known that practicing martial arts was a grueling endeavor—it wasn’t something everyone could sustain for ten years, day in and day out.

Talent mattered. But persistence was just as critical.

”Just go with the flow. Keep a relaxed mind. If you tighten up too much, it might be even harder to break through the bottleneck.”

This was all he could say to console him.

Gu Xiaojiang said nothing.

The convoy slowly passed Bull Mountain. Suddenly, Gu Xiaojiang broke into a smile and said:

”Asheng, do you remember this place? If it weren’t for you that time, there’d be no Gu Xiaojiang here today.”

Gu Sheng smiled as well.

Back then, his archery had just reached the Perfect Realm. On his first trip to the city, he’d stumbled upon rogue troops fleeing from Yun Province.

”Of course, I remember. To be honest, though, most of it was for my own survival.”

Gu Xiaojiang laughed in surprise, pointing at Gu Sheng.

”You sly one...”

Then, leaning in closer, he suddenly whispered:

”Asheng, did you know that trip wasn’t just about procuring supplies—it was also to refine the Blood Strengthening Pill. Remember how the manor had hunted that mystical wolf, and you even ate some of its meat...”

He didn’t finish his sentence.

But Gu Sheng instantly understood. They had taken the blood of the mystical wolf to the city to look for Pill Master Ge Qing to refine the Blood Strengthening Pill. In the city, the only one capable of handling such a task and within reach of Gu’s Manor was none other than Pill Master Ge Qing.

The realization flashed in his eyes. No wonder Gu Dajiang and his son had been rushing about so much that time, leaving early and returning late.

The Blood Strengthening Pill had a fixed price—at least five hundred taels of silver per pill!

And it was usually impossible to even buy one.

Gu Xiaojiang revealing this proved he truly trusted Gu Sheng deeply.

Gu Sheng hadn’t spoken yet when Gu Xiaojiang softly sighed:

”Originally, there was one Blood Strengthening Pill meant for my father. But that time, he suffered grave injuries, believing his hopes for the martial path were gone. That’s why he wanted me to take the pill instead. I think—if I can break through this bottleneck on my own, maybe he’ll agree to keep it for himself. That would improve his health too.”

A parent’s love for their child always runs deep.

Yet children who care for their parents also hold them close in their hearts.

Gu Sheng patted Gu Xiaojiang’s shoulder, saying nothing more. He couldn’t help with something like this—after all, he had no bottlenecks to speak of, nor could he assist Gu Xiaojiang in breaking through realms.

But after venting, Gu Xiaojiang seemed to feel much better.

He glanced back at Bull Mountain and sneered:

”That bastard Wang Chong—injuring my father and ambushing Gu’s Manor’s convoy. One day, when I reach the Blood Refining Realm, I’ll hunt him down and kill him!”

Gu Sheng merely smiled and nodded.

Privately, however, he doubted the chance of success. Over the past year or so, Wang Chong hadn’t shown his face. He might have already left Canghe County.

The journey remained uneventful.

The convoy from Gu’s Manor safely entered the city.

After routine procurement, Gu Sheng took advantage of the night to buy over ten portions of Blood Nourishing Powder on the black market. As a result, his liquid funds had dropped to just over one hundred taels of silver. Were it not for his continuous efforts to sell off some medicinal powders and weapons he had acquired before, his wealth would have already dried up.

At present, Gu Sheng held just over one hundred taels in cash.

Additionally, he still had the jewelry and ornaments obtained from Li Yu, worth a little over one hundred taels as well. Once he advanced to the Blood Refining Realm, he could discreetly change his appearance and sell them off.

Gu Sheng needed to save up some funds. Once he broke through to the Blood Refining Realm, he planned to attend the black market auction to see if any body-strengthening martial arts suited him.

The sooner he started training, the better the results.

Two days later.

The convoy from Gu’s Manor returned, still without encountering any disturbances. Gu Sheng received three taels of silver, bid farewell to Gu Xiaojiang, and returned home.

His heart was already swollen with anticipation.

Next up: completing the final three medicinal baths to advance to the Blood Refining Realm!