Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World

Chapter 144: Chapter 105: First-level Strong Body! The Giant Axe Butcher! _2

Very quickly.

He stepped through the gates of Canghe County.

At the city gates, a crowd was gathered before the bulletin board. On it, the list of wanted criminals was periodically updated, featuring various villains.

However, their cultivation levels rarely reached high places, most being merely physically stronger than the average person. Only a few were Martial Artists of the Stone Skin Realm, with Martial Artists of the Iron Skin Realm being exceedingly rare—almost never listed here.

Gu Sheng swept a glance over the list, committing the current roster to memory before turning away.

He had no intention of rushing into completing the qualification task.

Before that, there was something he needed to handle—retrieving his custom-made weapon.

The black market had reopened half a month ago, but Gu Sheng had already contacted the vendor who used to have a stall there. He had commissioned a giant axe!

Once he became a bounty hunter, Gu Sheng didn’t want others to associate him with his real identity. Thus, he decided on a thorough disguise, avoiding the use of his signature archery skills, and even limiting the use of his Iron Stone Fist. Fortunately, the power of the First-level Chopping Wood technique was equally formidable—enough for Gu Sheng’s needs.

After wandering around the outer city a few times, Gu Sheng soon stopped in front of an alley. In the distance, he could see beggars and vagrants dressed in rags, faintly aware of lurking gazes. But when Gu Sheng’s sharp eyes swept over them, those gazes instantly retreated in fear, overridden by dread.

The current Gu Sheng, of course, did not reveal his true appearance.

His face was thick and rugged, with bulging muscles, his height reaching an imposing 1.8 meters. His gaze projected ferocity—a perfect image of a burly brute. This physique represented the limits of his physical transformation without activating the First-level Strong Body technique. It was also the persona Gu Sheng had crafted for his bounty hunter identity.

”Blacksmith, I’m here for the axe.”

Gu Sheng spoke in a deep, gruff voice.

Before long.

The lock rattled, the door opened, and out stepped a plainly dressed woman with ordinary features. The only striking detail was her bare arms under short sleeves—muscular and sculpted even more prominently than Gu Sheng’s own.

She was none other than the vendor from the black market.

Her true name remained unknown; Gu Sheng simply referred to her as ”Blacksmith.”

After multiple collaborations, the two had developed a certain connection and trust over time.

The woman gave Gu Sheng a quick glance.

”Over there. Fetch it yourself.”

Her words were as sparse as always. As she finished speaking, she turned toward the weapon rack and resumed hammering metal.

Gu Sheng wasn’t surprised. He surveyed the courtyard, noticing scattered weapons displayed everywhere. Each piece could easily be considered exquisite by external standards. The ”Blacksmith’s” craftsmanship was indeed excellent and reliable, earning her many loyal customers.

His gaze landed on a giant axe.

The axe was completely black, its full length reaching two meters. Its broad blade gleamed with a chilling light, and the polished surface was as smooth as a mirror. Its sharp tip extended murderously—a weapon made solely for destruction!

One could imagine the sheer brutality of wielding this ferocious axe to execute the Chopping Wood maneuver.

Gu Sheng’s eyes sparkled as he stepped forward to grab the giant axe.

Immediately, he felt its substantial weight. With his current strength, wielding it was perfect—not too cumbersome or tiring.

”This axe weighs one hundred and eight pounds. Its main material is refined iron, and I’ve treated the blade with added coldstone, making it extraordinarily tough and sharp. It won’t blunt easily—you can use it without worry.”

The Blacksmith’s voice sounded from the side.

Only when discussing her craft did she speak more at length. Gu Sheng turned to look and saw the Blacksmith’s eyes glinting with satisfaction—not directed at him, but at the axe clutched in his hand.

He grinned, his rugged face scrunching into a heap:

”Thanks, Blacksmith.”

She shook her head coldly.

”The remaining eighty silver—no thanks necessary.”

Gu Sheng couldn’t help but chuckle. He pulled out a silver note from his pouch and handed it over. The Blacksmith’s personality was as unique as ever. The axe was undoubtedly expensive, but Gu Sheng considered it worth every coin—armed with this axe, his combat abilities were bound to rise!

He hoisted the axe and left of his own accord.

Both shared an unpretentious approach.

The Blacksmith watched Gu Sheng’s retreating figure, a trace of contemplation flickering in her gaze:

”To easily heft a hundred-and-eight-pound axe, he must be at the Blood Refining Realm. Even if he isn’t, he must possess innate immense strength. He’s certainly capable.”

”But that has nothing to do with me—I’m just a weaponsmith, nothing more.”

She suppressed her stray thoughts and refocused on the metals before her. Those who saw her true form were generally long-time clients who’d built a certain level of rapport.

She wasn’t concerned about Gu Sheng harboring any ill intentions. After all, she was far from a defenseless, feeble woman.

...

Gu Sheng exited the alley, the axe strapped to his back. Taller than a person by a full stretch, paired with his rugged, imposing visage, he exuded an aura of intimidation—none dared to provoke him.

”Another eighty silver gone. If I don’t start earning seriously, I won’t have any funds left for cultivating soon.”

He took a deep breath and headed out of the city.

He had already decided on his target among the wanted criminals. In these past months, aside from training, he had been steadily building up knowledge about the territory of Canghe County. For him, tracking down one of these criminals was no longer a significant challenge.

The sun sank in the western sky.

A burly figure stopped before the county court gates, an axe strapped to his back and a blood-dripping head held in his left hand. The sight made passersby tremble with fear.

The constables on duty exchanged glances, their hearts racing. Swiftly, they stepped forward to ask:

”Hero, may we ask if you’re here for the bounty hunter qualification?”

Gu Sheng’s voice rumbled:

”Indeed. This is the head—please verify it for me.”

With that, he tossed the dripping head over, letting it roll to the dusty ground, looking even more gruesome. The constables scrambled to pick it up, not daring to display any anger in the slightest. The burly man before them was clearly a dangerous figure—one not to be trifled with!