Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World

Chapter 188: Chapter 119: Followers of the Fire Cult! Thirst Blood Axe!_2

The man in black across from him fell into contemplation.

After several tests, Gu Sheng was able to deal with them effortlessly. Without a doubt, he was associated with the Holy Sect. However, absorbing the Black Sand Gang required careful consideration.

Nevertheless, there was no denying that he was tempted.

Bringing a Bone Refining Realm master with his own faction into the Holy Sect would be a considerable achievement. Once his cultivation reached the requisite level, he might even have a chance to undergo the Sacred Fire Ritual and ascend to core membership!

”Since that’s the case, find an opportunity to reveal the existence of the Holy Sect. See if he has the willingness to join. If he does, I’ll personally meet him next time. You can offer him conditions: if he chooses to join the Holy Sect, we’ll help him survive his current predicament.”

”Understood, I heed your command!”

Gu Sheng’s voice was filled with fervent zeal.

”Anything else?”

The man in black asked.

Gu Sheng’s heart trembled, and he finally revealed the true purpose of this visit.

”I have one request. My cultivation has nearly stagnated. I wish to purchase Bone Protecting Pills through the channels of the Holy Sect.”

After speaking, Gu Sheng cautiously observed the man in black. If anything seemed amiss, he’d strike first!

The man in black froze momentarily, then cast a deep gaze at Gu Sheng.

”It seems you’ve done quite well in the Black Sand Gang these past two years. Your cultivation is impressive.”

He hadn’t expected Gu Sheng’s cultivation to surpass his own, but he could deduce why Gu Sheng had suddenly contacted him after two years of radio silence. The prior silence, framed as a strategic retreat, was essentially semi-detachment.

Now, reestablishing contact turned out to be a result of lacking cultivation resources!

Realizing this, he chuckled inwardly with a hint of superiority. Though Gu Sheng’s cultivation was slightly higher than his, he was still restrained by circumstances. Martial artists from these small localities always faced resource shortages.

Bone Protecting Pills were indeed valuable.

However, purchasing them externally wasn’t overly difficult. After all, owning them didn’t guarantee breaking through Bone Refining Realm. Many had used numerous pills without ever succeeding.

He spoke indifferently:

”Bone Protecting Pills are naturally available through the Holy Sect. However, as a Blue Fire member, you’re limited to buying three pills annually at external market prices. One pill costs three thousand silver; three pills cost ten thousand.”

Three pills!

Gu Sheng couldn’t suppress his excitement and bowed respectfully:

”Then please, honored sir, purchase three pills for me.”

He understood the implication of the man’s words—it was clearly a suggestion for a bribe. No one would sincerely offer three pills for ten thousand silver out of goodwill.

Seeing Gu Sheng catch on, the man in black nodded with satisfaction.

”It seems you’ve indeed prospered in the Black Sand Gang. Here’s the plan: use the next seven days to probe Zhao Honglie’s situation. We’ll meet again in seven days, and I’ll bring the Bone Protecting Pills then.”

”Yes, honored sir!”

”If there’s nothing else, leave now. Do not contact me casually unless there’s something critical. The Holy Sect cannot be as public as before; caution and dormancy are imperative.”

Gu Sheng’s heart stirred. He respectfully agreed and swiftly flew off into the distance.

After a short while.

The reeds swayed slightly, and another tall, imposing figure dressed in black appeared. The first man in black immediately lowered himself in a reverent salute:

”Honored sir!”

The burly man in black nodded lightly, his gaze fixed on the far horizon.

He was the highest-ranking member in the outer periphery of Canghe County.

”Honored sir, do you find this person’s claims credible?”

”Likely credible. He is familiar with the codes and workings of the Holy Sect. He should have joined during the Yun Province rebellion years ago. However, as for his loyalty to the Holy Sect, that’s questionable.”

He sneered coldly.

Feigned death for two years, and only when faced with cultivation resource issues did he reconnect with the Holy Sect. He deeply despised such people. If Gu Sheng hadn’t provided useful information about the Black Sand Gang, he might have already considered taking him out.

”The Black Sand Gang... if I can bring them under my command, once I advance to Bone Refining Realm, I can naturally ascend to core membership in the Holy Sect!”

A glint of excitement flickered in his eyes as he commanded:

”Take the next few days to thoroughly investigate the Black Sand Gang. If this person is fabricating false intelligence to swindle Bone Protecting Pills, he’ll meet an agonizing end!”

His words carried a murderous chill.

Although Gu Sheng’s cultivation was at the Perfect Blood Refining Realm, the burly man had already completed over half of his bone refinement. He was far superior to average Perfect Blood Refining cultivators. Furthermore, he had extra hands to assist, ensuring he would have no trouble dealing with Gu Sheng.

The first man in black nodded respectfully but hesitated:

”And regarding the Bone Protecting Pills...”

”Prepare them for now. Wang Daniu’s cultivation isn’t bad. If he truly dedicates himself to the Holy Sect in the future, he could be a good addition. Nevertheless, come seven days from now, bring two more companions just in case. If he harbors treacherous intent, we’ll address him immediately!”

”Understood, honored sir!”

”When the pills are sold for ten thousand silver, deduct six thousand for external tribute, and keep one thousand for yourself.”

”Thank you, honored sir!”

After finalizing their plans, both figures leapt away.

If Gu Sheng knew how blackhearted this man truly was, he would be speechless.

Still, he hadn’t intended to pay.

Ten thousand silver was too much; he simply couldn’t afford it.

There was no choice but to borrow from the Fire Worship Sect. Borrowing from them posed no psychological burden for him.

...

After circling the area for a while, Gu Sheng returned to Gu’s Manor.

Reflecting on tonight’s meeting with the Fire Worship Sect agents, a flicker of uncertainty flashed in his eyes.

”The Fire Worship Sect is sinister and unorthodox. They mustn’t be overly trusted. These two men are so cautious, requiring seven days just to obtain Bone Protecting Pills. It’s highly likely they lack core members in Canghe County. In fact, these two may very well be the highest-ranking members here!”

”Tonight I managed to get by, but if I get too involved, future escape will be nearly impossible.”

Gu Sheng made a firm decision.

”Finish this job, then sever ties with this network entirely. Three Bone Protecting Pills should be enough for now. Once I figure out a way to obtain one more pill, I’ll complete my advancement to Bone Refining Realm. At worst, I’ll use Li Hu’s identity to seek out Ge Qing...”