Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World

Chapter 196: Chapter 121 Gu Jingang’s Thoughts!_2

”Our Gu’s Manor has now pledged allegiance to Liu Yuanhu. Can we truly stay out of the chaos? If I can break through to the Great Success stage of the Blood Refining Realm, the hope for Gu’s Manor’s survival will greatly increase! Perhaps, we might even seize the opportunity amidst the turmoil and rise to greatness!”

Gu Jingang’s voice carried a hint of excitement.

In truth, he had endured for a long time before coming here today. Ever since he experienced the benefits of the Blood Strengthening Pill, he had been eagerly hoping to obtain the next one. Otherwise, relying solely on Blood Nourishing Powder and Strengthening Blood Powder medicinal baths was painfully slow—far too slow.

Originally, he had resigned himself to accepting just one Blood Strengthening Pill as his foundation and had given up further thoughts about it.

But after waiting so long for the clan to acquire two more Blood Strengthening Pills, he found that there wasn’t even a hint of allocation. How could he not be anxious? Though he had brought it up before, the clan’s answer had always been, ”Wait a little longer, wait a little longer.”

Gu Jingang always believed his talent was not inferior. If the clan were willing to fully nurture him, his cultivation today would absolutely surpass this current level.

Gu Jingang’s originally slightly stooped figure slowly straightened as he locked his sharp gaze onto the Great Clan Elder.

The Great Clan Elder remained stoic and, with a heavy thump of his cane, produced a dull echo.

”The decisions of the clan are not up for debate from you!”

”Villages and forts all around us are vanishing or being reorganized, while Gu’s Manor alone remains thriving. This is not achieved by reckless ambition but through cautious and sound actions! The winds of change are fierce now, but the clan has long prepared contingency plans. There is no need for you to worry!”

His beard and hair bristled like an enraged old lion.

Gu Jingang’s momentum stalled.

”Great Clan Elder, are you referring to the dozen or so sets of heavy armor recently forged? There are rumors outside claiming that the Black Sand Gang is secretly mass-producing armor. Can these dozen sets of heavy armor truly ensure our safety?”

”If I were to advance to the Great Success stage of the Blood Refining Realm, working alongside the martial artists within the manor, I could even contend with those at the Perfect stage of the Blood Refining Realm. This is the true path to preservation!”

Gu Jingang’s eyes widened, recalling the countless times he had risked his life for Gu’s Manor over the years. His voice grew increasingly impassioned.

He suddenly ripped off his shirt, revealing the crisscrossing scars that covered his chest and back.

”This one—five years ago, it was left when I pursued a heinous bandit. This slash almost cost me my life!”

”This one—when several youths from the main family were kidnapped, I fought desperately. This stab nearly pierced my heart. If not for my heart being naturally positioned on the right side, Gu Jingang wouldn’t be standing before the Great Clan Elder today!”

He counted the scars one by one, his eyes reddened, recounting his grievances over the years like treasured memories.

”I, Gu Jingang, have been utterly loyal to the main family all these years. I have never harbored a single disloyal thought, even when risking my life. Even today, as I request the Blood Strengthening Pill from the Great Clan Elder, it is for the future of the manor!”

”But you, Great Clan Elder—just because I am not of the main family lineage, just because I am the son of a tenant farmer—you treat me with suspicion. This is unfair to me!”

Gu Jingang glared angrily with eyes full of hostility. Killing intent welled up in his pupils.

He understood that if Gu Changming had reached the same realm as him, the clan would undoubtedly spare no effort in nurturing him, just as they were doing for Gu Xiaojiang now. No matter how it was phrased, it ultimately boiled down to his background. The elders of the clan feared him because of his origins.

Currently, he was Gu’s Manor’s foremost expert, but if he truly broke through to the Great Success stage of the Blood Refining Realm, the clan elders would worry about having no one to restrain him.

The Great Clan Elder’s previously furious expression gradually softened. His hand trembled slightly before he finally let out a sigh:

”Jingang, I know you’re feeling resentful and believe that limited resources have hindered your growth, but the clan has too many considerations...”

”What is there to consider at this point? Are we waiting for the day Gu’s Manor is destroyed so that the Blood Strengthening Pills can be left for the enemy?”

”Outrageous!”

The Great Clan Elder finally erupted with anger. He stood up abruptly and struck Gu Jingang’s back with his cane, leaving a vivid red mark. Gu Jingang said nothing.

”What nonsense are you spouting? Gu’s Manor will undoubtedly thrive generation after generation, and one day, we will become a true aristocratic family!”

He was shaking with fury. Seeing the defiant redness in Gu Jingang’s eyes, he shouted:

”What? Do you plan to kill me, this old man, with one punch? Come on! Let this old man see if your Iron Fist Jingang reputation truly lives up to the legends!”

He glared fiercely at Gu Jingang, standing with his hunched figure before him. His imposing presence was overwhelming, causing Gu Jingang’s heart to tremble. The anger clouding his mind suddenly dissipated, and he snapped to his senses. Hanging his head low, he spoke hoarsely:

”Jingang wouldn’t dare. The clan’s nurturing of Jingang—I dare not forget it for a single day.”

The Great Clan Elder, having vented his frustration, saw Gu Jingang lowered his head and coldly snorted:

”Good. You had better not dare! Go to the ancestral hall and kneel. You are not to rise for three days!”

Gu Jingang turned and walked out swiftly, his strides heavy as he left the clan hall.

Watching Gu Jingang’s departing figure disappear, the Great Clan Elder sat back heavily, gasping for air. His gaze lingered on the direction of Gu Jingang’s departure, shaking his head and sighing repeatedly:

”After all, he is not of the main family lineage. Once he gains strength, his tail begins to stick up. Even this much patience he cannot muster!”

In fact, the allocation of the three Blood Strengthening Pills had always been a divisive issue within the clan.

Among the three Blood Refining Realm experts, Gu Dajiang had voluntarily opted out.

Some clan elders believed that although the current situation was tense, Gu’s Manor was more than capable of responding. They argued that the three Blood Strengthening Pills should be reserved to support Gu Xiaojiang’s future breakthrough, enabling him to achieve greater prowess in the Red Cloud Guard eventually.

Others believed it was more prudent to utilize the pills now to bolster strength. However, the debate over whether and how to use them—and who should receive them—remained unresolved. After all, while the Great Clan Elder held the highest authority, major decisions required joint deliberation.