Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World

Chapter 206: Chapter 125: Resources Doubled and Conspiracy!

Gu Xiaojiang never would have imagined that such a dramatic upheaval would occur in the manor after he was placed under confinement.

The clan elders were bound, and Gu Jingang had become the man in power.

Although he had never been fond of the clan elders’ ways, it had never crossed his mind that such a day would come.

Gu Xiaojiang glanced at the clan elders, then turned to Gu Jingang with a complex expression:

”Uncle Jingang, where are my father and the others?”

Gu Jingang’s gaze showed no hint of retreat as he replied indifferently:

”Rest assured, they aren’t in any real danger. I’ve just temporarily restrained them. Once I’ve dealt with them, I’ll speak with you properly.”

”Men, take the clan elders away.”

With a stern command from Gu Jingang, people immediately stepped forward and dragged the clan elders away. Over the years, Gu Jingang had, naturally, cultivated his own loyal followers.

The clan elders were panic-stricken. As they passed by Gu Xiaojiang, they all implored him in hushed tones to reason with Gu Jingang, urging him not to act recklessly.

Gu Xiaojiang remained silent, standing quietly to the side. He knew there was no stopping Gu Jingang.

The only exception was the Great Clan Elder, who merely cast Gu Jingang a deep, piercing look.

”You’ll regret this!”

With those words, he brushed off the martial artist attempting to support him and strode out on his own.

Gu Jingang’s expression carried faint disdain.

He began dealing with the aftermath within the manor. The clan elders were his bargaining chips to control Gu’s Manor. What came next was stabilizing morale—at the very least, he had to secure the cooperation of Gu Changming and Gu Dajiang, both martial artists in the Blood Refining Realm, as well as Gu Xiaojiang, the most talented young member of the Gu family.

Otherwise, the only thing Gu Jingang would have in his hands was a broken Gu’s Manor, which was not what he intended.

In the shadows, Gu Sheng observed silently.

He had arrived at the scene earlier than Gu Xiaojiang, but he had no intention of intervening. First, he had no great fondness for the clan elders and even found Gu Jingang slightly more agreeable. Second, while Gu Jingang had seized power, he had acted with calculation and not descended into senseless bloodshed.

”This could’ve been avoided, but they just had to force him into becoming the very ’white-eyed wolf’ they accused him of.”

Gu Sheng shook his head lightly.

In a sense, it was karma at work.

After pondering for a moment, he retreated quietly into the distance.

From the looks of things, Gu Jingang would likely negotiate with Gu Changming and Gu Dajiang. What appeared to be an internal conflict was, in fact, more like a routine shift in Gu’s Manor’s power structure. Just as Gu Jingang had said, his goal was the equitable supply of cultivation resources based on contributions and personal strength.

As for Gu’s Manor, Gu Jingang intended to eventually hand it back to the rightful family heirs, which meant Gu Xiaojiang.

Gu Sheng reflected on how these developments might impact him.

With Gu Jingang now in charge, the dynamics were bound to differ from the clan elders’ ways.

...

Soon enough.

He learned where the changes lay.

The clan elders disappeared from Gu’s Manor, their whereabouts a mystery—hidden away by Gu Jingang.

Gu Sheng had no insight into how Gu Jingang negotiated with Gu Changming and Gu Dajiang. Perhaps it was because the clan elders were under Gu Jingang’s control, or perhaps his terms satisfied the two martial artists.

In any case, Gu’s Manor truly came under Gu Jingang’s leadership. The other two provided their full support, though decisions were made collectively by the three. Of course, Gu Jingang wielded the most authority and consequently enjoyed a greater share of the cultivation resources.

Even the family’s martial artists began to notice an evident shift.

In the training grounds.

Gu Jingang’s austere voice resonated across the assembled martial artists of Gu’s Manor.

”From today onward, the supply of Body Refining Ointment for all martial artists will be doubled! I have but one demand: train relentlessly and strengthen yourselves to the utmost!”

”One month from now, I will inspect your progress. I don’t care about your background or lineage—next month, resources for Body Refining Ointment will be redistributed based solely on results. The strong shall grow stronger; the weak will be left further behind!”

”Given the unstable situation in Canghe County, only by wielding formidable strength can we protect ourselves and safeguard Gu’s Manor!”

As his words fell, the crowd had mixed reactions: some excited, others apprehensive.

The previous leadership had distributed resources based on blood relations. Even with identical talent, those with closer blood ties received preferential treatment. But now, everything would depend on talent and effort!

Previously underappreciated martial artists suddenly felt a surge of determination blazing within them.

Meanwhile, those dissatisfied with this change knew better than to voice their discontent publicly. At this moment in Gu’s Manor, Gu Jingang’s word was decisive, and neither Gu Changming nor Gu Dajiang showed any disagreement. Clearly, the three had reached a prior consensus.

Amid the crowd, Gu Sheng observed in silence. Suddenly, his expression stiffened as he heard his name mentioned by Gu Jingang.

”Gu Sheng, Gu Qing, Gu Ruyi—you three, follow me. The rest, continue your training.”

Gu Sheng cast a glance at the other two—one man and one woman, both impeccably good-looking and seemingly in their twenties. Both were in the Jade Skin Realm and, aside from Gu Xiaojiang, were among the most promising martial artists in Gu’s Manor, with a real chance of breaking through to the Blood Refining Realm.

The three followed Gu Jingang to a more secluded area.

Gu Jingang turned back to face them, first addressing Gu Qing and Gu Ruyi.

”How much longer until the two of you reach the limits of flesh and blood?”

Gu Qing and Gu Ruyi exchanged glances before responding truthfully:

”About a year or so.”

”And if Blood Nourishing Powder were supplied in abundance?”

”At most, three months!”

Their eyes lit up with excitement and anticipation.

Gu Jingang nodded slowly. Even if they couldn’t break through into the Blood Refining Realm, reaching the limits of flesh and blood would make them far stronger than typical Jade Skin martial artists. He then turned his gaze to Gu Sheng and asked:

”What about you? How long do you need to advance to the Iron Skin Realm?”

Gu Sheng’s mind raced, quickly calculating based on the progress he had outwardly displayed.

”Approximately one to two years.”

Gu Jingang’s brows furrowed slightly before he spoke solemnly:

”I’ll give you three months as well. Body Refining Ointment will be provided in full. Dedicate yourself entirely to advancing to the Iron Skin Realm. Once you’ve succeeded, the manor will equip you with a treasured bow and sharp arrows. I expect you to showcase your archery to its fullest potential!”