Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World

Chapter 232: Chapter 137 Qian Jin, Night Raid

Although the Black Sand Gang is considered a top-tier force in Canghe County, it becomes insignificant when compared to the Red Cloud Prefecture.

The Fire Worship Cult’s influence is vast, reportedly spanning the entire Da Liang. Compared to it, the Black Sand Gang is like a firefly competing against the bright moon—an insurmountable gap, obvious without explanation.

Even though the fat man was also at the Copper Bone Realm like Zhao Honglie, Zhao Honglie did not dare underestimate him in the slightest. After all, the fat man represented none other than the Fire Worship Cult!

Zhao Honglie’s expression was respectful. As he cupped his hands with a slight bow, he carried himself with utmost humility, showing complete sincerity.

”May I have the honor of knowing your name, my lord? And what did you mean by your earlier words? Forgive my ignorance; I am confused and would appreciate your guidance.”

The fat man appeared quite satisfied with Zhao Honglie’s submissive attitude. A trace of arrogance flickered across his face. ”My name is Qian Jin.”

After speaking, his gaze suddenly turned icy and sharp.

His eyes were like blades, and an intense killing intent radiated from Qian Jin. Fixing a deadly stare on Zhao Honglie, he questioned coldly: ”Since your Black Sand Gang seeks to join my Fire Worship Cult, then why did you kill members of our cult and steal our pills?”

It turned out that after Gu Sheng had disguised himself as Wang Chong and contacted members of the Fire Worship Cult, the information had been swiftly reported upward. The Fire Worship Cult not only evaluated the Black Sand Gang’s strength and intentions but also provided three Bone Protecting Pills.

However, as days passed, the cult neither received any payment for the pills nor heard from their stationed members in Canghe County. This prompted Qian Jin to travel from the Red Cloud Prefecture to Canghe County to investigate.

Yet those three individuals had died under Gu Sheng’s axe, with their corpses completely dissolved by Corpse Dissolving Water. It was as if they had vanished into thin air. No matter how hard Qian Jin tried, he could find no clues. Hence, he finally turned his suspicions toward the Black Sand Gang.

Though the Fire Worship Cult had only a small presence in Canghe County, its members were not weak. One of them had even achieved Blood Refining Realm Perfect, and with the cult’s battle techniques, they could unleash power comparable to a half-step Copper Bone Realm fighter in a life-or-death fight.

In Canghe County, the only powers capable of erasing them so cleanly were two groups: the Black Gauze Gang and Liu Yuanhu.

The Fire Worship Cult had maintained a low profile recently and had no contact whatsoever with Liu Yuanhu’s group. As a result, Qian Jin naturally concluded that Zhao Honglie was responsible.

Zhao Honglie’s face twitched involuntarily upon hearing this, and beads of sweat began rolling down his forehead. His eyes sharpened with urgency, and his expression grew solemn as he argued righteously: ”My lord, please understand! My Black Sand Gang has been eager to join your esteemed cult. We wouldn’t even dare to disrespect you, let alone commit such heinous acts. Surely there is some misunderstanding here!”

Qian Jin scoffed coldly and slammed the table, his aura growing even more violent.

”Misunderstanding? They only had contact with your Black Sand Gang. Then tell me, who else in Canghe County could quietly eliminate someone at Blood Refining Realm Perfect and two others at Blood Refining Great Success? Don’t mention Liu Yuanhu—I’ve already checked. During this entire time, he hasn’t left Canghe County’s city limits.”

One at Blood Refining Realm Perfect and two at Blood Refining Realm Great Success—such strength could practically dominate Canghe County. To eliminate them silently would require someone at the Bone Refining Realm to act, and in Canghe County, the only Bone Refining practitioners are Liu Yuanhu and Zhao Honglie.

Understanding that this accusation was about to land squarely on his shoulders, Zhao Honglie felt his heart burning with anxiety.

Dealing with Liu Yuanhu alone had left him worn out. If the Fire Worship Cult joined in, it would truly spell the Black Sand Gang’s doom!

Zhao Honglie couldn’t even spare the time to wipe the sweat now pooling on his forehead. Desperation filled his eyes as he spoke urgently.

”My lord, I have never had direct contact with your esteemed cult! All our communications with you have been through someone named Wang Chong. But that man disappeared months ago, and we’ve received no news of him since—I’m looking for him as well!”

”Wang Chong?”

Qian Jin rubbed his chin thoughtfully, lost in contemplation.

Based on reports from his subordinates, the person who made contact with them was named Wang Daniu—not Wang Chong.

After a long period of thinking, Qian Jin couldn’t make sense of the situation. His expression turned somber as he slowly spoke.

”Very well. This matter is riddled with mysteries. Further investigation is necessary before a conclusion can be made. Aside from this, I also came today to gauge your Black Sand Gang’s attitude.”

Hearing this, Zhao Honglie couldn’t help but quietly sigh in relief. He knew this crisis had been averted, at least for now.

Zhao Honglie immediately dropped to one knee, his expression serious as he cupped his hands respectfully. ”Every member of the Black Sand Gang is willing to join your glorious cult! If given shelter by your cult, we will serve faithfully, going to the ends of the earth and through fire and water without hesitation!”

Qian Jin saw Zhao Honglie’s behavior, and the killing intent around him disappeared instantly. His mouth curled into a smile.

”My cult has many experts, great strength, and ample resources. By joining us, you’ll surely ascend the path of cultivation with ease and see unlimited prospects ahead.”

At this point, Qian Jin suddenly shifted his tone. ”But our cult does not accept just anyone. If you wish to join, you must also prove your value.”

Zhao Honglie realized Qian Jin was asking for a token of allegiance.

Pretending ignorance, Zhao Honglie feigned a puzzled expression and asked hesitantly, ”My lord, I am dense and only partially understand your meaning. How should we proceed to meet your expectations? Please enlighten me!”

Qian Jin’s expression relaxed. He took a sip of tea from the cup on the table before replying.

”It’s very simple. Take control of Canghe County, and you’ll be eligible to join my cult!”