Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World

Chapter 259: Chapter 150: Chaos Ends, Gu Xiaojiang Selected for Red Cloud Guard_2

”Demonic Qi?”

Hidden in the shadows, Gu Sheng couldn’t help but murmur when he heard this new term. He recalled Liu Honglie’s transformed appearance—it bore a striking resemblance to the legendary demon god.

Ge Qing stood up, his piercing gaze fixed on the direction where Gu Sheng was hidden. After a moment, his expression relaxed, and he smiled, saying, ”Young friend Gu, come out.”

Hearing his name being directly mentioned by Ge Qing, Gu Sheng could no longer remain in hiding. He had no choice but to dissipate his martial arts energy and step out from the shadows.

”Gu Sheng greets Master Ge,”

Gu Sheng bowed respectfully to Ge Qing.

Ge Qing pointed at the bloodstains on the ground and asked, ”Was this your doing?”

A hint of brilliance flickered in Ge Qing’s eyes, while a trace of pure white energy emerged faintly in his palm hidden inside his sleeve.

Gu Sheng, sensing the unusual energy, suddenly felt his skin tighten and his hairs stand on end. His expression turned serious, and he quickly shook his head vehemently.

”Master Ge, you see clearly; this was not my doing but rather the work of Liu Honglie after his transformation.”

Ge Qing displayed a hint of confusion. ”Transformation?”

Gu Sheng nodded. ”Yes. I don’t know how it happened, but after Zhao Honglie swallowed a black pearl, his body underwent a massive change. Not only did strange black patterns cover his face, but his physique also swelled several times over. A pair of terrifying bone claws even grew from his waist. Most frightening was the black mist enveloping him—it exuded a chilling, violent energy that made anyone hesitate to come near. I also felt that he was no longer human, for only a creature devoid of humanity could commit the atrocity of devouring people whole.”

After listening to Gu Sheng’s explanation, Ge Qing scrutinized him carefully before speaking after a moment, ”Extend your hand.”

Gu Sheng stretched out a hand, and Ge Qing placed his hand atop it.

As Ge Qing’s hand made contact, Gu Sheng instantly felt a peculiar energy coursing through his body.

Under the guidance of this energy, he felt like all his strength was boiling to the surface, to the point where he could barely suppress it.

After a brief moment, Ge Qing retrieved his hands, and his face broke into his signature smile once again.

It was only then that Gu Sheng felt the oppressive force weighing on him vanish, allowing his taut body to relax completely.

Exhaling a sigh of relief, Gu Sheng took the initiative to ask, ”Master Ge, earlier you mentioned the term ’demonic qi.’ May I ask what it means?”

Ge Qing chuckled. ”With your current cultivation, you’re not yet qualified to know. Cultivate diligently, and when the time is right, you will naturally learn.”

Gu Sheng responded respectfully and soon bid farewell to Ge Qing, preparing to return to Gu’s Manor.

This time, however, Ge Qing took the initiative to stop him. ”With your talent, staying in a place like Canghe County will limit your potential. Don’t you wish to explore a broader world?”

Gu Sheng replied humbly, ”If given the chance, I would certainly go. However, I’ve heard that without guidance from a powerful mentor, it’s hard to establish oneself out there.”

Saying this, Gu Sheng looked expectantly at Ge Qing.

Based on what he knew of Ge Qing, this elderly man wouldn’t say such things without reason.

Ge Qing smiled slightly. ”You’re not wrong. Fine then, I see you’re exceptionally talented yet unassuming, which makes you a promising candidate. I’ll lend you a helping hand!”

As he spoke, Ge Qing retrieved a grayish-green token and handed it to Gu Sheng.

”I have some ties with the Great Elder of the Holy Pill Sect in Red Cloud Prefecture. If you wish to venture beyond, you can take this token and give it a try.”

After handing the token to Gu Sheng, Ge Qing transformed into a stream of light and vanished from sight.

Gu Sheng cupped his fists and bowed deeply toward Ge Qing’s departing figure. ”This junior thanks Master Ge!”

Only after finishing his thanks did Gu Sheng begin to examine the token in his hand.

The token’s material was unknown, yet it felt warm to the touch. Its front was intricately carved with an imposing, dragon-and-phoenix-adorned pill cauldron, while its back bore the character ”Ge.”

”I never thought Master Ge had such standing, even knowing the Great Elder of the Holy Pill Sect.”

Gu Sheng had earlier learned from Qian Jin about the power structure of Red Cloud Prefecture. The Holy Pill Sect was one of the two major sects in the region. Someone who could hold the position of Great Elder in such a sect must undoubtedly be a Marrow Refining Realm expert!

Gu Sheng had been worrying about how to navigate Red Cloud Prefecture if he journeyed there, and now, Ge Qing’s token had come just in time.

Carefully storing the token, Gu Sheng headed back toward Gu’s Manor.

After Zhao Honglie’s disappearance, the Black Sand Gang was officially dissolved. While some former members attempted to establish their own bases, none managed to grow significantly.

Three days after the siege was resolved, Liu Yuanhu’s official appointment letter finally arrived, establishing him as the rightful authority in Canghe County.

Upon receiving the appointment, Liu Yuanhu immediately submitted a request for aid to the Governor Mansion in Red Cloud Prefecture. With Mo Chen’s assistance, a hundred-member Red Cloud Guard contingent quickly set out from the prefecture.

Upon arrival, the Red Cloud Guard swept through Canghe County like a storm, eradicating all remaining bandits within seven days.

After accomplishing this, Liu Yuanhu did not immediately purge the villages and forts that had once collaborated with the Black Sand Gang. Instead, he began visiting those who supported him earlier, bringing substantial rewards to commend their steadfast resistance against evil forces.

Liu Yuanhu’s first stop was Gu’s Manor!

Main Hall of Gu’s Manor

Liu Yuanhu and Mo Chen sat in the seats of honor, while Gu Jingang, Gu Changming, Gu Dajiang, and Gu Xiaojiang stood together, respectfully bowing toward them.

”All right, no need for formalities! Your Gu’s Manor performed exceptionally in resisting the Black Sand Gang’s assault. I’ve brought generous rewards today to commend your commitment to combating and opposing criminal forces.”

After speaking, Liu Yuanhu’s gaze settled on Gu Xiaojiang. He turned to Mo Chen and smiled.

”Brother, look at this boy. What do you think? Does he have what it takes to join your ranks as a recruit?”

Mo Chen’s gaze shifted toward Gu Xiaojiang, and sensing the Qi Blood Power within him, Mo Chen raised an eyebrow in slight surprise.

”Come here!”

Mo Chen beckoned Gu Xiaojiang.

Gu Xiaojiang, his face flushed with nervousness, walked up to Mo Chen. After a moment of hesitation, he stammered out, ”Gu... Gu Xiaojiang greets Lord Mo.”

”How old are you? And what is your current cultivation level?”

Mo Chen, as a Centurion of the Red Cloud Guard, held a rank far higher than that of Liu Yuanhu, the county magistrate. Gu Xiaojiang was previously aware that Mo Chen’s decision would determine whether he could join the Red Cloud Guard, causing him to feel overwhelmed with excitement.

”Reporting to Lord Mo, I... I am seventeen this year and have just entered the Blood Refining Realm not long ago.”

Mo Chen carefully assessed the Qi Blood Power radiating from Gu Xiaojiang and nodded in approval.

”Good! To have broken into the Blood Refining Realm at such a young age is promising!”

Liu Yuanhu picked up his tea and smiled. ”We’ve been friends for so many years—could I fool you? The Gu family has been here in Canghe County for over a hundred years. I’ve seen this boy frequently; he’s steady and upright. So, what do you think? Will you take him?”

Mo Chen patted Gu Xiaojiang’s shoulder. ”Start packing; come with me to Red Cloud Prefecture. You’ll begin as a recruit in my contingent. With your talent, you may even succeed me someday.”

Hearing this, Gu Dajiang was so moved that tears streamed down his face.

Joining the Red Cloud Guard was akin to leaping from the carp gate—it was an unparalleled opportunity for those from smaller villages and forts.

Seeing his son standing frozen in place, Gu Dajiang hastily reminded him, ”Xiao Jiang! Hurry up and thank Lord Mo!”

Overcome with emotion, Gu Xiaojiang dropped to one knee, exclaiming, ”Thank you, Lord Mo!” Then, he turned to Liu Yuanhu and kowtowed. ”Thank you, Lord Liu!”

”Enough. Go get ready; you’ll leave with me shortly.”

After leaving the main hall, Gu Xiaojiang didn’t head home to pack. Instead, he excitedly ran to Gu Sheng’s courtyard.

At the time, Gu Sheng was teaching Gu Wan how to practice Iron Stone Fist. Upon seeing Gu Sheng, Gu Xiaojiang couldn’t help but grab him, jumping up and down enthusiastically.

”Asheng, I’ve been accepted into the Red Cloud Guard by Lord Mo!”

Gu Sheng wasn’t surprised. With Gu Xiaojiang’s talent, joining the Red Cloud Guard was more than feasible, especially given his early breakthrough into Blood Refining Realm.

This time, Gu’s Manor had wisely chosen to support Liu Yuanhu. Now that victory was theirs, Liu Yuanhu’s recommendation of Gu Xiaojiang was both natural and fitting.