Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World

Chapter 1029: Chapter 538: The Strange Man (Part 2)

After much thought, Gu Sheng found the answer quite complex.

They had interacted twice, and he hadn’t sensed any killing intent from the man, who seemed to easily suppress his aura. Yet, it was impossible to say he had no ill intentions because he was clearly there for the Jade Token. Finding this place again was evidently intentional.

After a moment’s contemplation, Gu Sheng sighed.

"If he continues to haunt us, we’ll confront him head-on. Together, we’re a strong alliance, and he may not be a match for us."

Lan Yao had no other solution and could only nod.

A moment later, the inn’s waiter approached.

"Honorable guests, your food and drink are ready. When would you like to start dining?"

"Now, please."

Having prepared themselves for confrontation, Gu Sheng and his companion felt a lot more at ease. Since the man was able to find this place, it’s likely he would also stay here. Hiding wasn’t a solution, it was better to face him directly.

A group of people descended the stairs, and sure enough, saw that the man was sitting at a table.

Gu Sheng ignored him and directly took a seat at his own table.

While they ate, the man’s eyes frequently landed on them, and Gu Sheng sensed it, but paid it no mind.

The meal was relatively quiet, but just as Gu Sheng put down his chopsticks, the man approached.

Looking at him, Gu Sheng’s expression was less than friendly.

"Why are you so insistent on seeing the Jade Token?"

"Brother, this Jade Token is very important to me."

"Very important to you? Which sect are you from?"

"I belong to no sect."

At these words, Gu Sheng’s face instantly turned cold.

If he had said he was from the White Cloud Sect, it might have been understandable, as the Jade Token was indeed from a former elder of the White Cloud Sect. But claiming to belong to no sect made Lan Yao’s suspicion seem more plausible.

"You need not pester me anymore. I won’t take out the Jade Token again. If you want to play dirty, we’ll be ready anytime."

After Gu Sheng finished speaking, the man seemed like he wanted to say something more, but Gu Sheng didn’t give him the chance, taking his group and leaving.

They went to the market to gather news, and the man followed them.

Gu Sheng pretended not to notice him, focusing only on the information he sought.

Sure enough, matters concerning the Heisha Sect were widely known, and many Jianghu individuals were discussing it.

In a teahouse, two tables of people were passionately discussing the matter.

Gu Sheng and his group paused, choosing a seat close to them.

On the surface, they appeared to be drinking tea, but in reality, they were all listening intently.

The conversation was varied and lacked a main point, which made Lan Yao anxious, but Gu Sheng calmed him with a gesture.

Not long after, someone at a table interjected, "You all don’t know, do you? It’s said that the eldest son of the White Cloud Sect has also come to investigate this matter."

At these words, Gu Sheng raised his eyebrows slightly.

The eldest son of the White Cloud Sect? Bai Feng?

"I’ve heard of this before, from a brother who has climbed the social ladder. But he said it while drunk, so I didn’t take it seriously at the time. Who did you hear it from?"

"I heard it from my father. My father went to do business and associates with notable people in Jianghu. How could the news they share be false?"

"If this is true, with the eldest son of the White Cloud Sect stepping in, it represents the entire White Cloud Sect. I’d guess the Jianghu wouldn’t dare act rashly."

"That might not be the case. Although the White Cloud Sect is considered the top sect in the world, it hasn’t shown its face for many years. No one knows its current strength. If they can’t display sufficient power, they might not be able to deal with the evil behind the Heisha Sect. Think about it, if the evil can control the Heisha Sect, his methods must be extraordinary."

As soon as these words were spoken, many nodded in agreement, even Lan Yao nodded along.

He had personally dealt with the people of Heisha Sect; they indeed were controlled by an Evil Sect person. The one controlling them certainly wasn’t weak.

As for the White Cloud Sect, although its reputation was illustrious, no one had seen its strength firsthand. The last major battle was over a decade ago, and now, after another decade, no one knew if they had improved.

After listening to the conversations at the two tables, Gu Sheng and his group got up to leave.

As soon as he turned around, the person who had been following them from the inn stepped beside him.

Seeing how the man was persistently following them, Gu Sheng chose to ignore him entirely.

The man, no longer trying to hide, simply trailed behind Gu Sheng, maintaining some distance, but never leaving.

As evening approached, Shi Lou excitedly pointed to a two-story building.

"Brother Sheng, that should be a tavern. Should we check it out?"

Glancing up, Gu Sheng slightly furrowed his brows.

Two women were leaning on the railings, not looking like a typical tavern.

He was about to refuse when Lan Yao tugged at him.

"Gu Sheng, let’s go have a look. I’ve never been to such a place."

Without waiting for Gu Sheng to respond, he dragged him forward.

Shi Lou and the others were even more enthusiastic, crowding around Gu Sheng, fearful he wouldn’t go.

And so, Gu Sheng was forcibly taken along by them.

Upon entering, two women approached.

"Young masters, are you here for a drink?"

"Yes, do you have any good wine here?"

After Lan Yao asked, one of the women coyly smiled, covering her lips with a handkerchief.

"Young master, rest assured, we have all the best wines here. We have everything available outside, and even some that are not."

She then threw a flirtatious glance at Lan Yao.

Lan Yao scratched his head, looking a bit embarrassed.

"We’re just here for the drinks."

"Of course, enjoy your drinks without worry. Please, follow me."

Feeling that this place was unusual, the group was afraid of causing trouble, so they opted against a private room, sitting in the main hall instead.

After a few pots of wine were brought to the table, Shi Lou’s eyes lit up.

"Brother Sheng, the wine here is indeed different. As soon as you remove the lid, the aroma fills the air. We must drink more today."

Gu Sheng glanced at him, making him shrink back and turn to savor a cup by himself.

Gu Sheng also poured a cup and took a small sip. The wine was clean with a pleasant taste indeed.

Seeing Gu Sheng drink without saying a word, the group grew bolder.

After finishing a pot of wine, Lan Yao ordered another.

Gu Sheng stayed silent, neither drinking further.

Perhaps because Gu Sheng did not stop him, Lan Yao’s courage grew, ordering yet another two pots of wine.

Seeing their slightly tipsy demeanor, Gu Sheng couldn’t help but frown.

As he was about to speak, two women approached, wrapping one arm around Gu Sheng’s neck, softly leaning against him.

"Young master, it’s so dull just for men to drink together. Would you like us to keep you company?"

Gu Sheng pushed her away coldly, saying, "No need."

The two women didn’t mind, smiling as they leaned back towards him.

Gu Sheng continuously refused them, but they ignored him, continuing to chatter away on their own.

Growing angry, Gu Sheng’s tone grew harsher, his words even more unpleasant.

The two women pouted before finally backing off.

Feeling somewhat irritated, Gu Sheng picked up a cup of wine to soothe his mood.

As he raised his cup, the man who had been following them suddenly rushed over, knocking it out of Gu Sheng’s hand.

The cup fell, spilling wine all over Gu Sheng.

Looking at him, Gu Sheng’s face darkened.

Then, the man suddenly spoke, "Young master, it’s late. We should return now."

Hearing this, Gu Sheng felt puzzled.

He was inexplicably calling him young master, signaling with his eyes covertly. What was going on?

Gu Sheng stayed silent, so the man urged again, "Young master, the master is already calling for you. If you don’t return, I won’t be able to explain. Let’s head back."

After some thought, Gu Sheng nodded.

"Alright, let’s return."

Pulling along an utterly confused Er Gou and the others, Gu Sheng led the way back from the tavern.