Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World

Chapter 997: Chapter 522: Three Meetings Make a Pact (Part 2)

After leaving these words, Gu Sheng raised his fist in farewell, then left with a few people.

Lan Yao watched him all the way from behind, Gu Sheng sensed it but did not turn back.

Only when they reached a deserted area again did Gu Sheng slow down and let the group rest temporarily.

This time, Shi Lou didn’t dare to speak much, Huang Shan asked, "Brother Sheng, why don’t you want to ally with the Elf Clan?"

After he asked, everyone’s eyes fell on Gu Sheng’s face.

Feeling their gaze, Gu Sheng said, "It’s not that I don’t want to ally, just don’t think it’s necessary. The Elf Clan has always been aloof and doesn’t interact with outsiders. Even if they take the initiative to show goodwill, their attitude will still be superior. We have no reason to lower ourselves."

"Rumors in Jianghu have always been like that, but after seeing them today, I felt the Elf Clan’s attitude was quite friendly, without a sense of superiority. In fact, Lan Yao was somewhat flattering. Brother Sheng, I think if there’s a chance, we can engage with him further."

Gu Sheng understood what he meant and lightly nodded.

"As I’ve said, if we have the chance to meet three times consecutively and their attitude remains friendly, I’ll consider it."

Actually, Gu Sheng was very cautious about this matter.

He knew the status of the Elf Clan in Jianghu and that befriending them was good, but he didn’t want to be subjugated or become anyone’s follower, so he laid down the condition.

If Lan Yao can achieve it, he’ll consider it.

"Brother Sheng, under South Mountain, we’ll surely meet, right? Does that count as once?"

"Yes, as long as they can arrive at the foot of South Mountain within the set time and participate in the confrontation, it counts."

Knowing he was intentionally providing a loophole, Huang Shan breathed a sigh of relief.

In the following days, they walked on small paths because the road was deserted and they didn’t slack off, thus moving faster than ordinary teams.

Just as Gu Sheng’s group was about to reach the foot of South Mountain, the Sect Leader of Heisha Sect was still on the road searching for them.

Following the original road, walking continuously for days, and still not seeing Gu Sheng’s group, the Sect Leader of Heisha Sect couldn’t suppress his rising anger.

"They are clearly on this road. How aren’t we able to catch up after days?"

Seeing his angry expression, his followers carefully stepped forward.

"Sect Leader, they’re ahead of us. Could it be our speed is too slow to catch up?"

Hearing this, the Sect Leader of Heisha Sect slapped directly.

"Nonsense! People from Stone Village, what power do they have? We’ve been rushing for days and haven’t caught up. This means they must not be on this road!"

Unjustly slapped, his follower could only lower his head silently.

As he finished his words, the Sect Leader of Heisha Sect realized that after not finding Gu Sheng’s group for so long, perhaps they really weren’t on this road!

"Quick, let’s head to the fork near South Mountain. No matter which route they took, they must eventually reach South Mountain. Let’s intercept them there."

After speaking, he ignored his followers and strode ahead.

At that moment, on the road, Gu Sheng and his group had already seen the fork in the distance.

Knowing they were about to reach the foot of South Mountain, Gu Sheng slowed down considerably.

Finding a very small forest, he led the group inside.

"Ahead, the fork leads to the foot of South Mountain. Many sects will pass through here. Let’s replenish our strength before heading to South Mountain."

There were many teams at the foot of South Mountain, including top Jianghu talents. Though not exhausted from the journey, the divine power was depleted. Before entering the gods’ conflict, it was wise to replenish their strength.

Everyone understood what he meant and promptly nodded in agreement.

In the forest, Gu Sheng summoned the small tripod and enveloped everyone within, then took out Spirit Stones and distributed them evenly.

They sat on the ground, continuously absorbing the Spiritual Power from the Spirit Stones.

Strands of light rose and were encompassed by the small tripod, feedback looping back to themselves.

Late at night, Gu Sheng was the first to recover, getting up to stand guard.

Within two hours, Gu Sheng fended off several wild beasts.

Just as dawn approached, a beast with ten years of cultivation emerged from the darkness and collided directly with the small tripod.

Gu Sheng frowned, attempting to drive it away. As he prepared to lead the group toward the foot of South Mountain, a slight sound from the small tripod caught others’ attention.

Gu Sheng didn’t notice and continued using the Fire Spirit Dagger to repel the beast.

After a few exchanges, the beast fled in haste while Gu Sheng prepared to re-enter the small tripod.

At that moment, the Sect Leader of Heisha Sect suddenly appeared, the curved blade in his hand heading straight for Gu Sheng’s back.

"Prepare to die!"

Feeling the murderous intent behind him, Gu Sheng felt a chill rising from his feet.

His body leaned aside, and the Fire Spirit Dagger abruptly stabbed back, directly hitting the Sect Leader of Heisha Sect’s curved blade.

With a bang, both of them felt their arms numb from the impact, Gu Sheng retreated two steps into the small tripod while the Sect Leader of Heisha Sect was pushed back repeatedly.

Turning to look at him, anger had already risen in Gu Sheng’s eyes.

"In terms of ambush, the Sect Leader of Heisha Sect does have his methods."

Detecting the sarcasm in his words, the Sect Leader of Heisha Sect sneered coldly.

"I have many tactics. Why don’t you test a few more?"

"At this time when we are about to reach the foot of South Mountain, aren’t you afraid I escape alive and expose your deeds publicly?"

Hearing this, the face of the Sect Leader of Heisha Sect instantly changed.

"Are people like those from Stone Village capable of escaping from my grasp? Impossible!"

"What if I have the capability?"

"And if you do? Stone Village isn’t a renowned sect; anything you say is unlikely to be believed! If you dare speak, I’ll smear you entirely. Be careful not to outsmart yourself!"

"Seems like the Sect Leader of Heisha Sect has already thought of all tactics."

After Gu Sheng spoke, the Sect Leader of Heisha Sect showed a few hints of arrogance.

Seeing his expression, Gu Sheng sneered aloud.

"You’ve planned quite meticulously, but there’s one thing you miscalculated."

"What’s that?"

"The Heisha Sect isn’t our match. Escaping from your grasp would be like child’s play for us."

As soon as the words fell, Gu Sheng sent out a surge of Divine Power, directly hitting the small tripod.

With a rumbling sound, the small tripod soon awakened Huang Shan and the others.

Their strength was at its peak; woken by the tripod, anger added vigor, naturally boosting their power.

As they opened their eyes, they saw members of Heisha Sect, Shi Lou almost bit his molars.

"Brother Sheng, what do they want?"

"Our lives."

"They are deluding themselves!"

After Shi Lou finished speaking, the Sect Leader of Heisha Sect laughed heartily.

"With such a fool as you, do you dare say our ambitions are delusional? If you hadn’t declared your identity, I wouldn’t have confirmed you’re from Stone Village either. Now, hand over the Yin Wood obediently, or none of you will survive!"

After he brought up that foolish matter again, Shi Lou was livid.

Clenching his weapon tightly, he glanced at Gu Sheng for permission to act.

Their eyes met, and Gu Sheng lightly nodded.

Seeing his nod, Shi Lou immediately flew with a strike, heading straight for the Sect Leader of Heisha Sect!

Seeing him move, Er Gou jumped forward too.

The two of them acted first, followed closely by Huang Shan and the others.

Gu Sheng didn’t retract the small tripod but instead infused Divine Power, expanding it until it enveloped members of Heisha Sect too, before aiding Shi Lou.

Shi Lou’s power was at its peak but still unable to compete with the Sect Leader of Heisha Sect.

After a few moves, he was hit by the opponent’s palm and sent flying.

Gu Sheng rushed forward, catching him with one hand, stabilizing him on the ground.

"Shi Lou, it’s good to have a killing intent, but don’t be hasty, lest you get overwhelmed by rage."

Leaving these words, Gu Sheng took out the Fire Spirit Dagger, swiftly turned, and his body agilely leapt into the air.

Seeing the flash of fire in his hand, the Sect Leader of Heisha Sect instantly became alert, the curved blade reappearing, meeting him in mid-air.