Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World novel Chapter 41

Chapter 41: Chapter 41 Toll Money

Gu Sheng looked up.

Leading the caravan was a middle-aged man dressed like an old farmer. Though the autumn wind carried a chill, he wore a short brown jacket.

He smiled at Gu Sheng and the others, carrying a kind of inexplicable warmth, leaving Gu Erniu and the rest flattered as they bowed repeatedly.

Beside him was a youth dressed in blue, with sharp, defined features and an air of arrogance. A faint resemblance between their facial features could just be made out.

The youth’s face was expressionless as he murmured softly to the middle-aged man.

Gu Sheng knew it in his heart.

This was Gu Dajiang, one of the three top experts of Gu’s Manor, and his son, Gu Xiaojiang.

Neither spoke a word as they mounted their horses and rode to the front of the caravan.

Following closely behind was a middle-aged steward in a cyan coat—Gu Renxu, the steward responsible for purchasing. Gu Renxu smiled at Gu Sheng, who returned the gesture; the two had met briefly a few days ago through Gu He’s introduction.

As Gu Renxu passed by Gu Sheng’s side, he whispered:

"You can find a donkey cart to sit on later. It’s dozens of miles ahead — still a long way to go."

Gu Sheng hurriedly expressed his gratitude.

Such treatment was not typically extended to ordinary folk.

The caravan slowly moved forward. Villagers from the manor who intended to enter the city quickly followed, while several sturdy and imposing youths flanked the caravan as guards.

"This is the first time I’ve seen so many Martial Artists...,"

Gu Sheng’s eyes lit up. The Martial Artists exuded an aura distinctly different from common folk, one that was far more ferocious.

He observed closely and could see calluses between the knuckles of their fists, likely from extensive fist-skill training. Moreover, the faint differences in the exposed skin from commoners were noticeable.

By this time,

Gu Sheng was no longer entirely ignorant of martial arts.

Martial Artists in the Refining Skin Realm were divided into three stages:

Stone Skin, Iron Skin, and Jade Skin.

As for the exact distinctions, Gu Sheng wasn’t entirely clear. However, he knew that simply reaching entry-level in the Stone Skin Stage rendered the skin as tough as stone, resilient against punches and kicks, and even capable of withstanding blades to some degree.

With so many Martial Artists accompanying the group, the villagers of Gu’s Manor appeared at ease, chatting in low voices about plans for their trip to the city.

Gu Erniu noticed Gu Sheng observing the Martial Artists. Smiling, he patted his shoulder and said:

"Come next spring, Asheng, you’ll be able to start learning martial arts. Work hard, and maybe one day you’ll become a Martial Artist too!"

Gu Sheng nodded with a smile.

Yet his focus wasn’t entirely on the conversation. He was carefully observing the mountains and forests along the way, silently committing their features to memory. Someday, if he had to journey to the city alone, this awareness would prove invaluable.

Though traveling with the manor’s purchasing team was safer, Gu Sheng didn’t enjoy relying on others. He preferred to have control over his circumstances.

The caravan pressed onward. Although they followed the official road, they occasionally had to navigate through forests and mountains.

The journey was stop-and-go.

The official road clearly hadn’t been maintained for a long time, making it difficult to traverse. At times, they even had to take detours. While the Martial Artists, with their abundant stamina, were unaffected, others needed frequent breaks.

Suddenly,

The entire caravan grew restless. Gu Sheng’s instincts sharpened, and his piercing gaze locked on the road ahead.

Gu Dajiang’s hearty laughter rang out.

"I wonder which esteemed heroes lie ahead. We are a caravan from Gu’s Manor. I am Gu Dajiang, and I may have shared a drink with your leader before!"

The villagers tensed up, their expressions worrisome — they had encountered mountain bandits.

Even with the Martial Artists present, an unease crept into their hearts.

Gu Sheng focused his eyes and noticed that the Martial Artists remained unshaken, and Gu Renxu’s expression seemed accustomed to such events.

Sure enough,

As soon as Gu Dajiang finished speaking,

there came a commotion from across the way. Evidently, Gu Dajiang’s reputation preceded him—a Blood Refining Realm expert was no minor figure, recognized by name throughout this region.

"So it’s ’Eastward Flow of the Great River’ himself! My apologies. We from Huangshan Village shall step aside and grant you passage."

A voice called out from the woods ahead, followed by the rustle of retreating footsteps.

Gu Dajiang burst into hearty laughter:

"Many thanks to the heroes of Huangshan Village! I’ll treat you all to drinks someday!"

"We’ll hold you to that!"

The crisis averted, the villagers from Gu’s Manor were visibly relieved, their admiration for Gu Dajiang growing stronger.

Gu Xiaojiang, in particular, was especially respectful.