Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World novel Chapter 45

Chapter 45: Chapter 45 Excessive Bullying

It took just one day to handle everything—it went smoother than expected.

On the following day, Gu Erniu took Gu Sheng for a stroll around the town. Between listening to storytelling sessions, he picked up some trinkets for his wife and child.

It was only then that Gu Sheng noticed.

Canghe County wasn’t as peaceful and prosperous as it had seemed when he first entered the town.

In some remote alleys, there were plenty of pale and emaciated people. Begging, theft, and even street brawls were not uncommon.

"So, the glitz and glamour are but a facade; darkness exists everywhere."

Gu Sheng’s heart chilled as he became aware of the many gangs running rampant in the city. The reality for the lower-class citizens was far from ideal.

To avoid trouble, Gu Sheng decided not to venture outside anymore. Instead, he found a spot in the secluded courtyard and focused on practicing archery.

Now, his proficiency in Perfect Archery had reached around 10%. Breaking through to a higher level required relentless daily effort.

On the third night.

Gu Dajiang and his son hurried back, their hurried manner barely hiding their excitement. Gu Sheng could still sense a faint joy emanating from Gu Xiaojiang.

These past few days.

The father and son left early and returned late, stirring Gu Sheng’s curiosity about what they were up to.

However, he restrained himself well, knowing that some things were better left unasked to avoid inviting trouble.

That evening.

Gu Renxu announced that the procurement had been completed and that they would return to the manor the following day. Many of the manor’s residents showed expressions of reluctance.

Canghe County was undoubtedly worlds apart from Gu’s Manor.

Fortunately, Gu Sheng kept himself grounded. If one’s abilities were insufficient, staying in the city would only lead to suffering, where one might get devoured whole, flesh and bone.

It was better to bide his time and develop slowly back at Gu’s Manor.

...

Next day.

At the break of dawn.

The convoy from Gu’s Manor slowly departed from Canghe County. Empty handcarts on the way in were now fully loaded, mostly with essential supplies unavailable in the manor—these were always the priority during procurement trips.

With the donkey carts and handcarts occupied, Gu Sheng and another had no choice but to walk alongside.

The journey on the way in was quicker, but the return trip would likely take until sunset to reach Gu’s Manor. The residents displayed mixed emotions; for the most part, their faces carried smiles of joy as they conversed about their experiences in the city over the past few days.

However, Gu Sheng sharply noticed a few manor residents were missing.

He understood.

Some might have deliberately seized this opportunity to stay in the city, while others could very well have been abducted.

Gu Renxu’s expression remained unchanged, nor did he linger to wait for anyone. He was accustomed to this—such occurrences were common during each trip to town—and it was unfeasible to search for every soul.

"It seems... even one of the Martial Artists is gone?"

Gu Sheng’s observations were meticulous, and his intuition told him that the Martial Artist’s disappearance was related to whatever Gu Dajiang had been preoccupied with these past few days.

His heart sank, and he quietly heightened his vigilance.

The convoy pressed forward.

No one seemed excessively tense.

On the inbound journey, the group had encountered mountain bandits while passing Bull Mountain, which caused some trouble. The return trip, however, promised smoother sailing.

The sun steadily rose, the autumn breeze howled, but nothing could prevent the sweat from dripping off the laborers and manor residents.

As the convoy passed Bull Mountain.

The group walked while engaging in quiet discussions. Some were still immersed in the aftermath of their city escapades—especially a few hunters who had visited the brothel, their expressions revealing obvious revelry, their smiles suggestive, clearly lost in their own world.

Suddenly.

A coarse laugh erupted from the woods, jolting everyone.

"Gu Dajiang, my friend, what a coincidence—meeting again!"