Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World novel Chapter 49

Chapter 49: Chapter 49: Dust Settles

The long-lost sound of arrows piercing through the air was even more distinct than before. Despite its clarity, the speed was astonishingly fast. Just as everyone barely became aware, the arrow had already shot straight at Zhang Da’s face. If it were an ordinary bandit, their eyeballs would undoubtedly have been shattered by the arrow.

Gu Xiaojiang’s bloodshot eyes widened, hoping for a miracle.

Yet, in the very next moment.

Everyone’s hearts sank.

They saw Zhang Da’s initially forward-leaping body suddenly halt mid-motion. With a step of his foot, he retreated awkwardly, swinging his long blade swiftly. The arrow aimed at his eye was instantly cut apart and deflected. He burst into maniacal laughter:

"You little rat hiding in the shadows—I’ve been waiting for you!"

He had been observing for a long time.

Though the marksman in the shadows had an extraordinary mastery of archery, they were far from being a martial artist. Zhang Da’s Refining Skin technique had reached the Iron Skin level; as long as he protected his vulnerable areas like his eyes, even if hit, the injuries would only be minor and far from lethal. In fact, the arrows might not even break through his defenses!

Moments ago, he had intentionally exposed a flaw to lure Gu Sheng into action.

However, he was still shocked by Gu Sheng’s archery skills. The arrows were swift and cunning, leaving even Zhang Da, who had been prepared, in a precarious position. He could feel the bone-chilling presence on the arrow.

Gu Xiaojiang’s gaze turned dim with despair.

Gu Dajiang was rushing over desperately, taking a brutal strike from the Wolf Fang Club. He spat blood, now drawing closer yet still unable to reach.

Zhang Da moved forward again with a burst of laughter, utterly unwilling to waste even a moment.

But his expression suddenly shifted as a surge of danger filled his senses. A subtle, near-inaudible whistling sound crept into his ears. Unlike the deafening roar of the previous arrow, this one was stealthy and unexpected, trailing closely behind the first arrow such that he only realized it when it was too late!

Gu Sheng had fired two arrows in quick succession!

Gu Sheng’s gaze was icy cold.

From the very beginning, he had never intended for the first arrow to succeed. Zhang Da was far too wary and cunning to expose such an obvious opening.

The first arrow was merely a lure. Gu Sheng deliberately used a special drawing technique to amplify its sound slightly. The second arrow was launched immediately afterward!

This was the utmost limit of what he could achieve.

The second arrow was his true killing strike!

Gu Erniu, standing nearby, was dumbfounded. Such archery was simply beyond the realm of words.

Zhang Da’s hair stood on end. The arrow was too fast, leaving him no time to wield his blade. Gritting his teeth, he used his left arm to shield his eyes and continued retreating.

Swish!

The spinning arrow collided with Zhang Da’s darkened arm. The iron point of the arrow met immense resistance, as though striking reinforced steel. What could have been a powerful shot to pierce a throat ultimately managed only to barely embed half the arrowhead.

Gu Sheng’s eyes revealed a trace of regret.

If his mastery of archery had reached beyond the Perfect level, producing additional effects, he might have been able to tear through a Refining Skin martial artist’s defenses.

Alternatively, if he himself were a martial artist wielding a three-stone bow or even a four-stone bow, he could have pierced Zhang Da’s arms and shattered his eyeballs.

But there were no "ifs."

He had already pushed himself to his limit.

Shooting a third arrow at this point wouldn’t make much of a difference. From such a distance, hitting the vital points of a martial artist was exceedingly difficult. If he were closer, perhaps the arrow might strike the eyes, but doing so would put Gu Sheng in immediate danger.

"Now, we leave it up to fate,"

Gu Sheng thought silently, glancing at Gu Xiaojiang, who was struggling to get up, and at Gu Dajiang, who was desperately rushing over.

The arrow had been coated with Black Blood Powder.

If luck favored them, Gu Dajiang might have a chance to save Gu Xiaojiang; however, Gu Sheng knew the odds were slim.

The Black Blood Powder likely wouldn’t take effect so quickly.

Gu Sheng and Gu Erniu quickly shifted positions while keeping a close watch on the battlefield. If victory was utterly beyond their grasp, fleeing was the only option. Dying meaninglessly here would serve no purpose. Gu Sheng had already done everything he could; at the very least, he was at peace with himself.

At that moment, Zhang Da’s left arm, pierced by the arrow, burned with the pain of torn flesh, prompting him to scream in agony.

"You despicable wretch! Don’t let Grandpa Zhang Da catch you!"