Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World novel Chapter 55

Chapter 55: Chapter 55: Power Penetrates the Skin Membrane

"Asheng, off to practice martial arts again?"

Gu Sheng walked with his head lowered, contemplating the variations in the fist techniques of the Iron Stone Fist. Ever since receiving guidance and sparring with Gu Xiaojiang, his grasp of the Iron Stone Fist had advanced by leaps and bounds, far quicker than practicing alone.

Upon hearing Zhang Ze’s familiar voice, he couldn’t help but look up. Zhang Ze stood at his doorstep, accompanied by a woman who, though silent, wore a broad smile on her face. _{ƒrēewebnovel.com}

"That’s right, Brother Ze. Not heading into the mountains today?"

A smile spread across Gu Sheng’s face, causing the somewhat nervous Zhang Ze to visibly relax.

Ever since Gu Sheng began practicing martial arts, subtle changes had occurred.

Though Gu Erniu treated Gu Sheng the same way as before, the other hunters who knew Gu Sheng had become more cautious when speaking with him.

The specific details of that trip to the city had been downplayed within the village, but some bits and pieces inevitably leaked out.

The hunters vaguely realized that Gu Sheng’s archery skills far exceeded their imagination.

Now, he had even established a connection with the main family and begun practicing martial arts early. His eventual ascension to becoming a Martial Artist seemed almost certain. When that day came, his status would skyrocket—far beyond what they, as mere hunters, could ever hope to achieve.

Thus, each interaction with Gu Sheng grew more restrained and cautious.

"No, not today! With winter here, there’s less prey in the mountains. My wife suggested I find some other work for a while and wait until spring to head back into the mountains," Zhang Ze said with an ingratiating smile, the woman beside him beaming even brighter.

Gu Sheng nodded, replying,

"That seems wise. I’ll make a few more trips into the mountains myself, but after that, I’ll also wait until spring."

The dropping temperatures and the impending heavy snow that would seal off the mountains made hunting increasingly challenging—Gu Sheng had no intention of taking unnecessary risks.

"Asheng, with your exceptional archery and now training in martial arts, you’re bound to succeed. When spring comes, you must let me accompany you on a hunt!" Zhang Ze’s smile carried both deference and a faint note of flattery.

Gu Sheng nodded with a smile.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Gu Sheng took his leave.

As they watched Gu Sheng’s departing figure, Zhang Ze’s eyes filled with envy.

The woman beside him couldn’t help but sigh wistfully, "If only our son Xiaodong could be as accomplished as Asheng someday..."

Zhang Ze shook his head.

"Becoming a Martial Artist isn’t easy. We’d be better off saving what we can to give Xiaodong an easier life. Let’s hope that maybe Xiaodong’s son will have a chance to become a Martial Artist. For now, there’s Erniu—he’s close with Asheng. Perhaps one day his children might break free from their fate."

The couple sighed softly, their voices tinged with envy for both Gu Sheng and Gu Erniu.

For tenant farmers and hunters from the lower rungs of society,

the hope of a better future relied entirely on generational accumulation. If even one generation faltered, that fragile sliver of hope could be completely extinguished.

In their eyes, Gu Sheng had already turned his fortunes around.

...

Gu Sheng was oblivious to Zhang Ze and his wife’s envious musings.

At that moment, he was immersed in a unique realm.

Whoosh whoosh!!

On the martial training ground, Gu Sheng’s body stood like an immovable rock. He slowly threw one punch after another. Though his movements were deliberate and unhurried, they were seamless and fluid, stirring gusts of wind with each motion.

"Iron Fists Crossing the River!"

"Heavy as a Mountain!"

"Rolling Boulders!"

By now, Gu Sheng had thoroughly memorized every move of the Iron Stone Fist. The more he practiced, the more exhilarated he felt, his eyes radiating with sharp determination.

Despite the cold of winter, Gu Sheng was drenched in sweat, faint wisps of steam rising from his body.

This was the result of mobilizing all the power within his body, causing his sweat to evaporate.

A week ago, Gu Sheng had already achieved this level of control, but today, something felt entirely different.

In the past,

though he could mobilize his entire body’s power, the sensation felt ephemeral and elusive, unable to penetrate the layers of his skin. His strength felt ungrounded and insubstantial.

But now, his power thrummed and rippled, reaching the surface of his skin—he could vividly sense its existence.

The essence of the Iron Stone Fist lay in honing this power, using it to refine the skin and, eventually, the blood.