Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World novel Chapter 68

Chapter 68: Chapter 68: Entering the City Again

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But it was clear that fortune did not come so easily.

Even after the news of the manor’s trip to town spread, not to mention injured tigers, not even a single strand of fur from a healthy wild bear had been spotted by Gu Sheng.

Gu Sheng could only sigh inwardly.

Luck wasn’t on his side, and there was nothing to be done. This was not something that could be rushed.

Fortunately, his Martial Arts training had brought him some results. From time to time, he hunted wild boars and wolves. Roughly calculating his expenses of over ten taels of silver, he should have around twenty taels of savings left.

"This trip to town, I can sell some pelts and then check out the black market to see if I can get a four-stone bow or some Body Refining Ointment!"

With these goals clear in mind, Gu Sheng swiftly signed up to join the manor’s purchasing team heading to town.

The team was overjoyed to have a skilled marksman like Gu Sheng join them.

It had only been a few months since the upheaval during last winter’s trip to town, so other than a few villagers who absolutely had urgent matters to settle, most of the others were still mentally scarred and unwilling to go.

Last time, more than ten villagers had died. When their corpses were carried back, the manor was filled with cries of mourning, a memory still fresh for everyone.

Gu Erniu also chose not to go to town. Gu Sheng volunteered to sell two of his pelts along with his own.

"Asheng, you must be extra cautious. Though it’s spring now and the Black Sand Gang has just collected the yearly dues, which means things should stay quiet for a while, if something does happen, make your own safety the priority."

Gu Erniu cautioned him carefully, looking a bit embarrassed since Gu Sheng was taking on all the risk.

Gu Sheng smiled and said:

"I’ll be careful, Er Niu. Just keep an eye on the house for me during these days."

"No problem, you can count on me!" Er Niu thumped his chest in a loud show of assurance.

This time, the purchasing convoy heading to town was noticeably smaller, with fewer accompanying villagers. The new steward assigned after Gu Renxu’s death, named Gu Renbing, was someone Gu Sheng didn’t recognize. However, the convoy still had plenty of Martial Artists going with them.

This time, Gu Jingang was leading the team.

There were six or seven Martial Artists in total traveling alongside them.

The recent tragedy still hung over the manor, so safety was undoubtedly the top priority.

After using the Blood Strengthening Pill, Gu Jingang had attained Small Success in the Blood Refining Realm, making him incredibly strong. With him leading, the likelihood of safety was much greater.

However, Gu Xiaojiang did not join the trip this time. He rarely showed up anymore, focusing entirely on his Martial Arts training. The manor held high hopes for him, and he bore a significant amount of pressure.

"Let’s set off,"

Gu Jingang gave Gu Sheng a faint smile, then barked the order.

Although Gu Sheng’s talent for Martial Arts was average, his impressive archery skills had left a lasting impression on him.

Having experienced a trip to town before, Gu Sheng again focused most of his attention on memorizing the route, aiming to ensure his safety should he need to make the trip alone in the future.

The convoy this time was notably muted.

Everyone’s eyes scanned their surroundings frequently, remaining hyper-alert, praying that nothing unexpected would happen.

Thankfully, no troublemakers showed up. Even when mountain bandits occasionally appeared to block the road, they retreated after Gu Jingang identified himself.

Clearly.

Gu Jingang’s reputation had even surpassed Gu Dajiang’s.

Furthermore, the incident where Gu’s Manor wiped out the mountain bandits at Bull Mountain had sent a clear message to the nearby bandits: Gu’s Manor was not to be trifled with. For the time being, no foolhardy bandits were looking for trouble.

The convoy moved quickly, reaching Canghe County by the afternoon.

As the familiar gates of the town came into view, Gu Sheng felt his tense nerves ease, and the others collectively sighed in relief.

This trip mirrored the typical procurement ventures Gu’s Manor undertook—encounters with attacks were rare, maybe once every year or two.

They settled at a side courtyard.

After nodding briefly to everyone, Gu Jingang turned and went inside to rest. Steward Gu Renbing addressed the group with instructions:

"For the next few days, you may navigate freely around the town. Keep your temporary proof of passage on you at all times to avoid being expelled. Once the manor’s procurement is complete, we’ll return together. Don’t be late!"

In a daze, Gu Sheng seemed to catch a glimpse of Gu Renxu’s shadow in Gu Renbing.

Back then, Gu Renxu had said similar words.