Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World novel Chapter 81

Chapter 81: Chapter 81 The Dark Moon and High Wind

However, achieving perfection in the Shapeshifting Technique is not a feat accomplished overnight. Gu Sheng wasn’t in a hurry; slowly refining it was the way forward. For now, the Great Achievement Realm of this technique was more than sufficient.

"With my current strength, I can be considered unrivaled below the Blood Refining Realm. Moreover, the Great Achievement state of the Shapeshifting Technique allows me to conceal my identity. It’s time to bring things to an end."

A cold glint began to flash in Gu Sheng’s eyes.

In Canghe County, the vast majority of martial artists were merely in the Refining Skin Realm. Those in the Blood Refining Realm were considered among the rare elite, while those in the Bone Refining Realm were exceedingly scarce—countable on one hand.

Currently, the Li family fortress lacked martial artists in the Blood Refining Realm overseeing its defense. With Gu Sheng’s abilities, he only needed to exercise some caution to operate freely within its surroundings.

But to be prudent.

Gu Sheng decided to first scout ahead. At the very least, he needed to familiarize himself with the terrain of the Li family fortress to avoid mishaps from unforeseen circumstances. Planning carefully before taking action was his guiding principle.

With the Shapeshifting Technique, Gu Sheng could easily disguise himself as either a traveling merchant or a wandering vagrant, drawing no undue attention.

In the current times, the presence of vagrants was all too common. Even Gu’s Manor occasionally saw such wanderers.

Having made up his mind, Gu Sheng began to prepare.

It seemed he might even have to make a trip to the city to purchase some supplies.

...

A few days later.

Gu Sheng pretended to go hunting in the mountains.

In reality, after using the Shapeshifting Technique to alter his appearance, he disguised himself as a traveling merchant, effortlessly blending into the vicinity of the Li family fortress. Traveling merchants were known for their unpredictability; hardly anyone could spot a flaw.

The Li family fortress was located roughly ten miles from Gu’s Manor—not too far. _{free𝑤ebnovel.com}

"Selling candied hawthorn sticks~~"

"Pins and needles for sale!"

Gu Sheng called out while surveying the layout of the Li family fortress. Its structure bore some resemblance to Gu’s Manor, though the earthen fortress of the Li family clearly had superior defensive capabilities.

"Tsk... If it hadn’t been for Du Jiangbo leading the way back then, the Black Sand Gang would have paid dearly to seize the Li family fortress."

Outside the fortress, there were numerous scattered grass huts. These housed tenant farmers and others of lower status; without some social standing, living inside the fortress was out of the question.

At this moment, Gu Sheng appeared as a pleasantly plump, kind-looking figure. His smile radiated friendliness.

He occasionally paused nearby, interacting with tenant farmers who came over to trade. Through brief exchanges, Gu Sheng gradually gained a clearer understanding of the Li family fortress.

Items like candied hawthorn sticks were beyond the means of ordinary tenant farmers. Naturally, Gu Sheng’s target was the households within the fortress.

With his amiable demeanor, Gu Sheng easily earned permission to enter.

The Li family fortress was presently under the management of Du Jiangbo and martial artists from the Black Sand Gang. Life within had grown far from idyllic; traveling into the city had become far less frequent compared to before. Merchants, however, could somewhat alleviate their material shortages.

The houses within the fortress were noticeably superior in quality. Some areas even featured courtyards scattered throughout.

From afar, Gu Sheng immediately spotted the conspicuous red pavilion at the center. Faintly, he could hear someone inside singing, while two martial artists with starkly contrasting auras patrolled the surrounding area.

"Black Sand Gang members..."

Gu Sheng’s heart stirred as he roughly guessed the identity of the individual within the pavilion.

Several residents emerged to trade with Gu Sheng. Casually guiding the conversation, he quickly confirmed his suspicions.