Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World-Chapter 40 Entering the City

The autumn wind was bleak, and the air carried a hint of chill. Gu’s Manor gradually became quieter, as the villagers started wearing thicker clothing. Those with tighter finances minimized going out unless for necessary labor.

One reason was to ward off the cold, and the other was to reduce consumption and save on expenses.

But all this had little to do with the main household.

Sitting at the top of the food chain in Gu’s Manor, the members of the main household, while not extravagant in their living, had no need to worry about survival.

The Main Courtyard.

Around a furnace boiling tea, three middle-aged men of varying dispositions were seated in a pavilion.

If anyone saw them, they would exclaim in shock—Gu’s Manor’s three top experts had gathered together! freewebnøvel.com

One was dressed like a scholar, one was bald-headed, and the third had a much simpler appearance, looking more like an old farmer than a martial artist.

The burly bald man, Gu Jingang, grabbed his teacup and drained it in one gulp. The exquisite, delicate teacup looked even tinier in his broad and calloused palm.

Gu Jingang smacked his lips twice.

"This tea is awful, so bitter. Changming, you really enjoy imitating those pretentious city folks. Instead of wasting money on this, why not buy some meat to enjoy?"

Gu Changming, unbothered, gently sipped his tea, his eyes slightly squinting as if savoring the subtle layers within. After a long moment, he shook his head and chuckled:

"It has only been a few days, but Jingang, you’ve even learned the term ’pretentiousness.’ Not bad indeed. This kind of tea must be savored slowly to be appreciated. Drinking it impatiently, like you do, means missing the deeper essence entirely."

Gu Jingang immediately snorted.

The farmer-like Gu Dajiang burst into hearty laughter.

"Among the three of us, it’s naturally Changming who has the steadiest temperament. Still, I don’t care for these nuances. You didn’t call us over just to drink tea, did you?"

He had a dark complexion and a kindly smile.

Gu Jingang’s eyes lit up as he quickly asked:

"Is it about the Blood Strengthening Pill? Has it been arranged?"

Gu Changming rubbed his temples helplessly, the loud voice of Gu Jingang giving him a headache.

"That’s correct. The reason I called you here this time is precisely because of that matter. A few days ago, I finally managed to enlist the help of Master Ge Qing from Canghe County. When the time comes, we’ll bring the demon wolf blood and other materials over to him, and he’ll refine the Blood Strengthening Pill for us."

"It’s truly difficult to get Master Ge involved—it has taken months," Gu Dajiang remarked with a sigh.

"Indeed, there’s no other choice. Martial artists’ cultivation relies heavily on the assistance of pills, which elevates the status of pill masters. Doctor Ge is revered even in the city and is one of the few capable of refining Blood Strengthening Pills. Requesting his services requires considerable effort."

Gu Jingang couldn’t help but lament:

"If only we had our own pill master."

Gu Changming laughed despite himself.

"If we had a resident pill master, Gu’s Manor’s strength could easily double in a few short years. Such talent is precious to all factions, and without knowledge transfer or dedicated training, any aspiration for that is mere wishful thinking."

Gu Jingang did not argue, instead suggesting:

"The demon wolf blood is incredibly valuable. Why don’t I personally deliver it? That way, we can be more reassured."

Gu Changming shook his head and said:

"Not a good idea. The Black Sand Gang has become increasingly aggressive, keeping close watch on us. Bandits in the nearby mountains and forests are also daring, and there’s even the possibility of rogue troops fleeing from Yun Province. If you head to the city alone, it may raise suspicion. I plan to send Dajiang instead; his steadier temperament is more suitable."

"Moreover, Dajiang will be escorting our village’s procurement team to the city in a few days. Concealing the alchemy materials within the group will make them less conspicuous and less likely to arouse suspicion."

Gu Dajiang nodded slowly.

"Very well. Openly, I’ll be procuring supplies, while covertly visiting Master Ge to refine the pills. It should only take a few days."

Gu Jingang hesitated and asked:

"Won’t this be risky? What if we encounter an attack...?"

Gu Dajiang’s strength ranked lowest among the three, which made him uneasy.

Gu Changming replied:

"Stick to protocol. As long as the Blood Strengthening Pill remains concealed, the likelihood of an attack is low. On the return journey, we will coordinate halfway to rendezvous, ensuring the pill’s safety."

"Alright!"

...

Time passed.

The day for Gu’s Manor’s procurement team to enter the city grew nearer.

Gu Sheng was busy sorting through his hunting spoils. He hadn’t checked until now, and it was quite surprising—his collection of pelts alone formed an enormous bundle.

Excluding the silver fox’s pelt, just these other pelts were worth five or six taels of silver.

Additionally, there were some deer antlers, deer bones, and other rarer medicinal herbs. Hunters occasionally came across such herbs while hunting in the mountains, gathering them as an extra source of income, functioning like part-time herbalists. Gu Erniu had taught Gu Sheng how to identify some herbs.

Gu Sheng’s harvest far exceeded what an average hunter achieved in a year.

This was understandable.

Gu Sheng’s archery skills had reached a perfect realm, and his hunting success rate was incomparable to that of ordinary hunters.

Moreover, Gu Sheng lived alone and didn’t have large expenditures. At times, he wouldn’t rush to sell pelts at lower prices to villagers for quick cash, which allowed him to accumulate significantly.

Not needing to support a family, Gu Sheng’s rate of saving money was more than ten times faster than others.

"After this trip to the city, my accumulated silver coins will definitely exceed thirty taels!"

Gu Sheng’s eyes gleamed with joy.

To people at the bottom of society, this was an unimaginable fortune—his father had struggled his entire life, only saving half a tael.

Yet Gu Sheng had accumulated sixty to seventy times that amount in such a short time!

Of course.

Many reasons contributed to this exaggerated difference.

Gu Sheng had been sickly as a child—often plagued by headaches and physical frailty—which had consumed much of his family’s silver coins. Additionally, his father’s funeral had incurred further expenses, leaving the family’s savings dangerously thin.

Most of Gu Sheng’s gains came from the silver fox and high-quality hunting bows and knives—opportunities that were rare and serendipitous.

Nonetheless, Gu Sheng’s ability to amass wealth at such speed was astounding. If others knew, they’d likely send matchmakers from villages ten miles around flocking to his door the next day.

"Heading to the city tomorrow, today I’ll conserve my energy!"

After packing for his city trip, Gu Sheng drifted into a deep slumber.

The next day.

At dawn’s first light, Gu Sheng carried his bundled pelts and walked out of the manor. The silver fox pelt and two hunting bows were packed meticulously in the center, tightly secured and imperceptible to outsiders.

Outside the manor.

A dozen people were already waiting there.

Most were skilled villagers rather than tenant farmers. Some were heading to the city to sell goods for winter money, others to visit relatives, and still others for a chance to broaden their horizons.

Gu Sheng spotted Gu Erniu.

Gu Erniu’s leg had largely recovered, though running fast still caused a faint ache. He would need more medication for a while yet.

He carried a sizable bundle of pelts, which also contained two bows.

Seeing Gu Sheng’s haul, Gu Erniu clicked his tongue twice and whispered in awe:

"Asheng, impressive! Your harvest in less than half a year has outdone my entire year’s yield!"

Last time, during their battle with Li Yan, he had witnessed Gu Sheng’s archery. He knew Gu Sheng’s skills had reached an unattainable level.

Now, looking at the pelts, he realized Gu Sheng had likely surpassed him much earlier than he’d imagined.

He couldn’t help but marvel inwardly—Gu Sheng was no ordinary talent.

This composed and reserved demeanor was not something just anyone could learn.

As they chatted, several other hunters approached, also heading to the city to sell pelts.

When they saw the wealth of pelts behind Gu Sheng, they were momentarily stunned.

In hunting circles, one’s harvest was often synonymous with one’s skill and strength. Each hunter unconsciously reassessed Gu Sheng’s standing, adding a layer of respect to their tone during subsequent conversations.

The group waited.

Before long.

The manor’s procurement convoy arrived slowly—a procession of donkey carts and flat carts came into view, accompanied by drivers and porters. The scale of this winter procurement was significant.