Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World

Chapter 10: Chapter 10 Gu Jingang

Li Lian watched Gu Sheng unleash a tremendous display of power, slashing the wild wolf in half with unstoppable force. She could hardly believe her eyes—this fierce young man was worlds apart from the frail image he once had.

”When did Asheng become so formidable...?”

Even Gu Sheng was momentarily stunned himself.

Just now, with one swing, it felt as though he had been divinely assisted. His state was extraordinarily sharp. In his vision, the wild wolf seemed to transform into a mere piece of wood, with distinct ʼgrain patterns.ʼ By following those ʼpatternsʼ with his blade, he managed to sheerly split the wolf into two halves.

However, now was not the time to dwell on it—the danger wasnʼt over yet.

Gu Sheng pulled the machete from the wolfʼs carcass. The machete, soaked in blood after repeated use, had even seeped its way into the wooden handle, making it slick.

He tore several strips of fabric from his clothing and wrapped them tightly around the handle to ensure it didnʼt slip from his grip.

Glancing cautiously at his surroundings, he swiftly dragged the wolfʼs corpse to the side. At this moment, Li Lian reacted quickly as well. Summoning her courage, she stepped out despite her fear, helping Gu Sheng pick up the scattered wooden sticks nearby. She then urged him urgently:

”Asheng, get inside, quick!”

Wolves were still roaming wild inside the village, and the house at least offered some shelter.

Gu Sheng didnʼt hesitate and rushed into the wooden house with a few swift strides.

Li Lian shut the wooden door, and the two finally let out a sigh of relief. Gu Sheng caught his breath, slumping where he stood. The tension from earlier had kept him so focused that he hadnʼt realized his entire body was trembling involuntarily now that he was starting to relax.

His back, in particular, was stinging sharply.

Gu Sheng grinned:

”Erniuʼs wife, Xiao Wan, are you alright?”

Li Lian kept shaking her head, while Gu Wan looked at Gu Sheng with awe and joy. Despite his eyes being covered earlier, he could still hear the sounds of the battle.

”Itʼs all thanks to you, Asheng, for arriving in time. If it werenʼt for you, my mother and I...”

As she spoke.

Li Lianʼs eyes reddened with emotion.

”For saving our lives, once Erniu gets back, Iʼll make sure he properly repays your kindness!”

Gu Sheng waved it off and said:

”Thereʼs no need for formality between family. Brother Erniu and Sister Erniu have always treated me like a younger brother. Naturally, I couldnʼt just stand by and do nothing.”

He had barely finished speaking when he hissed sharply, drawing in a cold breath as the wound on his back was pulled, sending a sharp pang of pain through him.

Li Lian exclaimed in shock:

”Asheng, your back is injured!”

Understanding the gravity of the moment, Gu Wan stood quietly to one side, helping Gu Sheng stay steady. Li Lian hurriedly searched the room and soon returned holding a jar of thick, black ointment.

”This is Erniuʼs salve—itʼs very effective for stopping bleeding and healing wounds.”

Without hesitation, Li Lian lifted Gu Shengʼs shirt to reveal his back. Several gashes of varying severity came into view, filling Li Lianʼs heart with even more gratitude.

If Gu Sheng hadnʼt arrived.

They surely would have perished under the wolvesʼ teeth today.

The black ointment spread across his wounds brought an immediate sensation of coolness, relieving much of the sting. Fortunately, the injuries werenʼt too deep. After applying the salve, Gu Sheng was still capable of moving.

Nodding to indicate that he was fine, Gu Sheng grabbed the machete and stood up, listening intently to the sounds outside through the window.

Under the night sky, the howls of wolves grew louder and more piercing, as if additional packs of wolves had joined in. Gu Shengʼs expression darkened, and Li Lian also tensed up.

”Sister Erniu, bring out anything heavy in the house. Letʼs barricade the door and wait for reinforcements from the village,”

Gu Sheng said seriously.

Li Lian quickly agreed, and the three began moving stones, wooden stakes, and other heavy objects to block the wooden door.

Gu Sheng made up his mind to hold out here quietly. As for the other villagers, they could only rely on their own luck.

The reason he chose to save Li Lian and her son.

Firstly, because Gu Erniuʼs family had shown him great kindness—his conscience wouldnʼt allow him to turn away.

Secondly, because the risk was manageable—the distance was only about a hundred meters, and Gu Sheng was confident in his ability to take down the lone wolf.

But as for the unknown number of other wolves attacking the village in the night, Gu Sheng wasnʼt about to overestimate himself. Despite everything, reaching the Great Achievement Realm of Chopping Wood only made him somewhat stronger than the average person.

He knew exactly where his abilities stood.

He wouldnʼt act recklessly and try to play the hero.

And so, the others could only fend for themselves.

Once they had firmly barricaded the wooden door, the two finally let out a sigh of relief.

Under these conditions, a lone wolf wouldnʼt be able to break through the door. As long as they werenʼt targeted by an entire pack, they should be able to hold out safely until reinforcements arrived.

Gu Sheng exhaled deeply.

He didnʼt let his guard down, gripping his machete as he kept a watchful ear on the sounds outside.

Seeing this, Li Lian brought over a few pieces of flatbread and handed them to Gu Sheng.

”Asheng, eat something to replenish your strength.”

At this moment, Gu Sheng was their sole fighting force, and Li Lian understood the urgency of the situation.

Gu Sheng didnʼt hesitate. With a few gulps of water, he devoured the flatbread in no time. He immediately felt his drained energy being significantly restored. He refrained from eating too much, however, to ensure he could still move quickly should another fight occur.

Keeping the tension tight in his heart, Gu Sheng remained vigilant, while Li Lian held Gu Wan tightly, her face full of worry.

The occasional sounds of wolves howling and distant screams made it impossible to relax.

No one could be sure whether the reinforcements or the wolves would reach them first.

Time dragged on slowly.

Suddenly, Gu Shengʼs expression shifted as he perked up, straining his ears.

He heard the unmistakable sounds of wolves letting out pained howls!

And not just a single howl—they were growing more frequent and concentrated.

”The martial artists in the village have finally started hunting the wolves!”

Gu Sheng and Li Lian exchanged glances, seeing the joy reflected in each otherʼs eyes.

Even so, this crucial moment was no time to let their guard down. If they stumbled now, theyʼd have no time for regrets.

Gu Sheng kept a close watch on the movements outside, prepared to intercept any stray wolves that might try to escape.

The situation was steadily turning in their favor.

After an indeterminate amount of time, the howls of the wolves gradually diminished. In the distance, flames surged into the sky as large groups of villagers, led by martial artists, finally arrived—victory was imminent!

A thunderous shout echoed through the night:

”All villagers, stay inside your homes! Do not wander around to avoid encountering escaped wolves!”

Li Lian cried out with excitement:

”Itʼs Gu Jingang, the instructor! Weʼre saved!”

Gu Shengʼs gaze sharpened as he peered out the window.

Out there.

Several gray wolf shadows were fleeing. Each one was larger and more muscular than the wolf he had killed earlier. Their speed and agility caused Gu Shengʼs pupils to contract. If he had faced these wolves in an open area, even his Great Achievement Realm in Chopping Wood might not have sufficed.

But now, these wolves were desperately fleeing for their lives.

A massive figure pursued them relentlessly, his speed equally astonishing. His steps were straightforward and unrefined, yet each stride covered vast distances.

Under the moonlight, Gu Sheng saw clearly.

The man was bald like a monk, with bulging muscles and a savage expression brimming with killing intent.

It was none other than the village instructor, Gu Jingang.

”You beasts, die for me!”

The bald manʼs voice boomed like a thunderclap as his shout reverberated through the night. With just a few steps, he caught up to the pack. Like a tiger leaping into a flock of sheep, his massive fists crashed down like steel hammers.

Bang!

A wolfʼs head exploded like a watermelon bursting apart.

Gu Shengʼs pupils contracted violently. Wolves were known for their so-called ”iron skulls.” Their heads were one of the hardest parts of their bodies, yet Gu Jingang had smashed one apart with a casual punch. The scene was utterly terrifying!

Gu Jingang laughed heartily, his fists brutal and unstoppable. With just a handful of punches, he had annihilated the remaining wolves.

In the dark of the night, he appeared incomparably magnificent.

”So... this is what it means to be a martial artist?”

Gu Sheng clenched his fists, his gaze growing increasingly fervent.

Witnessing a martial artist take action at such close range, the overwhelming display of power sent shivers through his entire body. Only now did Gu Sheng understand why martial artists were so revered.