Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World

Chapter 25: Chapter 25 Keeping a Little Secret (Seeking Follow-ups on Tuesday)

After a moment of contemplation, Gu Sheng ultimately gave up on the idea.

Although his archery skills had reached a state of Great Success, fully capable of working independently.

Gu Sheng had only been hunting in the mountains for just over a month, and he was not particularly familiar with the terrain. If he ventured too far by accident, there was a chance he might fall into danger.

”Iʼll wait a little longer. Over the next month, Iʼll increase the frequency of trips into the mountains, observe carefully, and gain experience. By then, I should be able to handle most situations inside the mountains and try going on my own!”

Gu Sheng decided to remain steady and cautious.

In another month, it would be fall, when the wild animals in the mountains are bulkier and more plentiful—prime hunting season.

Once winter arrives, the prey would diminish significantly, and heavy snow sealing off the mountains would make hunting much harder.

Gu Sheng could measure the situation accurately in his mind.

He would aim to minimize major risks while maximizing rewards. Every endeavor comes with risks, but he hoped to make them as controllable as possible.

...

Over the next month.

Gu Sheng began to grow at a steady and rapid pace.

Chopping wood and practicing archery every day, supplemented by plenty of rice and nourishing meat, Gu Shengʼs physique visibly strengthened at an astonishing speed!

Fourteen years old is, after all, the prime age for physical growth.

In just a few months since awakening his innate wisdom, Gu Sheng had shot up in height—not just a little. He was now just one head shorter than Gu Erniu, and his strength had increased so much that even some adults might not be able to match him.

With his bodyʼs rapid development.

Gu Shengʼs speed in chopping wood became faster. He could chop one thousand logs in less than a full morning—an improvement brought by his enhanced physical fitness.

The same went for his archery skills.

Now, Gu Sheng could easily draw his hunting bow to a full moon. He had considered switching to a stronger hunting bow, but in the end decided against it.

The cost was simply too high, and he didnʼt have enough savings to afford one even if he spent everything he had.

Besides, for hunting purposes, a bow with a pull weight of one stone was adequate for now. Gu Sheng suppressed the idea, as the hard-earned two taels of silver he saved would need to be used for martial arts training.

Within the span of this month.

Gu Sheng entered the mountains a total of ten times!

When Gu Erniu was available, he went with him into the mountains; if Gu Erniu wasnʼt around, he joined Zhang Ze and other hunters he was acquainted with.

Gu Sheng was like a sponge, absorbing all kinds of hunting experience and knowledge like mad.

Clearing paths in the forest, familiarizing himself with the terrain, identifying traces of wild creatures, preparing powders, setting up traps, recognizing medicinal herbs...

Every piece of knowledge and skill a qualified hunter needed, Gu Sheng made sure to learn them all.

Fortunately, he had lived two lifetimes, and especially given the bombardment of compulsory education in his previous one, he had his own methods of absorbing knowledge, allowing him to learn quickly.

Other hunters were also happy to have Gu Sheng accompany them into the mountains.

First, Gu Sheng excelled in archery—hunting with him significantly improved their chances of success.

Second, Gu Sheng often voluntarily shared a portion of the profits.

Thus, many hunters even competed to partner with him.

Gu Sheng didnʼt mind making some concessions when it came to profits.

He understood that he and the others were neither family nor friends. If not for the prospect of benefits, why would they bother sharing hunting knowledge and insights with him—even if he could figure it out after exploring for a while?

To accelerate his growth, Gu Sheng recognized that this was necessary.

Nevertheless, as usual, Gu Sheng kept his true archery skill concealed, merely showcasing proficiency comparable to—or slightly beneath—that of Gu Erniu.

Occasionally, he would deliver a spectacular arrow, earning rounds of admiration.

Of course, Gu Sheng would humbly attribute it to luck.

...

That night.

Gu Erniu and Gu Sheng sat across from each other, drinking wine, with rabbit meat stewing in the pot. Though the wine was strong and bitter, for the common folk it was already a rare luxury.

Gu Erniu was in a particularly jubilant mood today.

Because earlier, he had taken Gu Wan to meet Gu Changming, who praised Gu Wanʼs solid foundation—better than Gu Erniuʼs—with the potential to become a Martial Artist someday if he built a strong base!

Because of this.

Gu Erniu was so excited that he couldnʼt sleep. He brought out wine late at night and insisted on drinking to his heartʼs content with Gu Sheng.

”Asheng, you know, I never dreamed that my son might have a chance to become a Martial Artist!”

Gu Erniuʼs face had a slight flush of intoxication, and he spoke animatedly.

”My father sent me to train in martial arts, but I didnʼt have the aptitude for it. We spent money, but I couldnʼt even get through the door; the most I gained was a stronger body. To this day, I canʼt forget the look of regret on my fatherʼs face before he passed away!”

”Itʼs been my lifelong pain! Asheng, Iʼve witnessed the strength of Martial Artists, but I could never become one. Do you know what that feels like?”

”But now, my son... my son, Gu Wan, finally has the opportunity to become a Martial Artist!”

”Iʼm going to save money properly. When he turns fifteen, Iʼll send him to the manor to train in martial arts. He has to grow strong enough to protect himself—and maybe even become someone great!”

Gu Erniu poured out his heart all at once, gesturing and moving his hands enthusiastically as he rattled on about the future.

Gu Sheng observed and discerned much.

Regret, excitement, joy, hope...

All kinds of emotions were laid bare.

Gu Sheng was genuinely happy for Gu Erniu. His son had a chance to become a Martial Artist, and the glow in Gu Erniuʼs eyes burned brighter than ever—his dreams for a better future now had real momentum.

”Asheng, you need to work hard too. With your talent, youʼll surely succeed in martial training someday.”

”By then, I, Gu Erniu, will have both a brother and a son who are Martial Artists. Letʼs see who dares mess with me then, hahaha!”

Gu Erniu took a few swigs of wine and couldnʼt suppress his laughter.

Gu Sheng nodded with a smile, stuffed a rabbit leg into his mouth, and said firmly:

”Iʼm definitely going to train in martial arts!”

”Erniu Brother, let me tell you something: tomorrow, I plan to go into the mountains alone.”

Gu Shengʼs soft-spoken words made Gu Erniu pause, instantly sobering up a bit, and he quickly tried to dissuade him:

”Asheng, youʼve only been hunting for two months. Isnʼt going into the mountains alone a little too hasty...”

Halfway through his sentence, realization dawned on him.

”Youʼre doing this for...”

Gu Sheng nodded solemnly.

”Exactly. Spring comes next year when I turn fifteen. Gu Jingang, the instructor, will be teaching a new batch of youths martial arts then. I must prepare ahead of time. You know as well as I do that martial training is extremely demanding.”

Gu Erniu nodded wholeheartedly. ”A warrior needs wealth”—this saying wasnʼt for nothing; he had deeply experienced its truth.

Otherwise, he wouldnʼt be scrambling now to save money for Gu Wanʼs future.

”Asheng, your ambition is admirable, but you must be extra cautious.”

Gu Sheng chuckled and said:

”Donʼt worry. I havenʼt been wasting these past two months. I already have a general understanding of the mountains. Besides, I wonʼt venture too far at first; I know my limits.”

Gu Erniu nodded repeatedly, then after some pondering, added:

”Hereʼs what weʼll do. Tomorrow, take my bow into the mountains. Itʼs stronger, and you can fully handle it now. Coupled with your archery skills, it will be enough to deal with most wild creatures.”

He winked at Gu Sheng.

”Kid, donʼt try to fool me. Others might not know you well, but I do. Your archery skills are definitely better than what youʼve shown. I doubt I could even match you now.”

Gu Erniu couldnʼt help but be amazed. He had witnessed Gu Shengʼs growth firsthand.

From learning archery to now, it had taken barely three months, yet he had reached such a level. His talent in archery was astonishing.

Gu Sheng smiled shyly and said:

”Iʼve only hidden a tiny bit. My skills are probably about the same as Erniu Brotherʼs now.”

Gu Erniu pointed a finger at Gu Sheng and burst into laughter.

”You rascal... still pretending. Letʼs drink another!”

...

The next day.

Gu Sheng requested leave from Gu He and brought Gu Erniuʼs hunting bow into the mountains.