Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World

Chapter 145: Chapter 105: First-level Strong Body! The Giant Axe Butcher! _3

If a constable lacked even this much perception, they probably wouldn’t have survived until now.

”Hero, please wait a moment.”

A constable swiftly grabbed the severed head and entered the county office, returning quickly with a more respectful demeanor.

”What should I call you, good sir?”

”The Butcher.”

”Lord Butcher, please this way. Here is your bounty hunter badge and reward. From now on, you can use this badge to enter and select missions.”

Gu Sheng accepted the red wooden badge. On its front were the gilded words ”Bounty Hunter,” and on the back were the characters ”A-69,” seemingly a serial number. As for the bounty, it was only about a dozen taels, reflecting the limited threat of the wanted criminal.

The constable, deferential, guided Gu Sheng into another courtyard adjacent to the county office.

Gu Sheng’s fierce expression masked his subtle observations of the surrounding environment.

The courtyard was relatively quiet. After a few twists and turns, it opened into a hall where several wooden desks were set up. At the desks, clerks rummaged through stacks of books and records.

”Lord Butcher, if you wish to collect missions in the future, you may do so here. Simply inform the clerks of your requirements.”

With that, the constable excused himself and departed.

Gu Sheng nodded covertly. Aside from himself, there were two or three other martial artists with distinctive auras making inquiries at other desks. The wooden badges at their waists marked them as fellow bounty hunters.

Gu Sheng’s arrival drew many glances.

Understandably so—the combination of his exaggerated giant axe and fierce visage was enough to intimidate anyone.

Gu Sheng kept his gaze fixed forward and approached an unoccupied desk.

The young clerk behind the desk immediately tensed up:

”My lord, what type of bounty mission are you looking to undertake? Please provide your requirements.”

Crossing his arms, Gu Sheng replied evenly:

”A target around the Jade Skin Realm level. Operating alone. Detailed intelligence is a must.”

Though his own strength was considerable—unshaken even against Blood Refining Realm perfection—he didn’t plan to be overly ambitious for his first mission.

”Understood! Please wait a moment, my lord!”

The clerk hurriedly buried his head in the records, searching carefully, fearful of showing any negligence. Bounty hunters were rarely known for their patience; those who earned their living through killing often carried both skill and peculiarities.

After a moment, the clerk finally looked up and respectfully said:

”My lord, three targets match your criteria.”

”Tell me about them in detail.”

”The first target offers a bounty of one hundred taels. His name is Xiong Jianmei, a swordsman who specializes in swordsmanship. He was last seen in Black Water Town three days ago. Savage and ruthless, he once massacred an entire family of thirteen. Another bounty hunter died at his hands before...”

”The second target offers seventy taels. His name is Yao Jiu, skilled in movement techniques. Half a month ago, he used knockout smoke to dishonor a young, betrothed woman. He was last seen in White Stone Town five days ago...”

”The third target offers eighty taels. His name is Ying Ming. He is adept at disguise...”

Gu Sheng listened intently.

A bounty of nearly one hundred taels was already enticing for someone at the Refining Skin Realm.

The second and third targets excelled in movement techniques and disguise, making them slippery and time-consuming to deal with.

The first target appeared to possess the highest combat strength, but to Gu Sheng, that hardly mattered.

”I’ll take the first bounty mission.”

With that, he handed over his badge.

The clerk received it respectfully, recorded the information, and then handed the badge back.

”My lord, this Xiong Jianmei is no ordinary target. Please exercise caution. If the situation proves too challenging, every bounty hunter is granted two opportunities per year to cancel missions. However, beyond those two cancellations, you must complete your current mission before taking on new ones.”

”Additionally, bounty hunter missions are not exclusive—if another hunter completes the task first, you’ll need to select a different mission.”

Hearing these rules, Gu Sheng nodded slowly.

In such a short time, the bounty hunter system had become surprisingly well-organized.

”Understood. Is there a time limit on the missions?”

”No. As long as no one else completes it, you may proceed at your own pace. Once completed, bring back proof of the target’s identity to claim the reward. This is the intel on Xiong Jianmei.”

The clerk respectfully handed over a small booklet.

It contained detailed records of Xiong Jianmei’s appearance, history, crimes, and martial skills.

”Bear in mind, not all of this intelligence may be accurate. You’ll need to verify it yourself.”

Gu Sheng understood this instinctively. If Liu Yuanhu were to seek out intel about him, he’d likely find descriptions of a Stone Skin Martial Artist skilled in archery. Yet no one would suspect that his actual strength rivaled the perfection of the Blood Refining Realm.

This was why Gu Sheng’s first mission targeted only a Jade Skin Realm martial artist.

The priority was learning the ropes.

If he ran into a cunning and underhanded adversary, he’d still have room to maneuver.

These criminals, who could evade capture despite their deeds, were never easy prey.

Under the clerk’s awed gaze, Gu Sheng turned and walked away.

...

Three days later.

In Black Water Town, a burly figure carrying a giant axe stepped into the area.

As a small settlement under Canghe County, Black Water Town was relatively decent. It had the basics: inns, pawnshops, gambling dens. The townsfolk appeared slightly healthier than those in Gu’s Manor, though they were clearly worse off than the residents of Canghe County’s capital. Yet beggars and vagrants were more numerous.

Since the new emperor ascended the throne, major upheavals had been avoided, but life for the common folk was still harsh. Many had lost their lands and been reduced to vagrants or slaves.

”This Xiong Jianmei has some nerve. Most would have vanished without a trace once aware of being wanted by bounty hunters. Yet he dares return to Black Water Town.”

Gu Sheng found himself astonished.

After several days of tracking, it was surprising to discover Xiong Jianmei’s trail led back to Black Water Town.

As he stepped into the town, his imposing frame and the giant axe on his back compelled people to look away and retreat to the sides.

He strode forward, eventually arriving at a slum.

There, a diminutive swordsman cradled a child’s lifeless body, his head lowered in silent grief.