Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World-Chapter 177 - 116: Three Choices! Blacksmith Riot! _3

"Thank you for the Pill Master’s advice. If there’s nothing else, I shall take my leave."

After Gu Sheng’s figure had completely disappeared, the corners of Ge Qing’s mouth curved slightly.

"Interesting, such a small Canghe County actually harbors a genius like this. At the mere age of seventeen, his bone age has already reached the Perfect Blood Refining Realm?"

"Such a technique for disguising and altering appearance—quite sophisticated indeed."

Ge Qing’s eyes held a trace of admiration.

Earlier, while watering the flowers and tending the soil, he had not observed closely. But upon entering the quiet chamber, he immediately realized that Gu Sheng’s appearance was not his true face. It wasn’t that Gu Sheng revealed any flaws, rather, Ge Qing had a unique way of discerning bone age or more precisely ’spirit essence’.

Because of this, even if one’s face changes, he could still recognize the person.

The sensation was much like how changing one’s appearance was no different than changing clothes.

"The world is vast indeed, hidden dragons and crouching tigers everywhere."

Ge Qing chuckled, sipped his tea, his gaze distant and profound.

The matter of Gu Sheng was merely a minor episode. As long as his rules weren’t broken, all was negotiable. He didn’t take it to heart at all, treating it as a small diversion. Even the heated squabbling between Liu Yuanhu and Zhao Honglie seemed like child’s play in his eyes.

"This Canghe County... I’ve lingered here for quite some time. Perhaps it’s time for a change. Who knows how much longer it will take for it to grow."

He glanced at the ground beneath his feet and pondered silently.

...

Underground cavern.

The constant clanging of metal rang in the air. The temperature within the cave was exceedingly high, heat billowing endlessly.

Helian Tie Lan was silently hammering the iron piece in her hands. Members of the Black Sand Gang roamed nearby, their menacing gazes fixed on her. From time to time, they passed by behind her. Her expression was wooden, but she seized the gaps to quietly hide a slender iron shard.

She then resumed hammering as if nothing had happened.

In the shadows, exchanges took place silently.

:"They’ve captured many new blacksmiths recently, their defenses have grown much weaker."

:"Indeed, I wonder what’s happening outside."

:"We can’t wait any longer; people die here every day. Who knows who will be next?"

:"Tonight then. Tonight is their usual drink-and-feast night. Their defense will be even weaker. We’ll create a commotion together!"

:"Good! When the time comes, we’ll all destroy the furnaces and escape from outside!"

...

Each highly skilled blacksmith communicated through the rhythm of their hammer strikes. The flames in the furnace reflected in their eyes, burning extraordinarily bright!

Helian Tie Lan stole a glance at the distant, handsome young man, only to find that he was looking at her too.

The faint heat in his gaze made her shyly turn her head aside.

During these days, she had come to know the young man’s name—Pei Xuansi.

Having lived for so many years, an unfamiliar feeling welled up in her heart, leaving her slightly uneasy.

Pei Xuansi observed Helian Tie Lan’s reaction, a look of admiration and affection filling his eyes. Always enthralled by the art of forging, he never imagined he’d one day meet such a perfect woman.

She was simply the embodiment of his ideals.

"Once we escape together, I must confess my feelings to Tie Lan!"

He resolved silently, focusing on preparations for the night’s action.

The blacksmiths gathered covertly, their strength lying dormant in the shadows.

The Black Sand members continued their supervision, occasionally lashing out with whips, leaving skin torn and bleeding.

...

The night crept deep.

Outside the cavern, the atmosphere was lively and rowdy. Most of the gang members were indulging in drinking and unruly banter, venting their frustrations. Leng Yun watched over them without stepping in.

After all, stationed in such a remote place with nothing to keep them entertained, the gang members truly led a grueling life.

Occasional drinking was hardly considered indulgence.

The blacksmiths all wore shackles on their feet, and a portion of them remained under strict watch. No accidents seemed likely.

"Hall Master, here’s to you! May your future promotions be endless, and may us brothers continue living large with your leadership!"

A close confidant approached with a toast, and Leng Yun’s spirits lifted.

"Good! Once this matter is accomplished, I’ll surely plead for rewards for all of you brothers from the Gang Leader! You’ve all worked hard!"

"Not hard at all!"

"With Boss Leng leading us, it’s never hard!"

Utterances filled with boldness and vigor resounded below. All previous gripes and grievances were temporarily forgotten, their reckless joy saturating the moment.

"Drink! No need for words!"

Leng Yun tipped his head back and downed the drink, the atmosphere becoming even more boisterous.

Inside the cavern.

The patrolling Black Sand members, hearing the faint commotion outside, couldn’t help but show wistful expressions. But alas, the rotation was set; last time was their turn for enjoyment, now it was their lot to stand guard.

"What’re you looking at? Want to have drinks too? Get back to work, or watch your heads!"

Their pent-up frustration was vented on the blacksmiths.

The frequency of lashings and shouted curses noticeably increased.

The blacksmiths grew increasingly aggrieved but dared not retaliate.

Only Helian Tie Lan and a few of the more skilled blacksmiths exchanged elusive glances, quietly biding their time, suppressing their impulses.

Not long after.

The commotion outside began to die down, and some gang members started stumbling in drunken stupors.

"Ahh!"

A sudden cry of pain rang out, immediately attracting the nearby Black Sand members’ attention. A blacksmith clutched his abdomen, showing an expression of discomfort.

Already agitated, one of the gang members sneered and tightened his grip on his whip.

"Excellent! So your skin’s itching, huh? Come, let Grandpa loosen it for you!"

Without a shred of caution, he approached the blacksmith and lashed forward. But instead of the expected scene of bloody welts, the whip was firmly seized mid-strike by the blacksmith, who then kicked it out of his grip. The blacksmith’s eyes widened with rage, his ferocious and hateful glare inducing dread.