Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World

Chapter 1067: Chapter 557: The Elders’ Decision (Part 2)

After he finished speaking, several elders actually requested to be struck.

Hearing their request, Gu Sheng was a bit amused and exasperated.

"Dear elders, what you’ve heard is true. Wushuang Taoist has agreed to merge Stone Village into the Sky Blue Sect. Next, it’s up to you to decide."

After saying this, he cast his gaze on the Third Elder’s face.

"Third Elder, your words carry the most weight in Stone Village, please give a response."

Looking at him, the Third Elder hesitated for a moment before asking, "Gu Sheng, is the premise for Stone Village to merge into the Sky Blue Sect your joining it?"

"Yes, Wushuang Taoist wants me to act as the envoy for the Sky Blue Sect."

"But... we also want you to be our Village Chief. I’ve wanted to hand you the Village Chief’s Token for a long time, but hesitated, which led to this result. Gu Sheng, I didn’t mean to guard against you; I just wanted to wait a little."

Understanding his meaning, Gu Sheng nodded.

"Third Elder, I understand your point, but I never cared about these things. In my heart, I am a person of Stone Village; my identity doesn’t matter."

As Gu Sheng finished speaking, Shi Lou hurriedly continued, "Elders, Brother Sheng genuinely cares about Stone Village. When Wushuang Taoist proposed this, he refused to agree until he could consult with you. Er Gou and I repeatedly assured him you would have no objections, but he wouldn’t listen. He rushed back for three days and two nights."

Learning about this, the elders were deeply moved to tears.

"Gu Sheng, thank you for always thinking of helping Stone Village."

"It’s what I should do. Elders, have you decided? Can you give me an answer?"

After exchanging glances, the Third Elder said, "You secured us a golden opportunity; how could we refuse? I just regret not making you the Village Chief for even a day; that’s my fault..."

"Third Elder, it’s just a token; it’s not that important. Like Shi Lou and the others, they see me as the Village Chief in their hearts, which means I’ve already held that position. You keep seeking my counsel and listening to my ideas, placing me in that role in practice, haven’t you?"

"Yes! Yes! You indeed have held that position in our hearts."

Seeing them nod together, Gu Sheng smiled.

"Since that’s the case, it means I’ve already been the Village Chief in everyone’s heart, so we don’t need to dwell on these matters. Since everyone agrees to merge into the Sky Blue Sect, let’s head to Yunhai together to inform Wushuang Taoist of this decision."

"Alright, we will go with you!"

The Fifth Elder was about to leave when the Third Elder quickly held him back.

"Gu Sheng and the others just returned after rushing for three days and two nights. They haven’t even closed their eyes except for having a sip of water. You want them to travel for another three days and two nights back? Are you trying to tire them to death?"

After the Third Elder spoke, the Fifth Elder slapped his forehead forcefully.

"Look at me, I was just so happy I forgot to let you rest. Here, why don’t you rest first, and we’ll make some preparations? It’s our first meeting with Wushuang Taoist, so we shouldn’t go empty-handed. We’ll get ready."

"Alright, elders, let us know when you’re ready, so we can return promptly."

After reaching an agreement, Gu Sheng and his companions each returned to their courtyards for a comfortable rest.

It wasn’t until near dusk that footsteps were heard outside.

After meditating for a long while, Gu Sheng’s body and Divine Power were fully restored. Hearing the footsteps, he opened the door directly.

"Third Elder, are you ready?"

"Ready. Did I wake you up?"

"No, I’ve been awake. Since everything is ready, let’s head out promptly. I promised Wushuang Taoist to give a response within seven days."

"Gu Sheng, there’s a question I’d like to ask."

Seeing the Third Elder’s hesitant look, Gu Sheng raised an eyebrow lightly.

"Third Elder, if you have any concerns, feel free to ask; no need to be polite."

"Gu Sheng, I was just wondering, once Stone Village merges into the Sky Blue Sect, will we have to move to Yunhai?"

Upon hearing this, Gu Sheng didn’t quite know how to answer, as they hadn’t discussed it yet.

Seeing his troubled expression, the Third Elder quickly said, "Gu Sheng, don’t overthink it. I didn’t mean anything by it, just casually inquiring. The Sky Blue Sect is willing to accept us, and we should be grateful, regardless of where we are. I was just asking casually, so you should get up and pack."

As the Third Elder was about to leave, Gu Sheng asked, "Third Elder, are you reluctant to leave here?"

Hearing this, the Third Elder slowly stopped in his tracks.

"Ah, it’s hard to leave home. Stone Village has been stationed here for decades; life and death are tied to this place. Saying goodbye suddenly is indeed a bit painful, but none of it matters as long as we have a better future."

After saying this, the Third Elder left swiftly.

Gu Sheng sat on the bed, gently biting his lip.

He hadn’t considered this issue before, but thinking about it now, the emotion of not wanting to leave one’s home is indeed difficult to manage. However, this is a matter concerning two sects; it’s not something he alone can decide. They still have to wait to discuss it after reaching Yunhai.

Pinching the bridge of his nose, Gu Sheng got up to call Er Gou and the others.

That night, Gu Sheng set off with everyone.

After another three days and two nights of traveling, they finally reached Yunhai.

From a distance, Gu Sheng saw a red figure.

The figure seemed to be looking in this direction, pacing back and forth, appearing somewhat anxious.

He led everyone closer, and when he saw clearly who it was, he smiled and called out, "Hong Mei."

Hearing his voice, Hong Mei turned around in surprise, her eyes lighting up instantly.

"Gu Sheng, you’re back!"

"Yes, we’re back. Why are you here?"

"I... I was just wandering around doing nothing."

Seeing her eyes quickly avoid his and the poorly concealed guilt within them, Gu Sheng couldn’t help but chuckle.

At his laughter, Hong Mei blushed.

"What are you laughing at, what’s so funny?"

"Nothing much. Where’s Wushuang Taoist?"

"In the courtyard. I’ll take you there."

Hong Mei eagerly volunteered, happily leading the way before them.

Shi Lou nudged Gu Sheng’s shoulder, winking at him.

"Brother Sheng, it’s clear she’s purposely waiting for you. Didn’t you notice?"

After he spoke, Er Gou also leaned over.

"Brother Sheng, it seems like Hong Mei’s got feelings for you. You noticed that, right?"

"Don’t talk nonsense."

Although Gu Sheng said that, he couldn’t help but smile.

For some reason, after not seeing each other for a few days, Hong Mei seemed different to him.

She was no longer cold and distant as before; her eyes no longer held sorrow. Now she seemed more lively and adorable, her big eyes growing increasingly expressive, her dimples appearing more frequently. It seemed returning to Wushuang Taoist had indeed changed her.

While Gu Sheng was staring at Hong Mei’s back, Shi Lou and Er Gou turned to madly wink at the elders, exchanging gossip with their eyes.

The elders also heard their words, and for a moment, everyone’s face was filled with smiles.

Initially, they were a bit nervous, but now, with this situation, much of the tension seemed to dissipate.

Everyone entered the courtyard of Wushuang Taoist, who came out to greet them personally.

Seeing Wushuang Taoist in person, everyone from Stone Village was thrilled.

Seeing them bow deeply, Wushuang Taoist hurriedly helped them up.

"I knew your decision when you came. From now on, Stone Village and the Sky Blue Sect are one family, so there’s no need for such formalities. Please, take a seat."

Wushuang Taoist’s unexpected kindness and friendliness allowed everyone to breathe a sigh of relief once more.

When taking their seats, everyone unconsciously gathered around Gu Sheng, sitting centered around him.