Gu Shengâs thoughts were racing.
These four individuals arrived one after another, all of them disciples of the Holy Sect of Fire Worship. Among them, three were in the Blood Refining Realm - Great Success, while the other was at Blood Refining Realm - Perfect. He silently evaluated the situation.
"With my current strength, I can handle them."
Back when Gu Sheng had first broken through to the Blood Refining Realm - Perfect, his combat strength was already comparable to that of someone in the Bone Refining Realm. Now, with the mastery of the three styles of "Angry Blood Technique" and the Thirst Blood Axe in hand, his combat prowess had surged. Dealing with a few opponents at Blood Refining Realm - Perfect wouldnât pose a problem.
Moreover, the cautious behavior of these individuals also revealed to Gu Sheng that the Holy Sect of Fire Worship likely had no Bone Refining Realm experts stationed in Canghe County. Otherwise, they wouldnât need to postpone and scheme; they could simply deploy a single Bone Refining expert directly.
"It makes sense. The Holy Sect operates in secrecy, and no matter how strong they are, they wouldnât assign Bone Refining Realm experts to a single county unless itâs a critical location."
Gu Sheng mused inwardly, further concealing his movements with the Snake Breath Skill. Even at the first-level mastery of Snake Breath, it was impossible for Bone Refining Realm experts to detect Gu Shengâs presence, let alone the current four adversaries.
These people were lurking in the shadows; if conflict erupted later, Gu Sheng could use this situation to his advantage.
Quietly, he withdrew without making the slightest sound.
Around 1 a.m., Gu Sheng sprinted toward Qingping Lake and respectfully called out in a low voice:
"Subordinate Wang Daniu greets the Lord!"
The man in black turned his head. This time, the man wasnât wearing a mask, and Gu Sheng could see him clearly. The man had a broad and flat nose resembling that of an ox. The bull-nosed man in black cast a glance at the box behind Gu Sheng before withdrawing his gaze and said:
"Brother Daniu, no need for formality. Just call me Black Eagle in the future."
"Understood, Lord Black Eagle."
"Brother Daniu, how well have you probed Zhao Honglie? What is his stance?"
Gu Sheng bowed his head and replied:
"In the past few days, I sought opportunities to test him several times and suggested that he could be introduced to the Holy Sect. He expressed a desire to meet the highest-ranking official of the Holy Sect in Canghe County."
Black Eagle frowned.
"Did he truly say that?"
"Absolutely. Subordinate suspects Zhao Honglie has concerns, worrying about whether our Holy Sect has sufficient support. After all, he is also a Bone Refining Realm expert. If the Holy Sect cannot provide assistance at the Bone Refining level, then..."
"What nonsense! A mere Bone Refining Realm expert dares question the power of the Holy Sect? Even Marrow Refining experts are insignificant within our ranks!"
Black Eagle roared in anger.
Gu Sheng shivered internally but perceived crucial information from Black Eagleâs words: the Holy Sect likely did not have Bone Refining Realm experts stationed in Canghe County. Quickly, he reassured:
"Lord, please calm your anger. People in small territories have limited vision. Once the Holy Sectâs core leaders arrive, Zhao Honglie will definitely bow like a dog!"
Black Eagle slowly nodded.
"Fine. In that case, inform him that half a month from now, the Holy Sectâs core leader will visit the Black Sand Gangâs base to meet him. If he sincerely wishes to join, naturally we will help him solve the trouble caused by Liu Yuanhu."
"Understood, Lord!"
Gu Sheng quickly obeyed and then, feigning a mixture of anticipation and restraint, asked:
"May I inquire, Lord, about the Bone Refining elixir you previously mentioned..."
Black Eagleâs face revealed a sly smile.
"Well, you have indeed made a contribution this time. I will not go back on my word. The Holy Sect has always rewarded loyalty generously."
Saying this, he reached into his garment and took out a white jade bottle. A faintly bitter scent wafted out, causing sparks of excitement in Gu Shengâs heart. It was unmistakably the Bone Protecting Pill!
"Thank you, Lord. Your humble servant will devote every fiber of his being to the glorious mission of the Holy Sect!"
Suppressing his internal excitement, Gu Sheng grinned and flattered Black Eagle.
He could feel the moment the jade bottle containing the Bone Protecting Pill was presented, the three hidden disciples of the Holy Sect experienced faint fluctuations in their vitality, subtly locking onto him.
"Did you prepare enough silver coins?"
Upon hearing Black Eagleâs words, Gu Sheng displayed a hesitant expression.
"The time was too short. Some of my subordinatesâ assets werenât completely liquidated. I managed to gather only eight thousand taels of silver. I wonder if I could owe two thousand and bring the remaining amount to you in a few days?"
Acting the part perfectly, the more realistic the performance, the more it lowered the opponentâs guard.
Indeed, Black Eagle furrowed his brow deeply and said sternly:
"The rules of the Holy Sect cannot be bent. Since you only have eight thousand taels, I will give you two pills for now. When you gather the remaining silver, youâll get the final pill next time."
Noticing Gu Shengâs faint displeasure, Black Eagle added:
"One Bone Protecting Pill lasts for a month. Two pills are sufficient for now and wonât impede your cultivation."
Gu Sheng gritted his teeth and reluctantly replied:
"Fine, Iâll go by the Lordâs decision."
Internally, he remained calm, sensing a significant drop in the wariness of the three hidden disciples.
Removing the black wooden box behind him, he placed it on the ground and explained:
"The silver was exchanged in a rush, so I didnât have time to convert it into silver notes. I hope the Lord will understand."
Black Eagle nodded slowly, having already guessed that the black wooden box contained silver. After all, several thousand taels of silver would weigh hundreds of pounds, which matched the boxâs heft.
He didnât say much further, but suddenly, Gu Sheng spoke:
"Lord, how about giving me all three pills instead?"
Black Eagle frowned and replied:
"The third pill must wait until next time."
"Fine... If not, then Lord, please go to hell!"
Gu Sheng kicked the wooden box in front of him. A crisp mechanical sound rang out just as Black Eagleâs instincts flared. He saw the massive blade of an axe eject from the box, slicing through the air toward him in a deadly whirl. His face was struck with panic.