Understanding his meaning, Fifth Elder nodded.
"Alright, Iâll have someone keep an eye on them at all times."
While they were chatting, the feast prepared by Third Elder was ready.
Everyone moved over, and Shi Louâs eyes lit up when he saw the wine jars on the table.
"Third Elder, youâre being so generous, even bringing out the treasured wine youâve kept for years!"
Hearing his straightforward words, Third Elder embarrassingly scratched his head.
"You all rarely come back, and weâve got distinguished guests, so of course I should bring out some good wine."
"Brother Sheng, can I drink a little more?"
After Shi Lou asked, Gu Sheng only gave him a look.
Seeing the look, Shi Lou instantly wilted.
"Alright, alright, Iâll just sip a little."
Even though he said that, he still ended up half-drunk by the evening.
Er Gou took him back and ended up watching over him for the night.
At dawn, when everyone was preparing to leave, Shi Lou appeared looking dejected.
Seeing him like this, everyone couldnât help but laugh.
"Brother Sheng, Iâm sorry, I thought I wouldnât drink too much."
Gu Sheng shook his head helplessly and put his hand on Shi Louâs head.
A surge of Spiritual Energy flowed from Gu Shengâs hand into Shi Louâs body.
In just a moment, the smell of alcohol was completely dispelled.
"How do you feel now? Still uncomfortable?"
Shi Louâs spirits lifted, and he quickly shook his head: "Not uncomfortable anymore, thanks a lot, Brother Sheng."
Gu Sheng smiled but said nothing more, leading everyone on their way.
Third Elder and others saw them off along the way until their figures disappeared from view, then everyone turned back.
Looking at Third Elder, Fifth Elder said, "Third Elder, Gu Sheng asked us to keep an eye on people around Stone Village."
"I know, just do as he said."
Looking towards the direction Gu Sheng and others had walked off, Fifth Elder couldnât help but speak: "Third Elder, Gu Sheng really helped us a lot. Without him, Stone Village might have fallen apart long ago. Now our position is stable, and weâre under the care of the White Cloud Sect, all thanks to Gu Sheng. Donât you think... the things left by the Village Chief should be handed to him?"
Hearing Fifth Elderâs words, Third Elder gently pursed his lips.
"Youâre right, Stone Villageâs current prosperity is all thanks to Gu Sheng."
"Yes, without him, we might have died long ago, and if we died, there would be no Stone Village in this world."
These words received unanimous agreement.
Listening to everyoneâs words, Third Elder pursed his lips again.
"Donât be anxious, I have my plans, I will repay Gu Shengâs kindness."
With that, he turned and left without looking back.
Everyone watched him, feeling somewhat puzzled.
It seemed logical that with all Gu Sheng has done for Stone Village, he should have long taken on the role of Village Chief. They couldnât understand why Third Elder hadnât brought out those items yet.
As they whispered among themselves, Fifth Elder waved his hand.
"Alright, alright, donât discuss this here anymore. Third Elder is meticulous; heâs aware of the right timing to act. Gu Sheng is so good, he wouldnât hold back for selfish reasons."
Meanwhile, Shi Lou was also bringing up this topic beside Gu Sheng.
Upon learning that Gu Sheng hadnât yet assumed power in Stone Village, Bai Yu was a bit surprised.
In his mind, Gu Sheng should be in a high position even if he wasnât Village Chief, but surprisingly he wasnât.
"Gu Sheng, youâve worked so hard, yet they havenât even given you a proper acknowledgment?"
Hearing this, Shi Lou and Er Gou quickly stepped forward to explain.
"Third Elder must be considering it, sooner or later there will be acknowledgment."
"Yes, yes, Brother Sheng is already in that position in our hearts, and surely Third Elder thinks the same."
Seeing the urgency in their explanations, Gu Sheng smiled.
"I donât have many thoughts on the matter. Since Iâve stayed in Stone Village, my sole focus is to contribute to Stone Village; everything else is irrelevant."
With those words, the two breathed a sigh of relief.
However, before they could completely relax, Bai Yu chimed in.
"Gu Sheng, since youâre without a title in Stone Village, if ever you grow tired of staying there, you are welcome at White Cloud Sect. If you come, I promise you a high position!"
Before Shi Lou and Er Gou could express dissatisfaction, Lan Yao squeezed in.
"Bai Yu, do you know what âfirst come, first servedâ means? I knew Gu Sheng first; if he comes, it should be to our Elf Clan! I canât make him Clan Leader, but every other position is his for the taking!"
As the two argued, Shi Lou and Er Gou were utterly distressed.
After exchanging glances, both sighed heavily.
Gu Sheng, feeling a headache coming on, called a halt, successfully stopping their conversation.
"Enough, our current mission is to pursue the two generals of the Evil Demon, not to debate my whereabouts. Since youâre all eager to chat, do any of you have insights on this matter? If so, let me hear them."
As soon as Gu Sheng spoke, everyone quieted down.
"Gu Sheng, based on the latest information we received, we only know the two go by the code names Black and White Ghosts, nothing more."
Hearing this, Gu Sheng raised an eyebrow.
"Black and White Ghosts?"
"Yes, itâs the name given by the Evil Demon; he counts on the Black Ghost and White Ghost to conquer both the dark and light sides of Jianghu for his use."
"Heâs ambitious, isnât he?"
"Indeed, he can try persuading King Yan instead."
With laughter and chatter, everyone traveled forward. After two full days, we finally found a place to rest.
At the inn, Bai Yu summoned his subordinates, gave them some instructions, and let them leave.
Seeing his subordinates leave, Gu Sheng lightly raised an eyebrow.
"Weâre resting here for just one night."
"I know; theyâll meet us midway."
"Why let them go? To investigate the Black and White Ghostsâ whereabouts?"
"No, itâs to investigate the affairs of various sects. With the market in Shanshui Town opening soon, many from Jianghu will certainly visit. I want to know if anyone is colluding with the Black and White Ghosts."
Hearing him, Gu Sheng nodded.
Itâs undeniable that Bai Yu is smart and far-sighted. Although his character could be sharpened, his mind is definitely top-notch.
"On this journey, weâll be counting on your White Cloud Sectâs information."
"No problem, between us thereâs no need for formality or distinctions. In crucial moments, donât we end up relying on you?"
In response, Gu Sheng laughed softly.
"I canât promise to be reliable."
"If even youâre not reliable, then it likely means a dead-end."
Gu Sheng said nothing more, just smiled softly.
That night, as we were preparing to sleep, Gu Sheng faintly heard footsteps.
Just as he was trying to identify them, Lan Yao suddenly knocked on the wall next door.
Upon hearing the sound from his side, Gu Shengâs eyes grew cold.
Taking out the Fire Spirit Dagger, he slowly approached the door.
Indeed, faint footsteps stopped right outside his door.
As Gu Sheng reached for the doorknob, ready to open, the footsteps moved, heading straight inside.
Sensing something amiss, Gu Sheng urgently knocked on the wall a few times.
Shi Lou quickly responded, then passed the message along.
Recalling that Bai Yu was staying in the room between Er Gou and Huang Shan, Gu Sheng felt uneasy, glanced at the window, and flew out.
Moving swiftly outside the window, he soon reached Huang Shanâs room.
Just as he was about to knock, he heard two faint sounds from the wall.
Hearing the sounds, Gu Sheng raised an eyebrow lightly.
"Never thought Bai Yu could be so astute."
As noises came from inside the room, Gu Sheng directly opened the window.
Upon hearing the sound from the window side, Huang Shanâs heart nearly leapt out.
As his sword flew over, Gu Sheng quickly dodged to the right.
"Itâs me."
With a push of his hands, he directly landed on the ground.
Seeing it was him, Huang Shan breathed a heavy sigh of relief.
"Brother Sheng, you scared me to death."
As he spoke, Gu Sheng immediately signaled for silence.
When the footsteps outside paused again, the two exchanged a glance and moved towards the door together.
As they paused by the door, the oiled paper next to it was suddenly punctured, and a thin bamboo pipe extended from outside, aiming towards the bed!