In the conversation, Shopkeeper Wang also spoke about matters concerning Saint Ya.
However, he knew that Saint Ya was a supporter of Luo Qinâs forces, but he didnât know who was behind the scenes.
Unknown to him, Gu Sheng knew very well. After hearing every word, Gu Sheng nodded thoughtfully.
Just as he was about to speak, Shopkeeper Wang added, "Itâs said that the Qingcheng Sect has another faction under its command, one with extraordinary power capable of swallowing up the Jianghu, and it can only be used by the Luo family. Anyone else who touches it will be in danger. Itâs said to be stationed on Tong Mountain, rarely revealing themselves. When they do, they harm others. Do you know the Evil Demon? They say he came from that mysterious group, and even there, heâs not among the top ranks."
Upon unexpectedly hearing this news, everyoneâs expressions became extremely cautious.
The Evil Demon had already stirred quite a storm in the Jianghu. If itâs true, as Shopkeeper Wang said, that Luo Qin has many more forces stronger than the Evil Demon, the consequences would be unimaginable!
"Who did you hear all this from?"
"Luo Qinâs people said it. He often orders custom items from me and sends his subordinates to pick them up. Sometimes, if they have to wait a bit longer, they chat and drink tea in my courtyard. They mentioned all this during their conversations."
Upon learning that these facts originated from Luo Qinâs subordinates, Gu Sheng pinched his brow.
Seeing him like this, Shopkeeper Wang became a bit nervous.
"Whatâs wrong? Are you afraid you canât defeat him and wonât be able to protect me?"
"Not that. I think itâs fairly easy to protect you, but I didnât expect his power to be this great. To uproot him entirely wouldnât be simple."
After Gu Sheng finished speaking, Shopkeeper Wangâs eyes widened.
"You want to uproot him? Isnât that like dreaming? Donât forget, heâs King Luoâs son! The Luo family dominates the court, and their influence is beyond our imagination. Trying to deal with him is like stopping a chariot with a praying mantis."
Knowing that these matters had already surpassed his understanding, Gu Sheng did not say much more but changed the topic: "Bring me the Purple Jade Dagger by this time tomorrow, and Iâll have someone escort you out."
Hearing about matters concerning his life, Shopkeeper Wang nodded repeatedly.
Watching him, Gu Sheng said, "Remember to contact your circle of people after you leave. Before the recruitment conference, make sure Luo Qin doesnât get anything. Otherwise, I can find out your whereabouts, and taking your life would be all too easy."
"I understand. Since Iâve promised you, I wonât go back on my word. These things arenât difficult for me because some of us have long been oppressed by Luo Qin and have wanted to act for a while now. I can have them handle this matter."
As he said this, Shopkeeper Wangâs gaze moved to his hand.
"Dealing with these affairs requires connections, and the cost in Silver is also considerable. You see..."
Reminded by this, Gu Sheng realized he hadnât yet given him the Silver. No wonder he had been eyeing him so slyly all along.
Pushing a money pouch over, Gu Sheng emphasized the matter to him once again.
Taking the Silver, Shopkeeper Wang nodded continuously.
After verifying multiple times, Gu Sheng finally let him go.
Lan Huaâs people had been tailing him, ensuring he didnât contact anyone during that time and merely snuck back home furtively. It was only then that her people returned.
After receiving this information, Gu Sheng softly said, "Shopkeeper Wang isnât a coward. Thereâs a high probability this matter will be alright. Hong Mei, disguise him tomorrow, and then have Bai Yu send him off."
"Gu Sheng, where do you plan to have Bai Yu send him? There should be Luo Qinâs people watching from his side. Are you sure you can safely get him out?"
When asking this, there was a hint of worry in Hong Meiâs tone.
"Donât worry. Since I can use him, I can ensure his safety. Bai Yu, tomorrow you and Shi Lou first take him to the west of the city. Then summon my small tripod to shroud you, so no one can detect your presence. Take this opportunity to leave, and directly send him around Stone Village. Shi Lou, go and inform the Third Elder. We have Sky Blue Sect people there who can ensure his safety."
Understanding what this meant, Bai Yu gave a thumbs-up.
"Gu Sheng, you really think fast. Youâve arranged everything so seamlessly. If I had your brain, our sect wouldâve made breakthroughs long ago."
After he finished speaking, Gu Sheng hadnât even responded when Shi Lou proudly lifted his head.
"Of course. If it werenât for Brother Sheng, do you think Stone Village would have reached where it is today? Itâs all thanks to Brother Sheng! As long as weâre here, no one can take Brother Sheng away!"
Seeing him like this, Bai Yu chuckled and patted him.
"Iâm just saying. How could I compete with you? Besides, Gu Shengâs Dao Heart is firm, and I couldnât snatch him even if I tried! You better cooperate well tomorrow; the sooner we go, the sooner we return."
"Donât worry. Any task Brother Sheng assigns, I complete perfectly. I never hold Brother Sheng back."
After chatting for a while, Gu Sheng said, "Itâs getting late. Everyone should go rest."
The group stood up cheerfully, chatting as they headed out.
Seeing that Lan Hua hadnât moved, Hong Mei called out to her: "Lan Hua, weâre leaving."
Upon hearing her, Lan Hua gripped her handkerchief and said, "Hong Mei, go on ahead. I want to have a word with Gu Sheng."
Immediately, Hong Meiâs expression shifted, and then she slowed her steps.
"Then Iâll stay with you."
After she spoke, Lan Hua waved her hands repeatedly.
"No need, no need. I can talk with him alone. You go on and rest."
This time, Hong Mei couldnât quite control her expression.
Originally, everyone was jokingly chatting, but now they all fell silent, unsure if they should leave.
Gu Sheng also appeared a bit helpless and asked Lan Hua, "Thereâs something you need to discuss alone?"
"Yes, I want to talk with you."
"About what?"
Seeing the others hadnât left, Lan Hua showed a bit of hesitation on her face.
Gu Sheng softly said, "No need to avoid them; theyâre all my people. They know everything about me."
Hearing this, Lan Hua could only whisper, "I want to ask about matters concerning the Sky Blue Sect. I overheard your conversation just now."
Realizing the reason she stayed behind, Gu Sheng smiled and waved Hong Mei over.
"Youâve asked the wrong person about this. You should ask Hong Mei instead."
Hearing this, Lan Hua was a bit surprised.
Gu Sheng didnât look at her but had Hong Mei sit beside him.
"She should know about whatever youâre curious about. The others can go rest now. Hong Mei can stay."
Seeing Gu Sheng find a solution, everyone breathed a sigh of relief and then began to disperse.
The three stayed in the room, with Lan Huaâs gaze shifting back and forth between them.
After a long hesitation, she finally asked, "Are you two... in a relationship?"
At her question, Hong Meiâs face involuntarily turned red.
"No."
She and Gu Sheng had never defined their relationship, so how could they be considered lovers?
When Hong Mei looked up at Gu Sheng, Lan Hua subtly breathed a sigh of relief.
Gu Sheng just pinched his brow and didnât say anything.
"Hong Mei, are you also a member of the Sky Blue Sect? Werenât you from the Mirror Gate?"
Thinking for a moment, Hong Mei said, "I am indeed from the Mirror Gate, but the Mirror Gate is affiliated with the Sky Blue Sect."
Realizing this, Lan Hua was increasingly astonished.
"No wonder you dared to confront King Luo upon arrival. Your identities are even more complex than I imagined. Hong Mei, have you met the Wushuang Taoist?"
"I have. I am a disciple of the Wushuang Taoist."
Suddenly learning of Hong Meiâs true identity, Lan Hua became somewhat stiff.
"What about Gu Sheng? Are you also a disciple of the Wushuang Taoist?"
"Iâm not."
"So youâre not, but Hong Mei is..."
Unable to believe Hong Mei held such a high status, Lan Hua didnât voice the thought, but her emotions grew complicated.