Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World novel Chapter 12

Chapter 12: Chapter 12 Difficult Times

[Name]: Gu Sheng

[Age]: 14

[Realm]: None

[Martial Arts]: Chopping Wood (Great Success 20%)

...

Seeing that the progress of Chopping Wood had suddenly surged to 20%, Gu Sheng couldn't help but freeze in place.

He began to recall the divine stroke from last night. At that moment, the wild wolf in his eyes seemed no different from a piece of firewood—not just firewood, but firewood with layers of grain clearly visible right before him.

Following those patterns, chopping it became effortless.

He vaguely understood in which direction he must strive to breakthrough into the Perfect realm with Chopping Wood.

Grinding mechanically for experience was never the true purpose of the panel. Combining diligence with thoughtfulness is the key to unlocking its full potential.

"At this rate, perhaps I won't even need twenty days to elevate Chopping Wood to the Perfect realm!"

Gu Sheng was invigorated.

Last night, he truly grasped the strength of Great Success in Chopping Wood. Even with his current frail body, he was able to kill a wild wolf.

As his body becomes sturdier in the future, the power would only grow stronger.

"I wonder if mastering Chopping Wood at the Perfect realm would allow me to rival martial artists?"

Gu Sheng could not help but recall the ferocious might of Gu Jingang from the previous night—how he obliterated the wolf's head with a single punch, as if its skull were nothing more than a fragile watermelon.

Shaking his head, dismissing such unrealistic thoughts, Gu Sheng began tidying his belongings.

The wound on his back wasn't deep. After applying ointment, it only stung lightly. Today, he would still need to chop wood—even with broken limbs, he'd have to keep working.

Without work, there's no food to eat.

Finding a large wooden plank, he stuffed it into the hole at the door as a makeshift blockade before heading to his employer's house.

With his head lowered, he walked forward. Faint sobs could be heard from a wooden hut on the roadside.

The night raid by dozens of wild wolves was nothing short of catastrophic for ordinary villagers.

"Is that... Uncle Gen's house?"

Gu Sheng froze, his gaze falling upon a wooden hut on his right where people were collecting corpses. _{frёewebnoѵel.ƈo๓}

Three bodies—a couple and a young boy.

Gu Sheng's expression turned conflicted, standing momentarily in stunned silence.

Uncle Gen had suffered a leg injury in his early years, preventing him from doing heavy labor. He survived off small handicrafts, and Sister-in-law Gen helped with odd jobs to barely make ends meet.

Last night's wolf raid.

Even one wild wolf was more than a family like theirs could handle.

"Sigh... "

Gu Sheng lowered his head and continued walking forward, his heart heavy.

If it were to happen all over again, he still would have chosen to stay at Gu Erniu's house and wait for rescue. No one else's life could outweigh his own.

Yet seeing Uncle Gen's family eradicated, he couldn't help but feel a sense of melancholy, akin to the shared fate of rabbits mourning the death of foxes.

"Once my body becomes stronger, I'll see if there's a way to train in martial arts ahead of schedule."

Gu Sheng took a deep breath and walked into the northern courtyard.

Unexpectedly, Gu He was waiting there. Seeing Gu Sheng, Gu He sighed with relief.

"I heard from the village that wolves attacked your area last night. I'm glad you're okay."

Gu Sheng expressed his gratitude:

"Thank you for your concern, Manager. I was lucky—only suffered minor wounds, which won't affect today's work."

Gu He waved his hand and replied:

"Don't worry about work today. You've been injured; take some time at home to properly recover."

Gu Sheng shook his head, refusing:

"It's okay, I can handle it."

He had no choice. Daily expenses couldn't be ignored. Without work, he couldn't save money. The wound on his back didn't stop him from exerting force. Though there was some pain, Gu Sheng could bear it.

Seemingly noticing Gu Sheng's resolve, Gu He didn't push further but sighed inwardly.

"Manager, how many people died last night?"

Gu Sheng suddenly asked.

Gu He paused, inhaled deeply, and sighed:

"Thirteen households—forty-three people. Some others lost limbs to bites or were heavily injured. Thankfully, Coach Gu and the others arrived quickly; otherwise, the death toll would have been worse."

Having heard the news early in the morning, he felt a sense of unease. Although his status within the village was decent, in the grand scope of the Da Liang dynasty—or even just within Canghe County—he was no different from these deceased villagers.

Gu Sheng was similarly shaken and fell silent.

The deceased were one tragedy, but those who survived with amputations and injuries faced equally hard lives thereafter.

Gu Sheng's voice turned dry as he muttered:

"Wild wolves are typically intelligent creatures. They wouldn't easily approach human settlements. Why did this happen last night...?"

Gu He stared at Gu Sheng for a moment, then shook his head and turned away, only leaving behind a remark:

...

At Gu Erniu's house.

Gu Wan squatted in the corner talking to ants, holding a freshly crafted grasshopper made of wild grass. Knowing that Gu Wan enjoyed these, Gu Sheng occasionally crafted them to amuse him.

Li Lian was washing clothes, her face clouded with worry.

It had been half a month since Gu Erniu ventured into the mountains, far surpassing the three-to-five-day estimate given initially.

At times, Li Lian couldn't help but wonder if the mountain expedition had completely perished.

As such thoughts crossed her mind, she felt a sharp pain in her chest, and tears involuntarily slid down her cheeks.

Afraid Gu Wan might see, she quickly wiped them away discreetly.

"Wife!"

"Wife, I'm back!"

A hurried shout came from afar, freezing Li Lian mid-motion as she stared in disbelief toward the source.

In the distance, a tall and sturdy figure was striding rapidly toward her. It was none other than her long-awaited Gu Erniu.

"Erniu!"

Li Lian's tears, barely suppressed moments ago, burst forth uncontrollably as she stumbled toward him. She thought she was dreaming, but as she was held within those strong arms, she realized it was all real.

Gu Erniu—he was truly back!

"Wah... wah... You wretched Erniu! Gone for so long, you nearly worried me to death! I'd have rather you died in the mountains!"

Li Lian's tears soaked Gu Erniu's chest as she pounded him with her fists. All the accumulated anxiety, fear, and dread poured out at once as she wept uncontrollably.

Gu Wan, who had been playing with ants, didn't understand what was happening but burst into cries as well, running over to hug his father's leg tightly.

With his wife and son in his arms, Gu Erniu's eyes brimmed with guilt.

Upon returning to the village and hearing about the wolf raid from days prior, he had been utterly frantic, dashing home with reckless abandon.

Seeing Li Lian and Gu Wan safe at last, he felt as though a great burden had lifted from his heart.

"It's all my fault. It's all my fault..."

Gu Erniu comforted his wife, his own eyes red.

After a long while, the family finally calmed down. The three of them wore smiles once more.

Li Lian and Gu Erniu held each other closely, recounting the events of recent days. Upon hearing that their home had been invaded by wolves, Gu Erniu broke out in cold sweat.

Li Lian looked solemnly at Gu Erniu and said:

"Erniu, if it weren't for Gu Sheng, you might never have seen us again. Gu Sheng risked his life to rescue us. We must properly thank him!"