Chapter 118

Chapter 118

Hearing that something happened to Gu Dongting, Shen Wang's pupils constricted, his first reaction was disbelief: "How could that be!"

The one who came in to report was panting with anxiety, "They say he was attacked covertly, poisoned with Gu."

Poisoned with Gu! No wonder, with Gu Dongting's strength, no one could seriously harm him openly, only resorting to such underhanded tactics... A cold light flashed in Shen Wang's eyes, "Where is he now? How bad are his injuries?"

"Master Gu has already been brought back to the Gu family," Shi Yan said, unable to maintain his usual composure and elegance, anxiously asking, "Shen Ge, are you going to see Master Gu?"

Shen Wang nodded without hesitation and was about to leave, but after taking a few steps, he turned back to Shi Yan, "Aren’t you Gu Dongting’s biggest fan? Why don’t you go see him?"

This fan doesn’t seem very dedicated.

Shi Yan: "..."

Shi Yan twitched the corner of his mouth, staring at Shen Wang, then slowly said, "The Gu family is notoriously protective. At times like this, ordinary people can't enter their residence."

In his heart, Shi Yan sarcastically thought that not even a mosquito could fly into the Gu family, let alone someone slightly acquainted.

It wasn't the first time Gu Dongting had been injured; the Gu family always took him back immediately, not allowing anyone to visit.

Those who admired Gu Dongting naturally worried about his health and tried to visit, but even with persistent pleading, the Gu family remained resolute and never allowed anyone in.

Shen Wang: "..."

Great, knowing I can’t get in, yet still urging me to hurry over... what's the motive here?

Shi Yan straightened his chest, self-righteously saying, "Shen Ge, your relationship with Master Gu is different, isn’t it?"

"We can’t get in because, though we greatly respect Master Gu, we aren’t close to him... But you, Shen Ge, are his best friend!"

Shen Wang pondered for a few seconds, deeply feeling that Shi Yan, though full of schemes, did speak the truth at times.

Knowing Gu Dongting was injured, Shen Wang was too distracted to bicker with Shi Yan. As he left, he suddenly remembered, "Minister Shi, Tang Zhaoming is dead. Could you have the Special Department investigate his cause of death?"

Shi Yan was taken aback, about to ask why, but Shen Wang had already disappeared.

A few heads popped up behind him, the same group that had just been partying in Shen Wang's room.

Xiao Pangzi, moved, said, "Shen Ge and Master Gu truly have a deep brotherly bond, touching heaven and earth... Hearing about Master Gu's injury, he even stopped pursuing his own father's cause of death."

Shi Yan looked at Xiao Pangzi, then at Bai Fuchun, and finally back at Xiao Pangzi, giving a smile that said 'whatever makes you happy': "You've never been in a relationship, have you?"

Xiao Pangzi's eyes widened in shock, "Aren't we talking about Shen Ge and Master Gu's brotherhood? Why are you suddenly attacking me personally?"

Shi Yan only smiled, keeping his achievements and fame hidden.

Bai Fuchun glanced at Chou Yin and patted Xiao Pangzi's shoulder with a look of sympathy.

However, thinking about Shen Wang's words, Shi Yan felt unusually perplexed.

Tang's father died silently, causing no ripples. Tang family’s talismans had been completely replaced by newly made special talismans, and his company was acquired by a rival... He had nothing left, nothing worthy of attention.

For such a person, what need was there to investigate his death?

Despite his confusion, Shi Yan knew he had to carry out Shen Wang's instructions. He had already planned who would handle it, and the results should be available in a few days.

Shen Wang had been to the Gu family once and remembered their address. In the current situation, he had no inclination to chat with the driver and asked him to drive to the Gu family as fast as possible.

Several people of varying ages and abilities were standing at the Gu family's entrance, entangled in a dispute with the security guards.

"We really know the people inside, just let us in, please!"

"Please, security guard brother..."

"If it's not possible, could you contact the master inside for us? Our senior brother is injured, we are very worried."

No matter what these people said, the security guard coldly replied, "The employer has instructed that no one is allowed in. I’m just doing my job; pleading with me is useless."

Shen Wang frowned, pondering how to get in, when he overheard their subsequent conversation.

"It's all your fault. If you hadn't disobeyed orders and run off, Master Gu wouldn't have gotten into trouble looking for you."

"My fault? I just went to pee, I was about to return. It was you who found the enemy's trace and didn’t report it. Instead, you tried to play the hero, tracking those people on your own..."

"Master Gu was trying to save me and didn’t notice the ambush from behind. He was attacked by that treacherous Gu Master. It's all my fault, I let Master Gu down..."

Listening to their words, Shen Wang felt a surge of anger: He knew it, with Gu Dongting's strength, how could he have an accident unless he was dragged down by these fools.

Shen Wang looked at them intently, pulled out a blank talisman paper, and, with his hands behind his back, used his spiritual energy to draw a talisman.

There were five people in total, so he drew five talismans, no more, no less.

Then, with a flick of his fingers, the talismans made of spiritual energy flew towards those people. Within a few seconds, the group that had been blaming each other suddenly screamed and simultaneously clutched their stomachs, collapsing to the ground.

"It hurts so much! What’s happening!"

"My stomach... it hurts so badly..."

"Help! Help me!"

The security guard was startled, thinking they were faking illness, and said loudly, "Don’t try that trick here. I've told you, no one is allowed in by the employer's order. No matter how much you make a fuss, I can't do anything!"

The group was in so much pain they couldn’t hear the security guard. Their voices were weak, and they could only roll on the ground, groaning and moaning.

The security guard panicked, "I didn’t touch you! You can’t blame this on me! We have surveillance cameras at our gate!"

The security guard, overwhelmed by the situation, immediately contacted his supervisor and stammered through the incident, feeling wronged, "…They just fell down out of nowhere, I really didn’t touch them at all."

While the security guard anxiously awaited the ambulance, the firmly shut gate finally opened, and a middle-aged man in a suit stepped out.

He glanced at the writhing people on the ground, his gaze eventually settling on Shen Wang, the only one standing. A flash of surprise crossed his eyes, "Has an ambulance been called?"

The guard replied with a grievance, "Called, boss, I..."

"I know it's not your fault, you did well. You’ll get a bonus this month," said the middle-aged man, and the guard visibly relaxed.

At that moment, Shen Wang stepped forward, bowing respectfully to the man, "Uncle Gu... Hello, I’m Dong, Gu Dongting’s friend. I heard he was injured, and I came to see him."

This man bore a six to seven out of ten resemblance to Gu Dongting; one didn't need to think hard to guess his identity.

Unlike Gu Dongting, his features were more resolute, his eyes wiser. What surprised Shen Wang most was that there was no trace of spiritual energy around him.

Gu Dongting’s father was an ordinary person with no cultivation.

Facing this ordinary man, Shen Wang inexplicably felt nervous, stammering a few times, reminiscent of facing the headmaster at school.

Before Uncle Gu could respond, the guard, who just received a bonus, spoke up, "No visitors are allowed in the Gu family right now. Sir, please come back another time."

Ignoring the guard, Shen Wang looked earnestly at Uncle Gu, "Uncle Gu, I’m really worried about him, I... I know a bit of medicine, maybe I can help."

Uncle Gu’s expression changed, scrutinizing Shen Wang, "You know medicine?"

If he remembered correctly, wasn’t Shen Wang known for his dual expertise in talismans and formations? He knows medicine too?

Shen Wang gave a shy smile, "Just a little."

The most basic medical skills... they were essential in the cultivation world. After all, no one could always have a doctor at hand while fighting for treasures, being chased, or fleeing for their lives.

Uncle Gu pondered for a few seconds, then sent a text message on his phone. After receiving a reply, he looked up at Shen Wang, "Alright, come with me."

Shen Wang thought he wouldn't be allowed in and would have to sneak in somehow, so he was surprised when he was actually granted entry.

He didn't hide his delight, stepping forward quickly, "Thank you, Uncle Gu. You really are extraordinary and discerning..."

The security guard watched them and then glanced at the people rolling on the ground, finding the boss's thoughts hard to guess.

These people couldn’t get in no matter how much they protested, but someone else was let in just like that. Did the employer judge by appearance? The thought gave the guard a shiver.

Better wait for my own ambulance.

Entering the gate, Shen Wang was surprised to find a Suzhou garden-style residence inside, complete with artificial hills, flowing water, round gates, and red wooden pillars. It looked like a place where ancient maidservants could appear at any moment.

Seeing such an ancient-style mansion in reality for the first time, Shen Wang couldn’t help but take a few extra glances.

While Shen Wang was admiring the scenery, Uncle Gu was observing him. After a few minutes, he suddenly asked, "Those people outside… did you do that?"

Startled, Shen Wang quickly looked away and chuckled, "Uncle, you really have a sense of humor. I have no grudge against them. Why would I harm them? I'm not some crazed, malevolent cultivator..."

Uncle Gu chuckled, leaving it unclear whether he believed it or not.

After that incident, Shen Wang lost interest in sightseeing and quickened his pace, hoping to reach Gu Dongting sooner to avoid further awkwardness.

The two walked through the winding paths of the garden, finally arriving at a house.

Shen Wang, thinking it was Gu Dongting's room, eagerly approached, only to see a woman in white ancient attire emerge from inside.

She had her hair styled like clouds, and despite wearing uncommon white ancient clothing, her strikingly beautiful face captured all attention at first sight.

Shen Wang glanced at the woman, reminiscent of ancient times, and then at Uncle Gu in his suit. He directly greeted her, "Auntie, hello, I'm a friend of Gu Dongting."

Auntie Gu smiled, observing Shen Wang with interest, "How did you know I am his mother?"

Shen Wang respectfully replied, "Gu Dongting's features are identical to yours. He has inherited all your best qualities, making it obvious to anyone."

This wasn't just flattery from Shen Wang.

Gu Dongting was remarkably handsome. When Shen Wang first saw Uncle Gu, he felt they only resembled each other by six or seven points, with Uncle Gu being more stern than refined. But seeing Auntie Gu, Shen Wang realized that Gu Dongting's looks were three parts his father and seven parts his mother.

Auntie Gu's smile grew more genuine, "Everyone says you are unruly, but I find you quite polite and sensible."

Shen Wang felt a chill down his spine, not very eager to know who this 'everyone' was.

After a brief greeting, Shen Wang couldn't help asking, "May I ask where Dongting is now? How is he?"

For a moment, both Uncle Gu and Auntie Gu were silent, exchanging glances. Finally, Auntie Gu motioned for Shen Wang to follow her, "He is still resting, I couldn’t bear to wake him. Let him sleep a little longer..."

Knowing Gu Dongting was alright, Shen Wang's heart eased halfway; the rest would only settle once he saw him in person.

However, Shen Wang couldn’t shake off a feeling of strangeness about Auntie Gu's demeanor towards him, as if she was appraising him without any malice.

This left Shen Wang inexplicably nervous.

Indeed, after leading Shen Wang to the living room, Auntie Gu personally poured him a cup of tea, her tone gentle, "We rarely meet, so let’s take this opportunity to have a good talk."

A glint of sharpness flashed in Auntie Gu's eyes as she said meaningfully, "I have long heard about you."

Shen Wang: "..."

Help, help me, why is this ordinary woman without any spiritual power so intimidating!

In the deepest part of the Gu residence, in a basement buried deep underground, Gu Dongting lay on the bed, pale and covered in cold sweat, as if trapped in an inescapable nightmare, struggling weakly.

"Why hasn't he woken up yet?" Elder Gu frowned deeply, his expression grave, as he asked.

Beside the bed, Uncle and Auntie Gu stood on either side. Auntie Gu's hands, adorned with silver jewelry, clinked softly, and if listened closely, a faint rustling sound could be heard.

After carefully examining Gu Dongting, Auntie Gu was puzzled, "It was just a Mind-Bewitching Gu. I've already forced it out. He should have woken up by now."

Uncle Gu fell silent for a few minutes, then hesitantly proposed a theory, "Could his unconsciousness be unrelated to the Mind-Bewitching Gu? Perhaps it's his constitution..."

Everyone was taken aback, no one spoke.

The atmosphere grew heavy. Elder Gu sighed deeply, "His constitution... Have we still not figured out what the problem is?"

No one spoke, and Elder Gu received his answer. He turned his gaze away, eyes brimming with unshed tears, "Genius is often envied by the heavens."

"Genius envied by the heavens."

Gu Dongting excelled in every aspect - talent, aptitude, disposition. But the Gu family would rather he had none of these gifts in exchange for a healthy body.

From birth, Gu Dongting had abnormally high body temperatures, reaching forty degrees. Just when doctors thought he would suffer brain damage, his temperature dropped on its own.

For the next few years, Gu Dongting frequently had fevers and was constantly on medication and injections. Yet, he was so well-behaved it was heartbreaking, never fussing or crying.

It was only after he turned three, and Uncle Gu discovered his talent for cultivation, that the frequent fevers stopped when he began practicing cultivation.

Everyone thought Gu Dongting's health had improved, but on the second day after he officially started Qi refining, he suddenly had a severe fever that lasted three days, accompanied by a strong fragrance emanating from his body.

During those days of fever, the fragrance was so intense that it engulfed the entire Gu residence.

It was merely embarrassing for family members, but for others, it induced improper thoughts, causing great discomfort.

It was unclear whether it was due to aging or increased strength, but the power of the fragrance grew, initially causing mere embarrassment to eventually clouding people’s minds and inciting primal instincts.

Left with no other choice, the Gu family built a sealed cultivation chamber underground for Gu Dongting to use for breakthroughs, to avoid affecting others.

It was a difficult issue to discuss, impossible to explain to outsiders. The Gu family secretly sought remedies to cure this peculiar condition, trying everything to no avail.

Instead, as he built his foundation, Gu Dongting learned to suppress this trait on his own.

By the bed, Uncle and Auntie Gu stood on either side, Auntie Gu’s hands adorned with silver jewelry, clinking softly, hiding a subtle rustling sound.

After examining Gu Dongting, Auntie Gu was puzzled, "It was just a Mind-Confusing Gu. I've already expelled it. He should have woken up by now."

Uncle Gu fell silent for a few minutes before voicing a heavy hypothesis, "Could his coma be unrelated to the Mind-Confusing Gu? Maybe it's due to his unique constitution..."

Everyone was stunned, no one spoke.

The atmosphere turned somber. Elder Gu sighed, "His constitution... have we still not identified the exact problem?"

With no one responding, Elder Gu realized the answer, his gaze shifting away with unshed tears, "A genius envied by the heavens."

"A genius envied by the heavens."

Gu Dongting was excellent in every aspect - talent, aptitude, temperament. The Gu family would rather he lacked these gifts for a healthy body.

Gu Dongting, from birth, had abnormally high temperatures, once reaching forty degrees, doctors feared brain damage, but then his temperature dropped spontaneously.

In the following years, Gu Dongting frequently suffered fevers, constantly medicated and injected, yet he was so well-behaved it was heart-wrenching, never fussy or tearful.

It wasn't until he was three and Uncle Gu discovered his talent for cultivation that the frequent fevers ceased once he began practicing.

Everyone thought Gu Dongting’s health had improved, but the day after he started Qi refining, he suddenly had a severe fever, delirious for three days, accompanied by a strong fragrance emanating from his body.

During those feverish days, the fragrance engulfed the entire Gu residence.

While family members found it merely embarrassing, for others, it induced improper thoughts, causing discomfort.

Whether due to aging or increasing strength, the power of the fragrance grew from causing mere embarrassment to clouding people’s minds and inducing primal instincts.

The Gu family had no choice but to build a sealed underground chamber for Gu Dongting’s exclusive use during breakthroughs, to avoid affecting others.

This issue was difficult to discuss and impossible to explain to outsiders. The Gu family searched in secret for a cure for this peculiar condition, trying every means, all ending in vain.

Instead, as Gu Dongting began foundation building, he learned to suppress this trait himself.

Continuously suppressing it wasn't a solution; there was fear that the more it was suppressed now, the fiercer it would rebound later.

"Shen Wang!"

For some reason, Gu Dongting, who never flinched at any demons or ghosts, felt a faint sense of fear in his heart.

In the dream, Shen Wang wasn't as powerful as the one he knew. He was just an ordinary person without any cultivation.

Gu Dongting watched a younger version of 'Shen Wang' being bullied in the orphanage, fighting back like an undying young wolf, firmly biting those who tormented him.

Subsequently, it was Shen Wang, the bullied, who was confined.

Gu Dongting knew it was all unreal, yet couldn't help but feel a pang of pain in his heart.

Later, Shen Wang, who was always alone, was followed by two little cubs. He no longer fought just to protect himself but also to defend his younger brother and sister, even though he himself was still just a child.

Gu Dongting had thought that things would get better as they grew up.

But as they grew, Shen Wang’s appearance began to show its distinctiveness. At this time, he didn’t possess his future aggressiveness, and his figure was too delicate. Combined with his sharply chinned, delicate face, he was so beautiful that his gender seemed ambiguous.

And his sister Liu Yue also grew taller, developing body curves.

Gu Dongting watched helplessly as the older caregivers' gazes became increasingly inappropriate…

Gu Dongting widened his eyes, trying to see clearly what was happening, but his vision blurred, and the young Shen Wang's face transformed into that of the adult Shen Wang.

He lay in a cold morgue, devoid of any color in his body.

Gu Dongting's pupils contracted sharply. At that moment, a question surged in his heart: Why?

Why? The former Shen Wang, who acted cautiously and did good deeds without concern for his future, why did he meet such an end?

Why did Elder Gu, after a life of grandeur, serving the country and the people, meet his demise, infuriated to death by his own descendants?

"Why did his parents, who never did anything wrong but often did good deeds, end up being driven to death by their own loved ones…"

"And Shen Wang, seemingly unorthodox in his actions, was actually just trying to survive. He even took care of two orphans."

Gu Dongting felt a burning sensation in his eyes and murmured to himself, "They say karma comes full circle, and retribution is certain. We cultivators believe most in cause and effect…"

"How did sowing good seeds lead to such bad consequences?"

Gu Dongting suddenly looked up, staring directly at the sky, "I refuse to accept this!"

"I don't believe in fate!" Clutching the life-bound sword that had appeared in his hand, Gu Dongting gazed at the pure black blade, thinking of the person who had given him the sword, "I will never submit!"

Infusing the sword with spiritual energy, Gu Dongting swung it fiercely. In that moment, everything he saw in the illusion converged into the sword's energy, cutting through the skies with immense force, cleaving everything he saw before him.

Where the white sword light passed, all images seemed to fade in color, like a paper scroll engulfed by flames, curling and vanishing in the intense fire.

Shen Wang was sweating profusely while chatting with Gu's mother.

For some reason, Gu's mother was inquiring thoroughly, almost like conducting a census, nearly uncovering Shen Wang's entire ancestry.

After learning about everything Shen Wang had endured at the Tang family, Gu's mother frowned, her aura softening. She continued to inquire, "Those two younger brothers and sister of yours, you raised them all by yourself..."

Before he could finish speaking, a sudden thunderclap broke the clear skies outside.

Shen Wang stood up abruptly, looking outside the house.

Gu's mother looked momentarily confused: "Are you, afraid of thunder?"

Shen Wang didn't answer immediately. After listening intently for a moment, a relaxed smile appeared on his face: "That's not thunder, it's a sign of someone breaking through."

This being the Gu residence, it was obvious who was about to break through.

Gu's mother was taken aback, her brows furrowing involuntarily, not showing any signs of happiness.

Seeing that Gu Dongting was breaking through, Shen Wang lost the mood for conversation. He bid farewell to Gu's mother and walked out to the courtyard, looking towards the direction of the thunder.

Gu's mother was lost in thought, not noticing Shen Wang's impoliteness.

After several thunderclaps, a strong and cold sword aura swept across, killing all vitality in its path, turning the grass and trees instantly yellow.

Shen Wang: "???"

Gu Dongting's sword intent was heavy enough, but why did it carry such a heavy... aura of death?

Shen Wang couldn't comprehend it no matter how he thought about it.

Soon, the bursts of sword wind ceased; Gu Dongting had successfully broken through.

Shen Wang waited for a while, then saw Gu Dongting slowly approaching, dragging his sword. He was still dressed in white. In just two short days of absence, he seemed much thinner, his clothes slightly loose, making him look even more frail and ethereal.

Shen Wang was about to greet him but suddenly stopped, stunned.

Gu Dongting's face was so pale it almost merged with his white clothing, creating a stark contrast. Underneath his eyes, a distinct red mole was clearly visible.

The contrast between white and red was striking, like a finishing touch in a painting, adding a ghostly and bewitching charm.

Shen Wang was at a loss for words; "Dong, Dongting, what's happened to you..."

He had never seen a breakthrough transform someone so drastically.

Gu Dongting's gaze was vacant, staring blankly ahead without focus. Hearing the voice, he turned his head slowly, like a rusted robot, to look at Shen Wang.

After a few seconds of eye contact, the emptiness in Gu Dongting's eyes gradually lit up. He gazed steadily at Shen Wang and, after a long while, suddenly smiled: "Long time no see."

Shen Wang, puzzled, walked around Gu Dongting several times: "What's going on with you? Did something happen?"

Gu Dongting's eyes flickered. He raised his hand to touch the red mole under his eye, speaking slowly, "Nothing much, just suddenly understood a lot of things."

Shen Wang cautiously asked, "What things?"

"In life, if one can't protect what's most important to them, what else is there to talk about?" Gu Dongting said lightly.

Shen Wang: "..."

He was now seriously doubting whether Gu Dongting had gone mad, as he seemed to have completely changed.

Unaware of Shen Wang's expression, Gu Dongting said, "I always feel that there is another 'me' hidden inside me."

Shen Wang's first reaction: "Possession?"

Then he realized, in this world, even those at the Foundation Building stage were considered highly skilled; how could there be someone at the Nascent Soul stage capable of possession?

So, was Gu Dongting now... schizophrenic? Shen Wang's expression twisted momentarily: "Can cultivation lead to mental illness?"

Reflecting on those who went mad due to their inability to breakthrough, Shen Wang thought, perhaps, cultivation couldn't cure mental illness after all.

This thought led him to a curious question: How does one cultivate with a mental illness?

He quickly refocused and reassured Gu Dongting: "Looking at you, with your imposing aura and fierce sword energy, and the purity of your demeanor, I can assure you there is no other person inside you, unless that person is you yourself."

Just a case of split personality, no big deal.

With just a few easygoing words, Shen Wang managed to soften the distant demeanor of Gu Dongting, who looked at him for a long time and then smiled, leaning in: "If there really was another person inside me, would you choose me or him?"

Shen Wang: "???"

Shen Wang felt that today was really not a good day to be out; he kept encountering soul-searching questions, first from Gu's mother and now from Gu Dongting... he must owe something to this mother and son.

Perhaps irritated by Shen Wang's prolonged silence, Gu Dongting suddenly bit his face and refused to let go, mumbling through the gap, "You want him? I won't allow it."

Shen Wang: "..."

Shen Wang: "!!!"

Shen Wang was dumbstruck.

Gu Dongting didn't bite hard, just gently holding on like a mother cat with her kitten, neither painful nor breaking the skin, but the mental shock to Shen Wang was even greater than when he first unexpectedly traveled to the cultivation world.

Gu Dongting, always aloof and untainted by the world, like a male version of the Dragon Maiden, unapproachable and only to be admired from afar, was now biting his face, jealously competing with a non-existent version of himself.

The words 'jealous competition' sent a shiver through Shen Wang's body, surprised at his own audacity to associate such words with Gu Dongting.

In the midst of his confusion, Gu's mother, who had been lost in her thoughts, finally regained her senses and stepped out: "Shen...?"

From a distance, another voice called out: "Where did Xiaoting go? He's not well yet, how could he just disappear..."

Meanwhile, Gu's father, who had been missing since earlier, suddenly appeared with a bowl of soup: "Wife, have some soup..."

Shen Wang wanted to push Gu Dongting away, but seeing his unusual state, he hesitated. As the voices grew closer, he gritted his teeth, grasped Gu Dongting's chin, and pried him off.

The next second, Gu's mother appeared first: "Shen, why don't you come in and sit? Did I scare you? Oh, Xiaoting!"

"Gu Dongting, what are you doing here! Go back, your health..."

Gu's mother, father, and the unidentified woman who had been searching for Gu Dongting all appeared before Shen Wang.

Taking a deep breath, Shen Wang braced himself, telling himself to stay calm and denying any impropriety in someone else's home.

With a polite and gentle smile, Shen Wang put on his most humble demeanor and finest acting skills: "Uncle, Auntie, Dongting just had a breakthrough and was in high spirits. We were discussing cultivation, and I forgot to inform you."

Perfect! Shen Wang never felt so appropriately behaved, like the polite and well-mannered child from someone else's family.

Strangely, though Shen Wang's smile was stiff, the others didn't respond, instead giving him and Gu Dongting complex, indescribable looks.

Feeling uneasy under their gaze, Shen Wang forced a smile: "What's wrong? Am I being too intrusive? Since Dongting is still unwell, I'll take my leave…"

Before he could finish, something soft sealed his mouth.

Darkness enveloped Shen Wang's vision, filled with a sense of doom.

Gu Dongting, out of sorts, panicked at the mention of leaving, recalling the pale Shen Wang in the morgue from his dream. His breathing halted, the red mole under his eye flashed a red light, turning even redder.

Disliking what Shen Wang said, he instinctively used the same method as before, biting Shen Wang's mouth.

After all, when he bit Shen Wang's face earlier, Shen Wang stopped talking.

Eventually, Gu Dongting suddenly closed his eyes and collapsed limply into Shen Wang's arms, leaving Shen Wang alone to face the scrutiny of the Gu family.

Fortunately, because of his timely fainting, the others were too concerned with checking on him to pay attention to Shen Wang, sparing him direct embarrassment.

Shen Wang wanted to sneak away in the chaos, accustomed to various situations, but this was unprecedented, leaving him no choice but to make a quick escape.

Yet, somehow, Gu's mother's tenacity kept her holding onto him, making his escape impossible.

Shen Wang felt despondent as Gu's mother dragged him along. He could easily free himself from her grip, but dared he do it... could he...

Only after checking Gu Dongting and finding out he was fine, just momentarily bewildered by a Heart-Bewitching Gu, did everyone calm down from the chaos.

By then, nearly all members of the Gu family had gathered.

The Gu patriarch, the matriarch, the eldest son and his wife, the second son and his wife, and the young son of the eldest couple... everyone except the third son's family was present.

Shen Wang, an outsider in this setting, felt completely out of place.

Amidst an endless silence, Shen Wang had never felt more awkward, hoping that the recent commotion had made Gu's parents forget everything that had just happened.

The Gu family's eldest son, looking no more than a teenager with a youthful face, innocently asked: "Brother Shen, why do you have bite marks on your face? Two of them? Were you bitten by a dog?"

Shen Wang's face went blank. He turned stiffly to look at Gu Yunche.

Thinking Shen Wang was seeking confirmation, Gu Yunche briskly pulled out a palm-sized round mirror from his pocket: "Here, my deskmate's mirror ended up with me. Take a look."

The mirror wobbled before settling on Shen Wang's right cheek, revealing a faint bite mark, with two evenly spaced marks on both his lips, one above and one below.

Shen Wang forced a smile, pressed down Gu Yunche's hand, and said word by word, "Yes, bitten by a dog."

Bitten by your family's dog.