Asianovel

Yang Xu had numerous distant and collateral relatives, but his only direct bloodline brother was Yang Rong, who was also his elder brother's sole son. If Yang Rong were to die, wouldn't that mean the end of their family line?

Pei Shunnian valued Yang Xu precisely because of his strong sense of loyalty and affection. His health was deteriorating, and even if he didn't want to retire in a few more years, he would have to.

It was said that when a person leaves, their influence fades. He needed someone who would repay kindness and remain loyal to inherit his position.

Yang Xu was originally chosen by Pei Shunnian, but now that Emperor Jia You had grown weary of him, if Yang Xu foolishly attempted to save his nephew's life, there would be no need for him to remain in the Eastern Depot or the Imperial Household Agency.

Lowering his gaze, Pei Shunnian spoke leisurely, "His Majesty is currently in a rage. If you insist on securing an heir, it's not impossible. Hand over your identification badge and beg for mercy yourself. Considering your years of service, His Majesty might spare your nephew's life."

While he sought loyalty and gratitude, it didn't mean he wanted someone devoid of intelligence. If Yang Xu still intended to protect Yang Rong, there was no need for him to stay within the imperial court.

Yang Xu immediately grasped the implications of Pei Shunnian's words. He stared blankly at the powerful Grand Eunuch who had dominated the inner court for two decades.

His wails and tears ceased abruptly.

Pei Shunnian awaited Yang Xu's decision.

After a long silence, Yang Xu choked out sorrowfully, "I haven't had the chance to repay my adoptive father's kindness yet. I will return this badge to His Majesty after I've fulfilled my filial duties to my adoptive father!"

Exiting the grand compound of the Supervisor of Ceremonies, the grief on Yang Xu's face dissipated instantly, replaced by his usual malevolent glint in his reddened eyes from weeping.

He had long known that the foolish Yang Rong could not be saved.

His performance today was merely to prevent Pei Shunnian from abandoning him for another ally.

Fortunately, Pei Shunnian had yet to give up on him.

The eunuch named Liu Yuan standing beside Yang Xu fluttered a vibrant red cloak and said, "Father, the palanquin is waiting outside."

Yang Xu acknowledged with a faint hum, his gaze fixed on the nearby Golden Water Bridge.

There, a young scholar dressed in a green official robe adorned with a heron badge was accompanied by a serving eunuch, heading towards the Great Ming Gate.

Perhaps noticing Yang Xu's stare, the scholar paused, turning to look at him before executing a respectful, non-submissive bow.

The composed manner left Yang Xu seething with fury.

If not for this insignificant Deputy Minister of the Board of Punishments, his precious Yang Rong would still be alive.

Sooner or later... He would make this person pay with their life for what they've done to Yong'er!

With a deep sigh, he said, "Let's go to the Imperial Household Agency."

Ascending the palanquin, she cast another glance at Liu Yuan, her eyes lingering on his delicate features for a moment before she said, "In a few days, I'll invite Lord Peng to my residence for a feast. Make sure you prepare a few songs; you know best what Lord Peng appreciates."

The official Yang Xu referred to as Lord Peng was none other than Peng Lu, the Commander of the Imperial Guard, the Jin Yi Wei.

Liu Yuan bowed respectfully and replied, "As you wish." A tiny red mole above his brows added a touch of allure to his delicate features.

Gu Changjin stood on the Golden Water Bridge, watching Yang Xu's departing figure with an unreadable expression as he lowered his eyes.

The eunuch attending to him in front chuckled in a high-pitched voice, "That was Eunuch Yang. Lord Gu might not be aware, but Eunuch Yang is soon to be transferred to the Imperial Household Agency. The Emperor specially issued the order today."

This eunuch's surname was Wang, and he was Wang Dehai, the head eunuch in charge at the Palace of Heavenly Purity.

"Ah, so it was Eunuch Yang," Gu Changjin replied, his tone giving away no hint of his emotions. "I've heard that Eunuch Yang treats his nephew as if he were his own son. No wonder Eunuch Yang looked so upset just now."

Wang Dehai smiled but didn't comment.

From such a distance, how could one discern Yang Xu's expression? Ah, this Mister Gu was indeed quite the comedian.

It wasn't yet time to finish his shift, so upon leaving Daming Gate, Gu Changjin returned to the Ministry of Justice.

Upon entering, Prefect Huang approached him with red-rimmed eyes. "Mister Gu, Jin... Jin is gone."

Gu Changjin paused, his hand in his sleeve slowly tightening.

"When did it happen? Did Jin have the chance to hear the Emperor's decree?"

"She did, she did. In fact, a palace matron from Kunning Palace came to the Ministry of Justice prison, saying that the Empress wished to summon Xu Li'er and Jin to Kunning Palace. Alas—"

Alas, Jin didn't have the fortune to hear about Yang Rong's sentence. The breath she had been holding in her throat dissipated as she closed her eyes with a smile.

Prefect Huang shook his head and sighed. "By the way, Mister Gu, that Xu Li'er... wishes to see you. She's waiting in the pavilion behind."

Behind the Ministry of Justice offices was a small courtyard with a few locust trees and tall poplars. These trees were incredibly old, their branches lush and verdant.

The pavilion Prefect Huang mentioned was nestled among these ancient trees. When Gu Changjin arrived, Xu Li'er was staring blankly at a locust tree.

"Miss Xu," he called out to her.

Xu Li'er snapped back to reality and turned to face Gu Changjin. Upon recognizing the nobleman's face, her eyes widened in surprise before she quickly lowered them, performing a deep curtsy.

"I, a commoner, pay my respects to Lord Gu," she said softly.

Her voice was as melodious as a oriole's song, yet tinged with sorrow from her recent loss, tugging at the heartstrings of those who heard it.

Gu Changjin offered a polite gesture to help her up. "Miss Xu, there's no need for such formalities."

Xu Li'er stood, suppressing her grief, and managed a small smile. "My mother and I have long admired your esteemed reputation, Lord Gu. The incident two years ago when you and Lord Guan presented your case in the Throne Room was known throughout Obeying Heaven Mansion. Mother used to tell me that if we ever had the privilege of meeting both of you, she would present you with the talismanic animals she crafted by hand."

When the Criminal Ministry officials came to escort her and Yang Rong to Changping Prefecture, she had specifically requested one of the officers to retrieve the pair of bamboo creatures from their old home.

Madam Jin was blessed with skilled hands. With fresh bamboo strips and daylilies, she could weave delightful little objects like grasshoppers, dragonflies, and crickets.

The talismanic animals she made for Gu Changjin and Guan Shaowei were much more intricate. It took Madam Jin several months of spare time to complete these two small creatures.

Chapter 150: Public Opinion

Wen Ying worked tirelessly, exposing many ordinary citizens of Mu City to the awakening of magical talents through divine stones within just a few days. Following that, it was Muershi's turn to take over, guiding public opinion online while pretending to be outsiders striking up conversations offline. With Muershi, who thrived on chaos, involved, the online discourse quickly shifted towards demanding the government to publicly teach magic, enabling ordinary people to protect themselves.

Essence and Koroy also fueled the fire with great enthusiasm.

Lan Jiaying encountered some trouble these days. The bond between him and his contracted human began to weaken and fray. According to the contract, he could use the human's body, but in return, he had to help this human achieve first place in an exam. However, now that his identity was exposed, fulfilling this contract was impossible.

Unable to possess a human, Lan Jiaying could only rely on his puppet body to move around. In a few more days, he might not even be able to control the puppet and would have to return to the Realm of Magic.

Originally, Lan Jiaying intended to deal with Yang Guodong, the man who exposed him, and then head back to the Realm of Magic. But Muershi stopped him, suggesting that he wait for the right opportunity to act.

Wen Ying, who had no involvement in their matter, overheard their conversation. His mission was already accomplished – the divine stone was rendered useless by him. Its once lustrous glow now resembled that of an ordinary stone, split evenly in two from the center.

Upon discovering the cracked divine stone, Wen Ying couldn't help feeling a twinge of guilt. He placed the halves at the entrance of the church, hoping that the church officials would "bury" it properly.

When the exorcists of the church saw the returned divine stone, they were almost driven to fury, cursing loudly at the entrance.

Subsequently, Muershi and his companions captured several low-level demons, deliberately releasing them to attack humans. They watched from the sidelines, ensuring the safety of the attacked individuals and that they could promptly express their anger online.

Attacks by low-level demons on humans had become so frequent that public opinion had shifted from merely desiring to learn magic to demanding that the government and exorcist institutions make it accessible to all. The promised protection by exorcists for ordinary citizens had proven inadequate due to their scarce numbers, leaving many vulnerable.

"Magic education must be opened up! Otherwise, I won't even know how I'll die when I encounter a demon!"

"It's understandable not to allow offensive magic for safety reasons, but they should at least teach defensive magic!"

"So many people have shown magical aptitude. Why don't the Church and the Association disclose how to use it? Teaching us a protective shield spell wouldn't hurt."

"I encountered a demon again yesterday! My classmate is still in the hospital, unconscious. What is the official response doing? If they taught us how to use magic, my friend might have held on until the patrolling exorcist found us!"

While the complaints of ordinary citizens gave the government headaches, the deaths of those in the privileged class forced the Church's exorcists, who had long resisted the government, to reluctantly agree to teach magic.

The state took care of most common folk, but the Church's upper echelons showed little concern for their well-being, hence their persistent refusal of official envoys, citing a lack of manpower. The Association was also hesitant.

This morning, news broke that He Guodong, a shareholder and chairman of the He Corporation, was found dead in his room. According to the nanny who had fainted the previous night, she had seen a terrifying demon before losing consciousness. The exorcist dispatched to investigate detected abnormal magical aura at the scene.

Upon learning this, pressure mounted on the Church from its upper ranks.

The Church, being a vast organization, required substantial funding. High salaries, mission rewards, and merit exchanges all demanded considerable sums, which were largely sponsored by various corporate conglomerates.

Sponsors collectively protested, forcing the church officials to reluctantly agree to teach magic to the general public.

These cunning individuals didn't merely request that they teach their own people magic but insisted on opening it up to ordinary folk because they noticed that fewer people dared to venture out at night, and even during the day, various industries were witnessing a noticeable decline in revenue. This situation could not persist.

They needed ordinary citizens to have the courage to come out and spend money.

"Bang!"

A middle-aged man with a grim expression and fiery eyes slammed his palm onto the table, the sound echoing loudly in the quiet conference room.

"Are all the subordinates under your command good-for-nothings? They haven't found any traces of those demons yet! Haven't you heard how the Association has been mocking us lately?"

Mu City was mainly under the jurisdiction of the Church, so such matters were handled by the Church. The Association of Exorcists in Mu City only had a few members for show; even after the Black Hole incident, when the Association dispatched many personnel, they did not intervene recklessly.

Not interfering in another's territory was an unspoken rule.

The leader of the Mu City Knights, Lihan Wei, spoke up, "Those demons are peculiar. They're unlike any we've encountered before."

"What's so different?" the councilor demanded sharply.

Faced with the overwhelming pressure, Li Weixin's expression remained composed. He interlaced his fingers and rested his elbows on the table, speaking with a hint of curiosity, "Their actions aren't just far more powerful than that of an average Intermediate Devil on the verge of evolving into a High Devil. Their tracks are also incredibly elusive, like a grain of sand lost among a vast beach. My subordinates followed the leads at the scene, but all attempts ended in failure; the clues always seemed to vanish."

"The demons stole the divine stones and wasted them by bestowing them upon a group of weak, untalented commoners for their awakening. It was their own awakening that attracted the demons, yet they blame us for not teaching them magic," the councilor's eyes darkened with disdain. "Those fools!"

Awakening one's innate talent enhances the vitality, logically increasing the likelihood of attracting demonic attention.

Those with average talents have little use for magic; it's a sheer waste of their time.

Someone exclaimed indignantly, "Demons have been too brazen lately, even killing the Holy Son."

Sitting in the conference room chair, Xiao Le listened to the voices around him, gradually losing focus. He was pondering why those particular people had died.

That day in the neighborhood, the demon that killed Wang Run clearly had the chance to eliminate the exorcists but only knocked them unconscious. Their injuries weren't severe; none of them lost limbs or their vitality.

They killed a group of exorcists while sparing another. Among the recent fatalities, there were both mid-to-high-ranking and low-ranking exorcists. According to reports, the death rate among the higher-ups was significantly higher than that of the lower ranks.

It was quite typical for the enemy to prioritize eliminating those in crucial positions within one's own camp, unless, of course, it wasn't unrelated to the missions he had been carrying out recently.

Recently, their team had discovered traces of the extremist devil in Mu City, only to lose the trail halfway through. These losses were accompanied by the deaths of several high-ranking exorcists within the Church, which filled Xiao Le with deep dread.

"Xiao Le, what are you lost in thought about?"

A displeased authoritative male voice pulled Xiao Le back to reality. He concealed the complexity in his eyes and replied calmly, "I was pondering if the culprit behind these recent incidents is the same group of devils. The ones who attacked the exorcists in Mu City, killed Saint Son Xiao Long, and stole the divine stone – they should all be from the same batch."

"And the same as those who opened the teleportation portals," someone affirmed confidently.

Already suspicious of Xiao Le, he keenly noticed that many people paused briefly before echoing this statement, as if deliberating their words.

Chapter 196 - Restless Night

When Old Man Lu saw in the valley that Lady Lu had brought out her two sons, he instructed Shi Tou and Ah Wei to return home first before asking her, "Are we heading to the Shen family now?"

Lady Lu shook her head. "Let's go to the Chen family. Ask Sanlang to summon Shen Lie."

She was well aware of what needed to be said. Regarding such a messy matter, Lady Lu didn't want to drag the Shen family into it any further.

...

The arrival of the Lu family did not come as a surprise to Old Man and Lady Chen.

Ever since Lady Lu had requested Wei Qing to inform the Lu brothers, mentioning Chendashan's name, Lady Chen and Old Man Chen had vaguely guessed something.

The Lu family was currently being grilled on fire by Wang Chunniang. In truth, which family in this valley hadn't been put in such a position? The valley outside was not peaceful, and judging from Wang Chunniang's frenzied behavior today, she would bite anyone she could get her hands on. Anyone would be uneasy in her shoes, but they all trusted the elderly couple of the Lu family, waiting for their response.

Old Man Chen looked at the burlap bags carried by the Lu family and asked, "What is this for?"

Lady Lu replied, "I've come with a thick skin to plead for a chance at survival for those few children of Shuzhu."

This remark left Old Man Chen and Mother Chen momentarily unsure of her intention.

Looking to the side at the Shen family, Madam Lu asked, "May I borrow your place to have a conversation?"

Old Man Chen wouldn't dare refuse, so he nodded and called Second Mountain and Little Ya out of the cave, asking them to go play outside for a while. Then, Mother Lu instructed Third Brother Lu to invite Shen Lie.

Having already inquired about the day's events earlier, Chen Dashan watched with a cold gaze. He only remained silent as he listened to the request to find Shen Lie, awaiting his arrival.

In truth, Shen Lie and Sang Luo had only recently departed from the Chen residence. Shen An and Shen Ning did not know much about what had transpired during the day. Furthermore, Shen Jin and Shen Yin were deeply affected by the incident. Shen Lie did not wish to have them recount Wang Chunniang's absurd remarks, so he inquired of Old Lady Chen. Naturally, Old Lady Chen had only heard half the story, but it was enough for everyone to piece together a rough idea of what had happened.

When Lu Sanlang came to invite them, the four members of the Shen family wore grim expressions. Upon learning that Mother Lu was waiting next door, Shen Lie said to Sang Luo, "Rest for now. I'll go over."

Sang Luo had no intention of getting involved in the Lu family's affairs, so she nodded and instructed Shen An to close the door after Shen Lie left.

...

By the time Shen Lie arrived, the Lu family had already been invited into the cave by Old Man Chen. Both Father Lu and Mother Lu, unable to remain seated, instinctively stepped forward upon seeing Shen Lie, but their embarrassment held them back.

Apologies were in order, but it wasn't their first time in such a situation. Neither Father Lu nor Mother Lu could muster the face to do so. With a look of guilt, Mother Lu said, "I truly apologize for today's incident. I understand that our apologies hold little value, and you might not even want to hear them. But since we've brought our wayward child here, I'm afraid he might cause you further distress. That's why we've come personally."

"Go straight to the point," Shen Lie said, his expression now tinged with coldness despite his attempt to hide it. He had indeed lost patience with the Lu family's main branch and had no desire to listen to their empty words. All he wanted was to know how the Lu family intended to deal with this situation and what they meant by 'accountability.'

With her dignity utterly shattered, Lu Po found it difficult to continue speaking, but she still managed to force out the words, "Our family has decided to send the entire main branch away."

"Send them away?" Before Shen Lie could respond, Chen Dashan asked, "Where to? How can you ensure our valley remains secret?"

In Chen Dashan's view, only one method of sending them away wouldn't endanger the valley. However, there were seven members in that family. Looking at the three bags Lu Po had brought, he couldn't imagine they would abandon them so easily. If they had been willing to do so, this incident wouldn't have happened.

Lu Po clearly understood this as well. Even though the decision had been made beforehand, it was still hard for her to utter the words. "Last year, Second Brother mentioned that the vast mountain range we're in took you two more than two months to traverse. It was only because of your skills that you and Shen Lie didn't get lost. So... I hope you can accompany my Second and Third Sons on a journey deeper into the mountains. The deeper, the better. Ideally, a place where no one will enter for several years or even longer."

"I know my two good-for-nothing sons. If you find them a cave and set up some protection, they wouldn't dare step out, nor would they have the ability to escape."

This was tantamount to exile. The Chen family had inquired about the dangers when Chen Dashan returned, but they hadn't fully grasped the severity. Only Shen Lie, Chen Dashan, who had actually crossed that treacherous mountain range, and Lu Er, who was now looking at his mother with raised eyebrows, truly understood.

Shen Lie's eyes lowered slightly. The mocking look that had flickered in Chen Dashan's eyes when he first heard the plea for a chance at survival had somewhat faded.

"Do you truly understand the situation in those deep mountains? If you don't, you can ask Uncle Lu, who has been there. It's a place where fierce beasts roam. I'd be lucky to protect myself, let alone guarantee anyone else's safety."

"No need to ask." Lu Po shook her head. "I know."

"Zhuangzhu is fifteen, Tiezhu is thirteen. I've taught them what I can, and found suitable caves for them. If they survive, they'll have established themselves, and their future will be secure. If they don't make it... well, that's just their fate."

"I no longer have the face to ask of Ah Lie. We also need someone to stay outside the valley. Originally, I shouldn't have involved you in this matter. But I know my second and third sons aren't yet capable enough, hence my request for your presence to lend support. I don't ask for you to protect anyone specifically, only that you accompany them on this journey, and if possible, offer some assistance to them and their nephews. After all, it's my selfish desire."

Pausing, she pleaded with Chen Dashan, "Can you help and join this trip?"

Chen Dashan lowered his gaze, remaining silent for several breaths. After Chen Po glanced at him repeatedly, he finally turned to Shen Lie. "If Second Uncle Lu and I leave for one or two months, will you and Uncle Shi manage the valley?"

On one hand, involving the Lu family was troublesome. On the other, either his departure or Shen Lie's would not only affect themselves but the entire valley's seven households.

Shen Lie pondered for a moment. "People in the valley can move around nearby. For distant trips, a few individuals from different families like Zhou, Feng, Zheng, and Gan can join forces. However, Uncle Shi and I won't be able to venture far."

It was peak season for gathering mountain produce, effectively narrowing the range of movement for the entire valley.

Old Man Lu sighed, feeling a heavy weight in his chest. Old Lady Lu also bowed her head.

Shen Lie didn't dwell on this issue, instead reminding Chen Dashan, "The valley can't spare more hands. Can the three of you handle seven people? If trouble arises halfway through the journey and words are exchanged, it could lead to disaster."

He had no doubt Wang Chunniang would resort to such tactics.

When Lu Po heard this, she finally spoke again, "The eldest is timid and wouldn't cause trouble in the forest. The other children have also been talked to. Shuzhu and Tietuzhu could lend a hand. If you're still worried, we could gag them a few days ago. As for Wang Chunniang, she won't be able to make any fuss."

At this, not only Chen's family but also Lu Erlang and Lu Sanlang turned their gazes towards Lu Po.

Lu Po looked down and said, "I used an old folk remedy that I've seen before. She should be unable to speak now."

Upon hearing that she was silenced, Chen Dashan didn't say anything else. "Alright, I'll accompany you on this trip."

What else could they do? Kill the entire family of seven or leave them in the valley, potentially causing a bigger problem one day? They could only deal with the consequences of sheltering them back then.

Chen Dashan didn't refuse the food and meat left by the Lu family. He had done laborious work for Lu Da for free, so he didn't feel guilty taking it. Compared to the time and energy he would spend inside, the provisions were a fair exchange.

After the Lu family left, Qin Fangniang, who had remained silent all along, sighed. She didn't know what to say about such a situation.

Chen Po commented, "It's not easy for them. With six grandchildren, five of them have been sent away. It's hard to predict what will happen next."

Being a grandmother herself, Chen Po could empathize more. However, her sympathy was mainly for the elderly couple and the children. As for the two older ones... Chen Po instructed Chen Dashan, "Take care of yourself first. If you have extra strength, help the Lu family's uncles and nephews as well."

Grandson still had to venture into the depths of the mountains. No matter how capable, how could elders not worry about their younger generation? But with Lu Woman seeking them out and the matter genuinely involving the valley, they couldn't refuse.

As Chen Dashan accompanied Shen Lie out, Shen Lie privately advised, "On this trip, you should still be cautious around that couple and maintain some distance. Let the Lu family handle things themselves."

Fools weren't terrifying; it was those who were foolish, venomous, selfish, and cowardly that were truly frightening. You could never entrust your back to such people.

Chen Dashan nodded. "I understand."

If they truly proved unruly, there would be plenty of opportunities along the way to deal with the pair. However, it wasn't his place to do so. Lu Er wasn't an idiot. If he had to bear the consequences of every action, he and Shen Lie wouldn't have traveled together for these past few years. If not for Lu Er, he wouldn't have taken on such a messy task.

The two exchanged glances, understanding each other. Shen Lie patted Chen Dashan's shoulder and asked, "I won't be able to leave recently, so I'm planning on training Xiao An and Xiao Jin again. There are quite a number of people in the inner circle now, and there are living quarters up there that won't attract attention. Would you like Er Shan to join in?"

When their manpower had to be divided into several groups, Shen Lie realized that their valley's combat strength was insufficient. Who knew when they might encounter a situation beyond their control? It was most important to foster their own growth.

Upon hearing this, Chen Dashan's face lit up, and he chuckled. "Of course, why not? He's thirteen already. Help me discipline this kid. If he doesn't train, he'll only learn farming and carpentry skills from my grandpa and dad."

Shen Lie laughed upon hearing this. "Alright, then get some rest early. I'll head back first."

He needed to inform Sang Luo about the Lu family's matter. He also hadn't visited Shen Jin yet. With the issue now resolved, it was time for him to make a trip over.

...

Having heard Shen Lie's account of the situation with the Lus, Sang Luo remained silent. She had no inclination to pity anyone; those who brought trouble upon themselves and dragged their children down with them were not deserving of her sympathy.

This was already the old woman's utmost effort to secure a chance at survival for that family. It was likely that the couple would not even appreciate it. The hope now was that the five children would not let the old lady's efforts go to waste.

She turned to Shen Lie and said, "Go upstairs and check on Little Jin and the others. If necessary, spend more time talking with him. That child must have been under immense pressure in the county, otherwise he wouldn't have reacted so strongly."

Shen Lie nodded and left with Shen An.

...

At the Lu residence.

Before Old Man Lu and Old Lady Lu could enter the cave, they noticed Zhuangzhu standing by the entrance, gazing outward. Upon seeing his grandmother, he hurriedly approached, but hesitated to ask anything, remembering the disappointment in her expression earlier.

Old Lady Lu caught sight of him and asked, "Want to know why your mother has lost her voice?"

Zhuangzhu lowered his head.

Widow Lu replied, "There's a cure. If you survive and return when times are peaceful, I'll tell you what medicine to use."

Hearing that there was an antidote, Lu Shuzhu felt a slight relief.

Seeing his reaction, Widow Lu no longer regretted giving away the entire first family. What could she have done anyway? Their biological parents, it was nature. She could only be grateful that her grandchildren at least had upright characters.

"Get everything ready and go to bed early. We'll leave at the third watch."

Upon this pronouncement, though the children were sad and fearful, they knew it was inevitable. Only Lu Dalang seemed to be in a daze, staring at Old Man Lu and Widow Lu as if he couldn't believe they were really abandoning him and his five children. His lips moved, as if he wanted to plead for mercy, but he remained silent, knowing his parents too well.

...

It was destined to be a sleepless night. Jin and Yin, one stirred by memories and the other newly aware of some truths, neither dared to sleep. Even Shen Lie's comforting words didn't help much. Shen An, being smaller, ended up staying with them upstairs.

The same was true for Lu Dalang. He couldn't get any rest, tossing and turning as he pondered how to plead. In the latter half of the night, his eyelids grew heavy, and he dozed off. In his dreams, he relived the scenes of being surrounded by wolves during their grain collection trips.

In the past, there had been Shen Lie, Chen Dashan, Lu Er, and Shi Dalang – many who had charged ahead of him. But this time, he was alone. The image of the wolf pack charging at him startled him awake with a cry.

In the deepest recess of the cave, a lantern hung from a stone wall, its feeble light filtering through the winding cave walls, bunks, and shelves, barely reaching where he was.

It was this sliver of light that finally made Lu Dalang realize it was all a dream, though the palpitations in his heart felt all too real.

Lu Dalang could no longer sleep, gripped by fear. Lying heavily on the bed for more than a quarter of an hour, he frequently glanced at the small cave where Wang Chunniang was locked away. The thought that had crossed his mind during the day resurfaced.

The scenes from the dream played repeatedly in his mind, compelling him to rise silently. He reached Lu Po's bedside, cautiously maneuvering around the sleeping Lu Laohan, and stretched his hand towards the space under Lu Po's pillow.

Lu Dalang didn't remember how he found himself standing before the wooden lattice door, reaching out to touch the cold lock.

"Dad? What are you doing?"

A voice from behind startled him so much that Lu Dalang let out a gasp. He turned his head to see Lu Shuzhuang half-sitting on the bed on the second floor, staring at him – it was unclear for how long.

Author's Note:

Yesterday, I pondered for a long time whether I should alter the plot involving Little Jin or simplify the previous chapter. Especially the previous chapter, while writing it, I felt a great deal of oppression as I immersed myself in the characters. However, I found it challenging to make any changes, especially to two specific parts. Little Jin's character is quite unique; at only nine years old, he has experienced things that many adults might never have gone through. The intertwined storyline between Jin and the Lu family is difficult for me to handle at my current level. Yesterday, I tried for a day, and today for two hours, but I realized that it's hard for me to improve the story further after it's already written and formed in my mind. So, I've decided to accept it as it is and continue writing this chapter. I hope you all enjoy reading it.

Regarding the mute drug, I've always been hesitant to describe cutting off the tongue. It's not out of sympathy for Wang Chunniang, but rather for Lu Po and the children. A couple of nights ago, I researched extensively on drugs that could cause muteness. The earliest formulas I found were two: one involving a plant, which wouldn't be feasible in their context, and the other requiring two ounces of charcoal ground into powder, mixed with white wine, claiming to render someone speechless within twenty minutes. The antidote was also simple, just a sulfur detox pill. This method seemed more achievable but was vaguely described. Upon further investigation, I couldn't verify its authenticity – it seemed to be found only in one answer, and I'm unsure if it's legitimate (it looks suspiciously like fiction). According to some medical professionals, there's no actual drug that can truly make a person mute. Even in historical records, such as the "Liu Taigong Biography" in the "Records of the Grand Historian" and "Wild Gleanings: Ministry of Justice" by Ji Xianlin, the methods mentioned involved physically mutilating the tongue. Therefore, the depiction of a drug causing muteness in various dramas might not have a real-life counterpart. Of course, ancient Chinese medicine might have been exceptionally advanced and lost to modern times. Let's not delve too deeply into this matter and assume this formula is true, even though it seems quite unreliable. We'll consider it a fictional invention for our story.

Noticing Lin Shuicheng's stunned expression, Han Huang smiled. "Did you think I was unaware? People in one-sided love have sharp eyes. Since we rarely had the chance to meet, you would always return the gifts I sent with your other returns. Yet, I happened to bump into Chu Shihan while playing table tennis and basketball. His eyes would light up when he mentioned you. Several times, I saw your lab having meals in the cafeteria, and the atmosphere between you two was different from everyone else's. Initially, I thought it didn't matter if I couldn't join your lab. I could still work at the branch after graduating with a chemistry degree, eventually finding a chance to meet you. But then, I guessed that you two were dating, so I gave up. As you said, you don't think it's worth wasting time like this."

He lowered his head and chuckled. "To be honest, I'm not sure if it's worth it or not. I only know that I still regretted my decision to study finance. I thought I could let go, but then you unexpectedly transferred to the main campus' School of Mathematics, Lin Shuicheng. I wonder if fate has given me another chance."

Lin Shuicheng remained in a daze for a while before he lowered his head, holding the cup but not drinking from it.

He didn't respond to Han Huang's words. Instead, he said, "Student Han, perhaps you don't really know me, and I might not be what you imagine..."

Han Huang looked earnestly into his eyes. "I may seem abrupt, but I don't feel that way. We entered university in the same year, with me in the School of Automation and you in the School of Chemistry. I saw you at the scholarship ceremony, where you were representing the students to give a speech—I was aimlessly dragged there by a friend who wanted me to help find him a girlfriend. But the moment I saw you, I couldn't take my eyes off you... and they haven't left since."

In his first year, Lin Shuicheng still carried an air of a high school student. He was distinctively aloof yet more mature than his peers.

Strangely, he was such an attractive and captivating person, despite being very low-key—he even delivered a conventional speech, quietly returning to his seat afterward, jotting down notes in a small notebook as he waited for the lengthy ceremony to end.

He was a model excellent student, resembling a perfectly functioning machine. However, for some reason, he seemed perpetually cold and solitary.

Han Huang continued, "Although it sounds like boasting, I have to say that I'm quite smart. I've never worried about my grades growing up. My family is well-off, and they've given me the freedom to do as I please until I turn thirty. After seeing you, I began considering my future path. I learned that your family circumstances weren't good, that you received full scholarships for tuition and accommodation, and worked under Yang Zhiwei... I'm not implying anything by mentioning these. I just want to say that at that time, you were dazzling and out of reach for me. You're an arrogant person who wouldn't feel inferior due to material conditions but strive to overcome them. You realized your life goals earlier than anyone else around me. You were the first of your kind."

Han Huang took a deep breath and massaged his head. "At first, I was foolish. I switched my major... but later on, I realized that if it were you, you probably wouldn't like me changing my path for someone else. After I figured that out, the transfer quota had been used up, so I dropped out of Star University and retook the entrance exam, entering the finance department and starting to participate in debate competitions. Freedom given by others isn't true freedom; I gradually understood that after meeting you. In a sense, I found my direction by chasing after you, so... I..."

He felt a bit awkward and at a loss, realizing he had talked about irrelevant matters. Then, he took a big gulp of water and asked, "So... can you give me an answer? Do I have the right to pursue you?"

Han Huang replied, "I've investigated your situation with Chu Shihan. I couldn't find anything on him, nor do I have any recent news. Are you still together?"

During the two years he had been away from the Jiangnan branch, even using his connections within the Han family hadn't revealed Chu Shihan's background. He guessed that Chu Shihan had entered some sort of confidential system. All he knew was that Chu Shihan seemed to be backed by the Fu Corporation's military industry, as after Lin Shuicheng became the student council president, he had seen Chu Shihan's name on the list of graduates' job placements, indicating that he was working for Fu Corporation Military Technology, a top-notch high-tech military company in the Alliance with close cooperation with the government.

Lin Shuicheng fell silent for a moment.

He whispered, "No."

Han Huang appeared relieved. "Then I..."

Lin Shuicheng interrupted him and continued softly, "I'm sorry. If I could play a positive role in your life, I'm honored. But growth is yours, and all the decisions you made were your own. I don't deserve such credit."

"I... didn't expect you two to separate," Han Huang said after a moment of silence. "Although from my perspective, I hoped for it, I didn't expect it to actually happen..."

Lin Shuicheng opened his mouth, just about to speak when suddenly, the window glass beside them was tapped.

This private room was situated near a narrow corridor by the window, which served as a small passage leading to the rear relaxation area of the restaurant. This side of the corridor was adjacent to the parking lot, and most customers here were students from Star University, so few people walked this way.

The window glass was soundproof, with ornately carved wooden frames that formed a semi-transparent lattice. Outsiders were usually obscured, only silently tapping on the glass to create vibrations.

Both Lin Shuicheng and Han Huang jumped in surprise, then noticed the figure leaning closer to the window, tilting their head to look at them – first glancing at Han Huang before shifting their gaze to Lin Shuicheng's side.

It was Fu Luoyin.

Upon seeing that Lin Shuicheng had recognized him, Fu Luoyin smiled gently and then leaned back against the outer corridor, calmly observing him.

Through the blurred light filtering through the window glass, he could see the same startled and vigilant expression in Lin Shuicheng's eyes as he would have seen in a commander – it inexplicably brought him joy. Teasing Lin Shuicheng was endless fun.

He had arrived early today and, with too many messages to sift through, couldn't immediately locate the one Lin Shuicheng had sent him.

Text messaging still wasn't very user-friendly, unable to be pinned to the top.

Fu Luoyin had driven over and, as usual, located the room using Lin Shuicheng's ID card. Spotting him right away, he couldn't resist tapping on the window for a playful jest.

As Lin Shuicheng saw him, so did Han Huang.

That identical face from his memories appeared at the window, and Han Huang was immediately stunned.

Lin Shuicheng whispered, "I'll be out for a bit, meeting a friend."

There was a hint of panic in Lin Shuicheng's eyes for that brief moment. He stood up, grabbed his coat, and walked out, softly apologizing, "Sorry."

Han Huang hastily rose to his feet as well, saying, "I... I'll just go to the restroom too."

The restroom was at the back, but Han Huang didn't head in that direction. Instead, he followed Lin Shuicheng outside, maintaining a distance of no more than five or six meters between them.

In the long corridor, Fu Luoyin leaned against the railing, turning his head to look at him under the dim lamplight.

Lin Shuicheng approached him briskly, his brows slightly furrowed – for some reason, he seemed slightly aggrieved.

As soon as Lin Shuicheng came over, Fu Luoyin reached out to pull him into an embrace. In that instant when he clasped Lin Shuicheng's shoulders, he lifted his gaze to glance at Han Huang, who had just come out and was following behind.

Han Huang stopped in his tracks.

The man across from him was handsome, with a straight back and a sharp demeanor. His eyes conveyed an unmasked warning and provocation. Like a male peacock claiming his mate, he proudly displayed his plumage, emphasizing the unbreakable bond he shared with Lin Shuicheng.

Lin Shuicheng felt a bit anxious and tried to wriggle out of Fu Luoyin's embrace. Fu Luoyin said, "Just hold me for a while. It's not like anyone can see us. There's nobody here."

After taking a few deep breaths of Lin Shuicheng's scent, he finally released him.

Lin Shuicheng whispered, "Why did you come now?"

"I lost track of time. Anyway, it's evening. Since I had nothing else to do, I came over to see you," Fu Luoyin squinted his eyes. "If you're not done, go back. I'll be fine waiting here for you."

Only then did Lin Shuicheng remember to ask, "Have you eaten?"

"Not yet," Fu Luoyin's heart melted when he heard Lin Shuicheng inquire about his meal. Despite the chilly wind blowing outside, he whispered, "Go take care of your business. I'll find a place to sit down and order some dishes. Come find me after you're done eating."

Despite saying that, Fu Luoyin made no move to leave.

He reached out and gently massaged Lin Shuicheng's wrist in a lingering and affectionate manner, speaking softly, "Do you really have the heart to let me sit alone at a table while you're with someone else? Hmm? With roses on the table, is this a confession?"

Lin Shuicheng: "…"

On the surface, Fu Luoyin appeared polite and magnanimous, but he was actually throwing a tantrum indirectly. Lin Shuicheng saw Fu Luoyin smiling, but there was no warmth in his eyes. It was a predatory gaze filled with extreme possessiveness.

When Fu Luoyin wore such an expression, Lin Shuicheng could usually expect a difficult morning the next day. This was the look Lin Shuicheng received when he had made a mistake and needed to be disciplined – even if Lin Shuicheng hadn't provoked him, as long as Fu Luoyin believed he had crossed a line at the wrong time, he would make things difficult for him.

Lin Shuicheng pursed his lips, pretending not to understand the hidden meaning behind Fu Luoyin's words. He nodded obediently. "Alright, I'll be back soon."

Fu Luoyin: "…"

By the time Lin Shuicheng returned to his original seat, Han Huang's gaze followed closely behind Fu Luoyin, who had entered with him.

Seeing the boy's unceasing admiration for his face, and then glancing at the roses on the table, Fu Luoyin's earlier tension slightly dissipated.

"I should introduce myself – I'm Lin Shuicheng's boyfriend, Fu Luoyin," Fu Luoyin said to Han Huang with a proper smile. "Thank you for looking out for our Lin Shuicheng."

Han Huang remained completely unresponsive.

He had been like this ever since he saw Fu Luoyin at the door.

Noticing Han Huang's stunned state, Fu Luoyin continued, "You still have matters to discuss, so I won't disturb you." The last part was directed at Lin Shuicheng. "Come find me later, okay? Be a good boy."

He reached out to pat Lin Shuicheng's head affectionately.

Fu Luoyin had gone to another private room, out of his sight.

Lin Shuicheng looked at Han Huang.

Han Huang sat opposite him, engrossed in his phone.

Search term: Fu's Military Tech Corporation

Entry - Profile of Former Chairmen:

Fu Qingsong, Fu Kai, Fu Luoyin.

He couldn't find any information on the Fu family's relationships. Fu Luoyin had only taken over Fu's Military Tech in the past two years, and there wasn't much visual documentation available. However, amidst a flurry of gossip about Fu Kai, he stumbled upon the most widely circulated rumor of a supposed marriage partner – an international cake decorator named Chu Jingshu.

Chu Jingshu, Chu Shihan.

The identical face.

Although the news hadn't been confirmed, the answer was glaringly obvious.

Moments later, Han Huang finally calmed down. He looked at Lin Shuicheng and whispered, "You…."

He was certain now. The man who had just arrived, the one who had been acting intimately with Lin Shuicheng, claimed to be his boyfriend, and Lin Shuicheng hadn't denied it—this person had the exact same face as Chu Shihan!

Lin Shuicheng remained silent.

Han Huang felt somewhat dazed. "Lin Shuicheng, do you know who he is?"

His question sounded peculiar. After all, it was their first meeting. It wasn't "Who is he?" but rather "Do you know who he is?"

It was obvious that Fu Luoyin resembled Chu Shihan, and if Han Huang found out, the consequences wouldn't be unbearable.

Lin Shuicheng picked up on the oddity in the question, but he didn't know the reason behind Han Huang's words.

Was it because Fu Luoyin was a high-ranking member of Department Seven, and Han Huang felt that he couldn't afford to provoke him?

He glanced in the direction of the other private room and said coolly, "It doesn't matter. He… is just a substitute."

Chapter 73: Something Is Amiss (3200+)

"I'm sorry..." Luo Le hadn't expected this turn of events.

Gu Heting smiled and said, "It's okay, I've long since stopped caring."

"So, you're helping me because of my identity?" Luo Le felt as if he had been deceived.

It feels somewhat uncomfortable when someone approaches you with a hidden agenda.

Gu Heting noticed his emotions, nodded his head and then shook it.

"I couldn't say for certain, but from the moment I laid eyes on you back then, I had an urge to get to know you better. However, I think I would have gravitated towards you regardless, knowing or not knowing about this connection. Perhaps that's what we call kinship?"

Luo Le lowered his head, silent, and placed the dark wood box inside the compartment, closing it once more.

Mother, I have brought you home.

Luo Le had much more to discuss with his mother, but clearly, this wasn't the right moment.

Gu Heting, upon observing his actions, remained silent and simply waited.

After a while, Luo Le finally looked up.

"Shall we go?"

Gu Heting grabbed his hand and said, "Come with me to another place."

Luo Le shrugged off his hand. "Where?"

But there was no movement in his legs.

He wouldn't follow him so casually as he did just now.

"The Gu family's technology and networks are still intact. After I came of age, I took over and have managed to develop it quite well. We now have several research institutes and hospitals across the empire. Luo Le, it's time for you to return to the Gu family, I believe your aunt would also wish for you to come back."

Luo Le turned to glance at the wooden rack, then back at him. "I recall that the Gu family has always been involved in biological and pharmaceutical research."

"Yes, but I can provide you with a line of support. You can conduct any research you want and recruit whoever you need. Moreover, the Gu family should have belonged to your aunt in the first place, and as her child, I believe it's time to return it to you." Gu Heting propped his hand on the wooden rack, a faint smile playing at the corner of his lips.

Even with the technology and channels, the Gu family has fallen, and without Gu Heting, the Gu family will not rise again.

This is an empire he built with his own hands. Why should he give it all to her?

Logically speaking, after Grandfather forcibly separated the couple and expelled Gu Cheng from the family, shouldn't he bear a grudge against the Gu family?

What on earth is he trying to do?

Luo Le furrowed his brows slightly. "Do you have any idea what you're saying?"

After more than a year of being together, how could Gu Heting not know what he was thinking?

"Before the Gu family fell, he approached us and even asked my father to return and inherit the Gu family. My father declined. Despite that, he persisted and reached out several more times. After that incident, the Gu family's centuries-old legacy was utterly destroyed. Yet, he chose an easy way out by dying, leaving behind a mess. He didn't even bother about Great-Grandfather. Not to mention me, how can you not hate him?"

Luo Le clenched his fists, wishing that if nothing had happened to the Gu family, everything wouldn't have turned out so tragically.

But it's pointless to say anything now.

Hate? What right did he have to hate?

Seeing that he didn't speak, Gu Heting pursed his lips and continued, "Actually, the downfall of the Gu family wasn't entirely due to Grandpa..."

Sighing at this point, he began to recount the story in its entirety, weaving the details gracefully.

The Gu family was unparalleled in the pharmaceutical industry. Back then, they developed a drug capable of repairing damaged mental energy, which caused a huge uproar.

Rival companies in the industry coveted a slice of the pie, but the Gu family was not willing to share.

Unwilling to let the Gu family enjoy the fruits alone, they, in a desperate attempt, orchestrated a cunning plot within public opinion.

They bribed the media to slander the drug, claiming it had numerous side effects, and colluded to boycott the Gu family.

The Gu family had invested heavily in researching this medication, hoping to recoup their costs through its success.

Just as they managed to gather funds to contact the media for a clarification, the journalist didn't show up, leaving them voiceless.

In one night, the Gu family's stock market collapsed. They pressured the Gu family to surrender the formula.

At that time, the elder Mr. Gu had been driven to mental instability. He eventually burned the formula and, shortly after, left with Mrs. Gu, disappearing together.

"He Ting, what's the point of bringing this up now? The past is in the past."

"The Gu family can't bear this unjust stigma forever. Don't you want to restore the family's honor and avenge those who wronged us? Grandfather is almost here, eagerly awaiting your return to the family registry. Once you're back, the Gu family will be yours. Then, we'll join forces and make them..."

He Ting grew increasingly agitated, his face betraying an unhinged madness that didn't belong to him.

Luo Le took a step back. "Enough. Luo Le is already dead."

After struggling to get his life on track, he refused to let revenge consume his future.

"Luo Le, do you truly hate the Gu family that much? Blood is thicker than water." He Ting stepped forward, seizing Luo Le and shaking him, disbelief etched on his face.

Luo Le allowed the gesture, not resisting, but gazing unwaveringly at him. "He Ting, why didn't you clear the Gu family's name all these years? With your credentials in the Empire's research institute, your connections and wealth must be substantial. So, there's only one reason you haven't: you want to exact revenge. According to Empire law, they'd merely be expelled and their bloodline forbidden from entering for five hundred years. That wasn't enough for you, was it? You want them to suffer like Grandfather did, driven mad with resentment until death. Am I right?"

He Ting's body stiffened, his gaze a mix of emotions as he stared at Luo Le's calm demeanor.

Seeing his reaction, Luo Le knew he had guessed correctly. He sighed.

"I don't want to live for hatred. I believe my mother wouldn't want to see me like this. I trust your parents would feel the same about you. He Ting, stop while you still can. It's not too late."

"Not a chance." After all these years of scheming, there was no way he would let go.

"It's time to pick up Chen Chen. Let's go."

Luo Le didn't wish to delve deeper into this topic nor push him further.

Upon hearing the name Chen Chen, Gu Heting also regained his composure. He glanced at the sky outside and realized that it was indeed getting late.

"Let's go."

After picking up Chen Chen, they returned home in good spirits, still chatting and laughing. Both of them tacitly refrained from mentioning the incident.

In the following days, Gu Heting did not return.

"Father, is Uncle coming home today?"

Chen Chen stirred the white porridge in her bowl, her face contorted in a pout.

Luo Le took one glance at the porridge in his father's bowl and understood: "Is something wrong, Father? Is the porridge unappetizing?"

Chen Chen hastily shook his head. "No, I just miss Uncle. Teacher said there's a competition next week, and Little Zhuang's dad even specially came back from another planet..."

Luo Le had also received the information – it was a parent-child competition.

Looking down, he noticed Chen Chen's cautious expression, which pricked at his heart in that instant.

Chen Chen had always been curious about who his father was and envied other children for having a father by their side.

He was aware of this, but he couldn't do anything about it. He couldn't just pick any Alpha off the street.

"Yes, I understand. When the time comes, I'll ask Uncle to come back with us. We'll participate together and strive for first place, alright?" He spoke, gently rubbing the little one's head.

Chen Chen nestled closer. "What if Uncle is busy?"

Luo Le was taken aback for a moment before he rubbed again. "Then Daddy will invite the strongest and smartest uncle from the research institute to join us, okay?"

Chen Chen lowered his head, lacklusterly responding with an "oh," before announcing he was full and going to work on his homework.

Luo Le glanced at the untouched bowl of porridge across from him, his gaze darkening.

These past few days, Chen Chen hadn't been eating much. Today, when he picked Chen Chen up, he discovered that the boy's belly was rounded, clearly indicating a full stomach.

The kindergarten only served lunch, no dinner at all. So where had he gotten his food from?

He had inquired with the teachers today, and they said everything was normal.

Luo Le took the porridge from the opposite side, finished it, then started to pack up.

By the time he placed the bowl in the dishwasher and came out, Chen Chen had already fallen asleep on the table.

Was he that exhausted?

Shaking his head, Luo Le walked over. Supporting his own head with one hand, he gently undressed the child.

As he tossed the clothes behind him onto the sofa, a familiar scent was carried by the breeze.

Luo Le paused for a moment, then, after finishing undressing him, carried the boy upstairs for a bath.

Twenty minutes later, Luo Le descended the stairs.

On the desk lay Chen Chen's homework notebook. Luo Le picked it up and saw that only one problem was left unfinished. He could wake Chen Chen up a bit earlier to complete it tomorrow.

As he placed the notebook into the backpack, Luo Le noticed a metal box. Silently, he zipped it closed.

He wouldn't go through Chen Chen's belongings without his permission.

The next morning, Luo Le, as usual, sent Chen Chen to school but this time, he accompanied him inside.

"Chen Chen, listen carefully to your teacher. Daddy's going to work."

He tousled Chen Chen's hair, then released his hand, allowing him to follow his teacher.

The teacher paused, "Mr. Gu, we have a craft class today. Didn't you say you would join us?"

Luo Le's face twisted in distress. "I have some work matters to attend to. I'll leave Chen Chen in your capable hands today."

"Oh, I see. Then go ahead with your work. Chen Chen is with us."

Luo Le nodded with a smile, watching Chen Chen being led away by the teacher.

Afterward, he erased the visitor log and then, citing a stomachache, found a quiet spot to wait.

Approximately an hour later, Luo Le made his way towards Chen Chen's classroom.

He approached the classroom window and peered inside.

In there, almost every child was accompanied by an adult.

Beside Chen Chen was a man dressed in a uniquely assembled black-and-white suit. His slender legs indicated that he must be tall, though his face was not visible due to his back being turned.

However, Luo Le already had a hunch.

He walked along the wall until he reached the entrance, finally getting a clear view of the man's face.

—Huo Lanjing.

Sure enough, it was him.

It seemed he knew everything. What could be the reason for his visit? Could he be attempting to take Chen Chen away?

With this thought, Luo Le's expression turned grim.

"Mr. Gu? Why are you back?" The teacher looked puzzled.

The other students in the class turned to look, all in unison.

Including Chen Chen and Huo Lanjing.

Upon seeing Luo Le at the door, Huo Lanjing shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his fidgeting with his arm flesh revealing his unease.

Chen Chen threw back the handmade craft that Huo Lanjing had just finished, sitting a little further away from him.

If he had known, he would have insisted on not letting this uncle in earlier.

Daddy must be angry.

Tears welled up in Chen Chen's eyes out of anxiety.

Luo Le let out a long breath and forced a strained smile. "I rushed back as soon as the matter was suddenly resolved. May I ask who this gentleman is, sitting next to my child?"

Little Zhuang suddenly spoke up, "Hey, Uncle Gu, don't you know this uncle? He said he's your good friend."

Luo Le forced a smile, "Oh, is that so? Thank you, Zhuang Zhuang. Mr. Zhang, I'll take a leave for Chen Chen; there's something going on at home."

Mr. Zhang paused and looked at Chen Chen, "Chen Chen, pack your things and go home with your father."

Chen Chen's ears drooped. Huo Lanjing reached out to help him pack.

"No," Chen Chen threw his belongings away, hastily stuffing them into his backpack, then scampered towards the classroom door.

"I'm sorry for the disturbance. Carry on." Luo Le said, then bent down to scoop up Chen Chen and headed out.

Huo Lanjing picked up the items Chen Chen had discarded on the table, nodded at Mr. Zhang, and got up to follow them.

In the classroom, everyone looked at each other before resuming their tasks.

Chapter 121 - Hunger

Daylight illuminated the room once more.

With bleary eyes, Lu Ran opened them to see the same brilliant white light as the previous day.

He had blinked in and out of sleep, remaining in bed the whole time.

It was as if the entire day before had vanished into thin air.

Lu Ran merely lifted his hand to shield his eyes, not moving from the bed.

His limbs felt numb, weighed down by an invisible stone, making it difficult to lift them.

He blinked again, looking at the curtains fluttering beside him.

These were Ji Min's bedroom curtains, not those of the hospital room with no windows that he remembered.

Despite having been reborn for quite some time, there were still moments when Lu Ran would wake up from a dream unsure whether the world before his eyes was real or not.

Occasionally, he wondered if his so-called rebirth was nothing more than a dream he had while lying in his sickbed.

This applied to Ji Min and Big Yellow as well.

Thus, Lu Ran didn't linger in bed for too long.

He refused to indulge in such fruitless speculation.

With great effort, Lu Ran moved his heavy limbs and rolled over to climb out of bed.

As soon as he propped himself up on his arms, he couldn't help but pause.

Perfect.

Now, he was certain it wasn't a dream.

In his previous life, he had never experienced anything like this; a dream could never feel so real and surreal.

Ji Min had just returned to the room, planning to check if Lu Ran had woken up.

The moment he pushed open the door to the bedroom, he beheld the youth bending his slender form as he descended from the bed.

His gaze swept unobtrusively over the youth's collarbones, amusement not yet rising in his thoughts.

Ji Min witnessed the person beside the bed lose their strength, collapsing onto the carpet with a soft thud.

"Hey!" Ji Min hurried over to help the person up.

Ji Min's face wore an expression of disbelief.

He paused, yet couldn't resist asking, "Is it really that bad? I don't recall being too harsh..."

But as he spoke, he realized his words sounded like an attempt to evade responsibility.

So he softly inquired, "...Does it hurt?"

"Hurt?"

Lu Ran held Ji Min's arm with one hand and supported his own forehead with the other, his voice nearly drained of strength as he said,

"Let's discuss that later. Right now, the most important thing is, do we have any food?"

Ji Min: "…?"

Lu Ran held his forehead, feeling dizzy and lightheaded with black spots before his eyes.

After a careful self-examination, he stated confidently, "I'm starving. I'm about to die from hunger, give me something to eat!"

Ji Min: "…"

Lu Ran had woken up late yesterday morning, missing breakfast.

He didn't have time for lunch either.

Then, he engaged in an intense physical activity that lasted the entire afternoon.

By the time he finished, he was completely drained.

All he could think about was sleep; who could remember to eat?

Having slept straight through until early morning, Lu Ran found himself famished, feeling as if he were withering away from hunger, his chest almost sticking to his back.

Despite his weakened state, Lu Ran remained resolute.

He insisted on going downstairs to the restaurant to have breakfast by himself.

Ji Min tried to carry him halfway, but was waved off.

Lu Ran justified his refusal, "You walk too slowly when you carry me!"

Ji Min: "..."

After a struggle, they finally reached the dining table. Lu Ran sat down in a chair and, with two large bowls, slurped down the congee before him.

Next, he picked up the entire plate of fried shrimp balls and devoured them all.

Just as Ji Min was about to grab his chopsticks: "..."

After devouring an entire plate of shrimp dumplings, polishing off a whole steamer of soup dumplings, and consuming two pan-fried buns along with a slice of cheesecake, Lu Ran finally felt his soul returning.

He then helped himself to another bowl of soup, which he drank down.

As he finished, Ji Min was seen holding his own bowl, silently observing him.

"…What are you looking at?" Lu Ran asked, his words muffled by the food in his mouth.

Ji Min replied, "…Nothing much."

He was merely contemplating how, as expected, it was only fitting for someone like Lu Ran.

Even the morning after such an event was spent in an extraordinary manner.

At first glance, it seemed Lu Ran had eaten more than Ji Min, who had exerted himself the entire afternoon before.

Ji Min let out a sigh.

With Lu Ran seemingly intent on reaching for yet another bite, he gently intervened, extending his hand to stay the youth's movement. "Your stomach will start feeling unwell if you continue," he cautioned.

He couldn't help but chuckle as he added, "Last night, who was sound asleep like a log when I tried to wake you up for a midnight snack?"

Lu Ran rolled his eyes but still couldn't resist having one more steamed bun before stopping.

Today is still a day of respite.

After finishing his breakfast, Ji Min found himself with some leisure time.

The villa was devoid of servants; Manager Chen had gone out to play chess with his old friends.

Only Ji Min and Lu Ran were left in the house.

Lu Ran still appeared rather listless.

He was lying on the sofa, transferring files to his phone.

Even while lying down, he couldn't seem to stay still, changing positions every now and then.

Ji Min watched for a moment before reaching out to draw the person into his embrace.

"Please don't interrupt, I'm sending a file to the counselor."

Lu Ran spoke.

Ji Min's lightly stubbled chin grazed against his nape, his voice tinged with dissatisfaction as he murmured, "Must you transmit it right now?"

The moment the youth's finger touched the send button, the man reached out to snatch the phone away and threw it aside. He then embraced the person and spun around in a circle.

"Hey, don't move," Lu Ran said, placing his hand on the man's shoulder. "I ate too much just now. If you hug me too tightly, I'll end up vomiting on you."

Ji Min: "..."

"Do you have an allergy to romance or something?" the man asked through gritted teeth.

Lu Ran couldn't hold back his laughter, and he straddled the man's knees, giggling uncontrollably.

In the midst of his laughter, his knee slipped, and he accidentally split his legs wide open.

Just then, he accidentally tugged on the muscle in his thigh that was already subtly aching.

Lu Ran: "…"

His smile vanished.

Ji Min pulled the person back into his embrace.

He gently squeezed Lu Ran's wrist, then moved upward to his elbow and shoulder.

With a hint of seriousness in his expression, he asked, "Are you feeling any discomfort?"

Lu Ran: "…"

He stared at Ji Min with a wooden face and countered, "Uncle Ji, where do you want me to say I'm hurting?"

Ji Min clicked his tongue and patted his waist, "I'm being serious. Are your joints painful?"

Lu Ran paused imperceptibly before responding, "I said it doesn't hurt."

Finishing his statement, he lifted his gaze to meet the man's dark, intense eyes.

With both hands circling his waist, the man leaned back on the sofa and spoke in a cold, measured tone:

"Certain individuals forbade me from keeping this or that from them, yet they themselves hide things tightly, not revealing anything to me."

The words were laced with sarcasm and irony.

Lu Ran felt a sudden pang of guilt upon hearing this, and he scratched his head.

Noticing his expression, Ji Min's eyebrows lifted in surprise as he asked, "You're really hiding something from me?"

Lu Ran: "..."

"So you were just trying to deceive me?" he said.

"I was being sincere with you," Ji Min straightened his posture slightly and asked again, "To be honest, does your joint still hurt?"

Lu Ran: "..."

He fell silent for a moment, then ambiguously replied, "It doesn't hurt that much, and since it's constant pain, you get used to it—it's almost like it doesn't hurt at all."

Ji Min's expression darkened, but he patted Lu Ran's waist again before ultimately saying nothing.

In the afternoon, Lu Ran, who had been lying in bed to catch up on sleep, was abruptly roused.

Ji Min didn't explain; he simply bundled him into the car.

It wasn't until they were on the road and had driven for quite some time that Lu Ran fully regained consciousness.

He rolled down the car window and glanced outside before turning to Ji Min, asking, "Where are we going?"

"We're going to see a doctor," Ji Min said.

Lu Ran instinctively responded, "I'm not going to the hospital."

Ji Min explained helplessly, "Not a hospital, it's a counseling session for your mental health."

Lu Ran fell quiet.

He had read Ji Min's will.

On the surface, the guy seemed calm, but he had taken the doctor's words to heart during the last car accident.

Before the surgery, he had already selected a few renowned psychotherapists.

In his will, he even reminded Lu Ran to give them a try.

Now, without any prior discussion, he simply dragged Lu Ran here.

Lu Ran didn't resist.

The persistent pain was indeed irritating.

But Lu Ran was well aware that this wasn't something a doctor could easily resolve.

Once they entered the therapy room, Lu Ran sat on the sofa.

Ji Min followed him in but didn't sit down; instead, he stood behind Lu Ran.

The psychiatrist sitting diagonally across from him studied Lu Ran carefully and then smiled.

"Student, it's you, isn't it?"

"Hmm?" Lu Ran was slightly surprised.

He lifted his gaze to look at the doctor in front of him.

The doctor was a kind-looking woman who appeared younger than Madam Shen.

However, Lu Ran didn't recall ever seeing her before.

She chuckled and explained, "I was on vacation visiting family one time and passed by the spot where you were lying down in the neighborhood. I listened to a story you were telling."

Only then did Lu Ran recall the incident.

This must have been referring to the time when he was chased out of the Shen family's home.

There had been many people listening to his story back then, so Lu Ran hadn't kept track of all their faces.

"Story?" Ji Min inquired. "You were telling stories while lying outside?"

Lu Ran coughed and replied, "Just something I made up on the spot."

After a moment's thought, he realized that apart from his own background, he hadn't shared anything else.

So, he admitted openly, "An autobiography, actually."

However, as soon as the formal consultation began, Ji Min was politely "asked" to leave.

Lu Ran didn't have a habit of confiding in others, nor did he feel the need to do so.

He merely cooperated with the psychiatrist, participating in therapies and exercises.

He didn't hold high expectations.

Regular visits to the therapy room each week mostly served to alleviate Ji Min's concerns.

Anyway, it's not busy during the summer vacation.

But recently, the business circle in Jing City has been bustling with activity.

The signing ceremony for the HZ project is soon to be held.

Now, it's evident to all that there's a 90% chance for this project to fall into the Shen family's hands.

Furthermore, the recent technological breakthroughs made by the Shen corporation have indeed aroused envy with their remarkable achievements.

A craze for the Shen family began to flourish within their social circle.

Madam Shen became even more enthusiastic about socializing, attending an endless string of salon gatherings every day.

Shen Xingzhuo also found himself surrounded by many admirers.

Lu Ran, on the other hand, immersed himself in the laboratory and paid little attention to these matters.

Only when Fang Chen visited him would he hear a few gossip tidbits whispered in his ear.

Initially, these incidents didn't bother Lu Ran at all.

Until, there was a senior in the lab who frequently took the initiative to approach him.

Whether it was during experiments or group meetings, this senior would eagerly offer assistance and speak up for him.

On one occasion, under the pretense of discussing an experiment, the senior even accompanied him to the school gate at night.

It was then that Ji Min, who had come to pick him up, caught them in the act.

The man's jealousy knew no bounds; the air was filled with acrid vinegar.

Lu Ran was speechless for a moment before directly asking the senior what he really wanted.

The senior was thoroughly intimidated by Ji Min.

Only then did he stammer out the reason behind his attempts to get close to Lu Ran.

It turned out that he had heard Lu Ran was also from the Shen family.

His family wanted to establish ties with the Shen family but couldn't find the right approach, hence their attempt to cozy up to Lu Ran.

Lu Ran was speechless for a while, not expecting that someone would suck up to him.

This alone spoke volumes about the Shen family's rising status recently.

Not to mention Shen Xingran.

He had recently returned to his life of being the center of attention.

Even when he came back to school during summer break to submit some documents, he was surrounded by a group of friends.

One day, after leaving the counseling room,

Lu Ran spotted Shen Xingran not too far away.

By Shen Xingran's side was a familiar figure—none other than Jin Rino, who had tasted Lu Ran's toilet water on several occasions.

The two appeared quite close, yet they parted ways after chatting for a while.

Shen Xingran turned around and spotted Lu Ran not far away. He was taken aback for a moment.

Then he quickly smiled and said, "What a coincidence."

"It is quite coincidental," Lu Ran commented, glancing at Jin who had already walked away.

Shen Xingran lifted his chin, his smile brimming with smugness. "How does it feel to see your admirer fawning over me now?"

Lu Ran: "..."

He fell silent for a moment before he couldn't resist asking sincerely, "Did you know that he'd drunk toilet water before you kissed him?"

Shen Xingran's expression instantly cracked.

There was nothing more to discuss between the two of them.

Shen Xingran turned and started walking away.

Halfway through, he turned back to look at Lu Ran, smiling as he said,

"Now that the Shen family is thriving, even our archrival, the Lenoir family, is seeking to ingratiate themselves with me. You might regret leaving the Shen family!"

Lu Ran smiled but didn't respond.

When he returned to the car, Ji Min pulled him close and asked, "Why are you in such a good mood today?"

"Yes, it's been quite nice," Lu Ran admitted.

Lu Ran's gaze pierced through the car window, resting on Shen Xingran's departing figure.

Chapter 108: Station 23: Exposed

The woman reined in her smile, lifting her delicate chin with a hint of arrogance as she held her fan and said,

"Mr. Yan, please uncover your container."

Yan Qiling calmly removed the lid from the gourd, and a handful of shattered sand spilled out, as white and fine as seashell fragments.

Not a single dice was left inside; they had all been crushed to dust during the shaking process.

Surrounding onlookers gasped, while Old Madam Bai wore a malicious smile, ready to pounce, as she lifted the lid of her own gourd. Inside, the dice were neatly arranged, with the numbers one, two, three, four, five, and six facing up.

She spoke with a light crimson lip,

"Mr. Yan, you've lost."

"Is that so?"

Yan Qiling gazed at the dice lined up in a row. Interlacing his fingers, he smiled amiably:

"I don't think so just yet."

In the blink of an eye, the originally shimmering dice under the lamp rapidly disintegrated at a speed visible to the naked eye until it turned into fine sand, completely unrelated to its original form!

The entire process was incredibly swift. Before anyone could even let out a gasp, the dice had already transformed into a handful of worthless white sand, identical to the pile in front of Yan Qiling.

Indeed, this was no different from a leopard.

The same spots, the same faces.

All the necessary conditions were met.

"Mrs. Old Bai, I yield."

Yan Qiling stood up unhurriedly and gave her a gentle smile.

"I've repaid Mr. Lin's debt on his behalf."

Five times the stake of four hundred and fifty teeth would be two thousand two hundred and fifty teeth.

The four hundred and fifty teeth Lin Yongjian owed were merely one-fifth of the total.

As for the remaining teeth, they were more than enough to ransom each individual's tooth.

"Yan... Qiling!"

Madam Old Bai practically spat out his name through gritted teeth, instantly filling the entire Shou'an Hall with an eerie ghostly aura.

She slammed the door shut with a loud "bang" and glared at him fiercely.

"Do you think you can escape?!"

Yan Qiling turned around calmly, his demeanor elegant.

"It was you who said that everything should be judged by the Divine Being. Since we have emerged victorious, it seems that even the Divine Being now believes... that we are innocent and should be acquitted without guilt, each going our separate ways. What do you think, Madam?"

The woman's chilling gaze fixated on him, as she forced a pale, ghastly smile.

On her originally youthful face without a single wrinkle, strange crevices and wrinkles suddenly appeared, utterly incompatible with her flawless appearance.

"Mr. Yan's words hold great wisdom. One accepts defeat when the stakes are lost, and I'm not one to shy away from loss. Ah, but the auspicious hour has arrived. Mr. Yan, I'm afraid it might be too late for you to save the bride now!"

Yan Qiling gave her a sidelong glance before attempting to push the door open, only to find it as solid as steel, unyielding to his efforts.

Without turning back, he asked,

"Is Madam truly intent on stopping me?"

The woman's laughter was shrill and aged yet resounding, as if she had laid a fascinating trap, eagerly awaiting an unsuspecting victim to plunge into it with pride, only to taste despair at the last moment.

"This isn't me obstructing you. Marriage is a sacred institution, an ethical norm! This is the most significant day for a woman, Mr. Yan. I merely wish for you to stay and partake in Bai Family's celebratory wine."

"Celebratory wine," the man repeated, his cerulean right eye dimming as his left eye ignited with a fiery blaze.

"Madam's hospitality is hard to refuse. Yan cannot decline such an invitation," he said.

Their clashing auras sparked a terrifying spark in the air!

Starting from his left eye, countless crimson characters crawled across Yan Qiling's face, arms, and other unseen areas.

In an instant, all the maidservants and attendants in Shou'an Hall turned to dust. Bai Changfeng, in shock, hid behind a pillar, watching as two spider-like, pristine white limbs sprouted from the back of that exquisitely handsome man.

The oppressive aura emanating from the man was terrifying enough to make one prostrate in submission - a power far beyond what Mother could muster!

But... but there was still hope for victory!

The man's body was so insignificant, while Mother, fused with her divine essence, was the embodiment of true strength...

Before Bai Changfeng could ponder further, Old Lady Bai let out a shrill, mournful scream!

Her once-comely form instantly swelled, tearing apart her beautiful facade to reveal an indescribable mass of flesh that continued to transform. Soon, beneath this shapeless entity, dark reddish-brown limbs pushed forth rapidly.

Upon touching the ground, these limbs split into insect-like, bristled appendages with slender, spindly legs. As thick, sticky fluids dripped from the process, a pungent stench filled the air.

As the viscous goo hung from the floor, even the tiles groaned under the corrosive effect, sizzling audibly.

Limbs tumbled forth in a cacophony!

In this hellish realm that bore no resemblance to the mortal world, the monstrous creature, no longer recognizable as Old Lady Bai, raised its body in a frenzied howl. It was a colossal insect, a fusion of a flesh mountain and a centipede!

Below its head, an endless pile of crimson spheres could be seen, each bearing dark spots that indicated the presence of centipede eggs!

As the centipede lunged at Yan Qiling with its scissor-like jaws, Yan Qiling calmly extended his fan and fluttered it in the creature's direction.

With a simple gesture, the centipede was forced backward as if hit by a Category 10 hurricane. The fragile eggs on its neck burst, spilling a pink liquid that trickled down in a rivulet.

However, the creature remained unscathed, and this action only served to enrage it further!

Its massive body swept away everything on the table. Its long, grotesque form swiftly enveloped the entire house, turning its bulk into a "flesh domicile."

The scaled, supple body began to constrict slowly, closing in on the man standing at the center.

Behind him, three pairs of hands rapidly formed seals. Holding his fan, the man spoke leisurely, "Wen Yiru, when my father sealed you within the Nineteenth Layer of the Lotus Tower, you were but a Ghost-level Wujian Master. Now, you've become an Xuan-level one. Seems like you've feasted on quite a bit of flesh and blood over the years."

The centipede actually let out a startled cry, a voice that seemed to come from the depths of hell, neither male nor female:

"You... are Yan Hengsheng's son?! Ha, hahaha—his son has become a Wujian Lord!"

Yan Qiling remained unperturbed by its frenzied laughter, casually swaying his white paper fan as he spoke with a consistent, calm tone:

"To advance from Ghost-level to Mystic-level, a Wujian Lord must consume the raw flesh of over ten thousand people. When I entered this place, I realized that you've likely just ascended to the position of a Mystic-level Wujian Lord."

"So what?!"

The coiling limbs around it tightened again, producing a series of creaking sounds. The centipede roared:

"You've entered my territory today. Even if you don't die, you'll leave here with your skin peeled!"

"No rush."

Yan Qiling's casual smile on his face was the best mockery of their current situation:

"Meeting you is my good fortune. After all, a newly ascended Mystic-level Wujian Lord who feeds on fresh blood is the perfect sacrifice for a Blood Carnage Geomantic Array."

"Bloody Geomancy Array!"

The centipede's limbs constricted violently, as if every muscle was on the verge of bursting.

"What is that! What have you done! Tell me!"

Yan Qiling gazed at the shrinking space before him with a keen interest in his crimson eyes.

"Oh, it's just an evil array that requires ten thousand human sacrifices to activate. I'm too lazy to search for so many living beings, but a fiendish master like you would be perfect."

The limbs tightened even more, yet this time, no matter how much strength was exerted, it couldn't advance any closer!

His tone was unhurried, with a playful quality, akin to a cat toying with a mouse.

"To be honest, the Blood Slaughter Geomancy Array is quite picky. Too much flesh won't do, nor will too little. It needs just the right amount, precisely within the standard of ten thousand supreme beings. But the Nineteen-Petaled Lotus Tower has been a treasure for many years, and it's been over a hundred years since I emerged from seclusion. Finding a newly ascended Dark Rank Fiendish Master is indeed a headache."

The churning chunks of flesh produced a sharp, glass-grinding noise as they rubbed against each other, indicating the centipede's mounting fury.

But to Yan Qiling, it was merely soothing background music.

"I searched through twenty-three worlds and only encountered three Dark Rank Seamless Masters, one of which was only half-Dark Rank."

"The other two have been in the Dark Rank for a long time, their intake of life force far exceeding what I need. They're not suitable targets. Hence, I had no choice but to reluctantly devour them before they could wreak havoc."

The centipede was incredulous.

"Yan Qiling, your family's legacy demands that Spirit Nurturers possess an upright disposition! While I despise your father, Yan Hengsheng, for imprisoning me here, I admire his character! How could he possibly have raised a creature like you who practices evil sacrificial rituals!"

Yan Qiling remained silent. The centipede gritted its teeth.

"Think about your family's heritage, think about your father! Don't let your descendants be ashamed of your actions today!"

For a moment, Yan Qiling seemed to waver at these words. But it was precisely this momentary weakness that created an irreparable vulnerability in him.

The translucent barrier surrounding him flickered weakly in response, and then it was crushed into fragments by the centipede's steel-like limbs!

Viscous blood gushed out from the tightly constricted area. The centipede bared its venomous pincers and cackled loudly.

"Yan Qiling, you're still much more inexperienced than your father. A hundred years of life... it's merely..."

Its joy lasted only a few seconds.

The tightly coiled centipede's body rapidly disintegrated. Before it could comprehend what was happening, its upper and lower halves were severed.

And that forcibly abandoned lower half also turned into disconnected chunks of flesh in that instant!

"What is this?"

The man it thought was dead stood suspended in the air, still holding his white paper fan, as serene as the moon after a storm.

Yan Qiling maintained that infuriating smile:

"Don't look at me with such hatred. I didn't do anything; I just set up a few threads."

His finger brushed past his side, elegantly pressing something.

Amidst the deliberate display of spiritual energy, a thin red glow, like a strand of hair, refracted from the originally empty space.

Only then did the centipede realize that the Shou'an Hall had, without its knowledge, become crisscrossed with countless red threads!

Just now, it was intent on killing Yan Qiling, seemingly exerting force to crush the other's protective shell. Yet, at the crucial moment, Yan Qiling had slipped out like a golden cicada from its cocoon, while its flesh slammed into these hard-as-diamond red threads!

Yan Qiling strolled along the slender red lines with a smile on his face, yet his words were icy cold:

"Do you truly believe that the Master of No End would waver because of your few words? Or is it because I appear too human, causing you to have this illusion?"

The centipede, undaunted, roared in defiance despite its damaged body:

"You may be the Master of No End, but the friends you protect are not! Come, tear him apart!!"

Its roar pierced through the heavens, and all the servants outside Shou'an Hall turned their heads simultaneously. Their lively expressions froze, then they began to rush uncontrollably towards a certain direction with purpose!

Expecting to see even a moment of panic in the other, Yan Qiling found himself laughing instead.

The man crouched leisurely on the silk thread, propping his chin up as he gazed into the centipede's eyes.

"You're mad, aren't you? I am the Master of Wujian. It matters not whether they live or die; it has nothing to do with me. If you were to amuse yourself with a chicken from your coop for a while out of boredom, would you refrain from slaughtering it for the New Year's celebration?"

The centipede seemed to realize the absurdity of the situation as well.

Yet, it immediately realized something even more terrifying.

Yan Qiling.

It was truly not human!

Chapter 58: It Seems This Seat Is Getting Confused

Mo Ran's tolerance for alcohol was actually quite decent.

However, on this New Year's Eve night, despite his unease, he had pretended to be carefree and drank five whole jars of Apricot Blossom White. By the end, his consciousness had started to blur.

Shi Mo carried him back, half-dragging, half-cradling, and when they reached the bed, Mo Ran's throat moved as he tried to call out Shi Mo's name.

But habits were terrifying things.

For so many years, the person by his side hadn't been the moonlight in his heart but rather a mosquito's blood he had grown tired of seeing.

When he spoke, the name that still came out was that of the man he thought he hated.

"Chu Wanning..."

Muddled and unclear.

"Wanning... I..."

Shi Mo paused in confusion and turned to look at Chu Wanning, who was standing by the door. Chu Wanning had just carried Xue Meng back to their bedroom and now entered with a bowl of hangover soup, coincidentally hearing Mo Ran's whisper.

After his initial shock, he immediately convinced himself that he must have misheard.

After all, Mo Ran always addressed him as Shifu, and calling Chu Wanning by his name was understandable. But "Wanning"—

He couldn't help but recall the time at the Red Lotus Water Pavilion when they slept in each other's arms. In his sleep, Mo Ran had clearly called out "Wanning," followed by a light kiss on the lips.

Could it be that Mo Ran still held onto some feelings for—

This thought barely had time to take root before he forcefully suppressed it.

Chu Wanning was always decisive and straightforward, but when it came to matters of the heart, Shi Mo thought of himself as a cowardly, indecisive person.

"Shifu," Shi Mo's enchanting, gentle eyes held a hint of suspicion as he looked at him hesitantly, "You…."

"Hmm?"

"…Actually, it's nothing. Since Shifu is here taking care of Ah Ran, I'll… I'll leave first."

Chu Wanning said, "Wait a moment."

"Is there anything else, Master?"

Chu Wanning replied, "Are you all leaving for Peach Blossom Spring tomorrow?"

"…Yes."

Chu Wanning's expression was neutral. After a while, he spoke, "Go get some rest. Take care of each other when you're outside, and—"

He paused before he said, "Remember to come back sooner."

Shi Mo left.

Chu Wanning approached the bed with an expressionless face and helped Mo Ran sit up, feeding him the hangover soup spoon by spoon.

Mo Ran disliked the tart taste and soon vomited it all out. After spitting it out, he became slightly more sober. He opened his eyes, gazing at Chu Wanning in a half-awake, half-asleep state, mumbling, "Shifu?"

"Mm. I'm here."

"Pff." He chuckled again, his dimples deepening as he said, "Immortal Big Brother."

Chu Wanning: "......"

After saying that, he fell back asleep, face down.

Worried that he might catch a cold, Chu Wanning stayed by his side, periodically tucking the blanket around him.

Outside the bedroom, many disciples were still awake. It was customary in the Mortal cultivation world to stay up late on New Year's Eve. Most people were gathered in groups in their rooms, telling jokes, playing cards, or performing magic tricks.

When the water clock hanging in front of the Heart of Alchemy Pavilion dripped its last drop, signaling the transition into the new year, the disciples emerged from their rooms and started lighting fireworks and firecrackers. The night sky was instantly filled with shimmering silver blossoms and trees of fire.

Half-awake, Mo Ran was roused by the deafening noise outside.

Opening his eyes, he held his aching temples and saw Chu Wanning sitting beside his bed, his serene and handsome face devoid of much emotion. Upon noticing Mo Ran's awakening, he merely said coolly, "Did I disturb your sleep?"

"Shifu..."

Upon regaining full consciousness, he shuddered involuntarily.

Why was Chu Wanning the one by his side? What about Shi Mo?

Had he said something in his sleep that he shouldn't have?

Mo Ran stole glances at Chu Wanning's expression, relieved to see that the latter seemed unaffected, allowing him to relax slightly.

Firecrackers crackled outside, and the two of them gazed at each other in an awkward silence for a moment.

Chu Wanning: "Want to watch the fireworks?"

Mo Ran: "Where's Shi Mo?"

The questions were spoken almost simultaneously.

It was too late to take them back now.

Somewhat surprised, Mo Ran's eyes widened slightly as if he had never known this person before. He stared at Chu Wanning's face for a long while.

After a moment of silence, Chu Wanning got up as if it didn't matter at all. As he pushed the door open, he turned his face halfway. "We're both staying up for New Year's Eve. He probably hasn't gone to sleep yet. Go find him."

Indeed, with his terrible temper, even if he had staked all his courage to ask for a single night of fireworks together, the answer would have been rejection.

He should have known better than to ask; it was embarrassing.

Back at the Red Lotus Water Pavilion, Chu Wanning sat alone beneath the ever-blooming peach blossom tree, draped in a warm cloak against the chill, gazing at the shimmering fireworks in the sky.

In the distant glow, the warm lights of his disciples' dwellings shone, their laughter and merriment echoing, but having little to do with him.

He should have been accustomed to this isolation by now.

Yet, inexplicably, his heart felt heavy.

Perhaps it was the contrast between the festivity he had just witnessed and the solitude that awaited him here that made it especially painful.

Silent, he watched the fireworks burst and fade, one after another. People wished each other a joyous New Year's Eve in-between the eruptions, three or five times.

Leaning against the tree, Chu Wanning closed his eyes, feeling weary.

After an indeterminate time, he sensed someone intruding into the barrier.

A faint stirring in his heart was met with hesitation as he dared not open his eyes. Not until he heard the soft breaths and the familiar footsteps approaching, then pausing nearby.

The young voice carried a hint of uncertainty.

"Master."

Chu Wanning: "............"

"I'll be leaving tomorrow."

"..."

"It'll be a long time before I return."

"..."

"I thought that there's really nothing to do tonight, and we have to wake up early tomorrow. Shi Mo should already be asleep, he won't be staying up for New Year's Eve."

Footsteps sounded again, this time drawing even closer, halting just a short distance away.

Mo Ran said, "So if you're still willing, I..." He opened his mouth, but the rest of his sentence was drowned out by a magnificent, boisterous display of fireworks.

Chu Wanning gently unfurled his eyelids, lifting his gaze upwards to behold the resplendent starry expanse of the night sky, where speckles of silver frost and ethereal sparkles descended like scattered blossoms. Standing before him was a handsome youth, his countenance revealing a blend of seven parts compassion and three parts bashful embarrassment.

"..."

Chu Wanning was notoriously proud, never deigning to accept the company born of others' sympathy. Yet, at this moment, as he gazed at him, he found himself unable to utter a single word of refusal.

Perhaps it was the intoxicating effect of the burning wine on his own heart.

At that moment, Chu Wanning felt a bittersweet warmth fill his chest.

"Since you're here, sit down," he finally said softly. "I'll watch with you."

He looked up at the sky with an indifferent expression, but his fingers in his sleeves secretly curled from nervousness. He didn't dare to look too closely at the person beside him, only watching as fireworks blossomed on the horizon, illuminating the long night with a scattering of colors.

Chu Wanning asked softly, "How have things been these days?"

"Mm," Mo Ran replied. "I've met a particularly adorable junior apprentice brother. I mentioned him in my letters to Shifu. How is Shifu's injury?"

"No worries. Don't blame yourself."

A fireworks display burst and scattered into a magnificent array of colors.

That night, the sky was illuminated with fireworks and the scent of gunpowder lingered in the snowy air amidst the sounds of firecrackers. They sat beneath a blossoming tree to welcome the New Year. Chu Wanning was not talkative, so Mo Ran initiated conversation, eventually growing tired and falling asleep unintentionally.

The next morning, Mo Ran awoke to find himself still under the flower tree, his head resting on Chu Wanning's knees. He was covered with a soft and luxurious fox fur cloak, its smooth fur meticulously crafted – it was Chu Wanning's own garment for keeping warm.

Mo Ran was slightly startled. Looking up, he saw that Chu Wanning was sleeping soundly against the tree trunk. His eyelashes drooped, their delicate length fluttering gently with each breath like a butterfly in the breeze.

They had actually fallen asleep under the tree like that?

That didn't seem right.

Given Chu Wanning's obsessive-compulsive nature, he would have returned to the house to sleep, no matter how exhausted he was. Why would he choose to rest haphazardly under a tree, and even provide Mo Ran with this fox fur cloak...

Did he cover Mo Ran with it?

Mo Ran sat up, his jet-black hair somewhat disheveled. With wide eyes, still wearing Chu Wanning's cloak, he felt a bit lost and unsure of what to do.

Yesterday, he hadn't been that drunk. Although some details were hazy, the general sequence of events was still clear in his mind.

As for deliberately going to the Red Lotus Water Pavilion to spend New Year's Eve with Chu Wanning, he had made that decision while fully conscious.

He had once loathed this person so much, yet when he heard him ask, "Want to watch the fireworks?" and saw him turn away in disappointment, walking off alone with his head bowed, he found himself feeling... upset.

Thinking that they wouldn't meet again for a long time, and considering their lifetime of grievances weren't that deep, Chu Wanning was so solitary – it wouldn't hurt to accompany him occasionally until dawn.

So he had come over without any qualms.

Looking back now, he realized how truly...

Before he could finish his thought, Chu Wanning stirred awake.

Mo Ran stammered, "Shifu."

"…Mm." The newly awakened man furrowed his brow slightly, holding his temple as he rubbed it. "You... haven't left yet?"

"I... I just woke up."

Mo Ran found that his usually eloquent tongue tended to stumble and tie itself into knots whenever he encountered Chu Wanning's indifferent expression lately.

After a brief moment of awkwardness, Mo Ran suddenly remembered that Chu Wanning's cloak was still draped over him. He hastily removed it and clumsily wrapped it back around the other man's shoulders.

As he draped the cloak over Chu Wanning, Mo Ran noticed that despite the layers of clothing beneath his robe, the man lacked a proper coat for warmth in the snowy landscape, looking somewhat vulnerable.

This thought made his actions more frenzied, and as he fiddled with the ties, he inadvertently entangled his own fingers in them.

Mo Ran: "..............."

Chu Wanning glanced at him, reached out to undo the mess, and said coolly, "I'll do it myself."

"......Okay."

He then added in a stammer, "I'm sorry."

"There's nothing."

Mo Ran stood up and hesitated for a moment. "Shifu, I'm going to pack my things and have breakfast before setting off."

"Mm."

"…Would you like to join me for breakfast?" Damn it! He wished he could bite his tongue after saying that! What was he thinking, inviting Chu Wanning along?

Perhaps sensing the immediate regret on Mo Ran's face, Chu Wanning paused for a moment before replying, "There's no need. You go ahead."

Mo Ran, afraid that he might say something even more outrageous if he stayed longer, said, "I'll go first, then..."

"Alright," Chu Wanning said.

After Mo Ran left, Chu Wanning sat expressionlessly under the tree for a while. He then leaned against the trunk and slowly got up but didn't move.

His legs had gone numb from being used as a pillow by Mo Ran all night; he couldn't feel a thing and couldn't walk at all.

He stood silently under the tree for a long time, waiting for his circulation to return. Only then did Chu Wanning drag his legs and limp back into the house.

Sure enough, after spending the freezing night outdoors, even though there was no snow accumulation under the flowering crabapple tree, he still caught a chill.

"Achoo!"

He sneezed, and his eyes immediately reddened with tears.

As he covered his nose with a handkerchief, Chu Wanning thought to himself, Oh no... it seems like... I've caught a cold...

Elder Yu Heng.

Possessing three divine weapons, he was the current grandmaster sought after by all sects in the cultivation world. The appearance of his Heavenly Inquiry sword left all four seas in awe, and his white-robed descent made the world colorless.

Such a formidable figure could be said to be the strongest warrior of their generation.

Unfortunately, even the strongest had their weaknesses, and Chu Wanning's weakness was his fear of the cold. A little chill would easily give him a headache or fever. So on the day Mo Ran and Shi Mo left the Summit of Life and Death, not only did Master Chu's medicine wear off, reverting him back to his small form, but he also began sneezing and running a nose without surprise.

Thus, when the Feathered tribe came to fetch them in the middle of the day, they found a healthy Xue Meng, Mo Ran, and Shi Mo, along with their poor little junior brother "Xia Sini," who couldn't stop sneezing.

Author's Note:

Dramatic Interlude: "The Proper Way to Engage in a Drinking Contest with Elder Yu Heng"

Xue Meng: Master, Master! May your blessings be as boundless as the Eastern Sea and your longevity as enduring as the Southern Mountain! I'll lead the toast... Glug glug...

Chu Wanning: Very well, drink it.

After a cup, Xue Meng found himself flat on his back.

Shi Mo: Master, let me join you in a cup as well. Here's to you, bottoms up.

Chu Wanning: Very well, I'll drink it.

Shi Mo: Master, please have another cup.

Chu Wanning: Alright, I'll drink it.

Shi Mo: Master, one more...

Chu Wanning: Alright, I'll drink it.

Shi Mo: Master...

After four cups, Shi Mo falls flat.

Mo Ran: Happy New Year, Master. I'll drink to your health first.

God of Wine Chu Wanning: Alright, bottoms up.

Mo Ran: What are we drinking?

Chu Wanning: Wine, didn't you say you'll drink to my health first?

Mo Ran: (Smiles radiantly) Yes, bottoms up, with the fourth tone.

Chang Ji scratched his cheek, deep in thought for a moment, before cautiously stating, "I only know it has something to do with the Eastern Depot, but as for the specifics, Master didn't tell me. Most likely, Heng Ping was assigned to keep an eye on Eunuch Yang, since Lady JIN doesn't have many days left."

Nanny An glanced at him and nodded faintly. "Did Young Master mention where he'll be spending the night?"

Chang Ji replied, "Master said the Ministry of Punishments is busy with year-end matters, so he'll be sleeping in the study from now on."

Upon hearing this, Nanny An's worried heart finally found some relief. Upon returning to Liumiao Hall, she happened to encounter Lin Qingyue, who was leaving. With a cold look, she asked, "Where are you going?"

Lin Qingyue twisted her handkerchief nervously and softly called out, "Auntie!" But she refused to disclose her destination.

Nanny An knew exactly where she intended to go and didn't press the matter further. Instead, she coldly instructed, "Madam will be waking up soon. Go to the kitchen and heat some water. If I catch you wandering around the estate like this again, I'll break your legs!"

Without another glance at Lin Qingyue, Nanny An composed herself and entered the main residence.

Xu Fu was already awake. Nanny An helped her sit up and asked, "Qingyue is fetching water. What would Miss San like for breakfast today?"

Xu Fu didn't respond immediately, only smiling at Nanny An and saying, "You've talked to Chang Ji and Heng Ping, haven't you? Are you reassured now?"

Realizing she couldn't hide anything from Xu Fu, Nanny An chuckled. "As expected, Miss San knows Young Master best. Chang Ji just told me that Young Master will be resting in the study tonight."

Xu Fu raised an eyebrow. "So soon? I thought Yan'er could hold out for three or four days."

In Xu Fu's eyes, Rong Shu's departure for ten days had indeed made her feel somewhat concerned about her husband's coldness.

Not consummating their marriage, not sleeping in the same bed, and always wearing a cold expression – any young maiden would feel upset under such circumstances. Especially if that maiden deeply loved Gu Changjin.

Gu Changjin had spent the previous night in Songsi Courtyard, likely to comfort Rong Shu. Xu Fu had assumed he would remain patient longer, but to her surprise, he couldn't endure it for even a day.

Nanny An poured Xu Fu a cup of hot tea and said with a smile, "If Young Master can remain calm, this old servant will be at ease."

Although Third Miss had repeatedly assured her that Young Master wouldn't take a liking to Rong, every time Nanny An thought of Rong Shu's captivating face, more enchanting than her mother's, she couldn't help but worry. Upon learning that Gu Changjin had spent the night in Songsi Courtyard, her heart had been in turmoil, making it impossible for her to sleep.

Didn't that man fall because of his lust for beauty?

Young Master was that man's son, and Nanny An genuinely feared that he might inherit his father's weakness.

But judging from the current situation, Young Master had grown up under Third Miss's care and seemed to have a clear head.

Xu Fu said, "Nanny, there's no need to keep a constant eye on the Songsi Courtyard anymore. After the New Year, I'll have to persuade Yan'er to return there for rest. Given his injuries and the workload at the Ministry of Justice, it's understandable that he stays in the study for now. But if this continues after the New Year, Shen Yizhen will have something to say about it."

Nanny An sneered disdainfully. "What could she possibly say? She's just a fool who can't even hold onto a man's heart."

Xu Fu's smile faded slightly as she lowered her eyes.

"In any case, you don't need to worry about the affairs in the Songsi Courtyard. Even if the day comes when Yan'er consummates his marriage with Rong Shu, there's no need to panic. Men have basic desires; once he has experienced the company of a woman, he won't be easily bewitched by beauty in the future."

"Moreover, I don't want a puppet who nods along obediently. Yan'er is growing up and should start exploring the world on his own. By allowing him to handle the Xu Li'er case, he proved himself capable. Nanny, remember not to treat him like a child anymore. Yan'er has now grown his own wings; he's no longer the boy he once was."

Chapter 22

On the thirteenth of September, Emperor Jiayou personally wrote his approval in red ink on the new verdict for the Xu Li'er case.

Xu Li'er and Jin were finally exonerated, leaving the Ministry of Justice's prison. Yang Rong, Yang Xu's nephew, was imprisoned in the Taiyi Temple jail, awaiting execution.

Initially, the Ministry of Justice had sentenced Yang Rong to a term in prison, but Emperor Jiayou, to set an example, changed his sentence to death with a temporary reprieve.

As for Yang Xu, Yang Rong's uncle, ever since Gu Changjin presented the injustice on behalf of the people in the imperial hall on August nineteenth, he had been removed from Emperor Jiayou's side.

He was once one of the six chief scribes, the most favored foster son of the powerful Grand Enforcer Pei Shunnian. Otherwise, Pei Shunnian wouldn't have entrusted the Eastern Depot to him.

However, after Xu Li'er's case reached Emperor Jiayou, Pei Shunnian's attitude toward Yang Xu became intriguing.

For half a month, Yang Xu couldn't sleep through a single night.

He despised Gu Changjin and the officials at the Ministry of Justice to the core. Eventually, his hatred even extended to his own nephew, Yang Rong.

Upon hearing that Emperor Jiayou had personally reduced Yang Rong's sentence from imprisonment to death with reprieve, he couldn't care less about anything else. Early in the morning, he knelt before the main hall of the Supervisor of Ceremonies' office.

After the morning court session of the previous dynasty, Pei Shunnian accompanied Emperor Jiayou in the Palace of Heavenly Purity for a while before returning to the Supervisor of Ceremonies. It was almost the hour of Sheep by the time he arrived.

The moment Yang Xu caught sight of him, he scrambled over on all fours, repeatedly calling out "Foster Father."

Pei Shunnian, however, ignored him and entered the office without any expression on his face.

Yang Xu crawled forward on his knees, the sound of them thudding against the floor echoing in the room.

"Foster Father! Foster Father! Please pay attention to me! I know my mistake! I truly know my mistake!"

Pei Shunnian sat down on an intricately carved rosewood armchair, casting a sideways glance at Yang Xu.

"Get up right now! Aren't you ashamed enough?!"

The fact that he was willing to scold him meant that Pei Shunnian had not given up on him yet.

With tears and snot marring his face, Yang Xu promptly responded with two "ehs," shakily standing up.

Pei Shunnian continued, "Back in the Palace of Heavenly Purity, I made it clear to His Majesty that you had no knowledge of your nephew's actions in Changping Prefecture. For now, His Majesty has agreed to keep you in your position as the head of the Eastern Depot, but you won't be serving in His presence for a while. Go to the Imperial Household Agency and cool off for two years. When His Majesty forgets about your nephew's incident, you can return."

Yang Xu understood that this was Pei Shunnian's way of asking him to distance himself from Yang Rong. He fell back to his knees and wailed, "My elder brother only has Rong'er as a child. I feel rootless without him. Now, all I hope for is that Rong'er will carry on our family line for the old Yang clan!"

Chapter 72: Private Mausoleum (3200+)

As such, the Luo residence was mostly empty except at night. The only problem now was how to sneak in.

The Luo family usually hired new servants at the beginning of each year, but that period had already passed.

Fortunately, the security around the Luo residence wasn't overly tight.

After much deliberation, Luo Le could only think of one solution.

The next morning, when Luo Le brought Chen Chen downstairs, the dining table was already filled with breakfast.

Nutrient solutions were convenient and well-balanced, but Chen Chen didn't like them. Hence, they had always eaten real food ever since he was born.

"Come on, Chen Chen. You have to finish all of this today," he said, pushing the porridge in front of him over.

He had already blown on it to cool it down beforehand.

Chen Chen was notoriously picky, let alone with nutrient solutions; even the most delectable dishes would be subjected to her discerning taste.

Upon thinking of this, Gu Heting glanced at Luo Le.

Luo Le eats everything without being picky, so it must be the other father, Chen Chen, who has culinary preferences.

If this were any other day, Chen Chen might have argued back. But given that he had just caused trouble the day before, he didn't dare to act recklessly now. He could only obediently hold his bowl and eat his meal.

Luo Le prodded the steamed bun in his bowl, filled with mustard green.

"Has everything been settled regarding Chen Chen's enrollment in school?"

Hearing this, he put down his chopsticks and took a sip of milk. "Mm-hmm, I'll go to register today."

"So when will you start work?"

"Let's wait for two weeks, until I've settled all matters at home before I go."

Gu Heting took a bite of the bun and asked, "When are you planning to go for that matter?"

Luo Le didn't touch the buns in his bowl again. He wiped his mouth and said, "Today."

Eyes filled with unwavering resolve.

"Alright, I'll accompany you then."

Luo Le suddenly thought of something and realized that Gu Heting seemed to have secured a job before coming over.

"Have you sorted out your job? Which hospital will it be?"

Could it be a hospital owned by the Hao family?

If that was the case, he had no intention of visiting afterward.

Gu Heting's hands paused slightly, and his eyes darkened as he said, "It's settled, not in the hospital, but in the research institute."

Luo Le heaved a sigh of relief. "Is it far from here? If it is, have you found a place to stay?"

"Oh, come now, you have plenty on your plate. You don't need to worry about my little issue, relax, relax."

Gu Heting said so, and Luo Le didn't ask any further.

Throughout the entire meal, Luo Le did not touch the buns in the bowl. When Gu Heting noticed this, he did not say anything.

However, he suddenly realizes that Chen Chen's fussiness with food might not be an issue stemming from Huo Lanjing.

Luo Le had enrolled Chen Chen in a private kindergarten with excellent security measures in place.

And with only five students per class, closely monitored by three teachers, it's relatively more advantageous.

Earlier, on Planet 423, Chen Chen had seen the older kids in their neighborhood going to school and insisted on joining them.

Luo Le personally saw him off.

He seemed to be enjoying himself, so Luo Le wasn't too worried about him.

After entrusting Chen Chen to his teacher and bidding him farewell, the two of them proceeded directly to Luozhai.

"Is this the place you're talking about?" Gu Heting gestured towards the high wall in front of them and asked in a hushed voice.

Luo Le nods, just as before, not adding any exaggeration.

Gu Heting: ...

Is this the low wall he just mentioned?

Talent is truly something one cannot elucidate.

Back then, Luo Le was only five or six years old, right? Could he have climbed such a high wall?

"Brother Gu, just wait here for me. You'll assist me in a moment."

This area is usually overlooked by Luo family's security personnel; there are no substantial anti-theft measures in place.

Thus, as long as I can cross over and disguise myself as a servant of the Luo family, there shouldn't be any issues, right?

Gu Heting took another glance at the high wall, the alarm device about one meter high on the wall, and the protective cover that reached halfway up the wall, and nodded silently.

Originally, he intended to go over, but this wall proved rather challenging for him.

Gu Heting was unaware that there had previously been no protective shield or alarm system in place here.

Luo Le's figure blurred, and a pair of black gloves along with a stick that could adhere to surfaces appeared in his hands. As he put them on, he moved backward.

With sufficient distance, he sprinted forward, planting a foot on the hovering vehicle. In a leap, he stuck the rod he held onto the wall.

With a swift flip, he landed on the stick, then, using the tip of his foot, he propelled himself to the wall. Nimbly, he scrambled atop the wall, sitting astride with ease.

Witnessing everything, Gu Heting gave him a thumbs up, and then Luo Le disappeared before his eyes.

Luo Le had already donned the attire of a servant beforehand and encountered no one along the way.

Continuing his descent with a sense of unease, not a single soul appeared even after he reached the upper floors.

Could it be that the servants of Luozhai were on holiday?

Or perhaps they took a break when the master was away?

It wasn't an implausible notion, considering their past behavior.

Forget it, let's focus on the task at hand.

Luo Le approached the small room with familiarity, pushing the door open to find it emptier than he remembered.

Frowning, Luo Le searched inside but found nothing.

What happened to the items that were previously in this room? They seemed to have vanished.

Did Luo Lu get rid of everything in here?

If that was indeed the case...

Luo Le pinched the palm of his hand, hoping it wasn't as he feared.

Could they be in his room?

An idea struck Luo Le, and it didn't seem entirely implausible.

With this thought, he hesitated for a moment before opening the door and heading straight towards his old room.

Arriving at the backroom entrance, he pushed the door open and froze upon seeing the scene inside.

The sofa had been moved out and replaced with bookshelves, now filled with items from the previous room, as if on display.

In the center of the house stood a black sandalwood table, upon which rested two memorial tablets.

When did Luo Lu become so considerate, setting aside a room specifically to place his and Mother's tablets?

Had he suddenly found his conscience, or was he afraid of ghosts visiting in the middle of the night?

Luo Le was baffled by this turn of events. After a moment of hesitation, he decided not to dwell on it further.

Reaching into his spatial pocket, he withdrew a black bag. Carefully, he placed the agarwood box on the table into it, followed by the tablets.

After completing these tasks, he rubbed the bag with his fingertips, his eyes darkening as he spoke softly, "Mother, I'm here to take you home."

His tone carried a sense of declaration.

After a long while, Luo Le finally made a move.

Glancing inadvertently at the memorial tablet to his left, a strange sensation surged within him.

After a moment of hesitation, he reached out to take both the tablet and the box on the left side.

Luo Le had anticipated that his plaque would be placed beside his mother's and locked away in that small room.

It never occurred to him that it would be like this.

Taking only one would be too obvious, an easy giveaway.

As time went by, Gu Heting, who was waiting outside the wall, became increasingly anxious. He couldn't help but wonder if he had been caught.

No response to the messages sent.

Just as he was about to attempt the climb, a familiar voice suddenly echoed from behind him.

"Let's go."

Gu Heting turned around and saw Luo Le. He raised his hand with a puzzled expression and pointed at the wall, wondering if he should have come out from there.

"Luo Family had no one around, so I exited through the main gate and altered the surveillance feeds on my way out." Luo Le explained as he got into the car.

Gu Heting thought for a moment, no longer entangled, sat in the driver's seat, unlocked, and manually drove.

Luo Le observed his peculiar behavior, somewhat perplexed.

"What is this?"

Gu Heting glanced at the rearview mirror and, instead of answering, asked, "Did you get it?"

"Um." Though unsure of his intentions, Luo Le answered truthfully.

"Where do you plan on taking Auntie?"

Luo Le shook his head. "Back to my place first, then perhaps somewhere quiet..."

"I have a suitable spot in mind."

"What?"

"You'll understand when you arrive."

Luo Le gazed at his retreating figure, his eyebrows slightly knitted. The way he spoke, it seemed as if he was very familiar with the Empire. Wasn't this his first time in the Empire?

A short while later, the car came to a stop in front of a villa in the suburbs. Ivy covered the walls outside, and the iron gate was no exception.

The doorplate, standing aside, was barren and empty.

"Here we are, let's get off." Gu Heting said, opening the door and stepping out of the car first.

Luo Le appraised the situation from top to bottom before closing the car door.

"Let's go."

After a moment of hesitation, Luo Le decided to follow.

Gu Heting took out the key to unlock the door and then walked all the way inside. Upon opening the door, unlike the dilapidated exterior, the interior was meticulously cleaned.

It wasn't the layout Luo Le was accustomed to seeing; the entrance was a staircase overgrown with vegetation.

In the heart of the second level stands a shelf, its surface entwined with vines. The writing on it has faded with time, rendering it barely discernible.

Ascending steadily, we eventually came to a halt on the third floor.

Gu Heting walked over and poked at the grass, a faint smile playing at the corners of his mouth, "We've arrived."

Luo Le looked up. Every level was filled with flowers and plants, yet their apparent disorder was beautifully tended to.

This place is more of a mausoleum than a villa, if anything.

"Who are you?"

Gu Heting is actually an imperial person. To have such a private cemetery in the empire, his identity must be far from ordinary.

Gu Heting turned his head to look at him and said with a smile, "My surname is Gu."

Luo Le glanced around, a subtle flicker in his eyes. Could it be that...

"Auntie has been away from home for too long. It's time to return, Luo Le, the same goes for you."

From the change in Luo Le's expression, Gu Heting knew that he had understood his meaning.

Placing his hand on the wooden shelf, he pressed down, revealing a hidden compartment beneath the floor.

"Do you want to know about your aunt?"

Luo Le knew that 'aunt' referred to his own mother.

"I do," he replied, his voice slightly hoarse.

Gu Heting patted the compartment, and Luo Le immediately caught on, stepping forward. With a swish, the bulging black bag landed on the ground.

"My aunt, Gu Yin, was the most beloved youngest daughter of the Gu family. She grew up pampered and adored, being an omega with exceptional talents in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Her intellect was unmatched, her dance moves were unparalleled, and she was hailed as the Empire's number one maiden. Many sought to marry her, but who could have predicted that during a trip, she fell for Luo Lu and insisted on marrying him? There was no choice but for Grandfather to acquiesce. Later, when the Gu family fell, you already know what happened next..."

Luo Le had conducted his own investigation after growing up and was familiar with all that Gu Heting mentioned.

But he recalled that his mother was the only child in the Gu family, wasn't she?

Feeling Luo Le's intense gaze, Gu Heting paused before continuing, "In fact, the Gu family had two children. One was my aunt, Gu Yin, and the other was my father, Gu Cheng. He fell for my omega mother from a declining planet, but Grandfather disapproved. Eventually, my father eloped with my mother to the Second Planet, which infuriated Grandfather so much that he expelled my father from the Gu family. Unlike my aunt, whose name echoed throughout the Empire, my father had a low profile. Over time, everyone forgot that the Gu family had two children."

Upon hearing this, Luo Le lowered her gaze and looked at the dark wood box. "Then why didn't your father come and take my mother back before?"

Back then, how he wished someone could have taken them away.

Had they arrived sooner, perhaps Mother might not have passed away.

Gu Heting pursed his lips and said, "After my grandparents were forced to commit suicide, my father came to take my great-grandfather away. They sent him to the second planet, but on the way to the empire, they had a car accident. My great-grandfather was busy taking care of my parents, and he originally planned to come after they got better. However, they still didn't make it. My great-grandfather was already having trouble with his legs, and I was still very young at that time, so he entrusted someone else to go there... but I didn't expect that... it was still too late..."