Chapter 374: 374. Chapter 374: Unavoidable Sentiment

374. Chapter 374: Unavoidable Sentiment

Gu Zhangkong fell into silence.

Gu Zhangkong, even if unwilling, had to admit that Gu Zhanglin was speaking very reasonably.

Paper cannot contain fire, let alone when schemers fan the flames. Just like Gu Zhanglin.

The other side could, even while hanging up the phone, spread this matter, and within less than a day it would reach that woman's ears.

By then, Gu Zhangkong should be fine, but Jiang Cheng was another matter; the Xuan Gui Shield is powerful, but even so, can it block Level Three, or even Grandmaster attacks above Level Three? The other side could, right under his nose, kill Jiang Cheng and then walk away triumphantly!

Thinking further ahead, if the future Family Head position truly passes to Gu Zhangjun, not to mention his mother, even Gu Zhangjun himself would most likely not let him off, right?

At this thought, Gu Zhangkong felt a huge sense of powerlessness rise within him.

He was self‑aware, knowing he lacked the qualification to compete for Family Head and did not want to get entangled in this succession struggle, but in the jianghu, one cannot act freely.

Even if he only wanted to protect his own modest piece of land, others would not let him have his way, just like Gu Zhangjun—if he didn't send Huang Xing, nothing would happen, right? "So, Lao San, do you want to cooperate with me?"

Gu Zhanglin's voice finally sounded again.

"Do I still have a second choice?"

Gu Zhangkong gave a wry smile.

Besides joining Gu Zhanglin, there were only two options.

The first was the one he had previously chosen—standing aside from the matter—but now, that path was clearly impossible.

If Gu Zhangjun became Family Head, he would certainly not have any good fruit to eat.

If he didn't become Family Head, he also couldn't protect Jiang Cheng, and in the end it would be a futile effort.

And even if Gu Zhanglin became Family Head, would his good days be guaranteed?

The second was to go the opposite way, joining Gu Zhangjun; the latter enjoyed his father's favor and had the Bai Family behind him, which was also a viable path.

But as soon as this idea arose, he dismissed it.

Because this whole series of events was thanks to Gu Zhangjun, wasn't it? When he saw that the intruder was Huang Xing, his desire to kill Gu Zhangjun was already there! Moreover, since childhood he never thought the other side suitable to be Family Head; even if he let him become, the Gu Family would quickly decline.

Of course, besides these three routes there was another way: tell his father about this matter.

At first glance this method seemed feasible, but in reality it was asking for trouble; after all, how could he say it? That Gu Zhangjun and his mother were plotting against him? His father, upon hearing that, would not just scold him lightly.

"So, you have finally made up your mind to work with me?" Gu Zhanglin's face showed a faint smile.

"Yes."

Gu Zhangkong took a deep breath and agreed.

"Hahaha."

Gu Zhanglin laughed heartily.

However, the current direction of events was nine or ten parts out of ten with his speculation.

"Lao San, you are willing to follow me, I am glad, but you also need to prove your sincerity. How to prove it? I suppose you won't need me to teach you, right?"

Gu Zhangkong frowned slightly.

He understood the other's meaning.

The method was to thrust Huang Xing into this matter, causing a commotion, the bigger the better.

In this way, it would also cut off his retreat, making him and Gu Zhangjun completely fall out.

"What, can't let go?"

Gu Zhanglin's voice sounded, in a somewhat teasing tone: "Or are you saying you will keep your promise?"

"No."

Gu Zhangkong shook his head.

He was not a pedantic person.

The original agreement with Gu Zhangjun was also a forced choice, and he had already prepared himself for the possibility that the other side would not keep the promise.

If Gu Zhangjun's mother learned of this, the so‑called commitment would look even more like a joke.

"I am worried that once this matter is exposed, Gu Zhangjun will inevitably be furious and embarrassed, possibly at any cost, strike at Jiang Cheng." "You value him a lot?"

Gu Zhanglin said with a smile.

"He is worth that much attention."

Gu Zhangkong hesitated for a moment before replying.

Since he chose to stand on Gu Zhanglin's side, further concealment would be unwise.

Moreover, the latter's tactics would eventually uncover these.

"Oh? Elaborate."

Gu Zhanglin instantly became interested.

He made this call mainly to disgust Gu Zhangjun, preferably tarnishing the other's reputation.

In fact it was to win over Gu Zhangjun and eliminate a potential competitor.

As for Jiang Cheng, he was the final consideration, since within the Inner City District there were plenty of alchemists capable of Refining Alchemy to produce Top Grade An Shen Pill, and even some who could refine Top‑grade Awakening Pill.

"Brother, Jiang Cheng can now refine Top‑grade Awakening Pill, and a single batch yields ten top‑grade pills."

"What!"

Hearing this, Gu Zhanglin couldn't help but exclaim.

"One batch, ten top‑grade Awakening Pills? Are you sure?"

"I saw it with my own eyes."

Gu Zhangkong nodded.

"However, Jiang Cheng uses a larger amount of ingredients; ten portions of herbs are needed to produce one batch of top‑grade Awakening Pill, yet even so the profit is considerable."

"Not bad."

Gu Zhanglin murmured.

Ten portions of medicinal herbs, what of them? As long as we can make enough money, that's fine.

"No wonder, that kid Gu Zhangjun wants to send someone to kill him; if that kid is recruited away by him, I'm afraid I'd also have to send someone to do this."

He muttered to himself, a look of excitement flashing in his eyes.

Gu Zhangkong heard it, and it left a bitter taste.

But there was nothing he could do.

After all, with his strength, he couldn't protect Jiang Cheng; introducing Jiang Cheng to Gu Zhanglin would be good for both of them.

"Lao San, how about this: I'll go to your place tomorrow, take a look at that kid to see if he's really as formidable as you say. If he truly is, rest assured, I, Gu Zhanglin, will never shortchange you; as long as I have something to eat, you'll have something to drink."

"Elder brother, you're being too courteous."

Gu Zhangkong gave a wry smile.

"Alright, let's do it this way for now. As for that matter with Huang Xing, we'll follow your suggestion; when something happens over there, we can strike then, it's not too late. By then, the people in the family will know it's not that we are unwilling to settle things peacefully, but that they have been too oppressive."

"Alright."

"Fine, let's do that for now. Go to sleep; I'll come find you first thing tomorrow morning." Gu Zhanglin added another request, then hung up.

"Lao San really gave me a big surprise; no wonder he's dying to protect that person."

A smile appeared on Gu Zhanglin's face.

He knew very clearly when Gu Zhangkong had borrowed the medicinal herbs from their father, and how long ago that was.

If this person were firmly in his grasp, it would be like having a money tree—no amount of money would ever be lacking. Yet Gu Zhangkong, who had hung up, felt no hint of sleepiness at all.

He walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, looked out at the scenery, and let out a sigh.

Still, as he said, he didn't want to take this step, but there was no other way. (End of chapter)