Chapter 176

Dinner is ready!

Gu Han just wanted to properly reason with them.

Let Gu Pan know she can't be so rude!

Xu Xin Zhu's voice came from the kitchen.

The brother and sister exchanged a glance, then hurried in to help.

After more than four months apart, the family of three finally sat down together to eat their first reunion meal.

After finishing the meal, Gu Han casually asked,

"Mom, are there any people in the Gu Family recently who are at odds with us?"

Gu Han had just returned to the Gu Family and only knew that his own branch had become one of the main lines of the Gu Family.

As for other news, he was completely ignorant.

Xu Xin Zhu shook her head,

"Nobody is at odds with us; with the Third Elder around, everyone looks after us quite well."

"Third Elder?"

Gu Han raised his eyebrows,

"Looks like he still has a bit of conscience."

Hearing Gu Han say that, Xu Xin Zhu instantly realized he had misunderstood, and quickly said,

"It's not the Third Elder you're thinking of."

"The original Third Elder was long ago thrown into prison by the Family Head; the current Third Elder is the former Fifth Elder, Elder Gu Ren."

Only then did Gu Han realize and nod.

He didn't even know that Gu Cang Shan had been demoted and imprisoned.

Mother said the Third Elder had been looking after their family a lot.

He instinctively thought it was because Gu Cang Shan, grateful that Gu Han had taken his grandson Gu Han's place to serve at the front, thus looked after Gu Han's family more.

But now it seems the one looking after their family is not Gu Cang Shan, but Elder Gu Ren.

"Brother, you have no idea how hateful Gu Cang Shan is!"

Gu Pan's pretty face turned cold, she spoke angrily.

"Oh?"

Gu Han looked curiously at Gu Pan, waiting for her to continue.

"When the news of your promotion to Bijang reached the Gu Family, Elder Gu Ren proposed that our family become one of the main lines of the Gu Family."

"But that fellow Gu Cang Shan said your promotion to Bijang was merely for personal gain, of no benefit to the clan."

"Moreover, he said sending you to the front to serve was for your own good; without him, you couldn't have today's glory."

Listening to Gu Pan's account, Gu Han's expression gradually turned cold.

What does it mean that becoming a Bijang is for personal gain?

And what does it mean that sending him to serve is for his own good?

Could it not be that Gu Cang Shan's grandson Gu Han is unwilling to go to the front, enduring daily training and never even seeing a woman?

And still shamelessly claim that his current achievements are all thanks to Gu Cang Shan?

Gu Han had truly never seen someone so shameless!

Gu Pan still wanted to continue, but Xu Xin Zhu suddenly interrupted.

"Pan'er, say less."

Xu Xin Zhu forced a smile at Gu Han, fearing he would act impulsively,

"Gu Cang Shan is already in prison, receiving his due punishment; these matters are already in the past."

Although Gu Cang Shan is imprisoned, as a Third Elder of the Gu Family he still has some connections with the Li Elder of Heavy Sword Peak.

As long as Gu Cang Shan doesn't die, he will eventually have a chance to make a comeback.

There's no need for our family to offend such an enemy!

"Mom, rest assured, I won't act impulsively."

Gu Han understood his mother's intention, smiled and nodded, but a hint of coldness flashed in his eyes.

Among those in the Gu Family who bear him a grudge, probably only Gu Cang Shan has the means to hire assassins like the Blood Red Pavilion.

Even if it isn't Gu Cang Shan, this grudge alone means the two sides can no longer coexist peacefully.

If so, then only one of them can survive.

Just then, someone suddenly arrived at the outer villa.

"Is Young Master Gu Han in?"

Upon hearing that, Gu Han told Gu Pan to practice martial arts well, then went out.

Seeing the stranger outside the courtyard, Gu Han immediately asked,

"I am Gu Han; what's the matter?"

That person respectfully clasped his hands toward Gu Han,

"Young Master Gu Han, the Family Head has something to discuss with you."

Gu Han was slightly taken aback; he and the Family Head had hardly any acquaintance.

He supposed it was because of his Bijang rank, wanting to encourage him a bit.

"Lead the way ahead."

The two of them thus made their way to the Family Head's manor.

After the Gu Family guards left, Gu Han walked alone into the courtyard.

Upon entering the courtyard, Gu Han saw a young man practicing his blade technique.

His blade technique was expansive and crisp, accompanied by whistling and clanging sounds.

Clearly, he had already grasped blade intent!

Moreover, this young man appeared to be about the same age as Gu Chen.

To master blade intent at such an age is absolutely a prodigy of blade practice!

Gu Han has arrived.

The middle-aged man seated at the stone table smiled and greeted Gu Han.

Only then did Gu Han notice that a man and a woman were also seated at the stone table.

The man had a stern countenance, while the woman was beautiful.

Presumably they were the Gu Family Head, Gu Xiao Dao, and his wife, Ye Lin Jie.

It was only because Gu Han's attention had been drawn to the blade technique that he momentarily failed to notice them.

Greetings to the Family Head and to the mistress.

Gu Han bowed respectfully to the two of them.

Gu Xiao Dao chuckled as he helped Gu Han to his feet,

There's no need for such formality.

After letting Gu Han come and sit at the stone table, Gu Xiao Dao then called out to the blade practitioner,

Tian Ren, come over and greet Gu Han.

Tian Ren sheathed his blood blade, stepped forward quickly, and nodded at Gu Han,

Tian Ren, I hope we can spar when you have the time.

Seeing the surging fighting spirit in Tian Ren's eyes, Gu Han knew the other meant no harm.

I am ready at any time.

Gu Xiao Dao smiled faintly,

Tian Ren is obsessed with martial arts; Gu Han, please don't take offense.

Gu Han laughed and shook his head.

In a world where martial prowess is supreme, being obsessed with martial arts is not a flaw but a virtue many aspire to!

Family Head, you summoned me; it can't be just to have me exchange greetings with Brother Tian Ren, can it?

That is only natural.

Gu Xiao Dao's smile gradually faded, and he spoke in a low voice,

You must already be aware of the matter of Gu Cang Shan's imprisonment, right?

Gu Han merely took Gu Xiao Dao's words as a hope that he wouldn't let anger cloud his judgment, and replied calmly.

I only found out not long ago.

As Gu Han had guessed, Gu Xiao Dao continued,

I know your family and the Gu Cang Shan household have always been at odds, ever since your father, Gu Leng Shan, was alive.

But Gu Cang Shan, in his youth, traveled widely and made many acquaintances; his grandson even became engaged to the granddaughter of Elder Li of Heavy Sword Peak.

If something were to happen to Gu Cang Shan, Heavy Sword Peak would be hard to explain; I hope you can look after the bigger picture.

Upon hearing this, Gu Han's brows furrowed instantly, his words taking on a chill,

Does the Family Head mean that only Gu Cang Shan may act against me, while I may not move against him?

I certainly do not mean that.

Gu Xiao Dao stared intensely into Gu Han's eyes,

Your father's death in battle is intertwined with countless ties to Heavy Sword Peak.

Our Gu Family will naturally not stand idly by!