Chapter 7: Dilemma

Perhaps it was indulgence, perhaps it was deliberate, news about the Gu family quickly spread from the Tian family to the Lu family. When the head of the Lu family received the news, his anger surged even higher than the head of the Gu family. He discovered that he had been manipulated by the old fellow from the Gu family from beginning to end, played like a puppet.

Without exerting any force, the teacups and bowls on the table shattered from the released pressure. Chairs and tables flew, only stopping when he saw his grandson enter.

Lu Minbai, who had just entered, looked at his grandfather in astonishment. "Grandfather, is this true? Gu Yao has the Longevity Sect token and now handed it over to the Gu family?"

"Yes, look at what you and Minzhu have done! You've all been deceived by that scoundrel Gu Yan and your aunt!" The head of the Lu family glared angrily at his grandson. The engagement between Gu Yao and Lu Minzhu was arranged by their parents, but it was actually an agreement between him and the old man from the Gu family. He had turned a blind eye to the actions of the younger generation from both families, but losing something so important left him regretful.

Lu Minbai's head spun. He thought Gu Yao wasn't worthy of his sister, so he didn't oppose their relationship. Now, learning about the Longevity Sect, he couldn't believe it. "Gu Yan and Aunt knew about this? Gu family wants Gu Yan to enter the Longevity Sect? What about my sister?"

"Girls care about appearances. Your sister has been in the Gu family for so many years; she probably forgot her own surname. If Gu Yan enters the Longevity Sect, what do you think will happen to your sister?" The head of the Lu family was furious. The Gu family had played their cards well. "No, I need to talk to that old man from the Gu family; I can't let it end like this!"

Lu family had to recover something from the Gu family; otherwise, this injustice would be hard to bear. Determined, the head of the Lu family left the room and headed towards the Gu family.

Left behind, Lu Minbai was distraught. "Gu Yan, that scoundrel!"

Gu family.

As the head of the Lu family approached the residence of the Gu family, the defensive formations stopped, and the door opened automatically. A voice from inside said, "Brother Lu visits late at night. Gu is not honored. Please come in for a detailed discussion."

The head of the Lu family snorted and descended. The formations activated again, and whatever they discussed inside was not audible outside.

After two quarters of an hour, the head of the Lu family reappeared. His anger had subsided, but when he looked back at the house, a hint of fear flashed in his eyes. If the Gu family seized this opportunity to rise, the Lu family, even if tied to their ship, would become a vassal. But there was no easy third option.

As the head of the Lu family left, his grandson, Gu Yan, came out from inside and stood before the head of the Gu family.

The head of the Gu family looked at his grandson with satisfaction. Among the younger generation, Gu Yan had the best aptitude. With dual spiritual roots and a robust primary root, he was exceptional. Upon discovering Gu Yan's potential, the head of the Gu family had been planning for him.

"Thanks, Grandfather, for planning for your grandson," Gu Yan respectfully said.

"Yan, entering the Longevity Sect in half a year is just the first step. The future of the Gu family depends on you. As for your affairs with Minzhu, let's put it aside for now. Once you establish yourself in the Longevity Sect, what kind of peerless beauty won't you be able to marry? Far Yang Town is too small." The head of the Gu family spoke with a weighty tone.

Although Gu Yan felt some reluctance, he understood what was truly important. What his grandfather said made sense. When he establishes himself, he can have any woman he wants. His cousin, if she fails to build her foundation, might turn into dust in the wind. Even if she succeeds, by then, she won't match his status.

***

Unaware of the night's events, Gu Yao and his companions had decent accommodation and even a stocked kitchen. Comparing it to his treatment in the Gu family, he marveled at Tian Feirong's ability to please an outsider.

After breakfast, Gu Yao cleaned the dishes himself. Though he wanted to help with cooking, it was more like causing trouble. Clearly, he was a young master who never did such chores. Late at night, he was conscientious in other ways.

Sensing the time, Gu Yao suggested, "Let's go to the market. If there's anything you want to buy... within reason."

"I don't need anything for now. Little Yao, don't worry; I'll find a way to earn spirit stones," Chenglang Night smiled. Internally, he cringed. He never had to worry about spirit stones before; everything was provided. Now, in this predicament, he was relieved it was with Gu Yao instead of his previous companions. So, he planned to explore ways to earn spirit stones later; he couldn't let Gu Yao support him.

Gu Yao didn't expect much but didn't want to discourage him either. "Alright, let's figure it out together."

The possessions they carried might be sufficient for ordinary people, enough for a lifetime. However, for cultivators aiming to improve, it was barely a drop in the ocean. Gu Yao was equally troubled. In the Galactic Alliance, he could brew potions for money. However, with the memories of his predecessor, he knew his potions were different from the ones consumed by cultivators in this world. So, he resigned to solving his immediate problems first. If needed, they could venture outside the town to gather spiritual herbs and hunt monsters to sell.