Everyone had different thoughts, knowing that Er Gou was provoked by Gu Sheng and decided to risk it all in a gamble.
Gu Sheng proceeded forward.
Occasionally, he drew shocked and envious gazes. Everyone speculated whether Gu Sheng had already become a Martial Artist. Gu Sheng only smiled without responding. After all, no one would force him to prove it. Once he breaks through to the Jade Skin Realm as a Martial Artist in a few days, he wouldnât have to worry about revealing any flaws.
Anyway, in the eyes of the Guâs Manor higher-ups, he was considered close to becoming a Martial Artist.
Gu Sheng understood the thoughts of the clan elders of the Gu family. As long as the strength he displayed remained within a controllable range, even if he wasnât entirely devoted, the clan elders would accept it. At most, they would withhold resources to support his continued growth.
A Stone Skin Realm marksman was still more advantageous than disadvantageous to Guâs Manor.
Gu Sheng avoided crowded places and quickly returned home.
He took out a short blade and began processing the corpse.
Tiger skin, tiger bones, tiger blood, tiger meat, tiger penis, tiger tail...
By the time Gu Sheng finished handling everything, it was already dark.
Looking at the haul piled high before him, Gu Sheng felt content. Hunting down a fierce tiger yielded almost as much as an entire yearâs worth of harvest in normal times!
Gu Sheng hid the spoils, then adjusted his appearance to mimic injuries.
As expected.
Not long after, Gu Erniu came running over first, followed by Zhang Ze and the rest.
"Asheng! I heard you caught a big tiger?"
Seeing their expectant eyes, Gu Sheng only smiled, nodded, and modified the story a little before recounting the process to them. The tale left them breathless and repeatedly amazed.
Unable to hold back, Zhang Ze remarked:
"Even a lame tiger isnât something ordinary people can handle. Asheng, youâve silently become a Martial Artist and didnât even share how it feels. What is being a Martial Artist like?"
Gu Erniu also smiled lightly at Gu Sheng, knowing his low-profile demeanor well.
Gu Sheng laughed heartily:
"Once my injuries heal, Iâll show you all. Killing that tiger wasnât easy."
Noticing Gu Shengâs wounds and bandages, the group wisely refrained from pressing further. A young Martial Artist, especially a marksman, wasnât someone they dared offend lightly unless they were asking for trouble.
The huntersâ respect for him deepened.
Gu Shengâs status became something entirely different in their eyesâa Martial Artist and marksman was far more formidable than the average Martial Artist.
"Take care, Asheng. Weâll gather again another day."
The group left one by one, with Gu Erniu staying behind a bit longer to offer a few more words of concern. In return, Gu Sheng handed him some tiger meat and tiger bones to bring back and strengthen Gu Wanâs health.
As the courtyard fell quiet again, Gu Sheng shook his head with a smile.
He pondered for a while before deciding to focus on breaking through to the Jade Skin Realm in the coming days.
The higher-ups of Guâs Manor would likely have their responses ready upon learning that he had become a Martial Artist.
...
Guâs Manor, main household courtyard.
Several esteemed clan elders and Gu Changming were in a discussion. With the new year beginning, all sorts of matters needed proper arrangementsâcustomarily prepared every year.
One issue after another was brought up for deliberation, as the group brainstormed solutions. Occasionally, arguments broke out, but consensus was always reached in the end.
This was the fundamental reason Guâs Manor had never declined.
Finally.
An elderly clan elder with a full white beard and hair turned to Gu Jingang.
"Jingang, how has Xiao Jiangâs progress been recently?"
Gu Jingang immediately stood up respectfully and replied:
"Great Clan Elder, at the end of last year, Xiao Jiang seemed to have an epiphany. Heâs now at a critical stage, and I estimate another three to five days for him to fully grasp it and breakthrough to the Great Achievement Realm with Iron Stone Fist!"
He allowed a rare smile to show on his face.
"Xiao Jiangâs talent exceeds our expectations. If heâs given enough time, reaching the Bone Refining Realm will be no difficulty."
The groupâs spirits visibly lifted, their faces lighting up with smiles.
"Xiao Jiang is a promising young man, but time waits for no one. Letâs see how his progress unfolds. If necessary, let him consume the last Blood Strengthening Pill to ensure he quickly breaks through to the Blood Refining Realm!"
"Now that Liu Daren has taken office as acting county magistrate, it remains to be seen if heâll coexist peacefully with the Black Sand Gang. If not, conflict is inevitable in the future. We must accelerate the growth of our strength."
"Iâll reiterate: the matter of forging iron armor must not be leaked. Itâs a crime punishable by death!"
The Great Clan Elder cast a stern glance around, prompting the group to nod gravely, understanding the weight of these matters.
"Now, onto the last issue. What are your thoughts on Gu Sheng becoming a Martial Artist?"
Several days had passed, and the news of Gu Sheng killing the tiger had naturally reached their ears.
Gu Changming and Gu Jingang exchanged a look. Then Gu Changming spoke:
"Clan Elders, we believe itâs worth allocating some resources to Gu Sheng in this critical period. The difference between a Stone Skin Martial Artist and an Iron Skin Martial Artist is substantial. If Gu Sheng breaks through to the Iron Skin Realm, combined with his archery skills, heâd be worth several Iron Skin Martial Artists!"
The clan elders collectively fell silent in thought.
In ordinary times, someone of Gu Shengâs background would need to pass numerous tests.
But at this moment, they hesitated, turning their attention to the Great Clan Elder.
The elderly Great Clan Elder glanced at the group and said:
"The village has too many expenses right now. Every coin must be spent wisely. I understand Gu Shengâs situation. Heâs currently alone; Changming, select a suitable young woman from the main family to promise him in marriage. Let them bear offspring, and we can focus on nurturing him for greater responsibilities in the future."
Gu Dajiangâs eyes sparkled with some delight. The clan elders had finally relented. When Gu Jingang reached this stage, he had faced countless challenges before marrying into the main family.
But Gu Jingang asked:
"What if he declines?"
The Great Clan Elder didnât even raise his head.
"If he refuses, it indicates his lack of loyalty to Guâs Manor. In that case, treat him like an ordinary Martial Artist: grant him a house and farmland. No matter how skilled a marksman he is, without mastery of Martial Arts, heâs powerless against an armored Martial Artist. Weâll give him the opportunity; whether he seizes it will be up to him."
"Iâve heard Xiao Jiang gets along well with him. When Xiao Jiang completes his breakthrough, let him talk to Gu Sheng. Regardless of Gu Shengâs decision, as long as he harbors no dishonorable intentions, Guâs Manor will accommodate him."
Currently, Gu Shengâs demonstrated strength posed no threat to Guâs Manor. A Stone Skin Realm marksman was manageable. Even if he turned against them, he couldnât stir up much trouble.
However, if a Blood Refining Martial Artist remained outside Guâs Manorâs core circle, the clan elders wouldnât allow it. Heâd have only two paths: to leave or to assimilate.