However, he never flaunted his wealth and only displayed a lifestyle that matched his financial abilities when outside.
Gu Erniu was talking about some situations in the mountains.
Gu Sheng occasionally nodded in response. He rarely ventured into the mountains for hunting these days, but Gu Erniu still relied on the mountains to eke out a living. Gu Sheng never distanced himself from Gu Erniu despite his growing strength, always remembering the help Gu Erniu had offered during his most difficult times.
The Gu Erniu family was one of the few bonds Gu Sheng had in Guâs Manor.
At this moment, Li Lian hesitated before speaking:
"Asheng..."
She hadnât even started when Gu Erniu interrupted her.
"Ah Lian, go check if the chicken soup on the stove is ready."
Li Lianâs expression froze slightly, a hint of reluctance flashing across her face. But since Gu Erniu was the head of the household, she couldnât outshine him. Slowly, she stood up.
Gu Sheng glanced at the slightly serious-looking Gu Erniu and saw him turn to him with a smile:
"Asheng, letâs drink another round as brothers!"
Gu Sheng cast one more glance at Li Lianâs retreating figure and said:
"Er Niu, your wife has something she wants to tell me, doesnât she?"
Gu Erniu chuckled lightly:
"What could it be? Womenfolkâjust trivial family matters, nothing significant."
Gu Sheng shook his head with a smile.
"Er Niu, youâre treating me like an outsider now."
Ignoring Gu Erniu, he turned to the sturdy, bull-like Gu Wan and said with a grin:
"Xiao Wan, how about starting martial arts practice with me later?"
Gu Wanâs round eyes instantly lit up with anticipation but first darted to his father. Gu Erniuâs face was full of helplessness. He hadnât expected Gu Shengâs keen observationâhe had preemptively cut off Li Lianâs words but didnât expect Gu Sheng to still notice.
Gu Erniu glared at Gu Wan and remarked:
"Asheng, what youâve learned comes from the martial arts teachings of the Manor. Passing it on to Ah Wan is against the rules. Besides, even your own training takes up so much time. How can you spare any to teach Xiao Wan? Donât worry about your sister-in-law."
Although he wished for his sonâs success, he certainly didnât want it to come at the expense of Gu Shengâs sacrifices.
Gu Sheng broke into hearty laughter. Since becoming a martial artist, Gu Erniuâs family had never asked him for anything. This time, Li Lianâs initiative had already clued him in. Anything that could prompt the always rational and sensible Li Lian to speak up was undoubtedly about Gu Wan.
Recently, undercurrents in Canghe County had made the common folk increasingly uneasy.
Li Lian, as a simple woman, only wanted Gu Wan to learn some skills for future self-preservation, which had led her to muster the courage to speak up.
While busy at the stove, Li Lianâs movements paused for a moment as she subtly turned her body.
Gu Sheng spoke:
"Of course Iron Stone Fist isnât suitable for Xiao Wan, but Iâve come across some incomplete techniques during my adventures. Theyâre good enough to provide Xiao Wan with a foundation. Once he starts formal martial arts practice later, his progress will double."
To be honest,
even if Li Lian hadnât spoken up, Gu Sheng had been considering teaching Gu Wan something.
Leaving Guâs Manor and departing Canghe County was inevitable for him. He wished to help Gu Erniuâs family as much as he could before that day came.
Gu Erniuâs face lit up briefly but quickly gave way to apprehension as he said:
"Wonât this delay your own progress, Asheng?"
Gu Sheng waved his hand with a smile:
"Not at all. Spending a bit of time daily teaching Xiao Wan wonât be an issue. Constantly burying my head in training isnât ideal either."
Li Lian carried the chicken soup over, pouring a bowl for everyone. She offered Gu Sheng an apologetic nod and said:
"Itâs my fault as a sister-in-law, being so selfish. Asheng, if you feel itâs a burden, donât force yourself. Always prioritize your own matters first."
Li Lian regretted her rashness, feeling she shouldnât have brought it up. What was supposed to be a spur-of-the-moment remark seemed to have left Gu Sheng in a dilemma.
Noticing the guilt on the coupleâs faces, Gu Sheng playfully teased:
"Itâs just basic foundational training for Xiao Wanâitâs no trouble at all. If anything, itâs my oversight for not teaching him earlier."
Gu Erniu and his wife showed excited expressions:
"Really, no trouble?"
"Rest assured."
Indeed, Gu Sheng wasnât some machine that trained twelve hours a day. With his current prowess, teaching Xiao Wan wouldnât drain much effort or time.
"Great! Then Iâll leave Xiao Wan to you. Should he misbehave, feel free to whip him! Tonight, you and I wonât stop drinking until weâre drunk!"
Gu Sheng merely smiled and nodded.
In the courtyard, Gu Erniuâs face was flushed red from alcohol, Li Lianâs eyes shone with hope, and Gu Wan was chuckling foolishly. Gu Sheng couldnât help but sigh inwardlyâsuch a seemingly small choice of his was, for Gu Erniuâs family, a turning point in their destiny.
After finishing dinner, Gu Sheng planned to return home to continue grinding experienceâbut received unexpected news instead.
Gu Xiaojiang had been placed in confinement.