Gu Jingang was wearing a sleeveless short shirt, his chest hair spilling out from his half-open collar, and his gaze toward Gu Changming and Gu Dajiang carried a strong hint of drunkenness.
"Come, drink!"
"Drink!"
He lazily sprawled on the stone steps, holding the wine jar high in his hand, chuckling foolishly.
Gu Changming sighed and said:
"Jingang, we know youâre not drunk. Why put on this act in front of us? The three of us havenât gathered in a while. What do you say we have some small dishes at your place today?"
Gu Dajiang stepped forward to help Gu Jingang up.
Experts in the Blood Refining Realm could dispel the effects of even the strongest alcohol with a mere breath, unless it was special medicinal wine. Gu Jingangâs demeanor now was just of his own makingâhe wanted to be like this.
Gu Jingang paused momentarily, and a flash of clarity seemed to cross his eyes.
He sat up dazedly, shook his head a bit, and after a while, slowly nodded before shouting outside:
"Yuhuan, have them stir-fry a few dishes and bring two more jars of good wine!"
A gentle womanâs voice replied from outside:
"Iâll cook them myself!"
Gu Changming and Gu Dajiang both laughed and said:
"Looks like weâre in for a treat today. Yuhuanâs cooking is excellent, Jingang. You truly have a good fortune."
A soft smile crept onto Gu Jingangâs lips, and warmth flickered in his eyes.
"Of course, marrying Yuhuan is the luckiest thing that has ever happened in my life."
Gu Yuhuan, a lady of the main family, hadnât looked down on him despite his humble origins as a farmerâs son. She had married him, borne his children, and tirelessly managed their household, keeping everything in perfect order. He was immensely proud of her.
Much of Gu Jingangâs dedication and diligence to the main family over the years was thanks to Gu Yuhuan.
"Iâm going to change my clothes."
Leaving just those words behind, Gu Jingang turned and left, and a maid led Gu Changming and Gu Dajiang to a pavilion in the side courtyard.
It wasnât long before Gu Jingang returned.
The man before them now was completely different. He wore a black fitted outfit, all traces of alcohol dissipated, his eyes sharp, his stance firm and commanding like a dragon or a tiger.
Gu Dajiang roared with laughter and said:
"Now this is the Iron-Fist Jingang we know!"
Gu Changming also nodded with a smile.
The three sat down, and the servants and maids had already prepared the fine wine and dishes. After bringing out a few of her signature dishes, Gu Yuhuan quietly left, leaving the space for the three of them.
Gu Jingang took a large gulp of wine and bitterly smiled as he said:
"Iron-Fist Jingang? Just an insignificant nobody."
Gu Changmingâs expression turned serious as he reprimanded:
"Jingang, donât say such things. Are you still holding a grudge against the Great Clan Elder?"
Gu Jingang simply drank and ate without responding.
Gu Changming glanced at Gu Dajiang before continuing:
"The Great Clan Elder has always been devoted to the clanâs affairs. Even if there were disagreements between you, it was never personal. Donât take it to heart."
"The reason weâre here today is partly because of the Great Clan Elder. The current situation outside is unstable, and youâre the strongest fighter in Guâs Manor. The manor needs your strength!"
Both Gu Changming and Gu Dajiang looked earnestly at Gu Jingang.
But Gu Jingangâs lips curved into a faint, sardonic smile.
"Werenât the elders always confident that with Liu Yuanhuâs protection, Guâs Manor was as solid as a rock? Why worry now?"
Back then, quite a few elders had advocated for all three Blood Strengthening Pills to go to Gu Xiaojiang, hoping he could make significant strides in the Red Cloud Guard.
Gu Dajiangâs expression stiffened, his tone full of helplessness.
"Liu Yuanhu recently sent a message warning us to be cautious of Zhao Honglieâs âif I perish, so does everythingâ plans. His attention is occupied on his end and may not be able to send reinforcements..."
Gu Jingang merely chuckled coldly.
Gu Changming grew visibly upset at Gu Jingangâs attitude.
"Are you really so detached from the manorâs fate just because of the Great Clan Elderâs punishment? Yuhuan and the children are also part of Guâs Manor!"
At the mention of his wife and children, Gu Jingang fell silent immediately.
Gu Changmingâs expression softened as he said:
"I know you resent the decision about the Blood Strengthening Pills, but rest assured, there will surely come a day when the manor helps you break through."
Gu Dajiang also chimed in with persuasion:
"Thatâs right. The Great Clan Elder is always fair. Trust him. Over the years, he hasnât treated you unfairly. Once we defeat the Black Sand Gang, life in the manor will improve. And when Xiao Jiang establishes his footing in the Red Cloud Guard, there will be no shortage of Blood Strengthening Pills."
Gu Jingang remained silent for a while longer before finally lifting his head to ask:
"How is Xiao Jiang doing now?"
This time, it was Gu Dajiangâs turn to fall silent.
Gu Changming frowned and said with frustration:
"The elders have forbidden visits to Xiao Jiang. Theyâve ordered him to focus entirely on cultivating and not to emerge until he reaches the Blood Refining Realm."
Gu Jingang sneered coldly:
"I have no complaints about the eldersâ punishment toward me. Xiao Jiang is the future and hope of Guâs Manor. He merely spoke a few words for meâwas that really necessary? In the end, itâs just the elders fearing their authority being undermined!"
"Watch your words!"
Gu Changming and Gu Dajiangâs faces darkened as they sternly reprimanded him.
After that, all three fell into a somber mood.
They drank in silence, taking bites of food one after another.
After a long while, Gu Jingangâs calm voice broke the silence:
"Starting tomorrow, I will resume my previous responsibilities. I wonât decline the manorâs guard and patrol duties. Guâs Manor is where I grew up, and my wife and children are here. I wonât abandon it."
Gu Changming and Gu Dajiang both lit up with joy and said:
"Good! Itâs great that youâve thought it through!"
The two raised their wine bowls high and drained them in one drink. But just after setting down their bowls, they noticed a peculiar expression on Gu Jingangâs faceâa blend of faint unwillingness and resignation.
A sinking feeling began to form in their hearts.
Just as they were about to speak, they watched Gu Jingang slowly rise to his feet.