The methods of cultivators are mysterious and unpredictable, even for someone like him, who dares not claim to fully understand them. Especially as an informed individual, he knows that Gu Yao's uncle might be a Foundation Establishment cultivator. Even if seriously injured, it's not something the Gu family's ancestor could easily handle.
The expression of the Gu family head darkened. He thought everything was under control, but now an unexpected situation arose with Gu Yao. The guy named Chi Changye, chosen by Chi Changye himself, was also a miscalculation. That night, he didn't pay much attention to that person. Later, he learned that when Chi Changye was picked up, he was so badly injured that he was unbearable to look at. Who would have thought that after he healed, he would turn out to be a handsome man and possibly a powerful cultivator?
"Dad, not to blame, but both Second and Eldest Brother handled this matter improperly. Regardless, Gu Yao is still a member of the Gu family. He's Second Brother's biological son and Eldest Brother's nephew. Even if Gu Yao's aptitude is lacking, shouldn't we, as the Gu family, be able to support such a person? So why bring things to this point? Even when I'm outside, I often hear people talk about how the Gu family acts unfairly. If they really don't like Gu Yao, even giving him a small estate to live outside would be fine. Second Brother is too indulgent with the twins, and even the Fang family doesn't take the Gu family seriously."
The Gu family head's face remained indifferent as he glanced at the Third Son. Seeking justice for Gu Yao was a minor matter; the crucial thing was to give a stern warning to the Second and Eldest Brothers: "This matter doesn't count for much. First, let's find out more about them. It's inappropriate for our Gu family to intervene directly. Let the people from the Lu family handle it."
"Yes, Dad. I'll immediately pass on the information to the Lu family." The Third Son understood his father's intentions, making the Lu family the front line for the Gu family.
After the Third Son left, the Gu family head's expression immediately turned gloomy. He looked at his hands; his alchemy hadn't progressed for years. If the potions were truly made by Gu Yao, the method he had to purify impurities might be of great use to him. The Third Son's words made some sense. Maybe it was a contingency plan left by the Wind siblings back then. Gu Yao and Chi Changye's days in the Tian family's territory, he had already known about it before the Third Son came to report.
The Gu family head couldn't help feeling dissatisfied with the Second Brother's twins. They thought he didn't know, but the reason Second Brother opposed him this time was probably those two brats inciting him. Even someone who usually listens to him like the Second Brother wouldn't budge this time.
"Damn it! Is that annoying Feng Yinhua dead or alive?" This was the real reason he hadn't dared to make a move. He feared that Feng Yinhua might still be alive. After all, a cultivator could be in seclusion for ten or twenty years.
Sure enough, not long after, the Lu family obtained "conclusive" information. The talismans sold by the Tian family were made by Gu Yao's husband, Chi Changye. Chi Changye was not only a cultivator but also an exceptionally talented runemaster. It might not be long before he could produce intermediate-level talismans. Chi Changye's talismans were better in quality than those of the Lu family, despite the extravagant spending by the Gu family in the market.
"Is this news true? What's the Gu family up to? The Tian family is also ambitious. It seems they've long been dissatisfied with both our Lu family and the Gu family. They forget that without the agreement between our two families, could the Tian family have stood firm in Yuan Yang Town?!" The head of the Lu family was very displeased with the actions of the Gu family. In his view, the people from the Tian family were ungrateful, actually snatching the Lu family's talisman business behind their backs.
The tacit agreement reached by the three families, just like how the Lu family never interfered in the trade of elixirs, was another matter secretly. But the actions of the Tian family disrupted the understanding between the three families.
"Dad, what should we do?"
"Send someone to find out about those two guys. Just don't get them killed." The head of the Lu family sneered, unhappy with the Tian family's actions. While they couldn't move against the Tian family for now, did that mean the Lu family couldn't touch those two bastards? Even if it's on the Tian family's territory, so what? Could the Tian family go to war with the Lu family because of those two bastards?
"Okay, Dad, I'll arrange for someone to go."
***
During dinner, Chi Changye reminded Gu Yao, "Try not to go out these days. If you have to, call me along. I sense that we're being watched."
Gu Yao sighed, "I feel it too. Is it because of the potions and talismans? I have to say, Yuan Yang Town is too small. Those two families aren't broad-minded. I doubt they can truly uphold the family's honor."
"Probably," Chi Changye couldn't think of any other reason. Were they being targeted because of the potions and talismans? There weren't any enemies of his here, and no one knew his identity. "You make sense, Little Yao. In the end, they don't want anyone to shake their positions, don't want others to share their cultivation resources."
Even if they relied on the Tian family, it wasn't a long-term solution. The Tian family's thoughts might not be any different. However, the Tian family was currently facing pressure from the joint efforts of the Gu and Lu families, prompting them to seek external help.
Gu Yao, chewing on his chopsticks, said, "If it comes to it, ask Tian Feirong if the Tian family has any caravans leaving this place. We might as well leave."
The problem was it was a bit risky. It was quite a distance to the next cultivation city from here, and along the way, various demonic beasts and perilous terrains posed the greatest threat to cultivators. He had planned to leave with the large group during the Ascension Ceremony a few months later. If there was really no other option, they might have to take a risk.