The commotion caused by the Tian family guards transporting corpses to the Gu family was conspicuous, with no attempt at concealment. When someone inquired, the guards kindly explained that these two individuals had trespassed into Gu Yao's residence at night, unfortunately getting caught in an array and killed. Investigations suggested they were likely bribed by Mrs. Fang from the Gu family. Therefore, they requested Mrs. Fang to deal with the bodies.
What's the relationship between Mrs. Fang and Gu Yao? She's his stepmother. Observing Gu Yao's life in the Gu family over the years hinted at Mrs. Fang's involvement. Even the twins she gave birth to bullied Gu Yao the most. The Fang family members didn't take the legitimate heir of the Gu family seriously.
Curiosity led many commoners to follow the guards to the Gu mansion.
The Tian family guards handed the corpses to the Gu mansion gatekeepers, requesting them to pass it on to Mrs. Fang. Afterward, they withdrew, not setting foot into the Gu mansion. Observing the gatekeeper's pale face, the onlookers dispersed. Sometimes, watching a spectacle could cost lives, and the price was too high.
The news quickly reached the patriarch and the head of the Gu family. Gu Zhiyao sent someone to gather more information outside. Fuming, he couldn't fathom why his second son had chosen that foolish woman from the Fang family. She had not only failed to solve the problem but also embarrassed the Gu family. If it weren't for his son heading to the Longevity Sect, he would have to severely punish this foolish woman.
Gu Zhiyao truthfully reported the situation to the head of the Gu family, who, infuriated, immediately summoned Gu Zhiming and Mrs. Fang.
The couple, unaware of the situation, faced the imposing presence of the Gu family head. He reprimanded, "Look at the mess you've created. Your younger son can't even control his own wife. You let a woman manipulate him! Explain honestly. How did you bribe them to deal with Gu Yao?"
Mrs. Fang, lacking strength, knelt down, her face turning pale under the oppressive atmosphere. With the intimidation in Gu Zhiyao's voice, she involuntarily confessed to colluding with her natal family to hire cultivators to deal with Gu Yao. Gu Zhiming, standing beside her, looked at her in astonishment. Did she really do this?
Gu Zhiyao resented Mrs. Fang's meddling, which had spoiled his plan. He had let the Lu family test the waters first, and the second wave at night was undoubtedly sent by the Lu family. Unexpectedly, Mrs. Fang, relying on the Gu family's influence, had gone too far. Even if Gu Yao was not highly regarded in the Gu family, the Fang family dared to use the Gu family's money to hire people against their own kin. If they didn't give the Fang family a lesson this time, would other families also disregard the Gu family in the future? "Guards! Send the Fang family back where they came from!"
The guards immediately entered, and a fierce group headed towards the Fang family.
Mrs. Fang wanted to plead, but Gu Zhiyao silenced her. She knelt there, unable to utter a word.
The Gu family head, disapproving of Mrs. Fang from the start, had only agreed to his son's marriage due to insistence. Now, this woman, who seemed petty after entering the family, had influenced his son's behavior, making him less obedient.
After dealing with the Fang family, Gu Zhiyao announced, "Mrs. Fang will reflect in seclusion for a year. No one is allowed to visit. Otherwise, they will share her punishment. Those who seek mercy will also reflect."
Gu Zhiyao lifted the pressure. Mrs. Fang slumped to the ground. With a year of isolation, she imagined how much her natal family would hate her. After a year, when she came out, everything might have changed. She might even have a few more fox spirits in her backyard.
Mrs. Fang dared not resent Gu Zhiyao and could only secretly blame her natal family. Whatever happened, they always turned to her, causing her to be ridiculed in the Gu family. She might even involve her two children.
"Take them away!"
Gu Zhiming wanted to plead, but a cold glance from his father, combined with the decree to reflect for mercy seekers, closed his mouth. The Ascension Ceremony was only a few months away. He couldn't reflect at this time. He believed his wife would understand.
Mrs. Fang was dragged away, and Gu Zhiming followed, feeling lost. The Gu family increasingly looked down on this son. Gu Yao was almost killed because of this woman, and he didn't see any remorse from his father. But now, making this woman reflect for a year seemed too much. Where did his father place himself in this?
Despite the lack of benefits in handling the Fang family, the Gu family head frowned again. He began to harbor a sense of dread toward Chi Changye. "Lu's family might not give up easily. Now, they may show more interest in that Chi fellow. We should keep a close eye on the Lu family. Also, send someone to contact Gu Yao. Regardless, he is a descendant of the Gu family. Depending on the Tian family for protection, what kind of scheme might they have? Inform him of Mrs. Fang's fate."
"Yes, father," Gu Zhicheng complied, but his thoughts were different. Gu Yao had already exchanged the Longevity Sect token for freedom. He wouldn't return to the Gu family. If the Gu family could protect him, the current situation wouldn't have occurred. Everyone in the Gu family, including himself, had ulterior motives.
As expected, the Lu family rejoiced in the events of the night. However, they desired even more what Chi Changye held. The two they had sent were probably not much stronger than those killed, but seeing the thunder-type spiritual talismans Chi Changye revealed, the Lu family head couldn't sit still. He urgently wanted to obtain the art of crafting talismans from him.
Chi Changye is not that old, so even if his cultivation is restored, how much higher can it go? Therefore, the Lu family is convinced that Chi Changye must possess a more advanced method of crafting talismans. If the Lu family can obtain it, they can effortlessly draw thunder-type spiritual talismans, significantly increasing the success rate of crafting talismans.
Tian Feirong brought many poisonous herbs that Gu Yao needed to the small courtyard and also brought the news from outside.
"The Fang family was kicked out?" Gu Yao asked in surprise.
Tian Feirong smirked, "Yes, I heard that Fang Dongxiong was dragged out of bed by someone. As for Fang Donglan, that shameless woman, let's see how she'll snatch a husband in the future."
Their arrogant behavior had long been disliked by the aristocratic youths. Now that they had succeeded, they were even more arrogant than them. Now, they were put back in their place, and soon, many would come to step on them.
Chi Changye was speechless. He was one of the ones being snatched. He didn't want this kind of dark history.
Gu Yao felt a bit pleased but also extremely sarcastic. The Fang family acted so arrogantly because the Gu family allowed them. They were dealing with it only now? Too late!
"Why is the Gu family handling the Fang family so ostentatiously?"
"Do you think the Gu family wants you and Chi brother to return?" Tian Feirong guessed.
Chi Changye and Gu Yao exchanged a glance. Gu Yao couldn't help but say, "It's impossible. Does the Gu family think that by dealing with Mrs. Fang and the Fang family, I will forget the past and return? I finally left that wolf's den. Why would I willingly return to that pit? Do they think I'll be satisfied after they tricked me with the Longevity Sect token? It's just that they found a new way to use me."
Chi Changye nodded. He was glad that Gu Yao thought this way. Although Gu Yao usually stayed in his room researching potions and didn't bother with mundane matters, he had a clear mind. That kind of personality... Chi Changye found it quite cute. That's why, after that absurd incident, instead of venting his anger and distancing himself, he calmly sorted things out with him.
"Hmph, they really think I'm a soft persimmon they can squeeze. If I don't show them some colors, I won't be called Gu Yao. You guys talk; I'll go back to my room to deal with these herbs." Gu Yao, filled with fighting spirit, carried the poisonous herbs brought by Tian Feirong and went back to his room. The next time someone comes, he'll make them taste the power of poisons!
"Oh, Tian Second Young Master," Gu Yao suddenly remembered something as he reached the door, turned around, and said, "Help me purchase high-grade demonic beast inner cores, wood and fire attributes. If they are dual-attribute, that would be the best."
"Okay, no problem, consider it done by me." Tian Feirong said confidently. Purchasing these inner cores wasn't difficult. If Gu Yao wanted inner cores from Foundation Establishment stage demonic beasts, that might be a bit troublesome.
"Thanks." After saying that, Gu Yao entered the room, activating the array to isolate himself from the outside and focus on refining poisons.
With Gu Yao gone, Tian Feirong turned around and saw Chi Changye staring at him. It made his scalp tingle, so he quickly asked, "Brother Chi?"
Chi Changye looked at him calmly and said, "I want to make another deal with you."