Gu Fei stood up, respectfully bowed to Gu Yuan, and then left. Throughout the entire interaction, he didn't spare even a glance for Xun'er.
Both Xun'er and Gu Yuan noticed this. Xun'er felt a strange emotion rising within her. Wasn't Gu Fei deeply in love with her before? How had things changed so drastically? She bit her lip in dissatisfaction.
After Gu Fei left, Gu Yuan let out a heavy sigh. His daughter had been spoiled, becoming unruly and reckless. Even after marriage, she was still entangled with another man. Wasn't this all a result of Gu Yuan's excessive indulgence?
Xun'er resembled his late wife greatly, so he had unconsciously lowered his expectations for her. But now, this once-cute and delicate daughter had grown into someone who acted without rules or respect. Gu Yuan was now unsure if his past decisions were right or wrong. He could see that Gu Fei's request, and his response, were slowly eroding any remaining affection Gu Fei had for Xun'er. He blamed this all on his daughter.
"Xun'er, do you realize your mistake? Since you've married Gu Fei, you must be mindful of your actions. How could you secretly meet another man? Besides, what does that Xiao Yan have over Gu Fei? A mere waste like him, does he even deserve it?"
Gu Yuan had long ago sent scouts to investigate the Xiao Clan, so he knew that Gu Fei's remark about Xiao Yan being a "genius" was a lie. Xiao Yan was nothing more than a waste. How could Xun'er, the goddess of the younger generation, be interested in a waste like him?
Gu Yuan's tone was not harsh, just the usual advice from a father to his daughter. He believed his tone was gentle enough, but Xun'er was full of grievance. She still didn't believe she was completely in the wrong.
"Father! Gu Fei is just making a big deal out of nothing! Why are you scolding me?"
Gu Yuan glared at Xun'er, but seeing her teary eyes, his heart softened. He could only give up with a sigh. He waved his hand to dismiss Xun'er and began to think of ways to convince Gu Fei. After all, Gu Fei's words before leaving were resolute; he truly wanted to divorce Xun'er.
As Xun'er left, Gu Yuan sat in contemplation for a long time before deciding to visit Gu Lie, Gu Fei's grandfather, to discuss the young couple's relationship. Gu Yuan hoped that Gu Lie might persuade Gu Fei to reconsider. Gu Fei respected his grandfather greatly, so if Gu Lie spoke to him, there might still be hope.
Meanwhile, the news that Gu Fei and Xun'er had visited the clan leader one after the other quickly spread throughout the vast Gu Clan. Combined with the rumors from Gu Yunyou, who had been driven off the mountain peak with Xun'er the night before, the story grew even more widespread.
Gu Yunyou, with a sly glint in her eyes, had let slip a few details about what had happened the previous night before leaving. The rumors in the Gu Clan only intensified from there. Now, many in the clan were aware that Gu Fei and Xun'er's relationship had become strained.
When Gu Fei and Xun'er got married, it was a hot topic in the clan. Xun'er was seen as the goddess of the younger generation, and Gu Fei was considered the most powerful amongst them. Their union naturally sparked much discussion. But now, only half a year later, their marriage seemed to be on the rocks, stirring up a new wave of controversy.
After leaving the hall, Gu Fei headed back to his residence. With his keen senses, he noticed the whispers and glances in his direction as he walked. He knew the news had likely spread.
Gu Fei shook his head. Whatever consequences came from this situation were not his concern. Normally, those who fawned over Gu Fei kept their distance, standing far away and whispering among themselves. Occasionally, curious, excited, or resentful eyes would fall on him.
Gu Fei, however, relished these looks—not for their attention, but for the emotional energy they provided him.
Gu Yue: Curiosity emotion, Emotional value +1
Gu Feiyang: Resentment emotion, Emotional value +1
Gu Yao: Anger emotion, Emotional value +5
Although none of these people had significant destinies, and their emotional values were just a drop in the bucket, every little bit helped. Gu Fei wouldn't turn them away. However, the anger emotion from someone named "Gu Yao" caught his attention.
In the crowd, the man named Gu Yao looked at Gu Fei with anger in his eyes. That anger was not specifically directed at Gu Fei. Gu Yao had once admired Xun'er, as she was the goddess of the younger generation in the Gu Clan. But after Xun'er married Gu Fei, Gu Yao had to give up on her. He considered himself a gentleman and wouldn't commit the immoral act of taking someone else's wife. Besides, he had to admit that Gu Fei was someone he respected and admired. But now, this Xiao Yan nobody had appeared out of nowhere.
Who was this Xiao Yan? How did he even enter the picture, and why was he so furious about him?
It turned out that Gu Yao had just learned from Gu Ling, who had once fetched Xun'er, about the possible reason behind the rift between Xun'er and Gu Fei. It was likely due to a nobody named Xiao Yan from the North-Western Region. If Xun'er was quarreling with Gu Fei because of Xiao Yan, it could only mean she had feelings for him.
Gu Yao was smart and quickly pieced together the situation from a single hint. He had once backed off because Gu Fei was outstanding and worthy of being Xun'er's husband. But what about Xiao Yan? How could a nobody like him compare?
The more Gu Yao thought about it, the angrier he became. His anger was no longer just directed at Xiao Yan; it was also transferred to Gu Fei. Gu Fei's system faithfully alerted him, and he turned his gaze toward Gu Yao, who was sitting by a window, his expression dark with murderous intent.
Gu Fei calmly met Gu Yao's gaze, gave a slight smile, and continued on his way up the mountain.
Seeing Gu Fei's calm demeanor only fueled Gu Yao's rage. How could a waste like Xiao Yan possibly surpass someone as outstanding as Gu Fei in Xun'er's heart? This was intolerable. Xiao Yan had to be eliminated. The moment this thought crossed his mind, Gu Yao made a decision. He would act immediately. Gu Yao was known for being decisive, and Xiao Yan had now unwittingly crossed his path. A mere waste like him would be easy to eliminate.
Though Gu Yao wasn't someone who killed indiscriminately, Xiao Yan had dared to covet a woman he could never deserve. If not for Gu Yuan sending Xun'er to that desolate place, Xiao Yan would never have had the chance to even see her in his lifetime.