Chapter 194: Know Your Place (2)
Gu Sunmoon.
It was the place often referred to as the Sword of the Gu Clan.
Gu Sunmoon was the reason the Gu Clan could be called the Guardians of Shanxi and the biggest pillar that allowed the Gu Clan to stand under the name of a noble family.
It was an establishment that raised swordsmen to slay demons.
Bearing the justification of contributing to the peace of Shanxi, Gu Sunmoon was indeed the main force of the Gu Clan, and could be considered the sword that protects both the Gu Clan and Shanxi.
Of course, like the Nine Dragons Conference, there were times when they pulled swordsmen from outside, but ultimately, most of the personnel were cultivated in Gu Sunmoon.
Among the notable figures were the First Elder himself, Muyeon, who was on the brink of peak power just past the age of twenty, and Gu Jeolyub, who revealed genius talent.
Moreover, if one considers that all the heads of the swordsmen, excluding Gu Huibi, hailed from Gu Sunmoon, it’s evident that the root structure of the Gu Clan was profoundly tied to Gu Sunmoon.
Many believed that despite the First Elder’s overtly ambitious behavior, Father’s non-interference was due to these circumstances.
Alternatively, it could be that I was so incompetent that I couldn’t inherit the position of Young Master, prompting whispers that the First Elder intended to make Gu Jeolyub the successor.
Frankly, either explanation seemed valid.
I still can’t understand it now either.
As time passed, I began to slightly comprehend Father, yet even so—
I couldn’t fully grasp why Father allowed the First Elder’s antics to continue.
Eventually, after some time, when the First Elder finally crossed that line, I distinctly remember Father igniting flames.
The flames he produced were undoubtedly fueled by anger.
A huge flame engulfing the entirety of the Gu Clan.
That overwhelming sight remained vivid in my memory.
Whether he was called an old tiger or a past superman who lost his prime, the spectacle rendered the rumors of him being an inactive figure far-fetched.
However, regardless of that, there was something peculiar about Father only acting after reaching that point.
While I was aware of the First Elder’s position and necessity within the clan, it was exhausting to comprehend why Father refused to cut off the visibly rotting ties.
How long could someone tolerate such utter nonsense?
I couldn’t have done so.
I remembered the Water Dragon’s advice to endure three times.
That was my limit.
“…I greet the Young Master.”
Gu Sunmoon was somewhat distanced from the Gu Clan.
It wasn’t a long journey, but it was indeed a considerable distance for a branch family.
Standing at the gate of Gu Sunmoon, the martial artist guarding it greeted me.
He appeared to be a member of Gu Sunmoon.
“You know me?”
“How could I not recognize the Young Master?”
I wondered what I’d do if he didn’t know me.
Thankfully, considering my impactful image, it seemed unlikely he wouldn’t recognize me.
“Well, who else has a face as fierce as yours?”
While Elder Shin’s subtle jab at my appearance irked me, I chose not to engage this time.
“I came to meet the First Elder.”
“Ah, the Head is currently not receiving guests.”
“Guest, huh?”
That felt odd.
“I thought you just said you knew who I was.”
“That’s correct… you are the Young Mas—”
“Do I look like a guest to you?”
I noticed the guard’s lips quivering slightly in response to my words.
He seemed more annoyed than intimidated.
“It’s not that, but…”
“But what about the time?”
“It’s too late, and it would be better if you set up an appointment…”
Before I realized, my hand scratched my neck.
An inexplicable itch arose out of nowhere.
What even was this feeling?
“Oh.”
There was no need for long contemplation.
It was nothing but annoyance. No matter how hard I tried to think of a refined response, only one retort surfaced.
“How dare you treat your Master so disrespectfully?”
“Excuse me?”
I had already been struggling to manage my emotions today.
How could I stay composed when I returned home to find utter chaos?
To exaggerate, my home was in shambles.
“Do I seem like someone who cares about such circumstances?”
“That’s not—”
“Stop overthinking. Make it clear who you’re standing in front of.”
This part always puzzled me.
Gu Sunmoon was undeniably a branch family of the Gu Clan.
Yet, Father exerted effort to ensure they did not feel like a distant branch until now.
Was it because Gu Sunmoon was the Sword of the Gu Clan?
Or perhaps it was merely the virtues of the ancestors at play?
I, too, wouldn’t grant different treatment based on their status.
For time spent on such nonsense, I’d rather earn a meal.
However, to an extent, doing too little could cause complications.
I could see that clearly at present.
“Since you don’t treat a dog like a dog, it tries to rise above its station.”
“What do you—”
Before he could complete his sentence, the guard crumbled to the ground.
I casually tossed aside the fallen guard and opened the gate.
Creeeaaak…
With the gate’s creak, I sensed the presence of martial artists inside approaching me.
“Young Master?”
“Why is he…?”
Bewildered gazes greeted my unexpected entrance.
So I responded in a kind tone.
“Where is the First Elder? Just came to see him.”
It was repetitive of my initial query.
Upon hearing my question, the martial artists looked around nervously.
They fidgeted, unsure of how to navigate the predicament.
The glances exchanged between us spoke volumes.
“If you won’t tell me, I’ll just go find him myself.”
With that, I started to move.
Honestly, I didn’t even need to seek him out.
I had been here before.
The First Elder resided in the mansion at the highest level of Gu Sunmoon.
So all I had to do was head there.
However…
“Young Master.”
As expected, someone blocked my way.
This time, a man who appeared to be in his thirties stood before me; the aura surrounding him hinted he was a first-class martial artist.
“The First Elder currently—”
“He’s resting at this late hour, so you want me to return?”
“….”
“Yet if you’re running around willy-nilly, you seem pretty energ—”
A slight grimace crossed the man’s face at my comment, as if my words displeased him.
“Please mind your language. He is the Head of the branch clan.”
“And I’m the son of the clan! What? Did I say something wrong?”
“Even if you’re from the main bloodline…”
“Haha!”
I could hardly contain my laughter at his incredulous tone.
I really didn’t need to hear any more.
“That’s enough. I’m not here to play whatever game this is.”
I lightly nudged him aside and tried to walk past.
He attempted to seize me.
“You can’t just leave!”
BAM!
As he reached for my shoulder, with a heavy thud, he flew back.
THUD!
His massive form soared before hitting the ground, rolling a few times before finally stopping.
“Cough…!”
Once halted, he immediately doubled over and spat blood.
Clutching his stomach, he trembled from the shock.
I had barely exerted myself, really.
If that madman from Wudang had seen this, he’d have been shocked at how “understanding” I’d turned out to be.
I sauntered over to the man.
Step.
With every step, my body filled with Qi that concentrated in my dantian.
Fwoooosh.
As I approached him, flames erupted from my being.
The light red flames spiraled, transforming into a ring around me, accelerating madly.
Even a house pet can recognize its owner.
With each stride, the circle expanded a bit more.
The ring, now pronounced, devoured my Qi voraciously, growing larger while exuding heat.
“Those foolish pups know not what’s what and try to bare their teeth.”
The warmth enveloping the vicinity began to saturate the enormous space.
And if not, perhaps you fools don’t comprehend who stands before you.
I was aware of the raging mess in this house, but didn’t expect to find actual dogs.
“If it bothers you so much that I’m going… then…”
“Grah!”
“I won’t head directly to where my dear old man is.”
The light red embers twirled upwards, mingled with my Qi, as they gushed forth into the sky.
Soon, night fell over Gu Sunmoon.
“If I’m not the one going, I’ll make him come instead.”
With a mere gesture, the crimson sky shifted.
The martial artists were attempting to position themselves for combat, but it was already too late for that.
Slowly, with my hand lowered, the sky descended upon them.
THUD!
CRASH!
“Hmm?”
The teacup that was filled to the brim began to tremble.
In the silence that followed, vibrations and a brisk breeze hinted at the use of Qi.
“What is this…?”
The First Elder of the Gu Clan, the Blazing Rain Sword, Gu Changjun, stood up at once.
The Qi spilling from outside was overwhelmingly intimidating.
“Could it be—”
Clang!
The tremors sent the teacup skidding from the table, shattering into fragments, as the tea spilled liberally onto the floor.
Without a thought, Gu Changjun flung the door open and stepped out.
“…!”
As he emerged, he was assailed by heat that made his breath stagger, and a whirlwind of flames enveloping the area.
The light-red hue hinted that this was doubtlessly the flame art of the Gu Clan.
This was especially familiar to Gu Changjun, making it impossible not to notice.
“Who the hell is—!”
As he began to shout, his thoughts swiftly targeted the individual responsible.
Only one person within the Gu Clan could unleash such tremendous flames and crush the surroundings with Combat Qi.
“I could have sworn I was told he was out of the clan right now…”
The Tiger Warrior, Gu Cheolun.
A member among the top ten in Central Plains’ martial artists.
The Head of the Gu Clan.
The sole individual who could wield such flames was the Tiger Warrior.
That was the conclusion Gu Changjun reached.
Though the flames appeared somewhat weakened compared to the past, that was the solitary answer he could conjure.
“But why so suddenly?”
Gu Changjun contemplated why Gu Cheolun had stormed into the branch clan to wreak chaos.
“Was I discovered?”
Several theories crossed his mind, yet none seemed substantial enough to warrant Gu Cheolun himself directly intervening.
“Except for the fact that I gave information regarding Gu Huibi.”
Finishing his rumination, Gu Changjun hastened down the stairs towards the heart of the blazes.
When he arrived, the scene was one that resembled a hellscape.
Martial artists from Gu Sunmoon lay sprawled across the ground.
Those barely conscious trembled as if haunted by a most terrifying sight.
Seeing this pandemonium, Gu Changjun clenched his teeth.
“Did he strike when our main force was absent?”
Currently, the Lord and high-level martial artists from the Gu Clan were away.
The one who issued that order was none other than Gu Cheolun.
Although Gu Changjun had assigned a few martial artists to stay, it appeared they were powerless against Gu Cheolun, which was expected.
“Lord!”
Since this directly involved his own offspring, Gu Changjun anticipated Gu Cheolun wouldn’t act recklessly.
But realizing Gu Cheolun’s unexpected coldness left him stunned.
Fighting back the urge to grind his teeth, Gu Changjun ultimately drew his sword.
He couldn’t fathom why the Tiger Warrior had chosen to assault the place, but he couldn’t just stand there and do nothing.
“My Lord! What is this doing—”
As he readied to slice through the flames using his own Qi, Gu Changjun abruptly halted his words.
That’s because, as Gu Changjun revealed himself, the raging flames that surrounded the area began to retreat toward a single point.
From where the flames gathered, a human silhouette became visible.
Once all the flames were consumed, Gu Changjun’s jaw dropped to the floor.
The night returned once the flames dispersed.
And under the cloak of darkness, a boy with fiery red eyes stood, facing Gu Changjun.
“I’ve heard I resemble Father a lot, so now I’m torn between whether to feel pleased or annoyed about this misconception.”
He appeared to mirror the Tiger Warrior but was certainly not him.
“You—”
No, Gu Changjun would have preferred it to be the Tiger Warrior.
Because a useless child should not have been able to stand proud in such a guise.
“Long time no see, First Elder.”
The boy, whose dark hair had transformed into vibrant red, flashed a bright smile at Gu Changjun.
“What do you think of the gift?”
Contrasted by his cheerful face, his voice was chillingly cold.
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