Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World

Chapter 204: Chapter 124: Internal Turmoil!

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 you’re not drunk. Why put on this act in front of us? The three of us haven’t 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 Jingang’s demeanor now was just of his own making—he 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 woman’s voice replied from outside:

”I’ll cook them myself!”

Gu Changming and Gu Dajiang both laughed and said:

”Looks like we’re in for a treat today. Yuhuan’s cooking is excellent, Jingang. You truly have a good fortune.”

A soft smile crept onto Gu Jingang’s 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, hadn’t looked down on him despite his humble origins as a farmer’s 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 Jingang’s dedication and diligence to the main family over the years was thanks to Gu Yuhuan.

”I’m 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 wasn’t 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 Changming’s expression turned serious as he reprimanded:

”Jingang, don’t 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 clan’s affairs. Even if there were disagreements between you, it was never personal. Don’t take it to heart.”

”The reason we’re here today is partly because of the Great Clan Elder. The current situation outside is unstable, and you’re the strongest fighter in Gu’s Manor. The manor needs your strength!”

Both Gu Changming and Gu Dajiang looked earnestly at Gu Jingang.

But Gu Jingang’s lips curved into a faint, sardonic smile.

”Weren’t the elders always confident that with Liu Yuanhu’s protection, Gu’s 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 Dajiang’s expression stiffened, his tone full of helplessness.

”Liu Yuanhu recently sent a message warning us to be cautious of Zhao Honglie’s ’if I perish, so does everything’ 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 Jingang’s attitude.

”Are you really so detached from the manor’s fate just because of the Great Clan Elder’s punishment? Yuhuan and the children are also part of Gu’s Manor!”

At the mention of his wife and children, Gu Jingang fell silent immediately.

Gu Changming’s 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:

”That’s right. The Great Clan Elder is always fair. Trust him. Over the years, he hasn’t 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 Dajiang’s turn to fall silent.

Gu Changming frowned and said with frustration:

”The elders have forbidden visits to Xiao Jiang. They’ve 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 elders’ punishment toward me. Xiao Jiang is the future and hope of Gu’s Manor. He merely spoke a few words for me—was that really necessary? In the end, it’s just the elders fearing their authority being undermined!”

”Watch your words!”

Gu Changming and Gu Dajiang’s 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 Jingang’s calm voice broke the silence:

”Starting tomorrow, I will resume my previous responsibilities. I won’t decline the manor’s guard and patrol duties. Gu’s Manor is where I grew up, and my wife and children are here. I won’t abandon it.”

Gu Changming and Gu Dajiang both lit up with joy and said:

”Good! It’s great that you’ve 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 Jingang’s face—a 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.