Gu Zhan wasn’t surprised that the Liu Family would flee with their entire branch. After all, back then, the Liu Family branch almost managed to help Mo Yan’an seize power; in Beidou Bang, their branch’s power was definitely among the top.

In such a faction, there are bound to be decisive people—abandoning their foundation to survive is the best choice.

What did surprise Gu Zhan, though, was that the Lu Yuan Dao Danyang Sect would risk offending Beidou Bang to shelter the Liu Family branch.

Since he was now in Yunxi, Gu Zhan naturally understood the martial influences of Yunxi Land fairly well.

Yunxi is divided into eight Daos in total,

among which the five top-tier influences occupy one Dao each. Of the remaining three, one is called Lu Yuan Dao, bordering Canglan Dao, and Danyang Sect is one of the strongest martial influences in Lu Yuan Dao.

However, all along, Danyang Sect and Beidou Bang had kept to their own affairs. The fact that they’ve now suddenly taken in the Liu Family branch is a clear sign of intentionally breaking that balance.

Yun Wei had also noticed Gu Zhan’s confusion and explained: "You may not know this, but although Danyang Sect and Beidou Bang have always kept up appearances on the surface, in reality, forty years ago, Beidou Bang and Danyang Sect once clashed.

Back then, the Dragon King broke through to Supreme Grandmaster, and overnight, Beidou Bang became dominant in Canglan Dao, sweeping away all major forces with overwhelming might. Two of the super first-class influences, forced by circumstances, fled to Lu Yuan Dao.

After entering Lu Yuan Dao, those two super first-class influences pledged loyalty to Danyang Sect. At that time, the previous Sect Leader of Danyang was an ambitious man—he used the excuse of seeking justice for those two to come meddle in Canglan Dao, but after a battle with the Dragon King at Guanfeng Pass, he was severely injured and died soon after returning.

The Dragon King originally intended to take advantage and invade Lu Yuan Dao directly, but since their expansion was too rapid and unstable, and additional top influences got involved and blocked the move, in the end nothing came of it. Afterwards, the Astronomical Bureau wanted to seize control of Yunxi, so all sides in Yunxi had to put grudges aside and join forces, eventually signing the Cyan Gorge Covenant. Since then, the super first-class and top influences in Yunxi Land have held an unspoken agreement—not to launch internal attacks, lest the Court take advantage amidst internal strife."

After hearing this, Gu Zhan understood. He said, "So Danyang Sect and Beidou Bang only pretend to get along on the surface."

"That’s right," Yun Wei said. "Never mind that the last Danyang Sect Leader was essentially killed by the Dragon King—just look at those two super first-class noble families who fled from Canglan Dao to Danyang. Over these decades, their standing in Danyang has only grown, and now they form the largest faction within Danyang Sect. I bet they think of revenge for being driven out every single day."

Gu Zhan nodded and said, "So the enemy of my enemy is my friend. Danyang doesn’t mind pulling in anyone who has a grudge against Beidou Bang."

Yun Wei took a sip of tea and said, "What’s more, even though the Liu Family branch got crushed by you, all those various noble families put together are still a force to be reckoned with. For Danyang Sect, there’s no downside. So do you understand why I’m telling you this?"

Gu Zhan set down his teacup and said, "I get it, Cloud Protector, don’t worry. During the Demon-Path War, if I run into people from Danyang Sect, I’ll make sure to find a way to kill them. Once my abilities are strong enough, I’ll pay them a visit and turn Danyang into a river of blood!"

Yun Wei nearly spewed out his tea, his mouth twitching hard as he stared dumbfounded and said, "No, Gu Zhan, what I mean is that during the Demon-Path War, you need to be careful—they might try some dirty tricks!"

"Mm, I understand."

Gu Zhan nodded with utmost seriousness and said, "Don’t worry, I’ll absolutely never give them a chance for dirty tricks—I’ll just kill them outright."

Yun Wei: "??"

Did you fucking listen to a single thing I said or not?

Gu Zhan glanced suspiciously at Yun Wei and asked, "Cloud Protector, is there anything else you need to tell me?"

Yun Wei’s mouth twitched. "N-nothing. Just be careful and go prepare. You can set off for Great Desert City tomorrow. Of course, now Great Desert City is nothing like usual—with the Demon-Path War coming, experts from all the major sects are converging. Do try to keep a lower profile, if you can."

Gu Zhan nodded, clasped his hands, and said, "Thank you for the saber, Cloud Protector. This is a fine blade—should be perfect for chopping down people. Anyway, let’s not chat; I’d better go get ready!"

With that, he hugged the Jade Bone Saber and left.

Yun Wei looked at Gu Zhan’s back, gave an awkward laugh, and said, "I get the feeling he didn’t listen to a damn word I said."

All along, Yun Huai had been quietly waiting on the side. Now he spoke up: "Not only that, he looked like he can’t wait for Danyang Sect to mess with him. Dad, is killing people addicting?"

Yun Wei: "..."

Maybe...perhaps...it is!

...

City Lord’s Mansion.

As soon as Gu Zhan stepped inside, Mo Beiyan ran up, shouting, "Brother Gu, you’re finally out! Man, you have no idea how much I missed you all this time!"

Gu Zhan reached out and pressed down on Mo Beiyan’s head. "You shouldn’t act this excited around a guy."

Mo Beiyan sighed. "But I don’t dare act excited around girls! You have no idea—in the few days you were gone, the Mo Family elders arranged several marriage matches for me. All from major noble families in Canglan Dao. My love is gone, Brother Gu, do you know? My pure love is gone. I’ve become a sacrificial lamb for family alliances."

Gu Zhan narrowed his eyes. "Those young ladies must all be pretty good-looking, right?"

"They’re all famous local beauties," said Mo Beiyan, puzzled. "How did you know?"

Gu Zhan rolled his eyes. "While you keep going on about lost love, that lecherous grin on your face has already betrayed you. Clearly, those girls are so pretty you’re already happy to throw pure love aside."

"That’s not it at all," Mo Beiyan insisted. "I just met too much love all at once. It’s not unique or pure anymore, that’s all. But they’re all my love! Each one is love at first sight!"

Gu Zhan: "..."

"Hehe," Mo Beiyan grinned, hooking his arm around Gu Zhan’s shoulder. "Y’know, Brother Gu, back then I tried to get you to marry Ninth Sister so you’d be my brother-in-law, but it didn’t work. Now I’ve ended up as your brother-in-law—my official fiancée is the eldest miss of the Pingyang Gu Family. In terms of seniority, she’s your cousin."

Gu Zhan just sneered.

"Fine, fine, I know you never rejoined the Gu Family, so I don’t get to cash in on that connection," Mo Beiyan chuckled. "But lately, all these noble family types have been asking about you, trying to see if they can marry into your family instead. Honestly, you’re even more in demand than me. Interested?"

Gu Zhan waved him off. "I don’t like being tied down."

Mo Beiyan tutted, "Even if you don’t get officially married, plenty of families would be happy to send their young ladies as maids to you. No way you lose out."

Gu Zhan raised his eyebrows. "Not interested for now. I’m heading to Great Desert City for the Demon-Path War tomorrow. Let’s talk about all this after I get back."

"Leaving tomorrow? That’s sudden," Mo Beiyan exclaimed.

Gu Zhan shook his head. "It’s already been delayed too long. I’m just at the City Lord’s Mansion to let you know. I’ll be heading to Thousand Lights Town next to gather the men."

Mo Beiyan frowned. "I can’t go with you this time. You know what things are like in Canglan City these days."

Gu Zhan patted Mo Beiyan’s shoulder. "Focus on becoming the Patriarch of the Mo Family like you’re supposed to. After the Demon-Path War, the Grandmaster your father has been secretly training will probably show up. When that happens, the Mo Family will be the only super first-class noble in Canglan Dao. You’ll have a lot on your shoulders."

Mo Beiyan smiled, "What am I afraid of? I’ve got you looking out for me. I heard from Cloud Protector Yun that you might be the second or third Gang Leader of Beidou Bang someday. With you backing me up, I should be set for easy gains all my life."

Right then,

from the big courtyard behind them, several Mo Family elders escorted a group of people out,

all high-ranking members of various families—most of whom Gu Zhan recognized, though he could only name the Gu Family Patriarch, Gu Fengwei,

This group had probably come to discuss family business with the Mo Family.

When they saw Gu Zhan and Mo Beiyan, they all came over and paid their respects.

Gu Zhan responded politely as well.

But when he reached Gu Fengwei, Gu Zhan asked, "Are the Embroidered Uniform Guard arrangements all set?"

Gu Fengwei hurried to reply, "Everything is ready. They’re all waiting for you in Thousand Lights Town—mainly Gu Mo and Tian Yu are leading, and there are also the two Hall Masters from the Kaiyang Sub-Branch."

"Good."

Gu Zhan nodded. Back in Pingyang Prefecture, he’d arranged for Gu Mo to become a Hall Master at the Kaiyang Sub-Branch. Later, leading the Embroidered Uniform Guard to Canglan City, he’d chosen three Dao Realm Hall Masters led by Gu Mo to follow him.

After visiting the Inheritance Pavilion recently, he also sent Tian Yu to wait for him in Thousand Lights Town.

After making arrangements with Mo Beiyan,

Gu Zhan turned and left right away.

As they watched Gu Zhan leave,

the various family members quietly glanced at Gu Fengwei, their eyes full of complex emotions, but mostly envy.

By rights, any one of them was stronger than Pingyang Gu Family. Yet now, with this marriage alliance to the Mo Family, Mo Beiyan’s official wife had been chosen from the Gu Family.

Everyone knew the reason why.

Just because of Gu Zhan—even though he hadn’t formally returned to the family, still, the Gu Family had openly pledged loyalty to him and become his vassal influence.

Just these two connections,

led the Mo Family elders to decide, after a lot of deliberation, that their official bride would be from the Pingyang Gu Family.

Seeing everyone’s looks, Gu Fengwei smiled slightly,

These days, he grew more and more glad of the Gu Family’s choice. From dominating Pingyang Prefecture, to now being the hottest noble in Canglan Dao—it took just a few months,

all thanks to a single decision,

Sometimes, he couldn’t help but sigh—

Life is unpredictable, fate is strange.

He’d thought he would never live to see the Gu Family rise to the peak again,

but now, it wouldn’t be long at all!