The red sun was setting in the west, though it hadn't completely disappeared yet.
The sky still held some light, but everything seemed to be covered in a layer of gray. Looking out through the window, the distant mountains were gradually merging into a heavy blackness.
The light in the living room was dim. Uncle-in-law and Aunt-in-law sat in the main seats, their faces shrouded in shadow, making it hard to see their expressions clearly.
Seeing the two jars of wine Fang Yuan brought with him, Uncle-in-law Gu Yue Dong Tu furrowed his brows and said, "Time flies, you are both already fifteen. It's surprising that you both have Gu Master aptitude, especially Fang Zheng. Your aunt and I are proud of you. I'm giving each of you six Primordial Stones. You brothers take them. Refining Gu Insects consumes a lot of True Essence, and you'll need these stones."
As he spoke, a servant came over and handed each of the brothers a small pouch.
Fang Yuan took the pouch silently.
Fang Zheng immediately opened his pouch to find six oval gray-white Primordial Stones inside. His face instantly showed gratitude, and he stood up from his seat to bow to his uncle and aunt, saying, "Thank you, Uncle and Aunt. I really need these stones to replenish my True Essence. I will always remember your kindness in raising me, never to forget it!"
Uncle-in-law nodded with a smile.
Aunt-in-law quickly waved her hand, speaking gently to Fang Zheng, "Sit down, sit down. Although you brothers are not our biological children, we've always raised you as our own. We're proud of your achievements. Alas, we have no children of our own, and sometimes we wish you could truly be our sons."
These words carried a deep meaning that Fang Zheng didn't catch, but Fang Yuan slightly frowned.
Sure enough, Uncle-in-law continued, "Your aunt and I have discussed it and would like to adopt you into our family, to become a real family. Fang Zheng, would you be willing?"
Fang Zheng was momentarily stunned, but soon his face lit up with joy, and he agreed immediately, "Honestly, ever since my parents died, I've longed for a united family. To become a family with you, Uncle and Aunt, would be wonderful!"
Aunt-in-law relaxed and smiled, "Then you're our good son now. Should you still call us Uncle and Aunt?"
"Father, Mother," Fang Zheng realized and quickly corrected himself.
Uncle-in-law and Aunt-in-law both laughed heartily.
"Good son, it wasn't in vain that we've raised you since you were five. We've raised you for a whole ten years," Aunt-in-law said, wiping away tears.
Uncle-in-law looked at the silent Fang Yuan and spoke warmly, "Fang Yuan, what about your intentions?"
Fang Yuan shook his head without speaking.
"Brother," Gu Yue Fang Zheng wanted to persuade him, but Uncle-in-law stopped him.
Uncle-in-law's tone remained unchanged as he continued, "Since that's the case, Fang Yuan, we won't force you. But you're already fifteen, and it's time to establish your own household, which will also make it easier for you to inherit your family's branch. I've prepared two hundred Primordial Stones for you as support."
"Two hundred Primordial Stones!" Fang Zheng's eyes widened. He had never seen so many Primordial Stones before and couldn't help but show a look of envy.
But Fang Yuan still shook his head.
Fang Zheng was puzzled, while Uncle-in-law's expression changed slightly, and Aunt-in-law's face darkened.
"Uncle, Aunt, if there's nothing else, I'll take my leave," Fang Yuan said, not giving them a chance to speak further. He picked up the wine jars and left the hall.
Fang Zheng stood up, "Father, Mother, Brother is just confused for the moment. Let me try to persuade him?"
Uncle-in-law waved his hand and sighed deliberately, "Ah, this can't be forced. Your intentions are enough to make me happy. Someone, take Young Master Fang Zheng to his room and make sure he's settled in well."
"Then I'll take my leave," Fang Zheng said, leaving the hall, which fell into silence.
The sun had completely set, and the living room grew darker.
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After a while, Uncle-in-law's cold voice came from the shadows, "It seems Fang Yuan, that little brat, has seen through our plans."
The Gu Yue Clan's rules clearly state that the eldest son at sixteen has the right to inherit the family estate.
Fang Yuan's parents had passed away, leaving behind a considerable inheritance, which was "kept" by Uncle-in-law and Aunt-in-law.
The value of this inheritance was far more than a mere two hundred Primordial Stones.
If Fang Yuan were to be adopted like Fang Zheng, he would have no right to inherit it. If Fang Yuan established his own household at fifteen, it wouldn't comply with the clan's inheritance rules.
"Fortunately, we've won over Fang Zheng, and Fang Yuan only has Grade C aptitude," Uncle-in-law sighed again, feeling immensely relieved.
"Then, Master, since Fang Yuan is clearly planning to establish his own household at sixteen, what should we do?" Aunt-in-law asked urgently, thinking of the inheritance.
"Hmph, since he harbors ill intentions, we can't be blamed. As long as we catch him making a big mistake before he establishes his own household, we can expel him and strip him of his inheritance rights," Uncle-in-law said coldly.
"But that little brat Fang Yuan is so clever. How could he make a mistake?" Aunt-in-law was puzzled.
Uncle-in-law rolled his eyes and scolded in a low voice, "You're really stupid! If he won't make a mistake, can't we frame him? Let Chen Cui seduce Fang Yuan first, then scream harassment. We'll catch him red-handed and accuse him of being a drunken, depraved maniac. Won't that be enough to expel him?"
"Master, you always have a way. Brilliant plan!" Aunt-in-law was overjoyed.
The dense night descended, and the stars in the sky were mostly obscured by drifting clouds. Lights gradually lit up in the stronghold's households.
Gu Yue Fang Zheng was led into a room.
"Young Master Fang Zheng, this is the room Master personally instructed me to prepare for you," Chen Mama introduced eagerly, bowing with a fawning smile.
Fang Zheng looked around, his eyes shining. This room was twice as large as his previous one, with a spacious bed in the center, a sandalwood desk by the window with exquisite writing tools, and beautiful decorations on the walls. Even the floor wasn't ordinary; it was covered with a soft handmade carpet.
Fang Zheng had never lived in such a room before. He nodded repeatedly, "This is great, really nice. Thank you, Chen Mama."
Chen Mama was Aunt-in-law's most trusted person, managing the household servants, a true housekeeper.
Fang Yuan's personal maid, Chen Cui, was her daughter.
Chen Mama chuckled, "How could I dare accept your thanks, Young Master? It's my duty! You just eat and sleep well. If you need anything, just ring the bell by your bed, and a servant will come to serve you. Master instructed that during these days, you should focus solely on your cultivation, and leave all other trivial matters to us servants."
Fang Zheng felt another wave of gratitude and silently resolved in his heart: This time, I must take first place and not disappoint Uncle and Aunt!
***
The clouds in the sky grew heavier, deepening the night. The stars in the night sky were almost completely obscured, leaving only a few struggling to shine weakly.
"Uncle and Aunt are probably plotting how to expel me from the family. In my previous life, they secretly incited servants to provoke me, framed me, and finally expelled me. I wonder what changes there will be in this life," Fang Yuan thought as he walked down the street, a cold smile on his face.
He had long seen through the true nature of his uncle and aunt.
But he could understand.
People die for wealth, birds die for food. Whether on Earth or in this world, there are always people who trample on family, friendship, and love for the sake of profit.
In fact, there was no real family bond. Uncle and Aunt's initial adoption of Fang Yuan and Fang Zheng was purely for the inheritance. But the two brothers frequently surprised them.
"Starting is always the hardest part, especially for me. I have neither exceptional aptitude nor a mentor's guidance, essentially starting from scratch. My parents' inheritance is a significant stepping stone for me. In my previous life, the inheritance was taken by Uncle and Aunt, causing me to waste two years reaching the peak of the first rank. This time, I can't make the same mistake."
Fang Yuan walked and thought.
He wasn't staying at his residence but was heading towards the stronghold's exit with two jars of wine.
The night sky grew darker, with clouds blocking the starlight. The mountain wind blew, growing stronger.
A storm was brewing.
But exploration was necessary. Reclaiming his parents' inheritance would have to wait until he turned sixteen next year. The Wine-loving Wanderer's Hidden Legacy was something he could potentially obtain soon.
Few people were on the street. Dim light shone from the houses, and bits of household trash and leaves were blown around by the wind.
Fang Yuan's thin clothing couldn't keep out the mountain wind, and he felt a chill.
He opened one of the wine jars and took a small sip. Though it was turbid wine, it warmed him as it went down.
It was the first time he'd truly drunk in days.
The closer he got to the stronghold's exit, the sparser the houses became, and the dimmer the lights.
Ahead, darkness loomed. The wind pressed against the mountain forest, and in the night, the branches swayed and rustled like a pack of beasts roaring.
Fang Yuan's steps didn't hesitate as he left the stronghold's gate, walking further into the dark path.
Behind him was the bright, vibrant glow of countless household lights.
***
In that glow was a warm corner.
His younger brother, Gu Yue Fang Zheng, sat at his desk, reviewing his class notes. The room was brightly lit, with sturdy walls blocking the cold wind. A cup of warm ginseng tea sat by his hand, steam rising gently.
"Young Master Fang Zheng, the hot water for your bath is ready," Chen Cui's voice came softly from outside the door.
Fang Zheng's heart stirred, "Then bring it in."
Chen Cui entered the room, swaying her hips with a seductive smile.
"Greetings, Young Master Fang Zheng," she said, looking at him with eyes full of allure. Fang Yuan might only have Grade C aptitude, but Fang Zheng had Grade A. Getting close to him would be true wealth and prosperity!
Proofreader & Editor: Peter Pan