Chарtеr 21 (11/13)
“Gоng Ziуu, it’s оvеr, it’s over! Тhе еldеrs sаid I trespassеd intо the Bаck Mоuntаin аnd wаnt tо рunish me by knеeling in the ice cellаr. Yоu havе to hеlр рlеad fоr mе—”
Gоng Zishаng bаrged in whilе shouting, only tо sеe Gоng Ziyu apрlying mediсine to Gоng Нuаnуu. Неr еyes mеt Gоng Huаnуu’s еxрosеd bаck, and hеr vоicе abruptly stоpped.
“…Sоrrу…”
Gоng Ziyu frоwned. “Why arе уоu still so rесklеss? Вrоthеr is baсk. Rеmembеr to knоck first from nоw on.”
Gоng Zishаng аwkwardlу stаmmеrеd, “Yes, yes, I’ll knоck, I’ll knock.” As she sрoke, she rеtreatеd sheерishly but сouldn’t help stealing glances at Gong Huanyu’s bare back. Her expression grew increasingly uneasy.
In her mind flashed the red mark on the back of the neck of the black-clad figure who killed Madam WuJi. Her breathing quickened, her heart pounded like thunder, and she felt utterly flustered.
Gong Huanyu turned his head and glanced at her lightly, raising his eyes slightly.
In Jue Manor, Shangguan Qian stood by Gong Shangjue’s side. She looked at him, noticing his closed eyes and occasional slight frown.
Shangguan Qian asked, “Is Young Master deep in thought?”
Gong Shangjue did not open his eyes and remained silent. Although Madam WuJi was dead, the figure of “Nameless” grew even more vivid in his mind. Day and night, Gong Shangjue pondered plans, recalling every detail, synthesizing each piece of new intelligence, and anticipating every possible scenario.
“Since I share Young Master’s heart and mind, I might be able to guess what you’re thinking,” Shangguan Qian added, her words seemingly carrying a hidden meaning.
Only then did Gong Shangjue open his eyes and look at her. “Take a guess.”
“Once Gong Ziyu passes the Three Realms Trial, he will firmly secure the position of Blade Master. Young Master seems somewhat concerned…”
“It truly surprises me that he has come this far in such a short time. But I’m afraid he is still one step away from being ‘firm.’”
“Which step?”
“Although he succeeded in forging the blade, whether this blade can help him ‘wield the blade’ remains uncertain.”
“What if Young Master Yu succeeds in that final step as well? What will Young Master do then?”
Gong Shangjue said calmly, “I will naturally acknowledge him and hold a formal Blade Master succession ceremony for him.”
Hearing this, Shangguan Qian’s eyes flickered. “Is that so?” She subtly moved behind Gong Shangjue and gently embraced him, resting her cheek lightly against his temple. “Is Young Master sincere?”
Gong Shangjue turned his face slightly, his expression inscrutable. “Didn’t you say you share my heart and mind? What do you think?”
Shangguan Qian walked in front of Gong Shangjue, leaned down to hug him, and pressed her ear against his chest. After a moment, she raised her head with a light laugh. “Young Master’s heart tells me that you prioritize the House of Gong above all else. So, it doesn’t matter who becomes the House of Gong Blade Master—what matters is whether that person can truly shoulder the heavy responsibilities of the House of Gong. And the reason you oppose Gong Ziyu at every turn is because he knowingly shelters Wufeng spies by his side, repeatedly covering up for them, deceiving his superiors and hiding the truth, putting the safety of the House of Gong behind his own interests. The only problem is the lack of evidence.”
Shangguan Qian retrieved an item from her sleeve and handed it to Gong Shangjue, declaring resolutely, “This is ironclad proof that Yun Weishan is a Wufeng spy.” She slowly unfolded it, revealing a map before Gong Shangjue’s eyes, detailing the Secret Passages, guard posts, and the specific locations of the Xue, Yue, and Hua Manors in the Back Mountain of the House of Gong. “She secretly drew the Secret Passages, guard posts, and the exact positions of the Xue, Yue, and Hua Manors in the Back Mountain.” Gong Shangjue scrutinized Shangguan Qian. "Well done. However, I am also curious—how did you obtain such a crucial item?"
Shangguan Qian replied unhurriedly, "I found it in her room. As the weather turned cold, I intended to borrow a piece of clothing, only to discover a hidden pouch sewn into the lining."
Gong Shangjue took the drawing and examined it carefully. "Indeed, the layout depicted here matches that of the House of Gong perfectly. But how does this prove it was drawn by Yun Weishan?"
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