After passing through the mountain gates, the wild beast continued to rush ahead ceaselessly.
On its back, Gu Qi was watching the surroundings. He looked at the countless mountain ranges and park forests, the boundless plains and fertile lands, the innumerable spirit medicines that wafted with perfumes and fragrances, the multitude of wild beasts that roamed unhindered and untamed… He had truly never seen such spectacles before.
For this world, which was filled with such marvels, it was no wonder that his silly son and Gongyi Tianheng wanted to return with single-minded determination. They definitely wouldn’t be moved by that world’s modernized way of life.
Also, even though there were many pleasures in the modern world, in terms of people’s basic needs or the beautiful scenery of that world, nothing could compare to this world’s myriad changes and grand majesty!
Moreover, the size of this world exceeded Gu Qi’s imagination.
Originally, he believed that they would quickly arrive at Tianheng’s manor after the wild beast passed through Ten Ultimates Sect’s mountain gates. He didn’t expect that it wouldn’t be like that at all. To his surprise, even though that wild beast was charging ahead faster than high-speed railcars, it still kept running for most of the day. After traversing numerous territories and bases of operations, they still hadn’t reached their destination.
Gu Qi made a rough estimate. Just based on the travelled distance, they would’ve been able to pass through several provinces. The area of the entire Ten Ultimates Sect might’ve been comparable to that of a large nation.
Unexpectedly, such a vast region was only a sect…
When the wild beast finally stopped in front of an enormous manor and its surrounding lands, Gu Qi was even more speechless.
Gazing far into the distance from his elevated position, he wasn’t able to see the boundaries of this manor. Listening to his son again, it seemed that the range of this occupied land was five hundred kilometers? What the hell was the meaning of five hundred kilometers? It meant that not even a providence could beat it…
— And to have this terrifyingly-large manor?
It was truly an eye-opening experience.
The instant Tianheng appeared, a few figures flashed out with the sound of rustling robes. They kneeled on the ground: “These subordinates greet the young master! We welcome the young master’s return!”
Tianheng stood with his hands clasped behind his back. With a slow voice, he said: “Stand up.”
Very quickly, the manor’s gates opened wide, and several slender and elegant young women guided a couple of smaller-sized wild horses that had fierce appearances. The bodies of these wild horses were covered in scales as black as ink. With ox-like heads and tiger-like tails, these creatures were rather strange.
However, this species of wild horse was capable of traveling thousands of kilometers in a single day. Not only was the speed incredibly swift, the ride was also smooth and steady. It was the most suitable means of transportation within the manor grounds — On the contrary, the wild beast that carried back Tianheng and the others wasn’t that appropriate.
Once Tianheng brought Gu Qi and Zhao Ji down, he turned his head and asked: “Uncle Gu, Uncle Zhao. Can you two ride horses?”
Gu Qi smiled and said: “We’ve tried horseback riding before, but we might be out of practice.”
Tianheng also gave a smile: “There’s no harm. These two uncles can give it another try. If you guys can’t do it for the time being, it won’t be too late to switch to other methods.”
Gu Qi walked to the front of the horse, and hesitatingly reached out to feel that horse’s scales.
At the touch of his hand, the scales were sleek, but the horse’s fur was glossy and smooth. The creature’s imposing aura was out of the ordinary. Sure enough, it was a fine steed. If it was in the modern world, this kind of horse could be sold for sky-high prices. But in this world, it was only a means of transportation that Tianheng used within the manor grounds.
In the modern world, there wasn’t a man who didn’t like a good car. Similarly, there wasn’t a man in ancient times who didn’t like a good horse.
Right now, it was no different for Gu Qi than in ancient times. He had been trapped in that apartment for so many years. In his heart, the wild nature of a man had slightly awakened. Seeing this good horse, it was even more impossible not to like it.
Hence, without any more hesitation, Gu Qi used one hand to brace himself to get onto the horse’s body. He swiftly turned over, and seated himself upon the horse.
Originally, Zhao Ji should’ve gotten onto the other horse, but he didn’t do anything like that. Instead, he followed closely behind Gu Qi, and similarly turned over, and straddled the horse right behind Gu Qi. Then, Zhao Ji’s arms gathered around his waist.
As it turned out, Zhao Ji wasn’t willing to separate even when it came to riding horses.
And yet, the movements of the two were perfectly coordinated, and their bodies were steady.
Upon seeing this, Gu Zuo clapped his hands: “Dad and father’s horsemanship is pretty good.”
Gu Qi was in high spirits, too.
His silly son was suspected of flattery, but with regards to this old man who could ride such a fine steed, this flattery was quite pleasing.
He urged this wild horse forward a few steps. The wild horse did what it was told, which made him even happier.
Shortly thereafter, Tianheng and Gu Zuo got on their horses as well.
Gu Zuo said: “Dad, father. We’re going up the mountain.”
Gu Qi gave a clear and bright smile: “Son, lead the way!”
Subsequently, the three urged their horses and moved out.
Tianheng opened up the path ahead, while Gu Zuo and Gu Qi followed right behind. The group quickly passed through the dense forest, and were met with that mountain peak, which was three hundred meters tall.
Gu Qi lifted his head: “Son, you live on the top with Tianheng?”
Along the way, he saw quite a few large courtyards. And these large courtyards were surrounded by numerous medium and small-sized courtyards. The interiors appeared to be filled with people.
These people were obviously members of the manor — Could it be that they were all subordinates of his son and adoptive brother?
Gu Zuo replied: “That’s right. Big brother and I live on the summit. The main hall where people discuss official business is halfway up the mountain… In short, apart from big brother and I, basically no one else is allowed to go higher.”
In other words, this was a world for two?
Gu Qi asked: “Son, are you happy living at the top of the mountain?”
Gu Zuo said: “Big brother likes his peace and quiet.”
Gu Qi nodded his head.
As far as he knew, his silly son and adoptive brother started dating in the modern world. In other words, this situation never happened previously. His adoptive brother created a two-person world before he did anything… Tianheng really planned ahead.
Of course, it was also possible that Gu Qi was overthinking things.
Without realizing it, the group was already ascending the mountain.
As Gu Zuo’s parents, Gu Qi and Zhao Ji naturally weren’t like Tianheng’s subordinates, who needed to abide by the prohibition that no one could go to the summit unless there were special circumstances.
The meeting hall, which was halfway up the mountain, was incredibly grand and imposing, and caused Gu Qi to take measure of it. After they reached the summit, the environment became beautiful and secluded, and the atmosphere was peaceful and quiet. It gave one a different kind of impression.
Gu Zuo pointed at the building in front of them, and said: “Dad, this is the place where big brother and I live. It’s almost exactly the same as our villa in the Cangyun Empire. It has a close and familiar feeling.”
Gu Qi became more and more certain. Tianheng had planned to whisk his foolish son away long ago.
But after giving it a second thought, there had been many twists and turns in the heart of Xiao Zuo’s adoptive brother. Perhaps, these twists and turns were used to whisk away his silly son instead. Certainly, enough thought was put into it.
Only someone with an ambitious heart would put in this much consideration.
At this time, Tianheng said: “Uncle Gu, Uncle Zhao. In the future, where would you two be willing to stay? It’s fine whether you choose this place or anywhere else within the manor.”
Gu Qi hesitated somewhat.
Zhao Ji suddenly opened his mouth: “Somewhere else. Can’t stay here.”
Gu Qi slightly pondered. He nodded, and said: “Yes, what Ah Ji’s says is right. We had better live somewhere else. Isn’t this summit considered off-limits? We just got here, and it isn’t good to break the prohibition like this.”
Tianheng’s expression was calm and composed. His words seemed to give the impression that everything was under control: “These two uncles just have to do as they please. You don’t have to worry about others.”
Gu Zuo also mentioned: “Yes, dad. With big brother around, there definitely won’t be any problems.”
Though, Gu Qi already had a clear understanding: “No need. Let’s do it like this. Son, although your father and I don’t have much skill, we have to strive ahead on our own. Otherwise, while we have integrity, if we’re always under the protection of you two, not only will we have no way to truly enjoy what this world can offer, we’ll also end up dragging you guys down. This is, by no means, a good thing.”
What’s more, his son and that adoptive brother hadn’t been dating for long. What kind of third wheels were these two old things doing over here? It was better to hurriedly move somewhere else so that this young couple could cultivate more feelings for each other.
To say nothing else, after being separated from Zhao Ji for such a long time, Gu Qi still had some understanding in his heart.
For example, when a person was with their beloved, one would do their best to grow closer to the other. Even if a man wanted to have his own career, a loved one was also indispensable. He just hoped that Gu Zuo wouldn’t turn out to be like him. When he was young, he always felt that he needed to work hard for long hours. And with a moment of carelessness, he almost missed the chance of a lifetime.
Actually, Gu Zuo also felt that what his family’s dad said made sense. It was just that he thought this matter didn’t need to be rushed. At the very least, he needed to give his parents a good foundation first. Wouldn’t he feel reassured once all the necessary resources were given to them?
As a result, he simply said: “Dad, I naturally respect your decision, but it’s better to stay here for a period of time. We need to wait until you guys adapt to this world. After that, we can consider other options.”
Tianheng also said: “Ah Zuo’s words are reasonable. These two uncles should stay here a few more days.”
The two were urged to stay, and Gu Qi no longer insisted.
After all, Gu Zuo and Tianheng’s words were justified. There was a lot of general information that they didn’t understand, and they didn’t have a bit of foundation in the path of martial arts. Right now, if they went to live somewhere else, it wouldn’t be self-tempering. Rather, they would be sending themselves to their deaths.
Thus, Gu Qi accepted: “In that case, we’ll just stay here for a short while.”
Gu Zuo’s heart loosened: “Dad, you can rest assured. I’ll get you guys to adapt to this world as soon as possible.”
After speaking about some things like this, Tianheng arranged a room for the two. At the same time, many figures flashed over. They should’ve been the battle slaves who accompanied the two.
Under Tianheng’s summons, they rushed over one after another. In addition, there had been numerous subordinates who raised their heads, and eagerly waited for news about their young master.
Tianheng swiftly ordered the battle slaves to gather the leaders of numerous subordinate forces and the racial groups of servile races, and to rendezvous inside the meeting hall. He also instructed someone to report the news of his return to his master. When a battle slave came by to inform him that most of the people had arrived, he brought Gu Zuo, Gu Qi, and Zhao Ji to this hall.
After being away for so long, there were many matters that he wanted to clarify.
T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.
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