“I heard that cousin Gu Heng gave Eighth Uncle a few thousand spiritual stones. That’s too stingy. As long as the Eighth Uncle supports me to the end, I’ll certainly prepare a most generous gift!” Gu Bei smiled. “I heard that Eighth Uncle has had difficulties in cultivation and needed a large amount of cultivation resources. If there’s anything I could possibly do to aid you, please speak!”
Gu Bai laughed. “What is nephew Gu Bei talking about? As your uncle, of course I wouldn’t shirk from your matters!”
“Good. With these words from Eighth Uncle, I’ll be relieved!” Gu Bei stood up. “I must head over the Ninth Uncle’s place. By your will, I’ll take my leave!”
“Very well. Take care!” Gu Bai stood up, saw Gu Bei all the way to the door, and watched as Gu Bei’s silhouette faded away. Then, he turned back, glimpsed into the cloth bag on the table, and murmured to himself, “I never imagined that Gu Bei could have such an imposing presence. Gu Heng, Gu Heng, it’s not that I don’t want to help you, but how could you possibly win against Gu Bei?”
Gu Teng stood beside Gu Bei and spoke softly in his ear. “Young Master, did Gu Bai listen to your request?”
“Gu Bai values benefits over relationships, a rat to the end. As long as I give him something, I refuse to believe he won’t follow!” Gu Bei smiled. All these years in the Gu Clan had given him a good grasp on the elders’ characters. “Gu Heng is vicious and cunning. ‘Birds of a feather flock together’; those elders that supported him aren’t good people, either. We’ll bring them down, one by one!”
Together, they went to another elder.
Gu Heng’s Courtyard
A servant hurried in. “Report! Gu Bei has just finished his visit to the Eighth Elder and is now heading towards the Ninth!”
Gu Heng snorted disdainfully, “Gu Bei thought he could gain their support just by paying them a visit? He’s too naive! Those elders have done business with me for over ten years, and I’ve been sending gifts every year. Gu Bei thought he could overturn that with just one visit? That’s impossible!”
Gu Heng paused for a brief moment, then ordered, “Continue watching Gu Bei!”
“Yes sir!” the servant nodded and backed down.
Within the Gu Clan, quiet shifts were in the works.
Most of the Gu Clan’s elders were neutral. They didn’t bother themselves with the affairs of daily life and instead chose to focus on cultivation. Those who stood firmly with Gu Heng were only few in number.