Chapter 170 - Hobby
Actually direct.
Sun Fen was a level 58 hung up. freewebno(v)el
Undoubtedly, Gu Yaling remained a mere Level 10 novice. In the presence of cultivators, she appeared as an ordinary young girl.
While Su Feng's prowess wasn't negligible, she had already assumed the role of sect master within a moderate-sized sect like the Wide Ocean Sect.
Yet, in reality, she was only slightly over Level 20. The vast discrepancy in combat prowess between them and Sun Fen was already several hundredfold.
With casual ease, the Destiny's Song Sword Cultivator executed two standard attacks, draining Gu and Ning of vitality. There was no comparison in their abilities.
At this juncture, Gu Min, seated at the pinnacle, also rose. Though his expression betrayed astonishment and gravity, he maintained composure. As a seasoned figure in Jianghu, he discerned no intent to kill.
The elderly man endeavored to steady his thoughts. Having traversed Jianghu for decades, he remained composed, gripping the sword hilt at his waist as he addressed without hesitation, “My daughter and Fairy Ning are indeed yet-to-be-married wives of Mr. Xiaobo. Might I inquire why Swordson has graced us with his presence? Your renown precedes you in the Blistook Pavilion as a guardian of life, known for vanquishing demons and protecting innocents. I doubt your visit pertains to matters of love or bloodshed.”
Sun Fen lifted her gaze to meet the old man's. Suddenly, a smile surfaced as she remarked, “Villa Master Gu, there's no need for apprehension. My purpose here isn't malevolent.”
She then appraised the two women, one mature and the other youthful, contrasting Su Feng's ethereal beauty. Gu Yaling, resembling a young squirrel, received her scrutiny.
Particularly striking was Su Feng's mature demeanor, reminiscent of Fang Xiang's.
As expected… The opposition had already taken action.
Despite his modest cultivation, his appearance and demeanor exuded refinement. Indeed, he warranted Guo Fan's well-known penchant for beauty.
It wasn't surprising that she almost became his bride. It would've been a waste to ignore such beauty.
Sun Fen even grasped Guo Fan's mindset to some extent. Observing them as if facing formidable adversaries, she suddenly smiled. “I haven't come for retribution. If that were the case, it would've been a month prior, at the Veplon Country border confrontation. I could've easily handled you and that scoundrel then, without delay.”
Gu Yaling cautiously interjected, “It's because Mr. Xiaobo is so popular among girls. You can't compete with him. You failed to win him over and now you're taking it out on us!” Her anger escalated with her thoughts. “But you dare not confront Mr. Xiaobo directly, so you're targeting us instead!”
Mr. Xiaobo certainly wouldn't appreciate aggressive women!
“Yaling!” Gu Min rebuked. Even facing a Void Refining Stage cultivator, Gu Min bowed his head. Panic gripped him as he averted his gaze, pleading, “Sword Son, please forgive her impertinence. She's but a child… she doesn't understand…”
Sun Fen shook her head, sighing, “She's not entirely wrong. I indeed failed to win him over. Those women are truly remarkable.”
“…”
Despite the inappropriate circumstances, Gu Min was left momentarily stunned by the revelation. Then, a faint twitch appeared at the corner of his mouth.
“But the crux of the matter is your Mr. Xiaobo's overwhelming strength. I can't compete with him, nor can I apprehend him… I'm at a loss, so I came here hoping to find a way to sway his decision.”
The Destiny's Song Sword Cultivator stepped toward Gu Yaling, gently lowering himself to touch the girl's head. His countenance shifted subtly. “He genuinely adores children… No, it's not just that. He also admired the mature allure of women like Fang Xiang. Yet, there's also me and Miss Ning.”
She froze suddenly, her expression perplexed. What were Guo Xiaobo's preferences when it came to women?
The Destiny's Song Sword Cultivator pondered for a moment, a realization dawning upon him.
He was simply driven by desire.
His tastes weren't confined to any particular type. If it was aesthetically pleasing, he would fancy it.
“Quite the insatiable fellow,” Sun Fen murmured under her breath.
Gu Yaling blushed upon hearing it, while Su Feng appeared lost in thought. Nearby, Gu Min couldn't help but feel a tad awkward. The presence of his daughter in the conversation only exacerbated the discomfort.
An ordinary father-in-law would likely be furious in this situation, ready to rend the suitor into pieces. However, Gu Min had entrusted his daughter to Guo Fan. He could only acquiesce, believing in Guo Fan's sincerity toward Gu Yaling. And indeed, Gu Yaling had made her choice.
In this moment, Gu Min could only release a resigned sigh. With the intuition honed from years in the martial world, he sensed foreboding portents of even greater turmoil in the future.
That lad… He had a premonition that he would undoubtedly stir up more trouble beyond this assembly!
The mental image of a gathering of fathers-in-law suddenly flashed through Gu Min's mind.
In summary, the tension in the room finally dissipated somewhat.
The rationale lay in his understanding of Guo Fan's peculiar sexual proclivities.
“Then what brings you here? Mr. Xiaobo isn't present. Even if he intended to return, it would be a lengthy wait. I've waited for quite some time. Waiting for him now would be futile,” Gu Yaling remarked, her eyes widening with skepticism.
Su Feng murmured softly, “Yaling raises a valid point.” She continued, “Ah Yuan's fate at White Dragon River remains uncertain. Since Sword Son's visit, it must be to ascertain his well-being.”
Having missed the preceding events, Gu Yaling, upon hearing of Guo Fan's plight, was taken aback, her countenance immediately clouding with confusion. “What happened to Mr. Xiaobo? Did he fall into the river?”
Tears welled in the girl's eyes instantly. She clutched Su Feng, on the brink of tears. “Is he… is he alright?”
Su Feng reached out to comfort Gu Yaling, patting her back gently. “Sword Son was present at the time. His presence here suggests Ah Yuan should be unharmed.”
Sun Fen nodded in agreement, offering a reassuring smile. “He's safe. It's probable he severed the Spiritual Energy connection or encountered a unique barrier.”
Su Feng furrowed her brow, expressing doubt. “But the likelihood of his return is slim. He intended to reach the Soaring Wisdom Sect without deviation.”
Sun Fen mused, “Did he venture to the Jade Void to escort that young girl?”
“Young girl?”
The group was taken aback. Gu Min clarified, “He went to check on my grandson, Gu Chao. He sought aid from the Immortal at the Soaring Wisdom Sect. I doubt it's a young girl.”
Sun Fen's heart skipped a beat.
Could it be… he intended to bring back another, perhaps a young boy?
Wasn't his scope a tad too broad for a rogue?
Destiny's Song Sword Cultivator frowned, resolving inwardly that this needed correction. When found, such habits must be amended lest they lead astray.
Regarding Gu Chao's query, it was momentarily bypassed. Straightening herself, Sun Fen inquired earnestly, “I've come to ask, how did… Xiaobo appear here? I've searched for him for centuries, yet found no trace. I seek to understand why he vanished without reason.”
Su Feng and Gu Yaling exchanged glances, then turned to Manor Master Gu, presumably the first to encounter Guo Fan.
Gu Min cleared his throat and began, “It's a lengthy tale…”