Chapter Seventy-Six: Liujiang County

Gu Zhiheng arrived a little after two in the afternoon, just when the heat was at its peak. The moment he stepped off the vehicle, a wave of hot air surged toward him. The place was rather remote, surrounded by hills and barren mountains. Though it was called a county town, there were scarcely any people on the streets. The words “impoverished and desolate” might as well have been emblazoned across the main road. He wandered for quite a while before finally locating a place to stay—a shabby, three-story inn, barely adequate for lodging. Still, it had one merit: the appliances were all in order, making it a tolerable residence.

Having managed to live in the dilapidated ancestral shrine for twenty-three years, Gu Zhiheng wasn’t picky about his surroundings; so long as it kept out the wind and rain, it was enough. He’d heard that the locals weren’t particularly hospitable and harbored a certain resistance toward outsiders; thus, he resolved not to venture out during the day. After all, they didn’t welcome his kind—why go looking for trouble? If he stumbled upon useful clues, it would be one thing, but if complications arose, he couldn’t be bothered to deal with them; his temper had grown rather irritable these days. Should he encounter someone unreasonable, there was a real chance he’d end up in a scuffle—and if he went too far, what then?

So, it would be best to wait until nightfall, when the streets emptied, before venturing out. He’d heard tales of various local customs and traditions; he must respect them and act with restraint. Glancing at the time on his phone, Gu Zhiheng decided he wouldn’t rest tonight—he’d simply head out and see for himself. He always acted as he thought; after packing his things and donning an extra layer, he went straight out.

Tonight’s moon was full and round, and under its light everything was startlingly clear. The town was intriguing: by day, its streets were nearly deserted, its atmosphere bleak. But at night, it was transformed, bustling with crowds and vibrant activity. Looking around, he saw all manner of spirits and monsters—what a spectacle, almost reminiscent of a grand festival. Yet, it was all mere illusion.

Some illusionist had conjured this unprecedented scene, though Gu Zhiheng couldn’t say who. But it was wasted effort; before him, these tricks were nothing more than child’s play—showy but without substance.

Gu Zhiheng lifted his hand and gently tapped his fingertip against the illusion before him. With a soft crashing sound, everything settled into silence.

"Sir, what is the meaning of this? Why have you destroyed my illusion?" The man was refined and elegant—a handsome figure, indeed. He wore a traditional long robe, fitted and crisp, highlighting his upright posture. His silver hair was gathered with a bamboo pin, and his every movement radiated extraordinary grace.

"Hmm? Not an illusionist, but a moth spirit!" Gu Zhiheng was momentarily startled, but quickly regained his composure. Of course, such a figure, as if plucked from a painting, could hardly be human.

"And you are?" Gu Zhiheng had no idea who this was; he didn’t recall seeing him in the records. So, this suddenly appearing, powerful figure—what was his purpose? He seemed friendly enough, yet his demeanor hinted at someone difficult to approach.

"Master Gu, I am Liu E, an old acquaintance of the Gu family," the man replied, clasping his fists in salute, his gaze fixed on Gu Zhiheng.

Hearing the word "acquaintance," Gu Zhiheng suddenly remembered Arli seeking him out, mentioning there was an old friend involved. He hadn’t paid much attention, not knowing who it might be—but could it truly be this man before him? Like a banished immortal, he was said to have known the Gu family’s founder, and had surely lived many lifetimes. He must be of the same era as his sister, Mo Han, and Chen Yuan.

How should he address such a figure—ancestor? elder brother? comrade? lord? senior? None seemed quite right; none matched his aura.

"I am Gu Zhiheng, current head of the Gu family. You’re too kind, senior," Gu Zhiheng replied, embarrassed, overwhelmed by the man’s imposing presence.

"No need for formality. I know why you’ve come, so I waited here specifically for you." Liu E waved his hand, signaling Gu Zhiheng to relax.

Gu Zhiheng mused to himself: everyone the Gu family knows is extraordinary—either a great power or a leader of some path.

"From now on, I will teach you the remaining things. Whatever you do not understand, I can instruct you," Liu E said, glancing at the astonished youth and smiling gently.

This child of the Gu family was indeed similar to him; no wonder he ended up bearing responsibility for the troubles Liu E had caused. It all seemed unfair, even outrageous. Yet, this child was his descendant, so perhaps it was inevitable.

If not for those events of years past, none of this would be happening, and Liu E wouldn’t be here waiting for Gu Zhiheng.

"Senior, with so many troubles in the Gu family, are they all truly because of the founder?" Gu Zhiheng had always harbored doubts about this matter. Was it really just because of fraud and deception, leading others to ruin and then suffering severe punishment? Even so, the Gu family had paid its dues, borne the consequences.

But why did the spirits of Mistbrow Mountain, and those of the mortal realm, all harbor resentment toward the Gu family? Yet they still hoped for the Gu family to accomplish something, to atone for past mistakes.

Atone for what? What was the error? Who was Ye Zheng, that peerless man, and what was his connection to all this? What was the relationship between the Gu family and that man, what debts and grievances? Why did everyone refuse to tell him the truth, keeping secrets yet pushing him to seek answers?

"Enough. Don’t dwell on things you shouldn’t; don’t ask questions you shouldn’t," Liu E always wore a genial smile, betraying no other mood.

Gu Zhiheng, helpless, could only force his curiosity back down, burying it deep within. See? Everyone was like this—they urged him to ask, but when he did, they gave no answer. They stirred his curiosity, only to slap it down, leaving him to let it fester in his heart.

"Child, the Gu family’s burdens have fallen on your shoulders. It’s fate—you cannot escape it." It was not just him.

Liu E’s words were ambiguous and sharp, leaving Gu Zhiheng exhausted, unable to guess his true meaning. He only knew that his life was bound to follow a predetermined path, that he must grow into the person everyone expected him to be.

Gu family, fate, punishment, sealing.

Why, why had everything landed on him? Why did everyone believe he could bear it all? After all, he was only human.

To them, he was still a child, yet they insisted he carry this weight.