Chapter 66: The Promotion Dreams of the Empire’s Elite

Everyone knew that the Gu siblings had killed the imperial officials from Senyuan Town, and that was why the Empire had sent experts to investigate. Killing an imperial official and defying the Empire could only have one outcome: capture the culprits, and, in severe cases, execute them on the spot.

Gu Feng looked at the two men, their faces flustered, and felt a warmth in his heart. After all, they were risking conflict with the Empire to warn him—such brothers were worth cherishing.

Gu Feng stepped out from the inner room and headed toward the courtyard.

The three women exchanged glances, understanding, and followed closely behind Gu Feng, as if declaring: “We are the guardians of our ‘precious grass’—no one is allowed to harm him.”

Gu Dongliu and Gu Xueyuan saw Gu Feng’s calm demeanor, glanced at the three women in their exquisite leather armor behind him, and still worried for his safety. Gu Dongliu urged anxiously, “Gu Feng, you should leave Senyuan Town for now!”

Gu Feng waved his hand and smiled, “Thank you for your concern. By the way, you’ve come at the perfect time. I owe you spirit weapons—it’s time I gave them to you.”

At the mention of spirit weapons, both men’s eyes lit up, unable to restrain their excitement.

Gu Xueyuan exclaimed, “Brother Feng, I want a short sword, like the one you had that day!”

Gu Feng nodded, and exchanged for a lower-grade, fine-quality spirit short sword for him.

Seeing Gu Xueyuan receive his weapon, Gu Dongliu said eagerly, “Brother Feng, I’d like a spear, if possible?”

Most martial artists used swords or blades; spirit spears were rare, so Gu Dongliu was a bit anxious that Gu Feng might not have one.

Gu Feng nodded and exchanged a spear for Gu Dongliu.

Receiving the spear, Gu Dongliu was overwhelmed with gratitude towards Gu Feng, almost to the point of kneeling.

Gu Feng then exchanged a set of novice leather armor for both of them—since it wasn’t expensive, it was a good way to earn their loyalty. After all, everyone around him was equipped with fine gear; it would be too shabby if these two followed him without decent equipment.

Putting on the novice leather armor, the two men, who hadn’t thought much of it before, were immediately astonished—it actually increased their speed and strength! The boost wasn’t much, but it was there.

Any set with attribute enhancements was extraordinary; even if it wasn’t a spirit weapon, it was still very precious.

Now armed and armored, the two men became utterly loyal to Gu Feng.

Having settled everything, Gu Feng introduced, “They are all your sisters-in-law.”

“What!” Gu Dongliu and Gu Xueyuan exclaimed in unison, looking at the three women. Gu Yan and Xue Wen were understandable, but… wasn’t Xue Ziyan a bit too old? They cast questioning glances at Gu Feng.

Gu Feng glared at them and said, “Ziyan is also my wife. This is something you must keep to yourselves—do not spread it.”

The two quickly nodded, pledging absolute secrecy. Gu Feng's trust in sharing this with them was clear.

Gu Feng looked apologetically at Xue Ziyan. “Ziyan, I’m sorry. When I’m powerful enough, I’ll announce to the world that you are my woman.”

Xue Ziyan was touched, nodding fiercely in response.

With introductions made, Gu Feng and his party of six soared into the air, heading for Senyuan Town.

The imperial expert sent to Senyuan Town had already determined that the deaths of the imperial officials were connected to the Gu siblings. Now, their portraits were posted all over town.

The expert was astounded by Gu Yan’s beauty, and an idea began to form in his mind—his own bright future was within reach. He no longer cared about the dead officials; his goal was to find Gu Yan and present her to the emperor.

Such a beauty! He was sure the emperor would be enamored. If Gu Yan pleased the emperor, he would be handsomely rewarded, perhaps even promoted—this was his chance.

After flying for over ten minutes, Gu Feng and his group returned to Senyuan Town, only to be intercepted midair.

The local garrison officer who stopped them recognized Gu Feng and Gu Yan at a glance, his expression changing dramatically, and immediately fired a signal flare.

The imperial expert saw the signal, was first surprised, then delighted. He hadn’t expected to find his targets so quickly.

He sped eagerly towards the eastern gate.

Arriving at the gate, he spotted six people floating in the air and recognized Gu Feng and Gu Yan among them.

His gaze was utterly captivated by Gu Yan, and he marveled inwardly, “Beautiful, truly beautiful.”

He smiled at Gu Yan and said, “You must be Gu Yan.”

Gu Yan was puzzled—she didn’t know this man, but out of courtesy, she replied, “Yes, I am Gu Yan.”

Hearing her voice, the imperial expert was stunned once again. “This voice is exquisite! The emperor will surely love it.”

He became even more polite, almost fawning. “Miss Gu Yan, I heard that the town lord and the town’s priest bullied you and your brother, and were slain by you. Well done! Such imperial scum deserve to die, lest they harm the people further.”

Gu Feng and Gu Yan were both stunned. Wasn’t he here to hold them accountable? What was going on?

Gu Feng tried to use the system to check, but was refused.

The system replied, “Don’t come to me for everything—I’m not your nanny.”

The imperial expert’s original plan was to capture Gu Yan and present her to the emperor, but her beauty was so extraordinary that he was certain she would be favored. If she gained the emperor’s favor and he had offended her now, he’d be courting death. So, he decided to use another method—to lure her to the capital.

Gu Feng stepped forward and asked, “Are you the expert sent by the Empire?”

Since Gu Feng was Gu Yan’s brother, the expert dared not offend him—after all, this man could be the emperor’s brother-in-law in the future. So he replied obsequiously, “Indeed, I am.”

“I have already investigated; Zhu Genghua and the others brought this upon themselves. It’s not your fault.”

Gu Feng asked, “Then why are our wanted posters all over town?”

The expert was momentarily taken aback but quickly recovered, explaining, “We couldn’t find you. This method, though it harms your reputation a bit, was the easiest way to locate you. Please forgive me.”

Gu Feng was speechless, yet he had to admire the expert’s quick thinking. Such an excuse could actually work?

“Sigh!” Gu Feng said, “Since this has nothing to do with us, we’ll be on our way.”

To Gu Feng, every expert was valuable experience. Yet this one bore him no hostility—it felt like a waste. He even considered provoking him, but remembered he needed to accompany Xue Wen back to her family, so he let it go.

The imperial expert hadn’t expected Gu Feng to leave so readily and quickly asked, “Young Master Gu, may I ask where you are heading?”

Gu Feng frowned, feeling the man was being a bit intrusive, but still replied, “I’m accompanying my wife back to her family.”

“Her family?” The imperial expert looked at Xue Wen in confusion. Other than Gu Yan, only Xue Wen seemed a match for Gu Feng.

Xue Wen blushed and said, “That’s right, to my home.”

The expert asked, “And you are?”

“My name is Xue Wen.”

“Xue? You’re from the Xue family of Upper Central City?”

“I am.”

The expert was overjoyed. “Perfect! I’m also returning to the capital, and can travel via Upper Central City. I’ll accompany you!”

At that moment, a furious voice thundered from the skies, “Trying to leave? None of you will be going anywhere!”