Chapter 107: Where Does Mr. Gu Live?

The moon was bright, and the stars were sparse, with its soft light gently illuminating the small courtyard of the Ren family estate.

In a side room at the rear courtyard, the Ren couple, the Li couple, Wei Hai’s family, and Wen Songmo were seated together.

Before the meal began, Patriarch Ren had already learned from Wei Hai that Mr. Gu had left.

Although Patriarch Ren felt the departure was abrupt, it wasn’t unexpected.

In his view, such an immortal being naturally came and went as they pleased. This was why he had hurriedly arranged for his daughter and son-in-law’s wedding.

Perhaps the sudden farewell left an impact, as Li Xunshan appeared somewhat melancholic. Despite it being just the second day after his wedding, he carried a gloomy expression.

Noticing this, the observant Ren Yue quickly changed the topic. She nudged Li Xunshan at her side and then raised her wine cup, addressing Liu Fang and Wei Chao.

“Madam Wei, Young Master Wei, due to certain circumstances, you were unable to attend our wedding banquet.

“Today, fate has brought us together, so my husband and I offer you this toast!”

Hearing this, Liu Fang and Wei Chao both rose, returned the toast, and exchanged words of congratulations.

Wei Hai patted his son on the shoulder with a smile. “Chao’er, Xunshan is about your age. Now that your health has recovered, isn’t it time to consider finding a young lady and settling down?”

“Father… I’ve only just recovered…” Wei Chao replied with a helpless smile.

Patriarch Ren, ever the mood-lifter, chuckled. “What’s there to fear about just recovering? Uncle Ren can introduce someone for you. Tell me, what’s your type?”

“Ah?” Wei Chao hadn’t expected the topic to shift to him so suddenly. Caught off guard, he scratched his head and muttered, “Someone with a good drinking tolerance?”

Patriarch Ren paused and then quipped, “Well… that certainly aligns with the Wei family’s usual character…”

Liu Fang shot her son a reproachful look and sighed. “So, what’s your plan? Drink with your wife every day and then have a child with a good drinking tolerance? A whole family of drinkers, happy and carefree?”

Wei Chao laughed nonchalantly. “That doesn’t sound too bad.”

“You—!” Liu Fang was exasperated but held her tongue, given the company present.

“Brother Wei, before Mr. Gu left, did he say when he might return?”

“Or did he mention where we might be able to find him?”

As Li Xunshan’s question fell, everyone’s eyes turned to Wei Hai.

Wei Hai smiled mysteriously. “Of course, he said something. After all, we braved life and death together. My bond with Mr. Gu is the closest.”

“Come on, tell us!” Wen Songmo urged eagerly.

Wei Hai scoffed. “Hah! Have you forgotten how you treated me earlier today in court? My shoulder still hurts!”

Wen Songmo teased back, “It wasn’t me who pinned you down. And who told you to carry a knife while buying buns without money?”

“Hah!” Wei Hai sneered and then turned to Li Xunshan, grinning. “One of these days, I’ll tell you in secret. But I won’t tell that old man Wen. Let him stew in frustration!”

“Bah! Don’t tell me then. What’s there to be frustrated about? Isn’t that right, Xunshan?” Wen Songmo gave Li Xunshan a meaningful look as he spoke.

Li Xunshan forced an awkward smile, choosing not to respond.

Wei Hai narrowed his eyes, smirking. “In a few days, I plan to reopen my tavern. When I brew the first batch of Eternal Vintage, I’ll send a few jars to all of you.”

Wen Songmo chuckled. “That would be wonderful!”

“You’re not getting any!” Wei Hai’s words had barely left his mouth before Wen Songmo, unable to hold back, let out a cold snort and said, “Next time, you won’t escape from my grasp!”

“Pfft!” Wei Hai rolled his eyes. “I always abide by the law!”

Seeing the two bickering again, Patriarch Ren stepped in once more to mediate.

The group reminisced about their recent extraordinary experiences, enjoying their drinks and lively conversation.

By the hour of the Dog  (7–9 PM), the “family feast” finally concluded. Everyone left satisfied, having successfully coaxed Mr. Gu’s address out of Wei Hai.

In the forest, trees flanked the rugged path, their lush foliage allowing only a few slivers of moonlight to filter through.

Two figures moved swiftly along the uneven trail, one leading and the other following.

The one in front was dressed in black nightwear, with a wide-brimmed, veiled bamboo hat and a long sword strapped to her back. Her slender and delicate figure unmistakably revealed her to be a woman.

The person behind her, dressed casually and seemingly young, resembled a streetwise rascal. As he followed the black-clad figure, he shouted, “Miss, come on, have a bet with me, just one!”

“I’ve chased you for a hundred miles now! Out of respect for my sincerity, just indulge me in one wager!”

“Not interested. I didn’t ask you to follow me.” Her cold voice rang out.

The young man’s eyes lit up with mischief, and he called out, “Miss, I see you carrying a sword. You must be a skilled swordsman.

“However, I’ll bet you that in a duel, you can’t beat me!”

“If you lose, you’ll lift your veil and let me see what you look like. If I lose, you can do whatever you want with me. How about it?”

Swish! The black-clad figure stopped abruptly, turned around, and scrutinized the young man before her. In a calm voice, she said, “You want to compete with me?”

The young man grinned. “No, just a wager. The question is, do you dare to gamble?”

Clang! The black-clad figure unsheathed her sword with a reverse grip. The silvery blade caught the moonlight, exuding a chilling sharpness.

“Wait!” The young man raised a hand while bending down to pick up two wooden branches from the roadside.

Whoosh! Whoosh!

The branches whistled through the air as he swung them.

He smiled and said, “I don’t have a proper sword on hand. To make it fair, why don’t you use this branch instead?”

Crack!

Without hesitation, the black-clad figure stabbed her sword into the ground and extended her right hand toward the young man.

“Impressive courage, Miss!” The young man laughed heartily and tossed one of the branches to her.

However, his aim was a bit off, and the black-clad figure had to sidestep a few paces to catch the branch.

At that moment, the young man moved swiftly. Seeing him approach, the black-clad figure assumed he was launching a sneak attack. She stepped back after grabbing the branch, maintaining her distance.

Clang!

The young man seized her sword from where it had been embedded in the ground and smiled. “I’ve won!”

“Earlier, we bet that your sword couldn’t match mine. Now, you hold a branch while I wield your prized sword.

“Which is better or worse is clear at a glance!”

Snap!

The black-clad figure tossed aside the branch and walked toward him, her voice icy. “You cheated. That doesn’t count as a win. Return my sword.”

The young man took a step back, still smiling. “All’s fair in strategy. Miss, are you breaking your word and acting dishonorably?”

“Besides, I just want to see your face. If you show me, the wager will be fulfilled.”

The black-clad figure advanced step by step, her tone growing colder. “Return my sword, or I won’t hold back.”

“Fine, if you’re going to break your promise, then I have no choice but to keep this sword for myself!” With that, the young man moved swiftly, bolting into the distance.

Behind him, the black-clad figure gave chase, and their roles were reversed—from a man chasing a woman to a woman chasing a man.