Nagano, Gu Clan Hall.
The two Old Masters were fishing as usual, except this time... their fish baskets were packed full of hooked Live Fish.
Ever since the day at Red Lake, when he learned that Gu Shen was alive.
Gu Qilin had worn a much broader smile.
People lived for a single breath.
That so-called breath was, in truth, something to hold on to.
At Gu Qilin's age, most of the people he cared about had already passed away.
As for the younger generation he thought highly of.
Only Gu Nanfeng and Gu Shen remained. The former needed no explanation; he had never caused him any worry since birth.
Gu Nanfeng was the quintessential eldest son of the family—capable, mature beyond his years, and mindful of the bigger picture. He was practically the perfect candidate to lead the family.
As for Gu Shen.
In the Old Master's heart, he was a child unlike anyone else.
No matter how many years passed, that would never change.
The only younger member Gu Qilin had ever wronged in his life was Gu Changzhi.
Gu Changzhi had left too soon.
There was no way to make up for what he owed him... so, unconsciously, he had transferred that sense of debt onto Gu Shen.
Gu Shen was the successor Gu Changzhi had chosen.
Therefore.
Gu Shen was also one of the Gu family.
Even though different blood flowed through his veins, Gu Qilin regarded him as his own.
Back then, the Gu family had provided Gu Shen with highly reliable protection.
Now.
Gu Shen had become the person the Gu family was most proud of.
A burst of commotion rose outside the clan hall.
Gu Qilin did not turn around. Sitting in his chair with his eyes peacefully closed, he loosely held the