A Grand Gift?

Gu Changge let his hand fall dejectedly, tucked the compass back into his robes, and his face was full of ashen defeat.

"This subordinate was incompetent... If I had been stronger... if I could have blocked even a single strike from that beast, you would not have needed to divide your attention and let that old demon escape."

As the younger brother of the Right Demon-Suppression Envoy and a direct descendant of the Gu Clan in the capital, he had grown up amid countless praises.

Though he had never been spoiled or overbearing, he had always thought highly of himself.

But today...

"Enough."

Zhao Zhongliu casually dusted off his cloak and said evenly, "Do not put on this childish display."

"You..."

"You are still young. Core Formation at seventeen or eighteen, Core Formation in your early twenties... Even in my day, such people were few and far between."

"It is our generation that was incapable. We failed to clean this world up, and failed to win enough time for you to grow."

Gu Changge stood frozen in place, his eyes faintly reddening.

Jiang Yuechu stood to the side, listening quietly.

As she looked at the old man's slightly stooped figure, something within her trembled.

Whether in her past life or this one, how many people in high positions could speak such words?

Most merely sent those beneath them to fill the graves and pave the road, all to secure their own fame, wealth, and glory.

People like Zhao Zhongliu... were simply too rare.

Jiang Yuechu lowered her eyes and buried that stirring deep in her heart.

"Girl Jiang."

Zhao Zhongliu's voice interrupted her thoughts.

Jiang Yuechu came back to herself and quickly cupped her hands.

"This subordinate is here."

Zhao Zhongliu looked her over from head to toe, a trace