Before long, seven or eight people came out.
Leading them was the owner of the residence, Gui Yunzhi, the eighteen-year-old eighth son of Minister Gui of the Hundred Schools Department.
Lin Ke had previously heard Ye Jun say that Minister Gui was exceptionally skilled at educating his children.
Minister Gui's youngest son, his ninth, was a heaven-favored prodigy of Jixia Academy who had reached the second realm, the scholar realm, at just eight years old.
His eighth son was formidable too. He had earned military honors in campaigns against other worlds beyond the Divine Land, and Qi Tianxia had rewarded him with this vast residence.
Minister Gui was thin, but Gui Yunzhi was powerfully built. His two full, massive pectorals pushed out the shape of his clothes, and the sinewy muscles of his arms were clearly defined.
His voice, however, had a magnetic, gravelly rasp:
"Young Master Lin, Young Master Lin!"
Gui Yunzhi wore a wry smile. "Young Master Lin, just walk straight in when you come here, as though you're coming home! If Uncle Qi hears about this, I'll fall victim to his ruthless hands again!"
This was Lin Ke's first time meeting Gui Yunzhi, but he could tell that he was an easygoing, forthright fellow, so he prepared to bow with his hands clasped:
"Young Master Gui, since this is my first visit, I ought to observe the proper courtesies..."
Before he could finish, however, Gui Yunzhi stepped forward and swept Lin Ke into a great hug. His two huge pectorals pressed against Lin Ke's chest, twitching, and he gave Lin Ke's back several hearty pats.
"We're of the same generation, and we've both survived under Uncle Qi's thumb. There's no need for all that tedious ceremony."
Gui Yunzhi smiled. Without releasing his embrace, he turned to the