Light Fortress Chapter 1728 - 384: They Won’t Survive (Super - !)
Previously on Light Fortress...
Inside the Gu Family Ancestral Hall in Changye, the familiar sight of two elders engaged in their usual pastime unfolded. This time, however, their fish baskets overflowed with live catches, a testament to a shift in atmosphere.
News of Gu Shen’s survival had revitalized Gu Qilin, filling his days with a renewed sense of cheer. Life, as he often mused, hinges on a single breath – a metaphor for hope. Having witnessed the passing of most whom he cared for, his focus now rested on the younger generation.
Only Gu Nanfeng and Gu Shen remained as beacons of his hope. Gu Nanfeng, the elder son, was a paragon of maturity and foresight, seemingly destined for leadership without causing his grandfather much concern.
Gu Shen, however, occupied a unique space in Gu Qilin's heart. He was, and always would be, different, a sentiment that persisted through the years.
The elder Gu Qilin carried a profound debt of gratitude towards Gu Changzhi, who had departed too soon. This unfulfilled obligation unconsciously transferred to Gu Shen, Gu Changzhi’s chosen successor.
Thus, despite a different lineage, Gu Shen was embraced as family. The Gu family’s steadfast protection in his youth had paved the way for Gu Shen to become their current pride.
The sounds of approaching activity disturbed the tranquil ancestral hall. Gu Qilin, unfazed, remained seated, eyes closed, his hand lightly gripping the fishing rod, sensing the gentle vibrations from the lake's surface.
Employing spiritual power for fishing, he felt, would diminish the experience. A young figure, cloaked and light-footed, emerged behind the two elders.
Gu Qilin, a smile gracing his lips, inquired, "Did your journey to the West Continent proceed without a hitch?"
As he spoke, he reeled in his line.
"Bang—"
A splash erupted from the lake as another substantial fish, arcing gracefully through the air, landed perfectly within the old man’s basket.
"Thanks to Gu Shen, it was quite smooth," Gu Nanfeng replied softly. "I had the opportunity to meet with Chairman Zhou."
"What 'Chairman'..." Zhou Wei interjected, waving a hand dismissively and sighing. "I’ve submitted my resignation. Once the Security Committee identifies a suitable successor, I'll officially relinquish the title of 'Chairman' in a few days."
The Security Committee, at present, lacked a substantive Chairman. Zhou Wei’s announcement of retirement was indeed surprising. Despite the presence of many capable young talents within the committee, a true candidate for the top position had yet to emerge.
"You’re not that fortunate," Gu Qilin chuckled. "I suspect no one will hold the Security Committee Chairman title for at least another six months. Just wait patiently; you’ll have plenty keeping you occupied over there."
"Gu Shen serves as the 'Grand Judge', not the Great Commander, so why are you so pleased?" Zhou Wei grumbled. "You won’t escape trouble related to the command post’s issues either."
Witnessing the elders’ spirited exchange, Gu Nanfeng couldn't help but smile. He had already received news from Changye during the return voyage of the Gu’s Envoy.
Gu Shen, now titled [Barrier], had officially assumed the esteemed position of Grand Judge at the East Continent Court.
"Very well, let’s move past this topic..." Gu Qilin conceded, refraining from further debate with Zhou Wei. He turned slightly, his gaze falling upon Gu Nanfeng. "Your return journey from Gent seems to have taken an extended period this time..."
The Gu’s Envoy had taken a fortnight to travel from the West Continent back to Changye.
"On one hand, the West Continent attempted to persuade me to stay," Gu Nanfeng explained, walking slowly behind the elder. He extended his hands, beginning to massage Gu Qilin’s shoulders.
"On the other, I rerouted my journey to meet with a Saint from the Southern Continent Church."
Gu Qilin’s brow furrowed slightly. "Weren’t the negotiations on Yuanting Island concluded?"
"That’s correct," Gu Nanfeng confirmed. "The blockade at Yuanting Island was breached, and the church requested Changye’s support with some Transcendents to counter the Source Tower. Consequently, I met with Hai Tong Saint on the high seas, which caused the delay."
"Intriguing," Gu Qilin stated coolly. "The Storm Church, setting aside the Spiritual Link of [Deep Sea], insists on meeting you in the physical realm. Are they attempting to assert the dominance of [Storm] over the ocean?"
"Not precisely," Gu Nanfeng replied after a brief pause. "I was the one who requested the meeting with Hai Tong Saint at sea."
Both Gu Qilin and Zhou Wei exchanged puzzled glances.
Standing behind the two elders, Gu Nanfeng calmly elaborated, "Many significant events transpired in Light City during this period, and I hope you both can exercise a measure of patience..."
"My patience is wearing thin..." The teahouse situated at the gateway of Snow Forbidden City hummed with activity, yet the private compartment they occupied was remarkably hushed. An agitated Shen Li knitted his brows. He cast a look towards Gu Shen, then towards Mu Wanqiu, his voice escalating, "So, what lies within the Netherworld King Temple, and what was the outcome of your confrontation?" "..." Mu Wanqiu simply continued her tea-sipping in silence, offering no reply. Gu Shen lifted a piece of beef, masticating it leisurely. "Why the silence from both of you... Am I not an Angel Envoy? How can such a crucial mission proceed without even a word to me?" Shen Li's indignation flared. "The Netherworld King Temple by Qing River has long been deserted; there's nothing of value to be found there." Mu Wanqiu finally broke her silence, initiating the conversation. "This mission presented no peril and was devoid of complications, which is precisely why you were not summoned."