Early the next morning, Gu Sanfeng didn't go to the accounting room but headed directly toward the Council Hall.
"Changge is a good kid, good at everything, flawless, but alas, he simply can't cultivate."
"But it won't be long. I've almost saved enough over these years; give me another ten years, and I'll borrow some Spirit Stones from the Family Head to get you a Soul-Shaping Pill. That'll be enough to set you on the path of cultivation."
"Ah, I'm just not as capable as Second Brother. If only I could've gotten ahold of a Soul-Shaping Pill sooner to help the boy cultivate, maybe he wouldn't have ended up with the engagement annulled."
*As Gu Sanfeng thought of his excellent nephew, a wave of frustration welled up in his heart. Today, that Liu Family girl would come to annul the marriage.*
He didn't want Gu Changge to have to personally show up. The family could handle this; there was no need for him to be humiliated face-to-face.
"Heartless bastard..."
"Starting tomorrow, we'll cut off all business dealings with the Liu Family!"
*The more he thought about it, the angrier he became, even preparing to settle scores with the Liu Family to give his nephew some relief.*
*After all, in this Qingzhou territory, the Gu Family was as mighty as the heavens! The Liu Family certainly couldn't compare to the Gu Family—they had only toughened up lately by clinging to the big leg of the Heavenly Cold Sect.*
*Somehow, word had leaked out. At this moment, even the younger Gu Family disciples had heard the news.*
"Ah... Brother Changge is unfortunate only because he can't cultivate."
"Who wouldn't agree with that!"
"I heard that Liu Family girl is coming today to annul her engagement to Brother Changge!"
"The more I think about it, the angrier I get. Come on, let's go over there. Even if we don't make a move, we can at least curse her out to blow off some steam!"
"Count me in!"
With just a few words exchanged, some of the Gu Family disciples of the same generation as Gu Changge spontaneously began heading toward the Council Hall.
*These disciples still had a good impression of their brother, despite his inability to cultivate. Since he couldn't cultivate, he often had surplus Spirit Stones from his monthly allowance and would frequently assist others in the family.*
"I never realized it before, but it seems this boy actually enjoys a solid reputation within the clan."
*Feeling the emotional undercurrents among the younger generation surrounding him, Gu Sanfeng muttered in surprise.*
...
By noon, a Flying Boat arrived at the Gu Family's main city.
The Gu Family, already informed of their arrival, had dispatched only a minor Steward of the second-grade Sky-controlling Realm to receive them.
"The Gu Family certainly knows how to put on a show, don't they? It's as if our Heavenly Cold Sect is beneath their notice," someone remarked.
*Having disembarked, the Heavenly Cold Sect disciples were already fuming at what they perceived to be a lack of respect.*
*Even the Deacon and Elders accompanying them showed traces of displeasure on their faces.*
*This was indeed too much—it was as though their presence carried no weight at all. After all, many of the accompanying disciples were Sky-controlling Realm strong!*
*Still, considering the Steward greeted them with a smiling face, none of them bothered to lose their temper outright.*
*Sullen-faced, they followed the Steward toward the Gu Family Mansion.*
*Most of the disciples displayed righteous indignation, but Liu Qingqing remained serene, seemingly unbothered by the situation.*
Very soon, the group arrived at the Gu Family Mansion. Despite being called a mansion, standing before it, the structure resembled more of a city, with high, thick walls etched with arrays and an imposing, extraordinary-looking main gate.
The current Gu Family Head, Gu Zhan, along with several Elders, stood waiting before the gate.
Before the Heavenly Cold Sect representatives could open their mouths to reproach them, Gu Zhan spoke matter-of-factly, "The city houses mostly mortals. If we were to venture out to greet you, it would inevitably disrupt the normal order. I ask for your understanding."
*The words of reproach died in their throats. Though they wanted to argue, the explanation left them without recourse.*
*All they could muster was an unhappy, cold snort. The animosity between the two factions was palpable, and under the weight of icy tension, both sides made their way into the Gu Family Mansion.*
Soon after, everyone was seated in the Council Hall.
Gu Family Head Gu Zhan took the main seat, while the Gu Family and Heavenly Cold Sect representatives were seated on respective sides.
"Grandpa Gu, could you permit me, a junior, to meet him?"
A soft yet slightly frosty voice broke the silence.
*This request immediately drew furrowed brows from the Gu Family members.*
Gu Zhan took a calm sip of tea before speaking lightly, "Young girl from the Liu Family, this decision is one the old man can make without needing to inform Changge."
"Hmph! Is this all about annulling the engagement? Does it really have to be done face-to-face just to humiliate the boy?"
"Wanting to act recklessly towards my Gu Family? The Liu Family can't dream of it, and even your Heavenly Cold Sect can forget about it!"
Gu Yixiao slammed the table, causing the teacups to rattle as he stood up and rebuked them bluntly.
*Facing the Heavenly Cold Sect Deacons with utter defiance, he offered not a shred of courtesy.*
*While he didn't care for Gu Changge as fervently as Gu Sanfeng, his concern for his nephew was far from lacking.*
"Ridiculous."
"Qingqing is now one of the contenders for the Sect Saintess position. That useless Gu Family boy can't even cultivate; how could he ever deserve her?"
"No matter your stance today, this marriage will be annulled!"
*A Heavenly Cold Sect Elder who had accompanied them wasn't about to be overshadowed. Rising to his feet, he locked eyes with Gu Yixiao in defiance.*
"Enough, both of you!"
Gu Zhan frowned slightly, his low voice cutting through the clamor as he unleashed his eighth-grade Heavenly Gate Realm aura to engulf everyone present.
*The Heavenly Cold Sect Elder snorted coldly, unwilling to back down as he emitted a similarly powerful aura in return.*
*Even though they were operating in Qingzhou territory and knew that engaging in combat wouldn't end well for them, he was confident the Gu Family wouldn't risk offending the Heavenly Cold Sect over a disgraceful boy with no cultivation.*
"I understand your purpose for coming. I'll make the decision: the engagement will be annulled."
"There's no need for the boy to be involved in this matter."
Gu Zhan turned his gaze to Liu Qingqing once more, his voice neutral yet firm.
"Grandpa Gu..." Liu Qingqing's frosty face briefly showed a hint of helplessness as she hesitated to say more.
Before she could continue, Gu Zhan raised his hand decisively to cut her off, "Out of consideration for our past rapport with the Liu Family, we'll annul the engagement, and you may leave. But say another word, and I can't guarantee your safety. From today onward, the Gu Family will sever all ties of interest with the Liu Family."
*Realizing the situation would deteriorate further if this continued, Liu Qingqing reluctantly pulled out the marriage contract from her sleeve, along with a Jade Bottle that was visibly no ordinary item.*
However, before she could hand them over, her gaze suddenly shifted to the main hall's entrance.
A young man with no cultivation walked in, his demeanor steady and composed, with a gentle smile on his face. When his eyes met hers, he even gave a polite nod of greeting.
*She had already guessed his identity.*
When the young man reached the center of the hall, he bowed respectfully and greeted, "Changge pays his respects to Grandfather and all the uncles present."
"So this guy is the useless trash? He sure looks presentable..."
*The Heavenly Cold Sect disciples voiced their disdain and contempt openly upon hearing his introduction.*
*"Gu Changge..." Liu Qingqing's gaze lingered on the young man. Much to everyone's surprise, her usual icy demeanor softened, showing hints of guilt and regret.*