Chapter 51: Chapter 51: Tit for Tat Up next. Finally, no new mishaps occurred. The procurement caravan from Gu’s Manor returned successfully, though it was close to sunset. Gu Changming, along with several senior family elders, waited outside the manor upon hearing the news. When they saw Gu Dajiang’s miserable state and the caravan’s disarray, everyone was instantly startled. Gu Changming shouted sternly: "We’ll discuss this inside!" From afar, many manor residents watched. Seeing the injured members of the caravan and smelling the heavy scent of blood, their hearts thumped furiously. As the caravan passed, some villagers hurried over upon hearing the news. Immediately, wails filled the air. Especially those who had lost the men in their households, for them, this was nothing short of a catastrophe. Gu Erniu hugged Li Lian, who rushed over after hearing the news, and softly comforted her. Li Lian was frightened and tearfully distraught; this was already the second time in such a short period. Many villagers clutched the corpses of their loved ones and howled in despair. A sorrowful and mournful atmosphere enveloped the area outside the manor. Gu Sheng remained somewhat silent. A servant from the main household approached him respectfully, inviting him to the main house. Gu Sheng nodded. He exchanged glances with Gu Erniu and the others before following the servant away. Some survivors looked at Gu Sheng with a mix of envy and admiration, knowing he had rendered great merit this time. From now on, it was possible for him to completely shed his status as a tenant farmer. However, considering his extraordinary archery skills, everyone felt it was only natural. Gu Sheng followed the servant to a side room. "Lord Dajiang instructed me to let you rest well here. They will meet with you after handling their business." After saying this, the servant respectfully exited the room. Gu Sheng’s heart tightened. Thinking of Gu Dajiang and Gu Jingang’s fierce demeanor, he immediately understood the nature of the "business." Earlier, the presence of numerous injured caravan members made it inappropriate to pursue the matter. Now that they were back within the manor, it was naturally time to exact revenge. Gu’s Manor had endured in Canghe County for many years. It was never due to acquiescence or submission. If they didn’t dare to deal with enemies they could defeat, they’d long ago have been consumed, leaving nothing but bones. For now, though, these matters were beyond Gu Sheng’s involvement. Even though his archery skills were exceptional, the upcoming matters required, at minimum, qualifications of a Martial Artist to participate. He leaned against the warm, soft bedding and closed his eyes to rest. In truth, he was exhausted, but the unfamiliar environment instinctively kept him alert. ... Inside the main household’s hall. The upper echelon of the family was assembled, each filled with anger. Doctor Yan was carefully treating Gu Dajiang’s injured left arm. Gu Jingang asked impatiently: "Doctor Yan, how is it? Is there any hope for Dajiang’s arm to recover fully?" The doctor slowly shook his head, his expression somewhat grim. "Lord Dajiang’s left arm bones are nearly fully shattered. If it weren’t for his Martial Artist physique, he’d have no choice but to have the arm amputated completely. I can only ensure his left arm can still function for daily activities, but it will never regain the freedom of mobility as his right arm for combat." The members of Gu’s Manor sank into heavy silence. The manor’s three Blood Refining Realm experts now effectively had one crippled. With Gu Dajiang’s left arm incapacitated, he was essentially relegated to the lowest tier of Blood Refining Realm. This was a significant blow to Gu’s Manor. Gu Dajiang forced a smile: "It’s alright. I still have the right arm left, and, at least, I didn’t lose my life." "Outrageous! These foreign fools have no rules. We must make them pay!" Gu Jingang snarled viciously. While the elders managed the operations within Gu’s Manor, the three top experts wielded considerable influence. Gu Changming’s expression turned cold and severe. "Jingang is right. We have no control over the Black Sand Gang, but if we allow any random rogue to trample on us without consequence, Gu’s Manor won’t be able to survive in the long term." The family elders exchanged glances and unanimously voiced their support. Gu Jingang eagerly stepped forward to request the mission. "We let that rogue escape before. This time, I’ll lead the manor’s Martial Artists and attack Bull Mountain to annihilate the brigands and cleanse this humiliation!" Gu Changming nodded firmly. "Alright! Jingang, move swiftly. Take ten Martial Artists and head out immediately. Finish the job quickly and return promptly—avoid unnecessary complications!" Gu Jingang suppressed the killing intent in his gaze and turned to leave to assemble his men. Ten Martial Artists constituted nearly half of the manor’s combat forces. Considering the brigands’ heavy losses from earlier and Wang Chong’s injuries, this mission would likely proceed without issues. Gu’s Manor wasn’t unfamiliar with such incidents. Every few years, audacious rogues would harass villages and fortresses nearby. Strong fortresses retaliated fiercely, deterring other brigands from causing trouble. As for the weak or less capable ones, they’d gradually be squeezed dry, stripped down to nothing. With critical matters settled, Gu Dajiang leaned toward Gu Changming and whispered something. Gu Changming’s eyes instantly flickered with surprise. He nodded lightly and said: "Alright, I’ll send someone to investigate within the manor. If he truly has potential, he can be given an opportunity." ... Gu Sheng was resting with his eyes closed when he abruptly awoke. He faintly heard the sound of galloping hooves. Exiting the courtyard and looking into the distance, he saw over a dozen black-clad knights shooting off into the night like arrows. The leader of the group was unmistakably familiar. Gu Jingang! Gu Sheng’s heart tightened. "This must be... heading to eradicate the Bull Mountain brigands." He was inwardly shocked by how swift the main household’s decision was. Having just returned to the manor and handled the aftermath, they were already departing to make amends. If everything proceeded smoothly, the group should be back by dawn. As he contemplated, the servant from before approached respectfully: "Lord Changming has instructed that you might already be fatigued. He asks that you rest well tonight and meet with him tomorrow." Gu Sheng mulled this over, nodding gently. He turned and entered his room, securing the doors and windows. Using the short blade on him, he barred the door. Without removing his clothes, he leaned on the bed and slowly closed his eyes. Today’s events—the endless traveling and fierce battle—had left him utterly spent. He wasn’t sure how much time had passed. Gu Sheng was once again roused by the sound of galloping hooves. This time, the noise was heavier than before, likely from carrying substantial cargo. "Efficiency is high here indeed." Gu Sheng got up and glanced out the window; dawn was still hours away. He seemed to catch a faint scent of blood wafting from the galloping sounds. Evidently, another brutal slaughter had taken place—this time, with Gu’s Manor wielding the blade against the brigands. These matters, though, remained distant from Gu Sheng. He was far from being part of the manor’s core, leaving the finer details beyond his reach. ... Inside the main household’s hall. Gu Jingang reeked of blood, his brown tunic marked with assorted stains. However, his expression was slightly grim. "Wang Chong, that cunning knave, never returned to Bull Mountain. I led the brothers of the manor to massacre Bull Mountain thoroughly, searched everywhere, but couldn’t locate the man." Gu Changming and Gu Dajiang exchanged serious glances, their faces reflecting shared apprehension. "This rogue is alert and difficult to deal with. Moving forward, we need to act cautiously. During external activities, there must always be a Blood Refining Realm Martial Artist accompanying. Next time we encounter him, he must be eliminated without mercy." Gu Jingang nodded and said: "At least this time we didn’t return empty-handed. The brigands had amassed quite a bit of gold and silver, all of which I’ve brought back. Additionally, there were two martial techniques: one focused on swordsmanship, the other specifically for wielding the Wolf Fang Club. They seem to be military-grade Martial Techniques." Gu Changming’s expression brightened. "Excellent! The foundation of Gu’s Manor has grown deeper yet. Once we confirm these martial techniques won’t bring trouble, we can select suitable candidates for training." The three continued to discuss various details, after which Gu Dajiang produced the Blood Strengthening Pill.