CHAPTER 223: ME?

After undergoing testing, Ji Yang had no more doubts about this divine ability.

To perform Soul Snatch, however, he would need to capture a new spirit first to verify its effects.

Sensing that his time in this body was running out, Ji Yang quickened his pace. Just as he reached the outskirts of the family compound, ready to escort Mr. Gu home, he felt a ripple in his consciousness.

Not far ahead was the edge of the area covered by his underground root network.

Clearly, his consciousness still couldn’t stray too far; it could only move freely along the paths of his roots.

Still, this was good enough for Ji Yang, who wasn’t asking for much.

After all, Mr. Gu’s house wasn’t far away. He could walk back on his own.

As Ji Yang’s soul ascended, the wisp of consciousness he had released drifted back toward the Ancestral Hall. Meanwhile, Gu Yu slowly made his way home, following Ji Yang’s final intent.

“Oh? There’s such an extraordinary person in the clan?”

Inside the Ancestral Hall, Chen Xingzhen was surprised to hear about the day’s events. He immediately ordered the clansmen to deliver meat and grain to Mr. Gu’s household.

The clan naturally couldn’t be too stingy with the villagers or others willing to help the family. Some food served as fair compensation; beyond that, the family couldn't afford more.

…

“Zicheng, how much farther?”

After leaving Linquan Village, the clan had been on the road for over three days, yet the journey still seemed endless. Even the clan leader, Liu Ziqi, couldn’t help but ask again about the distance.

“Clan Leader, another three days of travel should do it.”

Hearing this, Liu Ziqi’s expression grew solemn.

"It seems like leaving the others behind was the right choice."

Liu Zicheng let out a quiet sigh. Years ago, his family fled to Linquan Village. From an original group of about thirty members, they had grown to about seventy or eighty. However, most of those who joined later were not martial artists—many were elderly or young. ℞äＮỒ𝐁Ě𝘚

This time, however, the family had brought along all of its martial artists. Their plan was clear: after annihilating the Chen Clan, they would allow their family totem to absorb the power of the Blood Spring and then lead their people to safety.

In other words, the family had already abandoned the clansmen left behind in Linquan Village. They were meant to prevent the Shi Clan from discovering the family’s true objective and lower their guard. That was why the truth had never been revealed to them.

Whether the plan succeeded or failed, the fate of those left behind would certainly not be good.

"Zicheng, those who achieve great things cannot be bound by trifles!"

"To gain something, one must be willing to pay the price!"

"Right now, the family is in decline. Hoping for a comeback is a distant dream. With the Four Great Clans in Yong’an City, developing there is nearly impossible for us.”

"As long as we have martial artists and endure, the family still has a chance to rise again!"

A trace of gravity appeared in Liu Zicheng’s expression. He then nodded and said

“Clan Leader, I understand.”

"Good. If you understand, then have the clansmen pick up the pace. We must reach Chaotic Burial Mountain in two days!"

"Yes, Clan Leader."

…

"Ow—my back!"

At dawn, in a small house not far from the Chen family estate, Gu Yu, who had slept through the night, clutched his aching lower back and wobbled as he struggled to climb out of bed.

After a difficult attempt, he couldn’t help but rest for a moment, a trace of confusion flickering in his eyes.

Though he was getting on in years, his health had always been fairly decent. The village’s old physician had said he could live another ten years—a respectable lifespan!

But he had never experienced anything like this before, unable to get out of bed without such effort.

After thinking carefully, he realized that he couldn’t remember what he had done the previous day. The only thing he could recall was planning to visit the Chen family to check on the construction progress.

These signs seemed to be telling him, Is my time running out?

At that thought, Gu Yu’s face, already wrinkled, filled with sorrow.

Since ancient times, who has escaped death? He had long accepted this truth. But if he were to leave too soon, how would his wife manage on her own?

After resting for a while, Gu Yu shuffled toward the door. Outside, in the small kitchen, an elderly woman around his age was busy tending the stove.

Just as he was about to ask her what he had done the previous day, he noticed the grains and pieces of smoked meat laid out on the floor.

He froze for a moment, then asked

"Old woman, where did this come from?"

Hearing this, the old lady looked at him in surprise and replied

“Didn’t you go to the Chen family yesterday to help with the construction? They sent this over as a special gift.”

Upon hearing his wife's words, Gu Yu froze again.

Did he really go to help the Chen family with construction?

What kind of joke was that? He was practically half-buried in the ground already, too weak to lift or carry anything. A strong gust of wind could knock him over!

He had seen the Chen family’s construction site before. The stones for the outer wall were as tall as a man, and the beams were massive logs several meters long. How could he possibly move those?

Before Gu Yu could speak, the old woman continued.

"You! At your age, why are you still acting like a hothead? Stay away from things that dangerous in the future!”

Hearing his wife’s earnest admonition, Gu Yu’s eyes grew slightly dazed.

Could it be that I really went to help yesterday?

Seeing that his wife was about to continue, Gu Yu quickly spoke up.

“The Chen family has always treated people generously. I just went to lend a hand—what danger could there be?”

Besides, we don’t have much grain left at home. If I can help out a little, isn't that a good thing?"

"Helping is helping, but still..."

Their voices lingered in the cramped little house while faint wisps of smoke curled up from the chimney outside.

After finishing breakfast, Gu Yu still couldn’t hold back. He stood up and said to the old woman beside him

"I'm going to check on the Chen family again today. Don’t wait up for me at lunchtime.”

"Fine, fine! Go play the hero—don't bother coming home for dinner either!"

"... "

Still doubting himself, Gu Yu set off toward the Chen household.

Before long, he arrived at the family estate.

He halted and looked ahead, a trace of admiration flickering in his eyes.

Construction on the Chen family's home had only begun a few days ago, yet the progress was astonishing. In a short time, the outer walls had already taken shape, and construction was still underway.

It was said that they had mixed a special blend of ash, grass, and soil along the edges of those walls. Once hardened, the mixture became incredibly sturdy—strong enough to withstand the impact of savage beasts.

At this pace, the new Chen estate would likely be completed in half a month.

Only martial artists could accomplish something like this so effortlessly.

As Gu Yu observed, the villagers and clansmen working on the outer wall noticed him. A few of them immediately called out:

"Good morning, Mr. Gu!"

"What brings you here so early today, Mr. Gu?"

"Mr. Gu, take a break today! Leave this work to us."