Chapter One Hundred Thirty-Nine: A Family of Eccentrics

It seemed that this group really had no particular feelings about drinking; they drank whenever they felt like it, and gradually, alcohol no longer had much effect on them. Especially with Fang He joining, last night was yet another sleepless night as the group drank through the entire night again.

At dawn, the group slowly emerged from all directions and headed to the nearest hotel to rest. By the afternoon, they moved to the management bureau area, where few people lived, making it a suitable place for them to stay. Mainly, because they engaged in some unscientific activities that no one noticed, they could carry on openly without fear of being discovered.

They always stayed at the grand hotel in Yecheng District, all of them together—handsome men and beautiful women—truly catching the eye. Of course, if you didn’t consider Fang He by Gu Zhiheng’s side, the entire group was high in aesthetic appeal.

“What are you looking at? I’ll just wash up and be a brand-new handsome guy again. Washing up can do wonders,” Fang He said, noticing Ye Zheng’s disdainful glance. Ye Zheng wasn’t angry; after all, they had known each other for so many years. Ye Zheng had seen him in all sorts of appearances over the years, but lately, Fang He had become more casual, focusing only on his own pleasure and paying little attention to his looks.

“Enough, everyone go rest,” Gu Zhiheng said, taking the room card and walking ahead, not bothering with the unserious Fang He. This guy was always like this—acting frivolous and rather creepy.

The others said nothing and entered the elevator together, thinking to rest well before discussing anything else. After returning to their rooms, they simply washed up and went to sleep.

Gu Zhiheng had just lain down when Fang He suddenly teleported into his room. He had shaved off his beard and changed into a dark blue robe, looking much cleaner and neater, and of course, far younger. Upon closer inspection, their facial features were quite similar, although Fang He’s appearance was more enchanting and alluring.

“Why aren’t you resting? What are you doing here, disturbing my sleep? I’m going to rest now,” Gu Zhiheng said, immediately ordering him out and burrowing under the covers.

Seeing Gu Zhiheng ignoring him, Fang He felt puzzled. Wasn’t it Gu Zhiheng who told him to come back? Why did he look like he wanted him to leave as soon as he arrived, after only one night?

“Ah... Ah Heng, have you really broken up with the Chu family girl?” Fang He found it hard to believe. Had they really separated?

By all logic, they shouldn’t have. Given their fateful connection, it was impossible for them to part before Gu Zhiheng successfully completed his tribulation. So why was the situation now different? And what means did that Mo family boy use to trick the Chu family girl away? How did Gu Zhiheng agree to their being together?

“Don’t mention it again. They’re together partly because of me; I guess you could say I helped make it happen!” Knowing Fang He wouldn’t leave without an explanation, Gu Zhiheng poked his head out from under the covers and said a few words.

As for his own emotional tribulation, it had already ended after countless lifetimes waiting for Chu Xingran. So now, only the life-and-death tribulation remained—the most crucial step.

But he didn’t want that ending. He couldn’t accept it. They shouldn’t become his burden just because of his life-and-death tribulation.

“So, when do you plan to officially undergo the tribulation? Are all preparations ready?” Fang He switched topics, knowing Gu Zhiheng didn’t want to talk about relationships.

From the current situation, Gu Zhiheng was fully capable of preparing for the tribulation. His memories and cultivation had fully recovered, and his power had even increased significantly. With sufficient preparation, he could smoothly pass through this life-and-death tribulation.

“Brother, when I undergo the tribulation, do I really have to sacrifice them?” Gu Zhiheng hesitated. They were his sworn brothers and sisters who had helped him survive. If their lives were the price for his tribulation, it would be too cruel and unfair.

“Forget it. You should sleep early; I’m going to sleep too,” Fang He said irritably as he left Gu Zhiheng’s room, already forming his own plan.

Gu Zhiheng was reluctant to see them sacrifice themselves, but their sacrifice was indispensable. Otherwise, why would out of so many people in the Three Realms, only these few have been chosen to accompany him through so many hardships?

Leaving Gu Zhiheng’s room, Fang He went straight to Liu’s room. He needed to ask them all personally, to hear their thoughts on their own fates.

Their lives and deaths were truly in their own hands. If they were unwilling, no one would force them. He and Gu Zhiheng could find other ways.

“Young man of the Liu family, you should know what fate awaits those who follow Ye Zheng. Are you really willing to be like moths to a flame? Are you sure you want to sacrifice yourself?” Sitting on the balcony sofa, Fang He looked at Liu E with a playful gaze, wanting to know their true feelings.

“I have no regrets about my choice. As long as he successfully passes the life-and-death tribulation, that will be the greatest reward for me,” Liu E met Fang He’s eyes, speaking honestly on behalf of the others.

“I don’t regret following him, nor do I regret giving everything for him. I am willing,” another voice said.

“Neither do I regret it—shattered bones, ashes to dust. It’s all my own choice.”

“To be his brother means being a brother for life. I’m even willing to sacrifice my life for him.”

“Life and death belong to the master; this is my honor and pride!”

“One day as a teacher, a lifetime as a father—I am willing to give everything!”

Hearing these sudden declarations from a few others, Fang He was genuinely surprised. He hadn’t expected this group to make such choices. They truly were willing to selflessly give their lives for the one beside them.

“See? I told you, these little freaks are just like me—stubborn as hell, yet you never believed it,” Gu Zhiheng’s words carried a hint of smugness, though his expression remained solemn.

These fools actually dared to make such a decision. If only he hadn’t undertaken the tribulation to improve his cultivation back then.

“I told you, they’re not family if they don’t live under the same roof. You guys really are one twisted family!” Fang He laughed bitterly, feeling he had meddled too much.

Since they all wanted to die, then let them die this lifetime and meet again in the next!

“The fifteenth of next month, which is the seventh day of the lunar calendar, is the best time for this shameless tribulation,” Fang He sighed and finally chose to reveal the date.

This way, they could prepare mentally, and he could still accomplish some things in the meantime.

These freaks were truly foolish, willing to risk everything for Gu Zhiheng, this shameless fellow, now ready to give up even their lives.

Sob sob, how touching—I almost want to cry!