I raised stunning young ladies, but they all wanted to possess me.

Gu Yan was stunned.

I remembered what was written on the panel.

It can only be unlocked by meeting a specific person.

He pursed his lips.

I'm starting to regret it.

I should have read all three books in one go.

In that case, knowing the world line would allow him to avoid a lot of inexplicable trouble.

If I had lived a good life with my grandfather, things wouldn't be like this now.

Forget it.

Thinking about these things now is useless.

A thought suddenly occurred to him.

The three books vanished from my hand in an instant.

The most urgent task is to find a way to deplete Pei Yuran's mental energy.

Or let this silly goose not resist at all, and obediently accept his illusion.

such as……

What kind of games or similar games can I borrow?

Gu Yan thought for a moment.

Honestly, there's a real chance.

Pei Yuran is such a simpleton; she doesn't understand many things.

If he suggested playing a game to test their compatibility or something, she'd probably believe him.

I'll secretly cast an illusion in the game then...

Hey.

Then his life on the South African beach with his grandfather must also have a story to tell!

A few more days passed.

The Pei family council hall.

The hall was frighteningly spacious, with a floor paved with solid white jade, smooth and warm to the touch. Portraits of ancestors from past generations hung on the walls, all sword immortals from the Pei family, each possessing an extraordinary aura. A fist-sized luminous pearl was embedded in the dome, illuminating the entire hall as brightly as day.

In the very center is a long table made of rosewood, carved with intricate cloud patterns.

Pei Youyi sat in the first seat.

Today she wore an elegant blue dress, her hair was styled in a high bun, and she looked gentle and dignified.

But when those eyes swept over the crowd, they carried an air of authority that made people afraid to look directly at them.

Several elderly people were sitting on the two sides below.

There was a senior clan elder with gray hair, a third uncle with gloomy eyes, a fourth uncle who was as fat as a ball, and several other elders of high seniority.

Pei Yunxiao and Pei Panshan sat in the front seats; one was Pei Youyi's eldest brother, and the other was his second brother.

The hall was silent for a few seconds.

An elderly man with gray hair coughed.

"Cough cough..."

"Master, what has Yu Ran been up to these past few days?"

He paused, his face showing concern.

"I've basically never left the yard."

"She used to be sick, but now she's finally been cured by Master Gu, so she shouldn't be holding it in."

The voice just fell.

An old man with a gloomy look in his eyes spoke in a low voice.

"Elder, are you still being kept in the dark?"

He smiled, a smile tinged with sarcasm.

"I've heard that Master Gu Yan was invited back by our family head."

"These past few days, I've been alone with that girl Yu Ran in the same courtyard..."

He dragged out the sound.

"I don't even know what they're doing."

A fat old man next to him also spoke up.

"What else can a lone man and woman do?"

He chuckled twice.

"Yu Ran is in good health; she's the number one swordswoman in the Pei family, so there shouldn't be any problems."

"But Master Gu is a favorite of the cabinet."

"What if Master Gu ruins it..."

He shrugged.

"Our Pei family is going to have a tough time."

"At that time, the cabinet and the three branches of government will collectively exert pressure..."

"hehe."

He finished speaking.

Whispers filled the hall.

"That's true. With Yu Ran's personality, how long could she stay cooped up in the yard without coming out?"

"That's right. Last time she went into seclusion to practice swordsmanship, it only lasted for three days at most."

"How many days has it been?"

"It's been five days, hasn't it?"

"Master Gu's health..."

"I heard he's sickly and would collapse if the wind blew him down."

"What if Yu Ran ruins it..."

"Ahem, don't talk nonsense. Yu Ran isn't that kind of person."

"Not that kind of person?"

"Then what do you think she was doing in the courtyard? Playing chess with Master Gu?"

"Playing chess isn't out of the question..."

"You believe it?"

I don't believe it.

"That settles it."

Several old men whispered among themselves, their faces bearing knowing smiles.

Some people were glancing at Pei Youyi, seemingly casually.

That look clearly indicated he wanted to see how she would explain herself.

Pei Youyi sat in the head seat, a gentle smile still on her face.

But the teacup she was holding swayed slightly.

She couldn't listen anymore.

Snapped.

She gently put down the teacup.

He looked up at the two old men, a forced smile on his face.

"Third Uncle, Fourth Uncle."

"So active right after coming out?"

"You're not getting any younger, aren't you afraid of ruining your health?"

The two old men's expressions changed.

Looking into Pei Youyi's gentle eyes, they suddenly remembered something.

How did they get in back then?

Seems to be……

Are you trying to persuade Yu Ran?

And then this woman...

The two old men shrank back, sheepishly shut their mouths, and dared not utter another word.

Pei Yunxiao coughed twice and then spoke.

"Master, Yu Ran is indeed somewhat..."

He paused, carefully choosing his words.

"It's a bit... you know."

"Master Gu's health is probably not good enough to withstand such a torment."

Pei Youyi looked at him.

"Big brother."

Her voice remained gentle, yet carried a hint of coldness.

That's enough.

"They don't know what Yu Ran looks like, don't you?"

"Should we join in their nonsense?"

Pei Yunxiao was taken aback.

Then he waved his hand and lowered his head dejectedly.

They stopped talking.

Pei Youyi scanned the entire room.

"Master Gu is only staying with Yu Ran for a few days."

"Everyone here had better watch what they say."

She paused.

After all, while others might not know about bringing the Pei family back, it's impossible for their own family members to be completely unaware.

She was already prepared.

This kind of thing can be kept secret from outsiders, but not from one's own family.

Just then.

Suddenly, hurried footsteps came from outside the door.

A servant rushed in, looking flustered.

"Master! Master!"

"Elder Zhou...Elder Zhou has arrived!"

The entire audience was stunned.

Then the murmurs started again.

"Elder Zhou?"

"That Zhou Zhengyuan from the Third Hospital?"

"Why is he here?"

"They came knocking on our door so quickly?"

"The Empire is moving way too fast..."

"I wonder how Master Gu is doing now."

"What if those two old men are right..."

"Then my Pei family is absolutely to blame!"

"Yes, even if Elder Zhou has a close relationship with the patriarch, this involves the imperial jade, and it's not something that can be resolved with just relationships..."

The two old men, who had just been rebuffed, were now hiding in a corner, a sneer on their faces.

He had an expression that said, "I'm looking forward to a good show."

Pei Youyi frowned slightly.

That day in the Starry Flower Sea, she had a sudden idea and tricked Elder Zhou.

He also ended up betraying his own master.

I didn't expect them to come knocking on my door so quickly.

She cleared her throat.

"Please give Elder Zhou a seat."

"Let him in."

After the person finished announcing the arrival, a seat was quickly arranged for Zhou Zhengyuan.

The council chamber fell silent, and everyone looked toward the door.

Zhou Zhengyuan walked in.

He was wearing a dark blue long gown, his hair was snow-white, and his back was ramrod straight.

His face was expressionless, but when his eyes swept over the crowd, no one dared to look him in the eye.

He walked to his seat and sat down.

Pei Youyi stood up and personally poured him a cup of tea.

"Mr. Zhou, what brings you here?"

She smiled gently and spoke warmly.

Zhou Zhengyuan picked up his teacup and took a sip.

Then he spoke softly.

"I was set up in Starry Garden."

"I fought with that underworld boss, and my back is still aching."

Pei Youyi blinked.

"Mr. Zhou, shall I massage it for you?"

Zhou Zhengyuan quickly waved his hand.

"No, no, no."

"I wouldn't dare let Patriarch Pei do that."

He sighed.

"This time it was a mafia emperor, but who knows who might be next time."

"My old bones can't take any more strain."

Pei Youyi pretended not to understand and continued to smile gently.

"Yeah?"

"That Lin Zhenting is a real scoundrel."

"If I have the chance later, I will help Old Zhou get revenge."

She paused.

"Is there anything else, Mr. Zhou?"