Arrival of Subordinates, Establishment of Organization

Author's Note: Happy New Year to everyone! May your careers and studies flourish in 2024! May you get rich in 2024!!

......

......

It was midnight.

Gu Yan sat on his bed in his pajamas.

In front of him, ten masked figures in black robes knelt on one knee, respectfully reporting for duty.

According to the explanation, they were ten martial artists at the middle stage of the Xiantian realm, sent by his father.

They were all trained as loyal soldiers by the Gu Family, with unquestionable loyalty.

None of them had names, only numbers, and they were all raised as killing machines.

Gu Yan's father's efficiency was quite impressive. In fact, they had already arrived, and Gu Tianming had already coordinated with Grandmother Gu and the others.

However, it wasn't convenient for them to appear in public, which was why they waited until Gu Yan was alone in his bedroom to make their presence known.

Gu Yan looked at the ten loyal figures in front of him. As his father had said, these ten were now his subordinates.

With that in mind... it was time to issue his first order.

Gu Yan spoke in a deep voice, "I need you to build an organization hidden in the shadows for me."

"The members of this organization should all be orphaned children, and you must thoroughly brainwash them."

"You, extend your hand."

At this, Gu Yan pointed his index finger at the person closest to him.

Without hesitation, the man extended his hand.

In the next moment, the ring on Gu Yan's finger, which had transformed into the "Three Lives Demon Claw," began to squirm.

"Sssk!"

A small, sharp claw instantly shot out and embedded itself into the man's hand.

After completing this, Gu Yan calmly looked at the man closest to him and said, "From this moment on, you will be the leader of the ten, with the code name 'Demon Claw.'"

"The claw embedded in your hand will serve as the tool for our communication."

"By the end of this year, I will summon you again, and by then, I expect to see the outline of an organization."

"Dismissed."

With that, Demon Claw and the other martial artists responded respectfully, "Yes!"

"Sssk!"

In an instant, as if by teleportation or some other means, Demon Claw and the others disappeared from the room.

After they left, Gu Yan lay back on the bed, his eyes seemingly deep in thought.

Good, the plan was proceeding smoothly. Thanks to the support of the Gu Family, many things were much easier to accomplish.

If he had to do everything alone, it would have been impossible.

Suddenly, Gu Yan thought of something, and a mischievous glint appeared in his eyes as he glanced toward the door.

I wonder how Gu Zihua is doing now?

Hehe, I really look forward to seeing his expression tomorrow morning.

.........

........

In the room, Gu Zihua still hadn't fallen asleep. He clutched his head, his mind replaying what Gu Yan had said.

[During this time, no matter what I ask you to do, you must agree.]

How would Little Xue be treated? She was just a maid, while Gu Yan was the eldest son of the Gu Family.

And because of me, Little Xue would have no choice but to obey Gu Yan.

What would happen? How would Little Xue be treated? It's all my fault... If it weren't for me...

Gu Zihua's eyes were filled with unbearable pain. All he wanted was to be with Little Xue.

All he wanted was to change this rigid family. For this purpose, he had given everything he had, studying hard since childhood and striving to excel as an adult.

All for the goal of becoming the heir of the Gu Family.

But! Why did Grandfather and Grandmother like that good-for-nothing so much? Just because his father was Gu Tianming?

Why! What right did that scoundrel have to lead the Gu Family??

Gu Zihua's heart ached as if it were bleeding. He simply couldn't bear to imagine what Little Xue was going through right now.

And at that moment, a muffled groan suddenly sounded.

"!!!"

Gu Zihua's heart skipped a beat. This voice... it sounded somewhat familiar?

And it seemed to be coming from the room next to his.

Gu Zihua's eyes widened in horror. He couldn't believe it, but he pressed his ear against the wall.

And then, the sound that seemed to belong only in television dramas clearly entered his ears.

And upon closer listening, the voice was unmistakably...

"Little Xue!"

Gu Zihua's eyes went blank.

All his strength seemed to drain away.

No... it can't be...

How could Little Xue...

Gu Zihua couldn't bear to imagine the scene. He didn't dare to listen any further and quickly pulled the blanket over his head.

His whole body trembled as a mix of regret, anger, shock, and sorrow overwhelmed him.

"Ughhhhhh!!!"

Gu Zihua let out a muffled sob from under the blanket.

Why! Gu Yan!!

I hate you!

On the other side of the wall, Xuehua's face showed a blissful smile.

Young Master Zihua...

Just wait a little longer. By the time of the annual family gathering, we'll finally be together.

......

......

The next morning.

Gu Zihua's head, which had been bandaged, was now uncovered.

After all, as a martial artist, his recovery speed was far beyond that of an ordinary person. Gu Yan hadn't used much force, so although there were still some bruises, he had mostly recovered.

Gu Yan escorted Gu Zihua to the open-air parking lot. With a smirk, he looked at the numb expression on Gu Zihua's face and said, "Sorry, Gu Zihua. I was supposed to have Xuehua come to see you off."

"But unfortunately..."

At this, Gu Yan licked his lips and showed a wicked expression. "She was too tired yesterday."

He was the very picture of a villainous antagonist.

Old Gao couldn't help but twitch at the corner of his mouth. What was the young master doing?

Yesterday, he had gone to bed early, right? Oh, right, the young master's ten martial artists had also arrived.

Old Gao had been stationed outside the door, and only left after sensing the departure of the ten men.

The young master should have gone to sleep then, and had no contact with Xuehua, the maid...

Could it be...

Old Gao glanced at Gu Zihua, who was on the verge of breaking down due to Gu Yan's words.

He suddenly realized, the young master was really wicked.

Gu Zihua had already guessed something when Xuehua didn't come to see him off.

But when Gu Yan said it himself, he still couldn't help but feel a sense of collapse.

"Gu Yan..."

Gu Zihua clenched his fists tightly, his eyes red. He looked at Gu Yan, as if wanting to say something.

But in the end, he said nothing and silently got into the car that came to pick him up.

In the car, Gu Zihua couldn't hold back his tears.

But as he cried, he bit his lip tightly. It's okay, it's fine.

The feelings between him and Xuehua wouldn't be damaged by this little setback.

I... I will definitely be with Xuehua!

Watching Gu Zihua leave, Gu Yan's face also lost its acting interest.

The real show was yet to come. He planned to spend some time with Grandfather and Grandmother to further solidify their affection for him.

"Let's go, Old Gao."

"Yes, young master."