Damn it! Let’s smash the darkness together!
Chapter 421 - 101 Ancestral Land (Request for Monthly Votes)

Chapter 421: Chapter 101 Ancestral Land (Request for Monthly Votes)

Gu Family Ancestral Hall, Safe Zone.

Drip, drip, drip—

As the line appeared on the sunglasses, "A message from your friend Gu Yue Ming."

While solemnly reciting the ancestral teachings, Gu Shi Qian frowned almost imperceptibly.

Gu Yue Ming’s departure represented the family and involved important mission arrangements from above, which naturally concerned him.

However, today marked another challenge to the Sword Tomb by a newcomer, who was quite special.

This was a very solemn occasion, and as the Family Head, both sentiment and reason dictated that he could not afford distractions.

Therefore, Gu Shi Qian did not check the message but instead solemnly continued reading the ancestral teachings.

The ceremony had lasted most of the day, and it was not until the family elders had completed certain ritual steps necessary to open the Sword Tomb that he silently stepped aside.

Finally having a moment to himself, he tapped the black lens before him and silently opened the message alert. A lengthy message popped up.

Gu Yue Ming: "Family Head, there is terrible news. The investigation mission has encountered difficulties, as follows: xxx, xx..."

"...Oh, I see."

After reading Gu Yue Ming’s meticulously crafted bureaucratic report, Gu Shi Qian now understood what had occurred.

The investigation had encountered enemies they could not withstand,

and as a result, three great families had suffered significant losses, with the Gu family not only losing some members but also a recently appointed Sword Master who unfortunately perished.

Such news left Gu Shi Qian feeling somewhat regretful yet also as if it were only to be expected.

A hunting mission with casualties was hardly unusual.

Did they really think going out hunting was the same as a leisurely trip?

Despite being led by three second-rank leaders, one would assume areas within the border line to be relatively safe.

The younger generation naturally wouldn’t understand, only those who had truly endured great disasters and horrors could appreciate that in this world, there are no truly "safe places."

This refers to areas outside the Safe Zone, of course, for within the Safe Zone, security was indeed ensured.

But atop the Wasteland, dangers and crises lurked everywhere, and bad luck or a slight misstep could result in death.

Otherwise, why do you think it’s called the Wasteland and not the "Safe Suburbs"?

Seeing the frustration, disappointment, discouragement, and self-reproach clearly conveyed in Gu Yue Ming’s message, Gu Shi Qian smiled wryly.

Considering this well-known family beauty was venturing out for the first time, he casually yet considerately replied:

"Every Sword Master of the Gu family must understand that passing the Sword Tomb’s trial doesn’t mean you rest easy and become superior. All this is just the beginning, nothing awe-inspiring!"

"Know this, inheriting our ancestor’s will and gaining great power comes at a cost. They chose a path facing death, meaning their lives are destined to be devoid of safety and comfort and eternally spent in trials of blood and fire."

"The deceased indeed evoke sighs of regret, but any Sword Master who dies shows they were too weak. Such deaths are not worthy of sympathy!"

"Only those who survive through grave challenges and emerge alive from repeated trials can uphold the pride passed down by our ancestors."

"This is the only path for us Gu family people, the path of the Sword Master!"

—

On the other end, Gu Yue Ming was somewhat flustered.

What are you talking about, Family Head?

So in the Family Head’s eyes, the deceased of the Gu family have no value?

Isn’t this a bit too cold-blooded?

"But Family Head, many people died. Only Gu Pan and I survived. Won’t the family punish me?" she timidly yet firmly sent the message.

Don’t be fooled by her lack of experience; she was not foolish and wanted clear answers first.

Seeing her message, Gu Shi Qian coldly replied: "There is no need for further discussion. I am already aware of the situation. Survival of the fittest is the law of nature, the principle of the Tao! You are merely a Sword Servant; just perform your duties as a Sword Servant, and you need not blame yourself excessively."

This response, cold, merciless, and dismissive, even carried a hint of professional bigotry.

However, after reading it, Gu Yue Ming felt a huge weight lift from her shoulders.

It seemed the Family Head wasn’t planning on causing her trouble! Unlike some other families that sought a scapegoat whenever anything went awry, she suspected Tang Rou would not have an easy time upon her return.

It’s good to be part of the Gu family after all!

So be it if it’s cold-blooded.

Gu Yue Ming contentedly closed the chat box.

Meanwhile, Gu Shi Qian also closed the augmented network interface and continued silently watching the ancestral rites at the scene.

His entire demeanor appeared one part approachable, the remaining nine parts utterly merciless.

It seemed, for someone of his standing, the sacrifice of the younger generation simply wasn’t worth much attention.

After all, if they die, so be it, right?

As some pass away, others are born anew.

Just like right now, another young descendant of the Gu family, having met the qualifications, decided to challenge the Sword Tomb.

Looking at his potential, based on past experience, he likely would succeed.

"What’s the big deal if one or two die? Can they ever all die? One dies, and many more are born; it’s endless, they simply can’t all die!"