By using the light screen to distract the pursuers behind him, Han Paopao finally gained a brief moment to catch his breath. However, he didn't speak right away. Instead, he narrowed his eyes and watched the scrolling comments pass in front of him.
At the same time, thoughts began forming in his mind.
Aptitude often determines many things—it can even change a person.
Especially for someone like him, Han Paopao, who understood better than anyone how much talent could affect one's life.
Back then, he was introduced by his third uncle to the Seven Mysteries Sect. If he hadn't picked up that mysterious small bottle, it was uncertain whether he could have even cultivated the Changchun Technique to perfection.
Even reaching the Foundation Establishment stage in this life once felt like a distant and uncertain hope.
Because of that, it wasn't hard to imagine that Fang Zheng, after gaining genius-level talent, might undergo a drastic personality change—perhaps even oppressing his own brother and becoming ruthless. Otherwise, why would the comment say that he disregarded brotherly ties and ended up on the "Bastard Ranking"?
Most likely, their story would eventually lead to brothers turning against each other. After all, the path of cultivation is a world where the strong devour the weak.
"But... something still feels off."
"His brother, Gu Yue Fang Yuan, clearly tested as only C-grade aptitude. Logically, that should have been like a bolt from the blue, and he should have fallen into despair afterward."
"Yet from what I see, the corner of his lips is slightly raised, almost like he's smiling. He must still be hiding something."
In just a few minutes, Han Paopao had already analyzed the general direction of events based on his years of experience.
But now, what truly intrigued him was the future of these two brothers—
An older brother with hidden trump cards, and a younger brother who disregards brotherly bonds.
"Interesting... then let me see, Gu Yue Fang Yuan—what kind of hidden cards do you have to deal with your genius younger brother?"
While countless thoughts ran through everyone's minds, the scene on the light screen continued to shift.
...
{The red sun was setting in the west, its afterglow not yet gone. A faint light still lingered on the horizon, but everything seemed to be covered in a thin gray veil.
Looking out through the window, the distant mountains appeared like ink paintings, slowly sinking into the embrace of night.
Inside the living room, the lighting was dim and yellowish. The uncle and aunt sat in the main seats, their faces hidden in shadow, hard to make out.
The two jars of wine carried by Fang Yuan caught the attention of his uncle, Gu Yue Dong Tu. He frowned slightly and spoke slowly:
"Time passes quickly. You are now fifteen years old and both have the aptitude to become Gu Masters. Especially Fang Zheng—your aunt and I are very pleased."
"Here, each of you will receive six primeval stones to support your cultivation."
After speaking, a servant stepped forward and handed two small pouches to Fang Yuan and Fang Zheng.
Fang Yuan took the pouch and remained silent, a hint of deep thought flashing in his eyes.
Fang Zheng, on the other hand, eagerly opened the bag. Inside were six oval, grayish-white primeval stones lying quietly.
His face immediately filled with gratitude. He stood up and bowed to his uncle and aunt.
"Thank you for your generosity, Uncle and Aunt. I truly need these primeval stones to nourish my true essence. I will never forget your kindness in raising me for as long as I live!"
The uncle smiled and nodded, his eyes full of approval.
The aunt quickly waved her hand, signaling Fang Zheng to sit down, and said gently,
"Sit down, child. Although you two are not our biological children, we have always treated you as our own and raised you with care."
"Now that you both have a future, we are very proud. Ah... we have no children of our own. Sometimes we truly wish you could become our real children."
Her words were full of warmth. Fang Zheng did not notice the deeper meaning behind them, but Fang Yuan frowned slightly, a sense of unease rising in his heart.
As expected, the uncle continued, speaking sincerely:
"Fang Zheng, Fang Yuan, your aunt and I have discussed this. We would like to adopt both of you, so that we can truly become one family. Fang Zheng, are you willing?"
Fang Zheng was stunned for a moment, then his face lit up with uncontrollable joy. Without hesitation, he immediately agreed:
"To be honest, ever since our parents passed away, I've always longed for a complete family. Being able to truly become part of your family... that would be wonderful for me!"
Hearing this, the aunt visibly relaxed, and a bright smile appeared on her face.
"Then from now on, you are our good son. Will you still call us uncle and aunt?"
Fang Zheng suddenly understood and quickly changed the way he addressed them, his voice warm and affectionate:
"Father... Mother."}
...
[Xiao Yan: This family actually seems quite harmonious. It looks like Fang Yuan and Fang Zheng lost their parents early and were raised by their uncle and aunt. Now accepting them as their parents doesn't seem strange at all.]
[Wang Lin: It's not that simple!]
[Han Paopao: Brother Wang is right. Back then, the uncle and aunt likely took them in because they also inherited their parents' property. Raising them was their responsibility. But now that the brothers can cultivate, they suddenly ask to be recognized as parents... it's likely they have ulterior motives!]
[Ye Fan : That's right! Brother Han is absolutely correct. The uncle and aunt of the Gu Yue brothers are definitely not good people. From the very beginning, their goal was to take over the family inheritance. Now that the brothers have grown up, they're afraid the wealth will be taken away if they split, so they're resorting to this method!]
[Xiao Yan: That... makes sense! I didn't expect that seemingly kind couple to be hiding such schemes. Looks like I was too naive.]
A sharp glint flashed in Fang Yuan's eyes. He realized that those speaking in the comments were not simply guessing—they clearly had keen insight into people.
'Interesting... but how could you know that Gu Yue Dong Tu's scheme has long been seen through by me?'
'In this life, I'm completely confident that I can play him in the palm of my hand.'
His 500 years of experience from his previous life gave him that level of confidence.
"Brother... what they're saying isn't true... right?" Fang Zheng looked at him, seeking reassurance.
"You already know the answer yourself."
After saying that, Fang Yuan sneered inwardly:
'After all, haven't you already treated them as your real parents? You ungrateful wretch... a wolf who forgets where he came from.'