The other three hunters were also trembling with fear, not daring to look directly at Liu Chen. They could only keep their heads bowed, their bodies shaking uncontrollably. For Mortals, the fear of Gu Masters was deeply ingrained in their bones.
Even though they were strong, adult men, they still felt extreme terror when facing a mere First Rank Gu Master apprentice.
"Are you all hunters from this area? Do you know an old hunter named Wang?" Liu Chen asked expressionlessly, as the Moonlight Gu in his hand formed a moon blade that gleamed with a cold light, exuding a chilling aura.
Seeing this, Liu Er and the others felt their hearts tighten. They knew how formidable this Gu Master was and dared not show the slightest disrespect. Liu Er quickly bowed, respectfully replying, "Gu Master, are you asking about Old Man Wang? He is a renowned hunter in our area! Not only that, he is also the oldest hunter here. Hunters like us often get attacked by wild beasts in the mountains and forests, and a moment of carelessness can send us to Yellow Springs. However, Old Man Wang has managed to live to such an old age; that is truly unique!"
As Liu Er spoke, he secretly observed Liu Chen's reaction, afraid that his answer might not satisfy him. When he saw Liu Chen nod slightly, he immediately breathed a sigh of relief.
Liu Chen then said, "Hmm, if that's the case, then all of you stand up. If you keep kneeling like this, others might think I'm abusing my power."
Although his voice was calm, the authority within it was impossible to ignore. Liu Er and the others felt as if they had received a great pardon. They hurriedly scrambled to their feet, yet dared not stand completely straight, only bending slightly at the waist, appearing somewhat constrained. Liu Er bowed again, fawningly saying, "Not at all, not at all. To be able to help the Gu Master is a blessing we have Cultivated for generations!"
"What about Old Man Wang's family? Who else lives with him?" Liu Chen picked up his wine cup, took a small sip, then slowly set it down. His gaze fell on Liu Er as he continued to inquire.
Seeing this, Liu Er quickly put down his chopsticks, wiped his mouth with his sleeve, and then said, "Old Man Wang's wife died ten years ago, leaving behind only three children. His eldest son is already thirty. He got married early, but when he went hunting last winter, he never returned. I heard he was eaten by a bear. His wife then committed suicide to follow him. However, I heard that Old Man Wang didn't want his daughter-in-law to remarry, so he killed her himself. As for his second son, he just turned sixteen this year and is currently learning to hunt with Old Man Wang; he hasn't finished his apprenticeship yet. The youngest daughter is only twelve, and she's incredibly pretty. I heard many people came to propose marriage early on, but Old Man Wang rejected them all."
Liu Er spoke like a bamboo tube pouring out beans, spilling all the information he knew in one breath.
After listening, Liu Chen merely let out a faint "Oh" on the surface, but in reality, his mind had already begun to race with thoughts.
According to his memory, Wang Da, who was originally thought to be dead, had actually encountered a mysterious Gu Master Legacy. Through a fortunate Opportunity, he successfully obtained this Legacy by faking his death and transformed into a Demonic Path Gu Master. It took him three years to Cultivate to the Second Rank mid-level Realm.
According to Liu Er, Wang Da had only mysteriously disappeared last year. This meant he had just acquired that precious Legacy last year, and in just half a year, his cultivation should be similar to his own, at most a First Rank high-level.
As for Wang Da's wife, she had already been killed by him personally, and it was highly likely that she had been refined into a Second Rank poisonous Gu—Love-Parting.
Liu Chen pondered for a moment. He wasn't overly worried about this Wang Da. After all, with his current strength, dealing with a Gu Master who was also at First Rank mid-level was almost effortless.
Thinking of this, Liu Chen felt a little more at ease and continued to give orders to Liu Er in front of him: "Take me to Old Man Wang's house."
"Yes, please follow me, sir." Liu Er quickly responded, then swiftly pulled a small primeval stone from his Pregnant and placed it on the table as payment for the wine. After paying, he unhesitatingly turned and walked out of the tavern. Seeing this, Liu Chen followed him closely.
"Sir, this is Old Man Wang's house." Liu Er said, pointing at the bamboo house in front of them. This bamboo house was one of the best in the village; the lower floor had been converted into a warehouse, and the yard was enclosed by a bamboo fence, forming a small courtyard. Two small plots of farmland were cultivated in the yard, neatly planted with some vegetables, a verdant sight that looked very pleasing.
Liu Chen merely glanced at it casually, then instructed, "Let's go inside and take a look." His voice was flat, devoid of any emotion.
Liu Er quickly assented, walked briskly to the bamboo house door, and then suddenly raised his voice, shouting into the bamboo house, "Old Man Wang, the Gu Master has something for you! Hurry out and greet him!" His voice echoed in the quiet village, seemingly reminding Old Man Wang to avoid incurring unwarranted disaster for not coming out in time.
However, after a while, there was no movement from inside the bamboo house. Just as Liu Er was about to shout again, the bamboo house door suddenly opened with a creak, forming a gap. Strangely, no one came out from inside; only a somewhat soft voice came through the door crack: "Who are you? My father and second brother aren't here. Please come back tomorrow."
Hearing this voice, Liu Er's expression became a little awkward. He turned to look at Liu Chen, saying with some difficulty, "Sir, it seems Old Man Wang isn't home."
"I'll go in and wait for him myself. You can leave now. Don't speak carelessly. If I hear anything I shouldn't, your lives will be forfeit." Liu Chen's lips curved slightly into a faint smile, but that smile revealed a hint of chilling coldness that sent shivers down one's spine.
Seeing this, the faces of Liu Er and the other three instantly turned pale, cold sweat trickling down their foreheads. They looked at Liu Chen tremblingly, nodding repeatedly in agreement, "Yes, yes, Gu Master, we know nothing. Thank you for your mercy!" With that, the four of them, as if granted a great pardon, hurriedly knelt and kowtowed, then, like greased lightning, they scurried away.
Liu Chen watched their pathetic fleeing figures, the smile on his lips growing more pronounced. He gently shook his head, as if he was already accustomed to their reactions.
Subsequently, he stepped forward, pushed open the large door made of bamboo planks, and leisurely walked into the small courtyard.