Gu Yifeng paid little heed to the grandeur and opulence of the City Lord Mansion.
At this moment, his emotions churned with a complex mixture of excitement and apprehension.
In Loulan City, it had long been an unspoken truth that the power of the City Lord's Mansion and the Mercenary Guild formed an inseparable alliance.
If only they could unite with the City Lord's Mansion and the Mercenary Guild to confront the Li family...
The mere thought sent a thrill through Gu Yifeng's heart.
Since assuming the mantle of head of the Gu family, the Li clan had remained his foremost adversary. Should they succeed in annihilating the Li family, the Gu family's position as the premier lineage would remain unchallenged for at least a century!
Moreover, the Gu family now boasted a prodigy in Gu Qingli!
As Gu Yifeng entered the City Lord Mansion's reception hall accompanied by Elder Mu and Elder Shui, the atmosphere inside was convivial.
Though most of the discourse was led by Sikong Ran and Gu Qingli, Sikong Ran's lively banter ensured the room never fell silent.
"Master Gu and venerable elders, welcome to this humble abode. I apologize for any shortcomings in our hospitality!"
Sikong Aofeng rose from his seat with a generous and courteous bow toward Gu Yifeng and his companions.
"City Lord Sikong, your kindness honors us," Gu Yifeng replied, a dignified yet gentle smile softening his austere features.
"President Shao is also present."
After mutual salutations, despite all being influential figures in Loulan City, this was indeed their inaugural gathering of such intimacy.
Once seated, Gu Yifeng's gaze rested upon Gu Qingli.
Two youths flanked her—one he recognized as Sikong Ran, the City Lord's son. But the other—who was this?
At a glance, those silver eyes startled even Gu Yifeng, a seasoned patriarch.
Yet, as head of the Gu family, his mind was shrewd; he merely cast a measured glance, betraying no emotion.
Observing Sikong Ran's warm demeanor toward Gu Qingli, Gu Yifeng silently mused.
Soon enough, such thoughts faded from his mind.
"Master Gu, I trust Xiao Li has already informed you. Though our City Lord Mansion holds no direct grudge against the Li family, we cannot tolerate their arrogance and recklessness. United, the three houses will be invincible," the City Lord Sikong spoke first.
A surge of exhilaration coursed through Gu Yifeng and the elders.
Indeed, within Loulan City, it was the Gu family whose interests most opposed the Li clan. Had assistance been offered before, the Gu family would not have been so circumspect.
"City Lord Sikong speaks truthfully. Among us, the Gu family stands to gain the most. Once the Li family falls, their holdings shall naturally be divided between the City Lord Mansion and the Mercenary Guild," Gu Yifeng replied.
The profound heritage amassed by a grand family over years was considerable; otherwise, even Gu Qingli's formidable reputation might not have swayed Sikong Aofeng and Shao Yan to agree so readily.
A faint smile flickered in Gu Yifeng's eyes. Even for great powers like theirs, the spoils of dismantling the Li family were undeniably enticing.
It was not that the Gu family coveted such gains above all else, but with the Li family eradicated, their peace of mind would endure for centuries, alongside forged alliances with the City Lord Mansion and Mercenary Guild.
In the territory of Loulan City, the Gu family's status would thus be unassailable.
Reducing the Li family to ruin and removing their challenge was the greatest prize for the Gu family.
Sikong Aofeng and Shao Yan exchanged subtle smiles; the Gu family patriarch was indeed perceptive and prudent.