Chapter 399 – Punishment

Gongyi Tianheng revealed a smiling expression.

Although it looked no different from the smiles of the past, Gu Zuo found that he could no longer distinguish his big brother’s mood from this smile — Previously, he had a clear and thorough understanding of whether his big brother was expressing true happiness or false courtesy!

Gu Qi: “…”

For whatever reason, he suddenly felt that it would’ve been better if he hadn’t said anything at all.

Older folks shouldn’t meddle in the affairs of young people…

Gu Zuo’s heart was truly restless and apprehensive. He couldn’t help rambling: “Big brother, I forgot something. Just then, before you came, I was in the middle of preparing medicine. The medicinal liquid diluted from Rejuvenation Pills is still in the room. Can we go back and get it first?”

Tianheng quietly finished listening, and said: “Ah Zuo, rest assured. I already ordered someone to take away everything in the apartment rooms.”

Gu Zuo blanked. After that, when he turned his head, he realized that he had failed to notice some objects due to his heightened emotions. It wasn’t only that large jar of Rejuvenation Pill medicinal liquid, everything from their home had been moved out by those burly bodyguards — To reiterate, the door had clearly been locked, which meant they had picked the lock and barged inside!

No. This wasn’t the important point. What was important was how he was supposed to appease big brother’s temper!

With a defeated look on his face, Gu Zuo stammered: “Eh, big brother…”

Tianheng faintly tilted his head. His gaze was fixed upon Gu Zuo’s expression: “Ah Zuo, don’t you have something you need to tell me?”

Gu Zuo looked at their surroundings. Then, he lifted his head to face his big brother.

There were lots of people here! What was he supposed to say?!

At this moment, Tianheng also realized that they couldn’t communicate telepathically. In addition, even though the distance that separated them was very short, he still felt that the connection was somewhat illusory. It seemed as if the guardian contract was in a half-broken state.

The cause for all this was…

Gu Zuo nudged closer to Tianheng’s ear, and lowered his voice: “Big brother, the system doesn’t have enough energy.”

Tianheng’s gaze darkened slightly.

Sure enough, it was like this.

Gu Zuo hesitated before carefully grabbing Tianheng’s hand.

Tianheng didn’t refuse.

Gu Zuo was emboldened as he lifted Tianheng’s hand up, and placed it onto his own head. He weakly rubbed it back and forth. In a tiny, mousey voice, he said: “Big brother, it doesn’t matter how angry you are, and it doesn’t matter if you punish me. But please don’t ignore me, okay? Being able to see big brother again really makes me happy…”

Tianheng’s fingers slightly twitched as they carded through Gu Zuo’s hair.

It appeared that his fingers wanted to ruffle a handful of hair, but due to the resentful anger in his heart, he wasn’t willing to ruffle so easily.

On the other side, Gu Qi watched this, and his mood became subtle.

This son of his was acting like a spoiled child? To be honest, admitting mistakes, seeking punishment, and acting spoiled should’ve been pretty effective. However, ever since his son was five years old, Gu Zuo never acted spoiled to him! Yet, surprisingly, Gu Zuo was now acting spoiled to another person… Also, this son wasn’t willing to let his old man mess with his hair before, but in the end, he actively delivered himself up to his adoptive brother for some ruffling! What was going on? This was a little too much of a double standard!

Although he knew that his son was trying his best to beg for forgiveness, a bit of vinegar couldn’t help but well up in the earnest heart of this old father.

— On the other hand, Gu Qi didn’t really care that Tianheng had directly ordered people to move the things in their home. Firstly, it really wouldn’t have been good if that jar of Rejuvenation Pill medicinal liquid was left behind. Secondly, this person probably brought them away without the intention of them returning. It couldn’t have been more normal for their things to be packed up and their traces swept clean. As for not giving them prior notice…it would’ve been a wonder if it even came to mind.

Gu Zuo noticed that Tianheng seemed to soften a little, and let go of his courage.

He had returned to the modern world and saw his dad again, but he still needed to save his father. He didn’t have any family worries holding him back anymore! And when he was anxious that he would never see his beloved sweetheart again, this person had already appeared!

Of course, he wasn’t the same as when he was on the Central Continent, where he was careful in all aspects and didn’t dare to reveal his slightest thoughts… He absolutely had to get big brother’s forgiveness! Then, he would pursue big brother romantically!

Hence, Gu Zuo rubbed Tianheng’s hand on his head again. Although he didn’t dare to be too obvious, he also pretended to act shamelessly: “Big brother, I really didn’t do it on purpose… In the beginning, it wasn’t convenient to talk about it. And later on, I wanted to tell big brother, but I was afraid that it would affect big brother’s mood, making both of us unhappy.

“That Xiao Clan was so hateful. There was such a trap on that Void-Breaking Shuttle, which caused us to suffer that accident…

“Big brother, I promise that I will never hide anything from you in the future. Will you forgive me?”

During this time, Tianheng allowed Gu Zuo to grab his hand, and didn’t actively ruffle his little pharmacist’s hair. However, he also didn’t stop Gu Zuo from rubbing his hand on his own head. At this moment, Tianheng spoke with an indiscernible meaning: “Does Ah Zuo have anything else to hide?”

Gu Zuo hastily shook his head: “No! Not a single thing! There’s nothing else I’m going to hide from big brother!”

Tianheng lightly harrumphed.

Gu Zuo blinked his eyes, and showed an expectant smile.

Tianheng’s palm slid down, and cupped Gu Zuo’s cheek.

Gu Zuo’s face felt like it was burning up.

As for Tianheng, he calmly and unhurriedly said: “Capital punishment may be exempted, but corporal punishment cannot be avoided.”

Gu Zuo promptly said: “Big brother can punish me as he pleases. I won’t complain!”

Tianheng faintly smiled.

He somewhat exerted himself, and pinched Gu Zuo’s cheek. He said: “Oh? Then, this elder brother shall wait and see.”

Afterwards, Tianheng said nothing else to Gu Zuo. Meanwhile, Gu Zuo’s heart trembled in alarm by what he was told, but knowing that he could obtain forgiveness after receiving punishment, he felt it was worth it.

As a result, Gu Zuo secretly made a firm decision. No matter how big brother wanted to punish him, he would accept it gladly and willingly!

Gu Qi watched this scene play out, and two thoughts couldn’t help but arise in his mind.

The first was that his silly son owed Gongyi Tianheng, but kissing up like this made this old father feel like he was drinking vinegar!

The second was that, as someone with personal experience, he felt that something was slightly off with Tianheng’s attitude towards his silly son…

Those attending bodyguards naturally kept their mouths shut, and pretended like they didn’t see anything. As for Zhang Bohan who had been ignored the entire time, he finally displayed a bit of activity at this moment. He quietly shifted closer to Gu Qi’s side, and slowly started a conversation. In passing, he gradually revealed his Zhang Family’s information to Gu Qi.

Zhang Bohan felt that Tianheng’s attitude toward the young man he wanted to find was rather strange, but there was no doubt that it was close and intimate. As such, the young man’s father was also very important.

Of course, what he wanted to know even more was — How did someone who died five years ago suddenly come back to life? There were certainly something mysterious going on. It couldn’t help but cause his heart to itch.

It was only a pity that Gu Qi’s lips were sealed. Although Zhang Bohan was capable of worming facts out of people, no matter how persuasive he was, Gu Qi only hemmed and hawed a couple of lines over and over again. As it turned out, Zhang Bohan couldn’t actually worm anything out of him?

At the same time, while Gu Qi was in the middle of “clashing swords” with Zhang Bohan, when it came to his son’s foolish appearance — Well, what the eyes didn’t see, the heart wouldn’t grieve over. Ah, young people. Who didn’t have a time when their heads were feverish and muddled because of romance? Right now, his silly son was at the age when people were the most lovestruck and dopey!

The time it took to return passed quickly. Gu Zuo was still preoccupied with winning over his big brother when the airplane suddenly landed. At this moment, Gu Zuo remembered to take a look at the surroundings outside. In the end, his psychic power was discharged. Whoa, what a big piece of land! However, this was a far cry from the manor his big brother owned in Ten Ultimates Sect.

Gu Zuo swiftly retrieved his psychic power, and followed Tianheng as they disembarked from the plane.

They went directly to a large villa that was closest to the ancestral residence. This was a top-quality abode that the Zhang Family arranged for Tianheng. The whole villa was used to entertain him alone.

This kind of treatment was unique even within the entire Zhang Family.

After going inside, Tianheng headed straight to the second floor.

Gu Zuo quickened his pace, and followed close behind.

Gu Qi: “…”

With a sweetheart, this son had forgotten his father. Sigh, this old man’s heart was feeling sour again…

After that, Zhang Bohan rekindled their conversation, led Gu Qi to sit on the sofa, and continued to chat with him.

Gu Qi was someone who understood basic courtesy. Considering that the two young people ought to be taking the next step to resolve their problems, his mind eased as he proceeded to talk with Zhang Bohan.

…Though, the discussion was still deadlocked with no secrets revealed.

Upstairs, Tianheng pushed open a bedroom door. Gu Zuo silently stood next to the threshold with some hesitation.

He was debating whether he was supposed to follow inside…

Tianheng sat on the side of the bed, and looked at Gu Zuo: “Come here.”

Gu Zuo slowly walked over.

Just a while ago, he was filled with that burst of “courage”, but now, he was a little timid about what was going to happen.

Immediately following which, Tianheng didn’t give Gu Zuo any time to ponder, and reached out a hand to pull him over —

In a split second, Gu Zuo only felt like the sky was whirling and the earth was turning as he was flipped over. All of a sudden, he was lying down with his stomach pressed against the warm thighs of his big brother.

Gu Zuo: “! ! !”

Too shocking! What kind of position was this?!

Suddenly, he had a bad premonition…

The next moment, Tianheng spoke in a quiet voice: “Since Ah Zuo accepts his punishment, this elder brother will deliver it.”

Before Gu Zuo could react, he heard a crisp sound.

Slap!

What immediately followed was a twinge of pain that spread up from his butt.

Out of reflex, he turned red from head to toe!

He was s-s-spanked…

Gu Zuo only felt like his whole body was running a temperature. It was so hot that he felt completely out of sorts.

He absolutely never expected that it would be this kind of punishment!

For a short while, he didn’t know whether to feel embarrassed or ashamed. His mind was drawing a blank. This feeling of shame, which he had never experienced before, engulfed his thoughts like a tidal surge of large waves. As those waves crashed down, he was submerged and pulled under.

However, this embarrassing matter wasn’t over yet. Tianheng took his time, and his palm came down repeatedly.

Slap! Slap! Slap!

The spanking didn’t carry any sense of rhythm, but the sounds were clear every time. This caused the person in question to feel as if smoke was coming out of his ears. His body was fiery hot.

Gu Zuo couldn’t help saying: “Big brother, don’t spank —”

Before all his words could fall, they were interrupted by another palm print to his butt.

Tianheng spoke slowly: “Ah Zuo said that he would let this elder brother punish him. Why does Ah Zuo want to call it off when this elder brother still hasn’t cooled his temper? If Ah Zuo’s words hold no weight, then it’ll leave this elder brother greatly disappointed.”

Gu Zuo: “…Never mind.”

Actually, the embarrassment of being spanked was secondary. During the punishment, he suddenly felt a numbing-like ache amid the soreness where he was being spanked. Moreover, this kind of aching sensation was beginning to feel more and more… He was really worried that he was going to make a fool of himself if this continued!

But there was nothing to be done.

So long as he heard that trace of gloominess in his big brother’s low and supple voice, there was nothing he could do about it.

Regardless, it was just being spanked… He would let big brother spank until he was satisfied.

Gu Zuo folded his arms in front of himself, and buried his head inside.

In any case, after this round of spanking, he wouldn’t have the face to look at anyone anymore…

Tianheng spanked as many as forty to fifty times before he finally stopped.

After that, his palm lightly rubbed the place on Gu Zuo that had been spanked puffy. His voice carried a slightly deep and husky tone: “Is it sore?”

Gu Zuo silently nodded: “Sore.”

Tianheng smiled: “Ah Zuo, you aren’t still going to deceive this elder brother in the future, are you?”

Gu Zuo shook his head: “I won’t.”

Tianheng paused. In the end, he lifted his hand, and released Gu Zuo: “I punished you this time only because you didn’t trust me. If this happens again, I won’t let you off so easily.”

Gu Zuo got up too abruptly. Who would’ve thought that the place that was spanked puffy would pull a hiss of pain from him. Nevertheless, he endured this ache, and happily asked: “Does big brother forgive me?”

Tianheng showed a smiling expression. His gaze had softened: “I forgive you.”

Gu Zuo was simply wild with joy. He didn’t care about anything else, and immediately turned around, pounced over, and gave Tianheng a strong embrace: “Thank you so much, big brother! I will never do this again!”

Tianheng saw how happy Gu Zuo was, and his expression loosened. After that, he reached out a hand, and ruffled his hair: “Just now, I used some strength. For the next few days, I don’t want you to apply any medicine on it. This is so that you remember this matter in your heart… Does Ah Zuo blame this elder brother?”

Gu Zuo’s complexion, which had just returned to normal, flushed red again. However, at this time, his face was rubbing against Tianheng’s shoulder. Thus, he promptly shook his head: “Ah, I don’t blame big brother. It was originally my fault. Just, in the future, let’s not…”

Tianheng lightly chuckled: “If Ah Zuo won’t do this again, neither will this elder brother.”

Gu Zuo hurriedly nodded: “Then, big brother can rest assured!”

Yet, for some reason, there was a little bit of disappointment at the bottom of his heart.

He felt that, although that kind of punishment was somewhat embarrassing, that was also the most intimately he and his big brother had touched. Truly…this feeling was hard to describe.

The two embraced each other like this. While enduring the twinges of pain from his butt, Gu Zuo crawled out of Tianheng’s arms. Although he wanted to keep hugging for a while longer, it wasn’t as if he hadn’t been held like this before. Merely, it was during special situations back then, and his mentality was different from now. He didn’t have the thick face to keep hugging before he started feeling guilty.

Gu Zuo covered the place that was sore, and simply stood up: “Right, big brother. How did you arrive here? And who are those bodyguards outside?”

Since Tianheng had already expressed his forgiveness, the attitude he treated Gu Zuo at this moment had also regained its previous warmth. He began to carefully explain.

Once Gu Zuo finished listening, he learned that his big brother quickly realized that something was wrong upon arriving in this world. By lucky coincidence, there were two factions engaged in a firefight nearby. After some consideration, he chose to support Zhang Bohan’s side. Later on, he utilized the simplest method — He used benefits to lure in the local forces, and had those local forces help him find someone.

Merely, from his big brother’s words, Gu Zuo also discovered just how powerful the organization that took away his father was. It was to the point that he and his dad had appeared out of thin air. All those previous years were erased, and only traces of their activity in the past eight years remained. In addition, these traces were only found by relying on Gu Zuo’s face and name. His dad’s information was completely expunged from the public — Even the guardian listed in Gu Zuo’s school record had been replaced by another person.

Gu Zuo thought it over, and started to tell Tianheng everything.

Included in this explanation was how he unexpectedly left his original world, what he planned in the beginning, what he planned afterwards, and how reluctant he was when that accident occurred… In short, apart from the special feelings he had for his dear big brother, he revealed everything else.

Tianheng’s gaze faintly moved as he listened, but he didn’t expose any peculiar emotions. This allowed Gu Zuo, who had been carefully observing his big brother’s expression the entire time, to feel much more relaxed. He felt that he wasn’t spanked in vain. In the end, he really was forgiven.

After that, Tianheng said: “Ah Zuo’s father is considered to be my uncle. Since he is trapped in the midst of disaster, I will naturally exert all my efforts to rescue him.”

Gu Zuo beamed with happiness: “With big brother here, there certainly won’t be any problems!”

The edge of Tianheng’s lips carried a hint of a smiling expression.

Gu Zuo suddenly remembered something, and asked: “Big brother, is this Zhang Family reliable?”

Tianheng faintly smiled: “Contrary to what one might expect, they have a rather clear view of things. They also possess some insight and courage.”

Upon hearing this, Gu Zuo understood: “Originally, I wanted to use the Rejuvenation Pill medicinal liquid to find collaborators and make some achievements. This was to see if I could seize the opportunity to locate those people. But because I can’t know if any collaborators would be trustworthy, I was hesitant to make a choice. Now that the Zhang Family has delivered themselves to our doorstep, this saves trouble.”

Tianheng pondered for a moment, and nodded his head: “This method can work. Since even the Zhang Family can’t grasp any clues about that organization, and it must be incredibly powerful to remain hidden until now. The Zhang Family once said that the Ancient Martial Artists Association is extremely mysterious, and numerous aristocratic families and clans share connects to it… In this elder brother’s opinion, that organization is probably involved with the association. If it’s like this, in addition to building a reputation with the Rejuvenation Pills, the Qi Generating Pills may also prove useful.”

Gu Zuo startled: “Why do you say that?”

Tianheng replied: “This world’s martial artists are called ancient martial artists. Since Qi Generating Pills can replenish a martial artist’s internal qi, perhaps it can be used by ancient martial artists. Even if they can’t, with Ah Zuo here, could it be that you can’t refine some beneficial medicines? Once the medicinal effects are achieved, it can be handed over to the Zhang Family for development. It will inevitably attract those ancient martial artists, and it will be much more convenient to make discreet inquiries at that time.”

Gu Zuo immediately understood, and suddenly smiled: “As expected of big brother! We’ll do it just as you say!”

Tianheng nodded with a grin: “Now, this elder brother ought to pay a formal visit to see Uncle Gu.”

Gu Zuo heard this, and mischievously chuckled. After that, he sprung up.

This movement pulled at his sore spot. However, he wasn’t afraid of this bit of pain. Tugging at Tianheng’s sleeve, he walked out of the bedroom.

Yes. Just a while ago, everyone had been muddleheaded and emotional. But now, it was going to be their official meeting.”

When they went downstairs, Gu Zuo did his best to keep his posture from limping as he walked.

At this moment, Gu Qi, who was in the middle of being verbally ensnared by Zhang Bohan, heard his son’s voice calling out. It was like a prisoner receiving a judicial pardon. Right away, he looked over: “Son, you guys come down here.”

Gu Qi didn’t notice anything unusual with Gu Zuo’s posture, but when he saw Gongyi Tianheng, he discovered that this fellow was wearing a slight smile. The feeling this facial expression gave others was like a cleansing spring breeze. It didn’t have a bit of the previous estrangement or deeply concealed apathy.

At once, he understood that his son and that adoptive brother had reconciled.

After Tianheng came down, he smiled at Gu Qi and said: “Previously, due to the melancholy in my heart, I acted discourteously towards Uncle Gu. I hope that Uncle Gu doesn’t take offense.”

Gu Qi listened to this scholarly way of speaking, but in any case, he had been a student of great ability. Hence, he comprehended what was said without the slightest pressure, and smiled enthusiastically: “Not at all. It was this silly son of mine who made a mistake. And now, you two…”

Gu Zuo was happy: “Dad, big brother forgave me!”

Tianheng pulled Gu Zuo over, and said: “It wasn’t a big deal. For a time, I forgot my manners, and showed a laughable performance to Uncle Gu.”

Gu Qi was gladdened: “Well, it’s good that you guys made up. Don’t quarrel in the future. I heard that it wasn’t easy for you two to meet.”

Tianheng had a smile on his face: “What Uncle Gu says is right.”

Off to the side, Zhang Bohan watched Tianheng, and looked at Gu Zuo. His mood was a little strange.

Based on these two’s temperaments, while he wouldn’t say that they were polar opposites, the differences were quite large. Was their friendship close enough to reach the point of “quarreling”? But what made him feel even stranger was that the feeling the current Tianheng gave him was completely different from that of the past few days — If Tianheng had been a calamity a few days ago, then now, he was an elegant and graceful young master. Although there was still that bit of arrogance beneath the surface, there was no longer any of that alarming danger.

Zhang Bohan couldn’t help glancing at Gu Zuo a few more times.

Even though he felt it was a little hard to believe, the sensations Tianheng gave people had changed. It certainly had something to do with this young man whom he wanted the Zhang Family to find… Both of them were unknown. When all was said and done, what was their relationship?

He always felt that, when the two were together, it was a little…ambiguous? But if one said that they really had that kind of relationship, it also didn’t seem like there was that much resemblance.

Of course, regardless of what the specifics were, Zhang Bohan recognized the change in Tianheng, and the level of importance he treated Gu Zuo and Gu Qi had risen again. He intended to go back with his grandfather to have a proper chat.

At this time, Tianheng issued an order for the others to leave: “Today, I have been reunited with Ah Zuo. I’m in an excited mood, and it would be difficult to extricate myself. Thus, it’s inappropriate to meet with the Zhang Family Head right now. Tomorrow, select a few people, and bring them over. I will pass down those three sets of martial skills, and teach them until they learn the basics.”

Zhang Bohan was immediately ecstatic.

Hadn’t he been so eagerly attentive and thoughtful precisely for this? Moreover, his attentiveness seemed to be quite useful. As a matter of fact, not only was this Mister Gongyi going to take out martial skills, he was also willing to give pointers… Truly, this was outstanding.

Hence, Zhang Bohan quickly decided to go back and find people. He tactfully vacated the room here for these few people he had long regarded with great importance. However, before he was about to leave, he suddenly thought of a matter, and asked: “Mister Gongyi, how many people can my Zhang Family bring over?”

Tianheng raised an eyebrow and said: “It can’t exceed ten people.”

Zhang Bohan obtained a satisfying answer, and wasn’t greedy for more. Thus, he departed with a pleased expression.

Sure enough, there only remained three people in the entire villa.

Gu Zuo was still in a very good mood: “Big brother, I’ll go and cook a meal for you and dad to eat!”

Naturally, Tianheng smilingly accepted.

Gu Zuo couldn’t help pulling his sleeve: “Then, when it’s nighttime, would it be okay if…big brother and I sleep together?” He was a little bashful, “I really missed big brother.”

T/N: Fun fact, the author posted this chapter in celebration of Singles’ Day (November 11).

Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

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