Chapter 596 - 291: Another Identity Revealed
Su Jiameng remained silent, contemplating the credibility of the other person’s words. Gu Ningyi continued, "I’ve been waiting here for you for a long time, thinking that even if you have extraordinary abilities, it would still take you at least half a month to arrive. But appearing here today, purely by chance... and unexpectedly, I ran into you out of nowhere from this place... Is this the transportation technology of your world?"
Gu Ningyi pointed to the ground beneath Su Jiameng’s feet, his eyes filled with an indescribable curiosity.
Su Jiameng remained speechless, while he continued his monologue with rare patience, "At first, I was unwilling to believe such an absurd hypothesis. But you’ve revealed too many issues that can’t be explained by anything else. After pondering for a long time, it seems to be the only reason that makes sense."
"I think it’s best if you give me an answer... Although Luo Xin is your ally, she agreed to help you because of my persuasion. If I don’t get a response from you, you’ll have to face those two colossal beings on your own..."
Only then did Su Jiameng fully believe in Gu Ningyi’s words. She spoke with a touch of helplessness, "The novel I wrote... really sold me out completely, all my disguises fell apart... I shouldn’t have written such a thing on impulse..."
Was this an indirect admission? Gu Ningyi carefully examined Su Jiameng. To be honest, the woman’s appearance was indeed excellent, but a pretty face doesn’t prove much. What intrigued him was her skills and strength.
"Just looking at this face, I really can’t see any resemblance to the descriptions in the novel... Oh, I forgot, this body originally wasn’t yours, so the difference in appearance is understandable." Gu Ningyi’s previous overbearing manner eased into a more relaxed tone.
"In fact, this face already bears a 60-70% resemblance to my former appearance," Su Jiameng slightly shook her head and said, "Looks are just superficial. With the advanced technology today, changing one’s face is not difficult. Having strength is enough. What use is it to be pretty?"
Gu Ningyi said, "There’s one issue that’s been bothering me for a long time, the content of the novel... How much of it is real?"
"Ninety-nine percent of it is real... I know what you’re curious about... it’s about the Insect Race, right?" When mentioning the Insect Race, Su Jiameng’s entire aura turned several degrees colder. "Although I hate to admit it, I did recently engage with a Mother Tree that was close to evolving into an Insect General... There’s no escaping it, as this world has the Insect Race as well."
Suddenly thinking of someone else, Su Jiameng sneered, "You figuring out my identity must have a lot to do with Gu Ningzhi’s involvement, right? That guy is your second brother, so it’s unlikely he wouldn’t mention these things to you..."
"He concealed it from me all along. It was only recently, under pressure, that I managed to extract some hints from him." Gu Ningyi was a good big brother, not in the habit of setting traps for his siblings. He chose to omit the details of how Gu Ningzhi recommended the novel and Mother Tree video photos.
"In that case, you really have quite the stratagem," Su Jiameng remarked with a secret smirk. "With such limited information, you managed to piece together the truth and the narrative. Not sure whether to commend your bold imagination or your mind-blowing analytical skills. All the Gu’s seem this tricky."
Gu Ningyi, at just over a hundred years old, had managed to earn the title of the Star Thief’s top figure. Although Gu Ningzhi didn’t have any famous achievements, he had indeed helped Su Jiameng uncover numerous top-secret information inaccessible even to Changxi by handing over the power he toyed with back in the day. If he could curb his playful heart, he might also become an exceptionally formidable person...
Character determines fate. Gu Ningzhi’s laziness was already ingrained deep into his bones... One can only hope that Li You from the Expedition Army can steer him back on the right path.
Of course, among the three brothers, there was also Gu Ningxuan, who possessed the greatest potential yet was stuck in a bottleneck.
Gu Ningxuan’s talent and potential needed no mention; even Su Jiameng felt a tinge of jealousy in this regard.
But he had many flaws too—not decisive enough, not meticulous enough, not ruthless enough. Adversity can inspire, but it can also erode one’s edge and contentment with the status quo... Gu Ningxuan, while maintaining his original intention in adversity, lost some of his sharpness.
Admittedly, there was some blame on her part as well. If it weren’t for forcing him to stay for five years back then... perhaps he would’ve blazed his own trail by now.
No one is perfect. Gu Ningxuan’s character indeed has flaws, but none are fatal. As he gradually matures, he’ll improve... If he successfully overcomes the integration phase and emerges with his life intact, then he can truly talk about the future.
"You’re wronging people with your words. Speaking of being troublesome, who could be more troublesome than you?" Gu Ningyi said while leading the way, "Besides, what’s the use of me knowing these secrets? The one who most needs to know is still in the dark..."
The one who most needs to know these secrets? Who was Gu Ningyi referring to?
Su Jiameng pondered for a long time but couldn’t come up with an answer and finally gave up.
Gu Ningyi suddenly asked, "What do you think of my stupid third brother? For example, his character, strength, talent..."
"His character is quite good, his strength is alright, he lacks battle experience, but his talent is quite high... However, talent alone can only signify the potential height he might reach in the future. It’s just potential, which doesn’t mean much." Su Jiameng’s answer was very formulaic.
"Do you think he could possibly become stronger than you in the future?" Gu Ningyi pondered about domestic violence at his brother’s house and who would be at a disadvantage. Moreover, her impression of the third brother seemed too vague. How could she discuss feelings like this?
"You mentioned the future. How can I answer such a hypothetical question?" Su Jiameng remarked with a curl of her lips, "If my strength remains stagnant, and his opportunities are sufficient, allowing him to roll around on the battlefield for thirty or forty years, he might barely manage a draw."
Gu Ningyi: "..." It seemed there was no doubt about the likelihood of his brother getting domestically abused.
Su Jiameng remained silent. Gu Ningxuan’s talent was indeed high, but what did talent prove? The battlefield was littered with countless dead geniuses. Survival marked the true victors. Slowly maturing, his brilliance would ultimately shine one day... (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please head over to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com for reading.)