Chapter 53: A Secret?
After saying this, Gu Jianghai felt somewhat embarrassed.
Any observant person could see that despite its small population, Chen Village possessed formidable combat strength. Every hunting expedition returned laden with game.
But what about their own side?
They'd finally secured prey only to have it stolen en route. Were it not for their fortunate encounter with Chen Village's group, the comparison would've been painfully stark.
On the surface, merging their village with Chen Village appeared mutually beneficial - a win-win scenario. In reality, they were simply clinging to stronger allies.
Yet he had no choice.
Their village desperately lacked able-bodied men. Every winter brought starvation deaths, and this year would be no exception. Merging with Chen Village meant survival - if not meat, then at least life-sustaining broth.
Most crucially, Chen Guodong's trustworthy character made this possible.
The atmosphere grew heavy.
The Gu Village men's hearts leaped to their throats again, eyes blazing with barely restrained hope.
They naturally supported Gu Jianghai's proposal.
Merging with Chen Village would be an incredible blessing.
But would the other side agree? Behind them stood dozens of elderly, women, and children - a burden any village would hesitate to accept.
This hesitation manifested clearly.
Even Chen Guodong initially felt pleased. With the Wei brothers' departure taking several hunters, their team urgently needed reinforcements.
These Gu Village men could fill that void.
Their proven integrity added to their value.
Yet the weight of dozens more mouths to feed gave pause.
Their own village's hundred-strong population already strained resources. Five game carcasses might sustain them temporarily, but adding more hungry souls...
The oppressive silence continued.
Gu Village hearts plummeted.
Gu Jianghai's smile grew strained.
He glanced at Gu Ze beside him.
Should he reveal that secret? Given their current weakness, Chen Village's reluctance was expected.
Then a young voice cut through the tension.
"Dad, I think we should agree."
Every eye snapped to Chen Fan.
"It's him!"
The Gu Village men nearly vibrated with joy. Of all Chen Village members, this extraordinary youth's approval meant most.
Then shock registered.
Did he just call Chen Guodong "Dad"?
This remarkable archer was their leader's son?
Chen Fan calmly explained, "Our village lacks experienced hunters. While Wang Ping and Zhao Feng show promise, they need training. Uncle Gu's group solves this urgent need."
"Xiao Fan's right," Liu Yong nodded nearby, having considered this too. "But..."
"Uncle Liu worries about food shortages?" Chen Fan smiled. "More hunters mean more prey. Many hands make light work."
Nods circulated.
Not because his logic was irrefutable, but because the speaker commanded trust.
"Guodong, if Xiao Fan agrees, so do we."
"Let's welcome Brother Gu's people."
"Xiao Fan's always right," someone bluntly added.
Chen Guodong smiled at Gu Jianghai. "Have you truly decided? We welcome you."
This... settled so easily?
The Gu Village men froze.
They'd anticipated lengthy debates ending in reluctant majority approval. Instead, this youth's words brought unanimous consent.
"Jianghai! Jianghai!"
An elbow jab from his companion. "Stop gaping! Accept!"
"Quick, before they reconsider!"
Gu Jianghai startled awake. "Brother Chen! We're resolved! From today, Gu Village ceases to exist!"
"Right! We're all Chen Village now!"
Their shouts echoed through the woods.
Young Gu Ze flushed with embarrassed pride.
"Excellent!" Chen Guodong boomed. "We're one family now!"
Liu Yong's group smiled approvingly.
More hunters meant safer expeditions and livelier village days - though feeding everyone would demand greater efforts.
"Brother Chen," Gu Jianghai gestured at Chen Fan. "This remarkable youth - your son?"
"Indeed."
"Truly heroes emerge young!" Gu Jianghai marveled. "He single-handedly routed Li Village's bullies when we could only endure humiliation!"
"Drawing a hundred-pound bow!"
"Firing over a dozen shots consecutively! Superhuman!"
Their praises flowed freely.
Chen Fan smiled until his gaze reached Gu Ze. The youth's poorly concealed resentment gave him pause.
Natural for the young, he mused.
"Xiao Fan's our best," the Chen villagers declared proudly.
Chen Guodong smiled despite himself. "Your son's no slouch either. Similar age, yet he draws an eighty-pound bow - surpassing even us veterans."
This observation electrified Liu Yong's group.
True! This youth's contributions had sustained Gu Village, though overshadowed by Chen Fan's brilliance. Their combined strength promised brighter days.
"Brother Gu," someone ventured, "your son's a martial practitioner too, yes?"
"Tempered Body First Layer?"
Gu Jianghai stammered, discomfort writ large.
Gu Ze hung his head, awkward under sudden attention.
"Did I misspeak?" Chen Guodong asked.
"No! No offense taken!" Gu Jianghai waved frantically. "Ze'er's bow strength... stems from special circumstances."
"Special circumstances?"
Chen Village members exchanged puzzled looks.
What could this mean?
Did this youth harbor some secret?
(End of Chapter)
