Tianhai City shimmered outside the car window like a jewel carved into steel and glass.
Gu Jun leaned back in his seat, eyes fixed on the vibrant blur of lights, people, and skyscrapers that stretched endlessly into the horizon. Towering buildings gleamed in the afternoon sun, their reflections mirrored on the polished roads. The city pulsed with energy, wealth, ambition, and hidden tension. A far cry from the quiet countryside where he spent most of his childhood.
From the driver's seat, Uncle Tang's voice broke the silence.
"When do your university classes start?"
Gu Jun blinked, shifting his gaze. "The day after tomorrow."
Uncle Tang nodded thoughtfully. "And your accommodation? You know you're always welcome to stay with us. But if you'd prefer the university hostel for more independence, that's fine too."
Gu Jun smiled faintly. "Thank you, Uncle. I'll probably stay at the hostel most of the time, but I'll visit often. I might even rent a small place near campus later on."
Uncle Tang grunted in approval. "Good. Still, don't worry too much about it, I've already made arrangements."
Gu Jun wasn't surprised. It had his mother's touch written all over it. She must have discussed every possible scenario with Uncle Tang.
He turned to the girl beside him. "So, how's your day going, Tang Xin?"
From beside him, Tang Xin stretched with a theatrical sigh. "Ugh. My day's been so boring. I'm not allowed to go out alone. All my friends are running wild while I'm stuck at home like some tragic heroine."
She turned to him suddenly, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "But now that you're here, Gu Jun, things are going to change. Your main job from today is to keep me entertained. I'll show you what real fun means."
Uncle Tang glanced at her through the rearview mirror with an annoyed expression.
"Hey, old man," she teased, "don't give me that look. I finally have a trusted male companion. You can't stop me from enjoying life anymore."
Gu Jun chuckled. "I'm fine with that—as long as Uncle and Aunt Tang approve."
"Hah! See? You're not as useless as you look!" she grinned.
"Be polite," Uncle Tang said dryly.
The car pulled into the driveway of a large, elegant house in the quieter residential district of Tianhai. Inside, the air was cool and scented faintly with jasmine. Two maids stood at attention near the door. Aunt Tang greeted them with a polite smile, but her gaze toward Gu Jun was formal.
"It's been a long time," she said. "How are you? I heard you got into Tianhai Royal University. That's quite an accomplishment. If your parents were alive… they would have been very proud."
"Thank you, Aunt," Gu Jun said quietly.
She gave a stiff nod. "After going to the university, concentrate on your education, don't waste this opportunity. Tianhai Royal University is one of the two best universities in the country. It is very rare to get this chance."
Looking at her, Gu Jun knew that she wanted to add something, but at the last minute, she stopped. She wanted to say it is a great chance from heaven for a fatherless and motherless child like him.
After all, she did not know the identity of his mother. Uncle Tang took an oath that he would not disclose his mother's identity. To aunt Tang, his mother has a very ordinary background, and moreover, she is dead.
Still, the subtle shift in Aunt Tang's attitude is new. She had always been distant, but now there was quiet disapproval in her voice.
Gu Jun did not care. Nodding slightly, he followed the maid to his room.
The room was spacious, its decor elegant but understated. After a quick shower, he stepped out, drying his hair with a towel, then paused.
He felt it. A presence. Quiet, controlled, but unnatural.
Though his cultivation level was low, Gu Jun had excellent instincts and some super treasures. He stood still as a figure slowly emerged from the corner of the room, stepping from the shadows like smoke dispersing into form.
The man gave a medium bow. He wore plain black robes, yet his presence was sharp and commanding.
"Greetings, Your Highness," he said solemnly. "I am Lin Mo, Head of the Hunters. I respectfully report for duty."
Gu Jun studied him silently. There was a calm professionalism in Lin Mo's face—but in his eyes, something burned. Reverence. Devotion. Perhaps even fanaticism.
Interesting.
"You look tired," Gu Jun remarked.
Lin Mo gave a small bow of apology. "There were minor complications before the transition to the city. They've been handled."
Gu Jun waved a hand, and like a ripple in space, Lin Mo vanished.
Truth be told, Gu Jun thinks that it is too much to have so many companions, but he has no other choice.
His twin shadow is super secret. Only three top innate of the Gu Empire know about them. Other than them, he also obviously has other trump cards. But as an emperor's heir, he has to obey some rules so that all the other officials feel secure and stable.
Gu Jun also took a mental note to look at Lin Mo's file. After that, he put on his clothes and came out of the room. From the drawing room, he can hear the sound of laughter. There are several male and female laughs ringing loudly, and a lively, elegant energy fills the space.
Inside, four women and two men sat around a polished table. Women are Aunt Tang, Tang Xin, and two others. One of them immediately caught his attention. She looked familiar—elegant, poised, and beautiful. Gu Jun recognized her as Tang Mei, Uncle Tang's eldest daughter.
She had matured into a graceful woman, now a student at Tianhai Royal University like him.
The others were similarly refined—young women with clear skin, fashionable clothes. She is very beautiful, near Bai Yue's level. Definitely elite, and likely powerful in her own right.
Gu Jun didn't recognize her.
Aunt Tang looked up as he entered. "Gu Jun, come join us. You should remember my daughter, Tang Mei. The others are her close friends from school. They're all studying at Tianhai Royal University."
She turned back to the girls. "This is Gu Jun—son of a dear friend of my husband."
Gu Jun gave a light nod.