Beneath the canopy of lush green trees, perched upon a branch, sat a young man dressed in white robes.
He appeared to be around thirty years old, a similar age to Gu Zhan.
His belt and collar were embroidered with exquisite white orchid patterns, and his refined appearance was accompanied by a smile so warm it felt like a refreshing spring breeze. At first glance, he left an immediate favorable impression.
"Such a ruthless little girl," he remarked, his voice clear and melodious, carrying a faint trace of amusement. With a fluid motion, the young man descended from the tree and walked towards the courtyard.
"Who are you?" Gu Qingli, though surprised, showed no fear. The man gave off no killing intent.
But the fact that she had failed to detect his presence left her shaken. The Honggu Continent truly was a place where dragons lay hidden. This man before her was the most powerful individual she had encountered in five years.
If he wished to kill her, it would be as simple as lifting a finger.
The inner energy of the Feng Huo Jue technique had nine levels. Due to her still-developing body, she had only mastered the first level, which, she estimated, granted her the strength of a three-star warrior.
The man smiled faintly, as warm as jade.
He cast a brief glance at the four unconscious figures in the courtyard, then shrugged slightly before turning his gaze back to the small Gu Qingli, his interest piqued.
"Little girl, what kind of martial arts did you just use? You're neither a Spirit Illusionist nor a Swordmaster, yet you managed to decisively take down four people. Truly fascinating."
"Why should I tell you?" Gu Qingli retorted, her lips curling in a playful pout.
The man chuckled softly. "Little girl, how old are you? Why so unlovable?"
He then, to her astonishment, reached out and pinched her soft, delicate cheek.
Gu Qingli tried to evade, but no matter how she moved, his fingers found their mark, leaving her startled. This man was truly formidable.
"Little girl, how about becoming my disciple?"
The man observed the displeased look on Gu Qingli's face, her cutely contorted expression only adding to the amusement he found in the situation.
Gu Qingli met his gaze, and seeing his serious demeanor, she was taken aback—he seemed genuinely interested in taking her as an apprentice.
"Why?" she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.
The man stroked his smooth chin, a smile curling at the corners of his lips as he responded, "Because you're ruthlessly sharp, and I like that."
Gu Qingli shot him a bemused glance. What kind of reason was that?
"Heh, you're quite bold. If the Gu family's elders learn that you've bullied the Spirit Illusionist they've so painstakingly cultivated, I'm afraid they'll wipe you out immediately."
Gu Qingli furrowed her brow, already considering the consequences. Her initial plan was to quickly take her mother to find her father and leave this cursed place. She knew that in the face of the Gu family, her current strength was no more than that of an ant.
"Actually, it's quite simple. If you become my disciple, the Gu family won't dare to make things difficult for you," the man said, his voice warm but with an air of arrogance.
Gu Qingli's mind stirred. This man's identity and power were clearly extraordinary.
With him backing her, she wouldn't need to fear the Gu family causing trouble anymore.
"I might consider becoming your disciple. But what's in it for me? And who are you? Do you truly have the qualifications to be my master?"
Her lips curled upward, her phoenix eyes twinkling with mischief.
"A cunning little thing, I like it. You haven't even called me Master yet, and you're already asking for benefits?" the man laughed heartily, not the least bit offended. He reached out again to pinch her cheek, only for her to roll her eyes in response.
At that, his mood lightened.
"Remember this well: your master's name is Dongfang Kunlun."
Gu Qingli couldn't help but gape in awe. That name was truly imposing.
"Trouble's coming!"
Suddenly, Dongfang Kunlun's expression darkened, and with a raised brow, he looked out toward the edge of the courtyard.