In recent years, Gu Zhan had undergone a profound transformation. Years of struggle beyond the confines of home had stripped away the airs of a pampered young master, molding him into a man of true grit and strength.
The elders exchanged uncertain glances, momentarily at a loss for words.
Gu Qingche, as ever, remained silent, unmoved by their subtle cues and tacit urgings.
As for Gu Qingli, it wasn't that she deliberately meant to slight the elders—she was simply immersed in her cultivation.
She was also taking the opportunity to mend the wounds sustained earlier that day.
She knew in her heart that had it not been for the element of surprise—and the use of poison—she would have stood no chance against that black-clad elder. The gulf between a Martial Warrior and a King-tier cultivator was simply insurmountable.
Yet the encounter had shown her a glimpse of the power that lay beyond the King tier, igniting within her an even fiercer desire to grow stronger.
Recalling the much-discussed "Great Martial Warrior Pill" from earlier that day, Gu Qingli's interest in alchemy stirred.
Even as she healed, her mind began to conjure the contents of the final volume of the Phoenix Flame Art—the alchemical scroll.
Though she had never consciously studied it, its contents were etched into her memory with startling clarity.
The scroll contained a vast array of medicinal herbs—many she had never even heard of—and detailed instructions on how to refine them into pills. It concluded with an assortment of rare and unusual formulas.
While these methods differed greatly from the alchemy known in this world, they shared certain underlying principles.
As someone bold in both thought and action, Gu Qingli resolved to purchase a cauldron and begin experimenting the very next day.
The elders, finding no success in their pleas, eventually left empty-handed.
Later that night, as Gu Qingli emerged from her cultivation and opened her eyes, she was surprised to find the lights outside still burning.
She stepped out and saw her father seated alone, lost in thought as he stared into the darkness.
"Father," she called softly.
Walking over to him, Gu Qingli felt a pang of guilt. She had, indeed, neglected her parents of late.
"Li'er, why are you still up?" Gu Zhan looked at his beloved daughter—barely twelve, yet already so capable—and marveled at how she had far surpassed him.
Gu Qingli sat beside him and asked gently, "Father, have things been too hard on you lately?"
Gu Zhan shook his head. "What hardship is there for a man like me? It's your mother and you who've had to endure."
"That's not true," Gu Qingli said, her voice tinged with emotion. "Mother and I are both content."
Her nose tingled with the stirrings of tears. "But now that I'm growing up, you won't have to bear the burden alone much longer."
Had she not acted so impulsively in the past, her father might have been spared much suffering.
Her body had once been too small and frail, her actions constrained. She hadn't dared to act rashly, unwilling to thrust her parents back into a life of fear and suppression. And though they lived in modest circumstances, they had found peace—and that was why she had chosen to hide her strength for so long.
After a moment, Gu Zhan spoke. "Li'er, do you intend to represent the Gu family in the youth tournament?"
"Don't you want me to?" she asked, quietly seeking his true feelings.
Gu Zhan hesitated. "Li'er… your father is torn."
His furrowed brow spoke volumes of the inner conflict he bore.
"Back then, the Gu family wronged us. But in the end, we are still part of it. When the nest falls, how can the eggs remain unbroken?"
Gu Qingli understood. Even if she were to leave the Gu family with her parents, how could she feel at ease leaving them behind, unprotected?
Since they remained within the clan, they must ensure its continued standing in Loulan City.
Though the Gu family had erred in the past, they had not destroyed them utterly. In the years since, at least on the surface, peace had been maintained.
"I understand, Father," Gu Qingli said softly. "I will participate."