Chapter 8: Accusation

Gu Xun'er watched uneasily as the Tier-7 Pill materialized from Gu Fei's hands. A strange discomfort settled in her chest as she observed his success.

Why does this bother me so much?

After a moment's hesitation, she pushed aside yesterday's conflict. Every member of the Gu Clan revered strength above all else - even if she didn't particularly like Gu Fei, she could at least acknowledge his achievement.

Perhaps if I congratulate him... explain things properly...

The thought took root. She could mend their relationship, restore what they once had. After all, having a genius like Gu Fei as her husband was something to be proud of, wasn't it?

For a fleeting moment, she couldn't even recall why he'd proposed separation in the first place.

He's making too much of this. Just a minor misunderstanding - was divorce truly necessary?

Memories surfaced of how desperately Gu Fei had pursued her, how he'd personally 'begged' Gu Yuan for their marriage.

He loved me once. Surely that hasn't completely vanished...

Her decision made, Xun'er moved toward the mountain path - only to freeze mid-step when a servant materialized before her.

"Apologies, Miss Xun'er," the attendant said with polite detachment. "The master has given strict orders - no disturbances."

The formal address struck like a slap. Miss Xun'er? Since when did servants speak to her with such chilly deference?

Her eyes flashed with indignation. This was her home too - Gu Fei had promised her unrestricted access to this Dou Qi-rich mountain when they married. She opened her mouth to protest, but the servant continued smoothly:

"The master has already begun preparations for his next refinement. No exceptions can be made."

Xun'er's breath caught.

Another pill? Already?

The implications stunned her. Any ordinary Tier-7 Alchemist would be completely drained after such an endeavor - requiring days, if not weeks, to recover their Dou Qi. Many suffered permanent damage attempting consecutive high-level refinements.

Yet Gu Fei showed no such limitations.

What kind of monster is he?

Defeated, she could only stomp away in frustration, unaware of the aged eyes observing from the shadows.

High above, Gu Lie, the Gu Clan's formidable Black Abyss King, watched the scene unfold with a sigh. Though his face appeared weathered and ordinary, the occasional flicker of dark energy in his gaze betrayed his immense power.

Fate works in mysterious ways...

He'd been privy to Gu Yuan's awkward request - to persuade Gu Fei to reconcile with Xun'er. The memory nearly made him snort in derision.

My grandson suffers humiliation, and I'm to convince him to forgive her?

Yet as Clan Patriarch, Gu Yuan's appeal couldn't be outright refused. Not that it mattered - Gu Lie knew his grandson's unyielding nature. No amount of familial pressure could sway Gu Fei's resolve.

And privately?

The old lord approved.

A heaven-sent talent like Gu Fei deserved better than a wife who longed for another man.

Let the girl reap what she's sown.

Days bled together as Gu Fei's mountain became a pilgrimage site. Daily, clansmen gathered at its base, their upturned faces reflecting awe as emotional energy trickled into Gu Fei's system. Then—

BOOOOM!

The sky shattered.

Familiar Pill Thunder gathered above the peak, its electric veins pulsing with enough power to flatten ancient oaks for miles. The very air grew heavy, pressing down on spectators until weaker cultivators gasped for breath.

*"Two Tier-7 Pills in succession..."* a clansman whispered, face ashen. "Can his body withstand this?"

Laughter erupted around him.

"Worry for yourself! Since when does lightning threaten a dragon?"

The jest died when Xun'er arrived—not with the crowd, but through it, her presence parting clansmen like a blade through silk.

[Xun'er's Fury Detected: +200 Emotion Points]

At the mountain's base, she stopped. Her delicate hands clenched as Dou Qi-enhanced words exploded upward:

"GU FEI! YOU DARE SEND ASSASINATION AFTER XIAO YAN?"

Silence. Then—chaos.

Murmurs spread like wildfire:

"Xiao Yan? That Wutan City trash?"

"Would Young Master Gu truly...?"

"Over her?"

A timid voice rose: "Perhaps jealousy—"

"NONSENSE!" The crowd roared back.

"Brother Gu Fei doesn't stoop to petty revenge!"

"If he wanted that insect dead, he'd crush him before the entire clan!"

Xun'er stood isolated, her accusation hanging like poisoned mist. Above, unseen by all, Gu Fei's lips curled.