Gu Qingli made no effort to fathom the thoughts of these proud men. Casting a glance toward the black-clad elder desperately battling the poison within, she turned to He Zhongyi and inquired, "What are your intentions for him?"
He Zhongyi's expression darkened instantly, his gaze fixed with lethal intent upon the elder as his body struggled to rise.
"You two are grievously wounded; you must not move recklessly," Gu Qingli admonished with a furrowed brow.
"Shall we render him unconscious first, then notify the city lord to come retrieve us?" He Zhongyi pondered aloud, torn between the danger the elder posed and his own desperate yearning for news of his parents.
Gu Qingli shrugged indifferently, arching a brow. "Very well, I shall assist to the end—but mark my words, should either of you dare to trouble me or my brother Qingche again, I shall greet you with blows every time we meet!"
Though her threat was fierce, neither He Zhongyi nor Sikong Ran dared doubt her capability in the slightest.
Sikong Ran, though an arrogant heir apparent, found this day's harsh lesson tempering his spirit and fostering newfound maturity.
"Thank you for today," He Zhongyi said earnestly. "If ever you need anything, do not hesitate to come to me."
At last, Gu Qingli's demeanor softened. Approaching the black-clad elder, she flashed a sly smile and delivered a swift strike, rendering him unconscious.
She then moved to Sikong Ran, who gave a weak smile, murmuring, "Th-thank you."
Gu Qingli raised an eyebrow, surprised that such a proud youth could express gratitude.
"I never intended to save you; I merely wished to teach you a lesson. But fate willed otherwise. No thanks are necessary—just refrain from causing me trouble in the future," she replied with a slight pout.
Sikong Ran's eyes flickered as he regarded her delicate face, silently nodding in acquiescence.
"I'll move you both together. Given your severe injuries, it's unsafe to linger here," Gu Qingli said, suddenly unleashing her inner strength as she cradled Sikong Ran horizontally, swiftly carrying him to He Zhongyi's side and gently setting him down.
Sikong Ran felt utterly undone by being princess-carried by a young maiden.
Gu Qingli scattered a circle of black medicinal powder around them. "Stay within this boundary. The powder is a potent toxin—anyone who crosses it shall perish. Here is the antidote; keep it close."
Gratitude shone in He Zhongyi's and Sikong Ran's eyes, marveling at Gu Qingli's thorough consideration.
The grove fell into profound silence, save for the restless whispers of the cool wind. The two men watched the slender figure retreat into the distance, words unspoken yet hearts restless in solitary tumult.
Night deepened, a crescent moon suspended serenely amidst the starry heavens, suffusing the scene with tranquil grace.
Gu Zhan and Ouyang Qian observed the elders before them, who usually wore cold expressions but today bore warm and affable smiles, marveling at their swift change of attitude.
They, too, were astonished—never had they imagined their daughter would remain silent only to one day astonish all.
"Fourth Young Master, Fourth Madam, might Miss Qingli represent the Gu family in the upcoming youth tournament?" Elder Shui asked, his aged face tinged with awkwardness after half an hour of standing.
Beside him stood Elder Huo and several other senior relatives of the Gu family, save for Gu Qingche, the sole junior present—who spoke little.
Gu Zhan regarded the elders' obsequious smiles with pride for his daughter, yet replied calmly, "The elders know my daughter is strong-willed; such decisions must be hers alone to make."