Gu Zhan felt a surge of pride well up in his heart as he sensed the sharp and formidable aura radiating from his daughter in that fleeting moment.
This was his daughter—his very own flesh and blood. Despite all the hardships she had endured, she had emerged with a strength that could astonish the world.
Gu Qingli's phoenix eyes gleamed with razor-sharp intent. She was determined not only to consolidate the Gu family's influence, but to make all of Loulan City—and the Gu clan itself—understand the true measure of the one they had once scorned as a worthless nobody.
She would ensure that her parents could finally hold their heads high, unafraid of anyone in Loulan daring to provoke them again.
In truth, from the moment she resolved to attend the Fengyun Sacred Academy, she had begun laying her plans. Even if she left Loulan, she would build a world of peace and comfort for her parents to remain in.
"Li'er, are you truly willing to do this?" Gu Zhan's voice trembled with hesitation. He did not wish to coerce his daughter, yet the fear for her safety haunted him.
"Father, now that my strength has been revealed, I must use it for something meaningful. Don't worry—I'm quite fond of my little life," Gu Qingli replied with a playful smile, aware of his unspoken fears.
"Besides, I have a secret token from my master for the registration. I'll be fine."
Gu Zhan saw the confidence in her eyes, and his anxious heart eased a little.
"Li'er, remember this always: no matter what happens, your safety must come first. Your mother and I can endure losing everything—everything but you."
Gu Qingli nodded earnestly, her voice filled with solemn promise. "How could I ever be careless with my own life? By the way, Father, do you know where I might purchase an alchemy cauldron?"
She had devoted so much of her time to cultivation that she had paid little attention to the workings of the world around her.
Gu Zhan stared at her, astonished.
"Li'er, why are you asking about that?"
"I know how valuable pills are. So I want to become an alchemist—this way, you won't need to labor so hard anymore," Gu Qingli declared, her exquisite face lighting up with excitement.
Gu Zhan sighed softly. "Li'er, becoming an alchemist isn't something just anyone can do. They are one in a million—requiring immense spiritual power. And even then, it takes an abundance of rare herbs and endless training. It is a path paved with failure and cost."
Gu Qingli understood that well enough. Pills were so precious precisely because the herbs used were rare and expensive. Not every attempt succeeded. Even the most gifted alchemist needed years of trial, error, and resources to master the craft.
It was this very truth that revealed the importance of powerful clans across the Divine Valley Continent.
Gu Zhan, always indulgent toward his daughter, saw her determination and relented.
"If you truly desire it, you can bring it up with the patriarch. I'm sure he would be eager to support you—alchemists are beyond valuable."
After a moment's thought, Gu Qingli smiled.
"Very well, Father. I understand. There's no need to worry—I know what I'm doing."
Night faded silently away, though whether hearts could ever be as calm as the night itself… that, no one could say.
Under a golden sky, Gu Qingli spotted Gu Qingche pacing restlessly outside the courtyard. His usually gentle expression was tinged with inner conflict.
"Brother Qingche, out for a morning stroll?" Gu Qingli teased lightly.
A smile brightened Gu Qingche's face as he scratched his head sheepishly.
"I knew you wouldn't hold a grudge."
"Then what brings you here so early?" Gu Qingli asked, raising a brow.
"It's the patriarch and the elders—they all know your true strength now. They insisted I come speak with you. If only they had treated you properly from the beginning, none of this would be necessary."
Gu Qingche frowned. He understood—if he were in Li'er's place, he wouldn't forgive them so easily either. Yet he had no choice but to act as messenger.
"All right, all right," Gu Qingli said with a grin. "Such a young face, and always frowning. I know you're in a tough spot. Come on, take me to see the patriarch."
Gu Qingche looked helplessly at her cheerful smile—how was it that someone younger than him seemed so much more composed?
"Li'er, have you really agreed?"
"That's a secret," she said with a wink. "You'll know soon enough."
In Gu Yifeng's courtyard, Gu Ming—father of Gu Qinglin—was flushed with indignation.
"Father, with Qinglin, our family has all we need! No matter what Qingli claims to be, she is merely a Martial Warrior. Qinglin, on the other hand, is a Nine-Star Spirit Adept!"