Gu Yifeng let out a helpless sigh.
Indeed, he had wronged that entire family. Now, to concede to a few terms was hardly too much to ask.
Gu Qingli's gaze turned icy as memories of her parents' past humiliation surged back.
"There are three conditions. First, Patriarch—you must publicly apologize to my parents before the entire clan. I care little about what you did to me, but harming my father and mother is something I will never tolerate."
Gu Yifeng's face showed a flicker of shock, and for a moment, anger stirred within him. He had ruled above others for many years—but the emotion quickly passed. To trade a moment's pride for the return of a prodigious talent?
A bargain well worth making.
Especially when that talent was someone like Gu Qingli, gifted beyond compare, with a master of great renown backing her.
"This…" Elder Mu hesitated, casting a worried glance at Gu Yifeng, fearing for the dignity of their leader.
"I accept," Gu Yifeng said abruptly, a trace of regret flickering in his eyes.
Gu Qingli gave a cold, mirthless laugh, her heart utterly unmoved. Perhaps Gu Yifeng was a worthy patriarch, ever calculating for the good of the family—but he had never been a good father, much less a good grandfather.
"Very well. The second condition—I want three Martial Warrior Pills."
"What?!" Gasps rippled through the crowd. That was a tier-three pill—worth a fortune and nearly impossible to acquire.
"I imagine the Gu clan desires my strength to grow, no? You didn't cultivate me before. Now, I'm offering you the chance."
A faint, detached smile played on Gu Qingli's lips. Even if she agreed to aid the Gu family now, she would make sure she was properly compensated.
Elder Mu hurriedly spoke up, "Qingli, what you say isn't wrong, but our clan has only a second-grade alchemist. Martial Warrior Pills are third-grade..."
"Then buy them," Gu Qingli replied flatly.
"Fine. I agree!" Gu Yifeng gritted his teeth. Though the cost was steep, the clan's foundation could bear it. To secure a prodigy for the Gu family—it was a price worth paying.
Only then did Gu Qingli nod in satisfaction. If there could be mutual gain, so be it.
She continued calmly, "The third condition is simple—I want free access to the Alchemy Hall. I will take whatever herbs I require. I hope none of you will begrudge me that."
This time, all three elders rose to their feet, astonishment and delight lighting up their faces.
Even Gu Qingche looked at her in disbelief.
"You… you intend to become an alchemist?" Gu Yifeng's eyes gleamed with hope, a flicker of excitement stirring in his heart.
Gu Qingli shrugged. "Something like that."
"So long as you don't interfere with Master Yin's work, it shouldn't be a problem."
Elders Mu and Shui were equally elated. If a genius like Gu Qingli pursued the path of alchemy, perhaps she truly could become a master.
But Gu Qingli cared little for their reactions. With the negotiations concluded, she turned and walked out of the courtyard without another word.
In her heart, she sighed once again—on the Shen'gu Continent, everything bowed before strength.
She wandered alone into the bustling streets. Now that she had decided to pursue alchemy, the first step was to purchase a cauldron.
Though she knew the Alchemy Hall surely had one, it was shared by disciples under Master Yin, and she didn't feel it appropriate to take from there.
The streets of Loulan City bustled with life, lined with every sort of shop imaginable. Gu Qingli strolled leisurely through the crowd, taking in the vibrant prosperity of the great town.