Chapter 65 Strengthening Training
No one could fathom the depravity lurking within men's hearts that night, yet the darkness remained serene and undisturbed.
Gu Qingli, having expended considerable spiritual energy during her alchemical endeavor, was utterly drained.
Her soul force depleted, she appeared pallid and worn. After exchanging a brief word with her parents, she quietly retreated to her chambers.
Bathed in the soft haze of twilight, she seated herself cross-legged upon her bed, her spirit calm and undisturbed, as she began circulating the Phoenix Flame Technique.
Just as she had anticipated.
The flow of heaven and earth's spiritual energy surged toward her with greater intensity than usual, streaming continuously into her body, nourishing her soul.
Her soul force regenerated swiftly. In mere moments, nearly half had been restored.
This rapid recovery exceeded her expectations and filled her with delight.
Time slipped by silently.
Soon, her soul force brimmed once more, and with a start of surprise, Gu Qingli discovered—
It had grown stronger.
The increase was slight, yet meaningful, for soul cultivation was known to be painstakingly arduous. Many would spend a lifetime without such progress.
With this realization, she understood that despite its trials, alchemy bore unexpected benefits for tempering the soul.
She lifted her gaze to the small jade vial resting on the table. Within it lay three Grand Warrior Pills, gifted by Elder Mu.
She poured one into her palm, scrutinizing its form and scent. A deep, rich aroma greeted her senses the moment she inhaled.
It contained the essence of no fewer than ten medicinal herbs, though its hue was average—perhaps not of the highest grade.
Nevertheless, these three pills would fetch a staggering price.
But Gu Qingli had not requested them for her use alone.
She intended to reserve one each for her father and her cousin Qingche.
All three were currently at the Grand Warrior stage—should they each consume a pill, the effect would be profound.
In the past, no one in the Gu Clan received more elixirs than Gu Qinglin. Yet despite the copious investment, she had yet to ascend to Grand Magus—a fact that surely troubled the patriarch and his elders.
Gu Qingli's lips curved into a cold, ironic smile. One could only wonder if Gu Qinglin would continue enjoying such privileges in the future.
The thought of Gu Qinglin narrowed her phoenix-like eyes. That girl had been twisted from childhood. Now that her interests were threatened, she was unlikely to retreat without retaliation.
But Gu Qingli was undeterred.
If an enemy comes, she would meet it. If a storm rises, she would face it head-on.
If Gu Qinglin dared to provoke her again, she would not hesitate to show her what true genius looked like—and let her see clearly just what kind of creature she really was.
In the following days, Gu Qingli threw herself entirely into the Alchemy Hall. Diligent and tireless, she remained from dawn till dusk, exhausting her soul power before returning home to begin her nightly cultivation anew.
Her soul strength grew day by day.
Her technique became increasingly adept, her command of soul force more agile and precise.
What's more, she made another remarkable discovery—her soul force, though formless, rivaled the condensed energy of Swordmasters and Spirit Illusionists. It could strike unseen, dealing great harm without warning. In its silent potency, it was no less than a powerful inner force—perhaps even greater.
The Gu Clan could not help but take notice.
Her diligence and extraordinary talent won the admiration of all. Their attitude toward her had warmed to the utmost.
Even Master Yin occasionally offered her guidance, and each time he did, he found himself further astounded by the strength of her innate gifts. With every passing day of refinement, her soul power seemed to grow even more formidable.
For over ten days, her days passed in this calm and focused rhythm.
Until one morning, just as Gu Qingli was about to leave for the Alchemy Hall, she was stopped—by Gu Zhan.