Gu Qingli stood proudly in place, casting a look of utter disdain toward Gu Qinglin.
"I…"
Only now did Gu Qinglin realize she was at a complete loss for words—struck dumb, unable to utter a single rebuttal.
It was precisely because she had no means to deal with Gu Qingli that she had sought out Li Ke'er. Yet who would have imagined that Li Ke'er, who always appeared so cunning and capable, would fail so miserably at such a critical moment—accomplishing nothing, and ruining everything.
"It is exactly because you lack true strength that you resort to petty schemes. That shall forever be the root of your downfall."
Gu Qingli's tone was calm, her gaze indifferent—as though Gu Qinglin did not even warrant her attention.
Her aspirations reached far beyond the limited vision of Gu Qinglin, who saw nothing but the confines of the Gu family.
Gu Qinglin's face turned deathly pale, incapable of uttering a single word.
Gu Qingli, having spoken her piece, no longer deigned to look at her. This woman, in her eyes, was beyond redemption.
"Enough. Words are meaningless now. The Gu family has given your family more than enough over the years. From this moment on, you are no longer connected to the Gu family—not by blood, not by name."
Gu Yifeng's voice was cold as iron, devoid of even the faintest sentiment.
The Li family had not even pretended at peace with the Gu family in recent years. Tensions between the two clans had reached a boiling point.
After Gu Qinglin's sheer foolishness, the Li family would surely seize this as an opportunity—they would never let it go easily.
"No! Please!"
"Father!"
Han Jiao and Gu Ming cried out in horror, their voices trembling with desperation.
Gu Qinglin, meanwhile, collapsed to the ground, her face ashen, her expression hollow with despair.
Before long, guards arrived and dragged the family away, unmoved by their frantic screams and pleading.
Once they were gone, a heavy silence fell over the great hall. No one spoke—emotions swirled in the quiet air.
Gu Qingli sipped her tea leisurely, without the slightest trace of guilt. After all, despite her rising fame, she had never once gone out of her way to make things difficult for Gu Qinglin. Everything that happened was of Gu Qinglin's own making. She had only herself to blame.
The elders sighed inwardly.
This was once the most exalted family within the Gu clan. How swiftly they had fallen.
But such is the way of the world. In the end, it was merely the consequence of their own misdeeds.
Their gazes gradually turned to Gu Qingli. The young girl sat calmly, sipping tea, a faint, careless smile upon her snow-white cheeks.
Though she might seem heartless, when it came to those she cared about, she showed great tenderness and loyalty. In truth, she was a blessing to the Gu family—far more intelligent than Gu Qinglin had ever been.
"Patriarch, we must remain vigilant. I fear the Li family will not take this lying down," Elder Mu said with a furrowed brow.
For years now, the Li clan had been at odds with the Gu family. While the Gu family had the deeper legacy, their strength had waned through the generations.
Now, with Gu Qingli as a rising star, the Li family could no longer tolerate their existence.
"And what of it? Are we, the Gu family, supposed to cower before them?"
Gu Yifeng clenched his fists, his stern eyes ablaze with fury.
Gu Qingli narrowed her eyes slightly, watching the pale green leaves floating within her delicate white teacup, her expression serene and composed.
If she were to leave Loulan City for the Wind and Cloud Holy Academy, and the Li family harbored vengeance, her father—often journeying beyond the clan—would be in grave danger.
It seemed the Li family would have to be dealt with, once and for all.
Gu Qingli set her teacup down gently, her thoughts quietly taking shape.