After departing the mercenary arena, Gu Qingli and Gu Zhan made their way toward the Gu family estate.
With the pivotal Youth Tournament fast approaching, Gu Qingli harbored a pressing notion that required careful deliberation with her family.
No sooner had they crossed the threshold of the ancestral home than the family head summoned them to the council chamber.
Though she had not visited for many years, this past month had seen her frequent arrivals, sometimes every few days.
Upon entering the chamber, Gu Qingli and Gu Zhan found the family patriarch and several elders assembled.
The moment Gu Qingli stepped inside, several pairs of eyes fixated upon her. Observing her rosy complexion and unblemished appearance, their anxiety abated, reassured that she bore no injuries.
"Family Head, may I inquire the purpose of this summons?" Gu Zhan advanced with a formal bow, his tone calm yet distant.
His demeanor bore the cool reserve of a son toward his father. Gu Yifeng's stern visage tightened momentarily as he gazed upon his son—whose years had etched a hard-earned resilience and subtle weariness—and a pang of bitterness welled within him.
He blamed himself for all that had transpired.
"Nothing of consequence. I merely heard of today's events and was concerned for Qingli's wellbeing."
"Coincidentally, I wished to discuss a matter with the Family Head."
Gu Qingli saw this as a timely opportunity to voice her thoughts.
"What are your thoughts on the Li family?" she inquired.
Gu Yifeng looked puzzled, his gaze falling upon his granddaughter's phoenix-like eyes, where a fleeting glimmer of keen insight danced.
The elders exchanged surprised glances, uncertain of her meaning.
"The Li family stands as our greatest adversary at present, locked in an unyielding struggle with us," Gu Yifeng replied candidly.
A subtle smile curved Gu Qingli's lips; indeed, any Gu family member—save for the foolish Gu Qinglin—would grasp this reality.
"And what of anything beyond the Li family?" she asked, her tone detached, as if discussing the most mundane of matters.
Gu Yifeng and the elders widened their eyes in astonishment, fixating on the delicate figure before them—her rosy cheeks still adorned with a hint of infantile plumpness, a visage yet untouched by full maturity.
Yet her phoenix eyes held nothing but cold resolve, sharp and unwavering.
None dared think she jested.
Their emotions mingled in complexity; Gu Qingli was not merely endowed with extraordinary power and talent, but her manner was far beyond that of a mere twelve-year-old girl.
"Qingli, if you have any viable plans, speak them freely. You have my full support!" Gu Yifeng's authoritative voice resounded with unwavering conviction.
"That is reassuring. I shall await your reply," Gu Qingli said, casting a profound glance at the family head.
The following dawn, Gu Qingli departed at first light for Shao Yan's residence. The Li family's strength was formidable; every preparation had to be in place before the Youth Tournament commenced.
Upon arrival, Gu Qingli proceeded directly to Shao Lan's chamber.
The room remained as before—dimly lit and cloaked in silence. He sat behind a massive canopy bed, radiating an aura of solitude and cold detachment.
"Hey, why are you always loitering in here?"
The sudden, melodious voice of a young girl broke the room's stillness like a clear birdcall.
Startled, Shao Lan's silver eyes flared open, shining like stars in the dim room.
He saw the girl in her flowing white dress, lips curved in a smile, standing gracefully within the chamber. Her sprite-like phoenix eyes flickered momentarily with a hint of admiration.
Admiration for what, exactly?
Was it for his eyes—so otherworldly they seemed almost demonic? For the gaze that bore the weight of abandonment and contempt from parents and the world alike?