Chapter 129 Discussion of Deployment

The matters that remained no longer concerned Gu Qingli, Sikong Ran, or the other youths.

Thus, the adults engaged in their deliberations and strategizing with utmost caution, striving for flawless execution and minimal loss.

Sikong Ran quietly led Gu Qingli and Shao Lan away from the reception hall, and the elders, seeing this, made no effort to stop them.

"Finally, they've left. Their discussions have nothing to do with us; it's rather dull," Sikong Ran remarked with a smile.

Gu Qingli shrugged; after all, such affairs were rightly the responsibility of the Gu family.

"Still, tell me, Qingli, after all that the Gu family did to you, are you truly indifferent?"

Sikong Ran doubted she could be someone to forgive and forget so easily.

He Zhongyi shared the same suspicion; were he in her place, he would scarcely wish to acknowledge the Gu family again.

Though family was paramount in the Divine Ancient Continent, a genius like Gu Qingli would inevitably attract suitors wherever she went.

Moreover, it was said she counted among her mentors a master of venerable rank.

"It's nothing really. Although the Gu family never treated us well, they never struck when we were down. Soon, I shall depart Loulan City for the Fengyun Sacred Academy. My parents remain here, vulnerable and weak; they require the Gu family's protection," Gu Qingli explained with quiet resolve.

Her words left no room for misunderstanding.

It was not a matter of benevolent forgiveness but of filial concern.

Her reasoning was sound: with the Gu family's shelter, and the watchful eyes of the City Lord's Mansion and the Mercenary Guild, her parents would be safe within Loulan's bounds.

For a moment, the three young men, all older than Gu Qingli, were lost in their own reflections—yet each secretly admired her.

At merely twelve years of age, she bore such maturity and foresight, placing her parents' welfare above all else. The realization stirred a tinge of shame among them.

"Qingli, your thoughtfulness is truly admirable," Sikong Ran said, scratching his head with a sheepish grin.

"It's nothing much. Back then, I did harbor resentment toward the Gu family, though no deep hatred," Gu Qingli admitted candidly.

When first expelled from the Gu household, she had indeed felt bitterness, especially when Han Jiao and Gu Qinglin came seeking trouble. She never fancied herself magnanimous.

Yet, over the years, her perspective had shifted. Most within the Gu family were not beyond redemption, and Gu Che remained close to her despite everything.

Thus, on every account, Gu Qingli saw that the Gu family's goodwill ultimately served her interests.

"Shao Lan, you're heading to Fengyun Sacred Academy as well?"

Though Sikong Ran was often proud and overbearing, he was fiercely loyal and somewhat dramatic—quick to make friends. He assumed Shao Lan, as the sole disciple of the Mercenary Guild's chief, must possess strength not inferior to his own.

Shao Lan had intended to remain silent but, catching Gu Qingli's encouraging gaze, felt uneasy and nodded softly in assent.

Gu Qingli smiled warmly; Shao Lan's willingness to engage with others was a promising sign. Despite their differing personalities, their similar ages would foster camaraderie.

"That's splendid! The three of us hail from the same city—our alliance will be formidable!"

Excitement and anticipation flickered in Sikong Ran's eyes.

"Will you also compete in the Youth Selection Tournament?"

The Youth Selection Tournament was open to all young aspirants in Loulan City, though the top ranks were typically claimed by the city's great powers.

Over time, it had become a battleground for the dominant factions. The Gu family had not placed in the top three for years; failure again this year would surely tarnish their reputation.

Shao Lan shook his head, a flicker of bewilderment crossing his silver eyes.

"What is this Youth Selection Tournament, anyway?"

"Well, that's one less rival," Sikong Ran chuckled. "I'm certainly no match for Qingli. I'll just aim for second place."

"Such little faith in yourself?" Gu Qingli teased, arching an eyebrow.

"You already know my secret weapon. I'm no competitor against you, and frankly, I care little for the prestige of first place."

For a spirit illusionist, the greatest asset was the contracted magical beast.

"Li Ke'er's beast was unearthed after the Li family's head and his elite searched the Beast Forest for half a year. It has never shown itself, and even I harbor doubts," Sikong Ran remarked earnestly. Though his own talent surpassed Li Ke'er's, her backing was formidable—no one knew what resources the Li family might wield.

"Master Li's power should not be underestimated. Their expertise in dark and twisted arts is well-known," He Zhongyi warned, casting a concerned glance at Gu Qingli.

"Just because she uses them doesn't mean I won't. If she abstains, fine; but if not, I have my own methods!" Gu Qingli winked at He Zhongyi and Sikong Ran.

They suddenly recalled her tactics against the Martial King last time, realizing she had indeed employed similar means.

"Though some might call these methods unscrupulous, they are legitimate means of self-preservation," Gu Qingli said indifferently.

In the Divine Ancient Continent, poisons and hidden weapons were often scorned as dark arts, looked down upon. But to Gu Qingli, victory justified any tactic.

"Heh, Qingli, I wasn't talking about you. But where did you get those poisons?"

Sikong Ran suddenly remembered—the toxins that subdued the Martial King were truly formidable.

Since Gu Qingli was once disregarded by the Gu family, it was unlikely anyone supplied her with such substances.

He Zhongyi also cast a curious glance toward Gu Qingli.

"I make them myself. They're my safeguard in dire moments. Don't forget, I'm an alchemist. Though I hadn't begun formal alchemy back then, I've always been versed in medicinal properties. Crafting poisons for self-protection was an accidental boon for you all," Gu Qingli confessed openly.

In truth, she had studied pharmacology and potion-making since her previous life. Upon arriving in the Divine Ancient Continent, she had continued honing her craft, ascending to new heights.

Not all poisons could subdue a Martial King.

Sikong Ran inhaled sharply, imagining Qingli boldly besting Vice Captain Qi.

"Qingli, your arsenal is impressive. If you truly employed those poisons, even a stronger Martial King might unwittingly fall into your snare."

Gu Qingli smiled faintly.