Chapter 133 Full Support

A man's innocence means nothing when he holds treasures others covet.

The Gu Clan possessed too many rare and precious artifacts, drawing the avaricious gazes of rival families. Had they maintained their former strength and produced generation after generation of talents, others might have grumbled in envy, but none would have dared to act.

Yet in recent generations, the Gu Clan's brilliance had dimmed. Only the deep reserves of their heritage kept them from being eclipsed.

Even so, many families had long chafed at the notion of the Gu Clan reigning as the foremost household—none more so than the Li Clan, who begrudgingly held the second seat.

"Eh? It looks like someone from the Gu Clan has arrived too."

Sikong Ran gestured toward a certain booth, and Gu Qingli followed his finger, spotting faint silhouettes moving within.

"Brother He, would you mind going over and summoning someone from the Gu Clan's private room for me?"

Now that Gu Qingli understood the purpose of her visit, it would be unseemly to let Sikong Ran bear the cost. Surely the Gu Clan would not be so miserly.

Moreover, she had every intention of devoting herself to the clan in the future. The Gu Clan had done little for her over the years; she felt no qualms about drawing on its resources now.

"Of course."

He Zhongyi was momentarily taken aback by her respectful address, a gentle smile softening his refined features.

As he departed, Gu Qingli turned to find Sikong Ran pouting, his eyes filled with exaggerated grievance.

His expression resembled that of a spurned concubine, and for a fleeting moment, Gu Qingli felt like the heartless cad who'd cast him aside.

"What are you doing?"

She shivered involuntarily.

"Why did you call Zhongyi 'Brother He,' but not me 'Brother Sikong'?"

Sikong Ran sounded genuinely wounded.

"How old are you, exactly?"

She shot back instinctively. In both her past and present lives, Gu Qingli had lived enough years to consider him her junior—especially given his antics.

"Still older than you!"

"You're more childish than I am, though."

While the two were still bickering over the matter, He Zhongyi returned, accompanied by a new arrival.

They both fell silent, turning to regard the newcomer.

To Gu Qingli's surprise, it was Elder Shui of the Gu Clan.

Of all the elders, Elder Shui was known for his gentle temperament. He had never been involved in the disputes surrounding Gu Qingli's immediate family. In fact, his demeanor somewhat resembled that of Gu Qingche.

"Sixth Young Miss, the Patriarch informed me that you would be attending the auction today. I've come on his behalf."

Elder Shui's smile was mild, his tone filled with deference.

"I did not expect Elder Shui to come in person."

Respecting his seniority, Gu Qingli rose to greet him.

"Is there something you desire, Sixth Miss? If there's any item you wish to acquire, the Patriarch has instructed me to assist you to the fullest extent."

The phrase to the fullest extent sounded like a promise—an indication of how much gold the Gu Clan could mobilize at the moment.

Gu Qingli glanced at Sikong Ran, who understood immediately and relayed the matter of the mysterious, power-enhancing pill that had appeared unexpectedly in the auction.

At once, the warmth in Elder Shui's gaze gave way to solemnity; his expression grew grave.

"This is no trivial matter. The Li Clan clearly intends to use this pill in the upcoming Youth Selection Tournament against you. We absolutely cannot allow it to fall into their hands."

Though he spoke with conviction, his tense expression betrayed a lack of confidence.

The Gu Clan's heritage was indeed rich, filled with relics and herbs, but that didn't necessarily mean they were wealthier than the Li Clan—especially when it came to liquid assets readily available for use.