Chapter 143: Kidnapped

Old Master Tian wore a lascivious grin as he rubbed his hands together, his expression filled with eager flattery as he looked at Gu Qingli.

One could imagine that Old Tian had grown tired of being in his current condition for so many years.

"Heh heh, what's gotten you all worked up, Old Tian? Don't tell me you were some dashing heartthrob in your youth, the very picture of elegance and grace?"

Si Kongran spoke teasingly, clearly trying to provoke him.

Unexpectedly, Old Tian nodded earnestly, the gleam in his small, beady eyes filled with conviction—as if even his stooped back straightened with pride.

"When I was young, I was the very embodiment of charm! Who didn't call me handsome at first glance?"

The room fell silent.

Everyone turned to look at Mr. Tian's dramatic boasting with blank, skeptical faces.

"You two brats! If you don't believe me, cough up every pill you've taken from me—right now!"

Seeing the mocking disdain on Si Kongran's and He Zhongyi's faces, Old Tian nearly choked with fury. Their expressions were so alike, it almost made his nose twist out of shape from rage.

"If I spit it out, would you still want it?"

Si Kongran shot him a sidelong glance and gave a mischievous grin.

"Little girl, does your pill take effect immediately after ingestion?"

Old Tian turned to Gu Qingli.

"More or less," she replied frankly. "But I'd like you to take it under my supervision tomorrow, so I can observe how the parasite in your body reacts."

Though the pill wasn't particularly advanced, the parasite within Old Tian was unfamiliar to Gu Qingli—it warranted careful observation.

"Good! You two little devils, come with me to the Gu residence tomorrow. I'll show you just how dashing your Grandpa Tian used to be!"

With his dried-up hand, Old Tian made a theatrical motion through his thinning hair, attempting to appear suave.

"Sure, sure! Sounds great!"

Si Kongran agreed cheerfully, giving Gu Qingli a playful wink.

As the group chatted animatedly, Shao Yan emerged from his private box and encountered them by chance.

Although the auction house was large, there were only two main exits, so it wasn't uncommon for people to cross paths.

Especially since many of Loulan City's prominent factions used this route.

"Qingli, you're heading out too?"

Shao Yan smiled calmly, evidently pleased with the day's outcome.

"Uncle Shao, I didn't expect you to be so wealthy. I must say, I see you in a new light!"

Gu Qingli chuckled slyly.

Shao Yan gave her a speechless glance, bemused by her expression.

"This is just about all the savings I've got, you know."

"Where's Xiao Lan? Didn't bring him along to the auction?"

"He hates going out—you know how he is."

Shao Yan shook his head with a helpless smile.

"Qingli, I have something to discuss with you. Do you have a moment?"

"Of course."

Gu Qingli readily agreed.

"Alright then, Uncle Shao, Qingli—I'll head off to continue training. You've basically already secured victory, but even if I'm not your match, I still need to fly early like the clumsy bird I am."

Si Kongran shrugged. In truth, he had been training diligently for some time. He wouldn't have ventured out if not for the elixir news—he'd planned to remain secluded until the Youth Tournament.

There are no absolute geniuses in this world—diligence is always required.

Gu Qingli rolled her eyes at him. If someone like Si Kongran called himself a clumsy bird, then what hope was there for the rest of the youth in Loulan?

With that, Si Kongran and his companions left. Elder Shui also excused himself to report to the clan leader about the day's events.

"Come, Qingli. I want to take you to meet someone."

Shao Yan's expression was warm as he led Gu Qingli deeper into the auction house.

She followed with curiosity but didn't ask questions—she figured she'd find out soon enough.

To her surprise, after turning a corner, they entered the inner section of the auction house.

A young, alluring woman appeared to greet them—she was the same one who had carried the items onstage during the auction, her figure sensuous and striking.

"Mr. Shao, please follow me."

She clearly anticipated his arrival and had been waiting. Though she glanced with mild surprise at the girl beside him, she said nothing, merely nodding politely before leading the way.

Gu Qingli had seldom appeared in public despite being well-known throughout Loulan. Many still hadn't seen her in person.

"Shao Yan, it's been too long. I trust you've been well."

Led through the corridors, Gu Qingli followed Shao Yan into a luxurious chamber deep within the auction venue.

The room was spacious and opulently decorated—typical of places where money was no object.

"Brother Yihan."

Shao Yan greeted with a gentle smile, his expression touched with nostalgia.

"Oh?"

Chen Yihan raised an eyebrow in surprise as a young girl appeared behind Shao Yan—no more than twelve or thirteen years old. He'd heard Shao Yan had a disciple, but he'd assumed it was a teenage boy of around fourteen.

Before Shao Yan could introduce her, a lively, feminine voice called out at the door.

"Shao Yan, seeing you is like chasing the wind—so elusive!"

The laughter preceded the speaker, lighthearted and teasing, yet clearly feminine and melodious.

Gu Qingli looked up curiously just in time to see a stunning woman enter.

She wore a long crimson dress embroidered with pale golden threads at the hem, which fluttered like blooming flowers as she walked, graceful and captivating.

Her waist was slender enough to be encircled with one hand, and above it, her full bosom created a dramatic contrast.

Her skin was like snow, her eyes seductive and bright.

If the woman who carried the tray earlier was sexy, then this one was in an entirely different league.

That one relied on bare skin to display allure, while this woman exuded sensuality effortlessly—with every movement, she radiated irresistible charm.

"Bailing, you're here too?"

Shao Yan asked in mild surprise, smiling warmly.

As if beauty always drew the gaze first, Bailing's eyes immediately landed on Gu Qingli.

"Well, well, Shao Yan—where did you pick up such an exquisite little girl? She's adorable, like a porcelain doll!"

Gu Qingli's face darkened. Did she look like she'd been abducted?

"Haha, Bailing, honestly—this child is the sixth young lady of the Gu family."