Chapter 166 Hot Topics

At the very least, no one felt a shred of pity for the fall of the Li family.

"They must have lost their minds. The Li family's enmity has always been solely directed at the Gu family. No matter how reckless they are, they wouldn't dare provoke the City Lord's Mansion or the Mercenary Guild. They've always stayed out of each other's way."

"It was definitely instigated by the Gu family. After all, no other faction bore such deep-rooted hatred towards the Lis."

On this point, the truth was plain to all.

"Don't forget—Gu family isn't what it used to be. With Gu Qingli emerging as an unparalleled prodigy, not to mention her extraordinary talent in alchemy, wouldn't the City Lord's Mansion and the Mercenary Guild be eager to forge ties with them?"

The topic quickly shifted toward Gu Qingli.

Before her rise, the Gu family had already begun to show signs of weakness in the face of the Lis. Her overwhelming strength became the very thing the Lis dreaded most—hence their desperate and despicable attempt in public.

"Sounds plausible."

With the downfall of the Li family and the conclusion of the youth martial tournament, the Gu family re-entered the public eye of Loulan City—not as the hollow shell of the former first family, but as a rising force with renewed vigor.

Gu Qingli, with her extraordinary dominance and innate talent, had ascended to the unchallenged title of Loulan City's foremost genius.

"Heh, let's not forget—the young master of the City Lord's Mansion, the only son of the Lord himself, is said to be fond of Gu Qingli. And the president of the Mercenary Guild has a mysterious young disciple, who is also headed for the Windcloud Academy. Don't you think it's inevitable they'll grow close?"

No matter the era, people have always had a fondness for gossip—especially the kind with a faint blush of romance.

"Miss Gu may still be young, but her charm is truly exceptional—whether in temperament, beauty, or talent."

Many nodded in agreement.

"If I were the young master of the City Lord's Mansion or the president's disciple, I'd be smitten too."

The destruction of the Li family and the fervor of the youth tournament would remain the talk of the city for quite some time.

Their chatter was overheard by Sikong Ran, who stood silently in a narrow alley.

"Zhongyi, do you think that brat Shao Lan really has feelings for Qingli?"

Sikong Ran sounded visibly displeased. Despite his confidence in his own appearance, Qingli had never complimented him—not once. Instead, she constantly praised Shao Lan's silver eyes, calling them stars in the night sky.

He Zhongyi was taken aback by the question, but in his mind appeared the delicate figure of Gu Qingli, her phoenix eyes narrowing—fiery, yet undeniably charming.

"Perhaps…"

Just as the people of Loulan speculated, Gu Qingli possessed a magnetism that captivated the hearts of her peers. Fierce yet loyal, sharp-tongued yet inherently kind—such a girl was simply too alluring.

"Hmph! That Shao Lan only knows how to act all moody to draw Qingli's attention."

Sikong Ran's heart boiled with jealousy.

"Let's go. Forget them—we're going to see Qingli."

The tournament had ended, and Sikong Ran saw no need to rush into training. Balance, after all, was key.

Soon, they would depart for Windcloud Academy. Their days in Loulan were numbered.

As for Gu Qingli, now that the Li family had been eliminated, her heart was at ease. Rather than dive into cultivation, she immersed herself in alchemy, secretly practicing the venom and prescriptions of the Phoenix Fire Codex, and devouring books to better understand the world.

She had no intention of arriving at Windcloud Academy ignorant of even the basics.

"Miss Qingli is here again—please, come in!"

The old gatekeeper of the alchemist's hall beamed with a grin so wide his eyes nearly vanished. His kindness was almost overwhelming.

"Thank you, Elder,"

Gu Qingli gave a quick nod and darted past him.

"Whew—"

She wiped the sweat from her brow. Ever since the youth tournament, everyone in the Gu family smiled at her with such exaggerated joy it left her flustered.

It was as if the Li family's destruction had lifted a burden that had weighed on their hearts for years. Their delight was almost impossible to describe.

Without Gu Qingli, there would have been no way to bring the Lis down so easily.

Even the ever-stern Gu Yifeng, head of the family, had taken to warmly greeting everyone he met. Gu Qingli had overheard younger clan members whispering that his smile was so unsettling it made them want to run for their lives.

After all, for someone who was perpetually grave-faced to suddenly turn so affable—it was enough to give anyone pause.

Gu Qingche, upon returning, had immediately entered seclusion. His battle with He Yutao had granted him many insights.

"Qingli! I'm here to see you!"

Gu Qingli, who had been pondering the best way to alleviate the poison within Shao Lan, perked up at the sound of a familiar voice.

"Sikong Ran? What brings you here?"

Gu Qingli asked in surprise.

"You call Shao Lan 'Lan,' but you use my full name? That's favoritism! From now on, call me 'A-Ran.' Everyone in my family does!"

Sikong Ran put on a pitiful face, his long, peach-blossom eyes shimmering like he was on the verge of tears.

Gu Qingli rubbed her temples. This man was truly a walking comedy act.

"Fine, fine. I used to think your name just rolled off the tongue. But if you prefer it, I'll call you A-Ran."

"Really? Hehe, say it again, Qingli—just once more!"

Sikong Ran grinned like a fool.

Gu Qingli could hardly look at him—how could someone this ridiculous be the son of the City Lord?

Even He Zhongyi, usually stoic, frowned slightly and turned away. Surely this wasn't their young master.

"You didn't come here just for this, did you?"

"Not really. Just wanted to check if you're ready. We'll be leaving for the Academy soon."

"There's nothing much to prepare. I'm sure the Gu family has taken care of everything."

Indeed, with the Gu family's deep resources, she and Qingche would lack for nothing.

"Ah… I suppose you're right."

Sikong Ran scratched his head.

"I'm planning to visit Uncle Shao's place later. Want to come with me?"

Gu Qingli hoped that Sikong Ran and Shao Lan would have more chances to connect. The four of them—her, Qingche, Shao Lan, and Sikong Ran—would soon leave Loulan together. They ought to look out for one another.

Sikong Ran, boisterous and carefree, could balance Shao Lan's reserved silence. Qingche's gentleness would hold them all together. With such a group, harmony was sure to follow.