Chapter 167 Happy Enemies

"Xiaoli, where are you going?"

Sikong Ran was clearly displeased—he had never seen Xiaoli take the initiative to visit the City Lord's Manor for him.

"Something came up, but I can't tell you for now."

This was Shao Lan's secret, and Gu Qingli saw no right to speak of it. But if Shao Lan chose to reveal it himself, that would be ideal. After all, once they arrived at Fengyun Holy Academy, she, Sikong Ran, and Shao Lan would all be companions from Loulan City—having each other's support would be the best outcome.

The matter of Shao Lan's poison surfacing on his fifteenth birthday was a burden too heavy for her to shoulder alone.

It was a pity Gu Qingche was still in seclusion—otherwise, she would have gathered everyone to strengthen their bond.

"Fine."

Though reluctant, Sikong Ran followed Gu Qingli. The three of them stepped through the gates of the Gu residence and headed directly to Shao Yan's estate.

However, Shao Yan was not at home. As Sikong Ran put it, he was probably "dividing the spoils" with his father at the City Lord's Manor.

Gu Qingli had no doubt—after the Li family's downfall, their possessions were bound to be redistributed. Although the Li clan had risen only in the past century, their wealth, amassed through commerce, was surely immense.

While they might not have had ancient legacies, there was no shortage of valuable items money could buy. As Loulan's second-ranked family, they certainly weren't lacking in resources.

Since Shao Yan was absent, there was no need for formalities. Gu Qingli led Sikong Ran and He Zhongyi straight to Shao Lan's small courtyard.

The courtyard was tranquil, a large tree at its center casting dappled shadows and offering a cool refuge.

Hearing voices outside, Shao Lan emerged from the house on his own.

It was undeniable that Gu Qingli had brought a remarkable change to him. The once withdrawn boy now dared to step into the public eye—a sign of considerable progress.

"Xiaoli? What brings you all here?"

There was a trace of surprise on Shao Lan's face. But just as Gu Qingli had said—once the first step was taken, the rest became less daunting.

Strange glances and hushed whispers could no longer hinder his path forward.

Beneath the large tree, a stone table and several stone stools offered a peaceful spot. The gentle breeze carried the scent of fresh leaves as they sat down.

"We'll be heading to Fengyun Holy Academy in a few days. I just wanted to see how your preparations are coming along."

Gu Qingli spoke with a gentle smile.

"I'm doing fine."

They chatted for a while. Gu Qingli refrained from mentioning the poison in Shao Lan's body. In truth, this visit was partly to examine whether the toxin could be suppressed temporarily with medicine.

Since the youth tournament, she had immersed herself in alchemy and the toxic arts, significantly deepening her understanding of poisons and antidotes.

But now was not the right time.

Gu Qingli trusted Sikong Ran and respected Shao Lan. Whether Shao Lan chose to speak or remain silent was entirely up to him.

And with He Zhongyi present, she decided not to broach the topic.

It wasn't a matter of distrust toward He Zhongyi—rather, it was better to involve as few people as possible. This was, after all, a fatal vulnerability for Shao Lan.

Soon, Shao Yan returned.

"So both Xiaoran and Xiaoli are here."

Shao Yan's joy was sincere. He was truly happy for his disciple—no longer the isolated boy of old, but someone with friends visiting his home.

"Uncle Shao, finished dividing the spoils?"

Gu Qingli teased with a playful grin.

"You little rascal, it's called rightful earnings!"

Shao Yan glared at her in mock reproach, but Gu Qingli only beamed back mischievously.

"Uncle Shao, since Shao Lan is going to Fengyun Holy Academy, shouldn't you prepare a bunch of good stuff for him?"

"The things I've prepared aren't for you—why are you so excited?"

Shao Yan couldn't help laughing. Ever since the last auction, this girl had begun to act as though she were a rich heiress.

"That's fine! I'll just ask Xiaolan for them—he'll definitely give them to me, won't you?"

Gu Qingli tilted her chin proudly and looked toward Shao Lan.

A faint smile flickered through Shao Lan's silver eyes. His cold, statuesque features softened into a breathtaking smile, sudden and stunning like a crack of thunder across the skies.

"Whatever Xiaoli wants, she shall have."

His voice held unwavering certainty, without the slightest hesitation. Gu Qingli burst into laughter, and Shao Yan could only sigh.

The disciple had grown—he no longer needed his master's permission.

"Xiaoli, don't be fooled by his sweet words!"

Sikong Ran's eyes widened in disbelief—Shao Lan was actually this eloquent?

"Whether they're sweet words or not, Xiaoli knows the truth."

Shao Lan glanced at him coolly, calm and unbothered.

Sikong Ran glared, while Shao Lan simply wore an expression of disdainful maturity, as if arguing with him was beneath him. Sikong Ran looked about ready to explode.

Gu Qingli was a little stunned. She hadn't expected it—Sikong Ran, usually so sharp-tongued, was now completely outmatched by the taciturn Shao Lan.

Shao Yan watched them with a soft smile. Their quarrel reminded him of his own youth—back when friendships were forged in bickering and laughter.

Time passed swiftly in their cheerful exchange.

"It's getting late. Xiaoli, shall we head back?" Sikong Ran huffed, still avoiding Shao Lan's gaze.

Who would have thought the two would become such amusing rivals? Yet Shao Lan always seemed to provoke him effortlessly, with barely a word.

Shao Yan remained unreadable, unfazed by Sikong Ran's complaint. In truth, Shao Lan's features were not as refined as Sikong Ran's. Judged by facial symmetry alone, he was simply handsome—nothing more.

He lacked the classical elegance of Gu Qingche, yet none could match the rare brilliance of his silver eyes.

They shimmered like stardust spilled from the Milky Way—so beautiful one dared not disturb them. Paired with his innate air of wistful melancholy, he was practically a fatal weakness for young girls.

Sikong Ran's narrow, seductive peach blossom eyes held a roguish charm, while Shao Lan's were like crystal—clear and penetrating.

Each had their own allure. But in Gu Qingli's mind, another pair of eyes emerged—pitch-black and fathomless, as though glacial depths had frozen there for eternity. A high-bridged nose and thin lips curled in a cold, aloof arc.

She couldn't help but think—if there were a face that truly matched her taste, it would be that annoying boy's.

Sikong Ran might be charmingly ridiculous, and Shao Lan a quietly poisonous tsundere, but that boy—cold and proud—was the one most like her.

She wondered idly, would they meet again at Fengyun Holy Academy?

After all, they were all around the same age.