"Qinglin, how could you speak such words!" Gu Qingche's eyes blazed with fury as he glared at her.
"Brother Qingche, what spell are you under? You always take her side! She's nothing but a useless good-for-nothing, a disgrace to the Gu family! If I were her, I'd have buried myself in shame long ago rather than squander Master Kunlun's Marrow-Cleansing Pill!"
Seeing Gu Qingche defending Gu Qingli, her words grew increasingly venomous, her eyes flashing with resentment.
The bitterness contorted her once delicate features beyond recognition.
Gu Qingche's handsome face flushed with anger. He opened his mouth to argue further, but Gu Qingli gently tugged at his arm and gave a slight shake of her head.
She cast a faint glance at Gu Qinglin—light as a feather, yet laced with chilling indifference.
Gu Qingli had never once participated in the clan's internal strength assessments or competitions. Judging by appearances, she was merely a seven-star Warrior.
Ordinarily, experts could sense the strength of those weaker than themselves through spiritual perception, but those of lesser power were blind to levels above their own.
Gu Qingli's soul force, however, was exceptionally potent—far beyond the reach of ordinary detection.
Elder Mu, noting her silence, grew even more certain that she was nothing but an empty vessel. He could not fathom what Master Kunlun saw in her. A seven-star Warrior attempting the academy trial? How laughable—it would surely bring disgrace upon the Gu clan.
None could comprehend what stroke of fortune had earned her the favor of such a formidable figure as Dongfang Kunlun. Bound by reverence for that power, they could only suppress their doubts. With a sigh and a dismissive wave, Elder Mu announced, "Enough. Since all are present, let us depart."
The other young members of the Gu family cast contemptuous looks at Gu Qingli before striding out with arrogant airs, eagerly anticipating the spectacle she would make at the Windcloud Academy's trial.
Gu Qingche glanced at Gu Qingli, worry clouding his expression.
"Ah Li, are you all right?" he asked, gently patting her head.
Gu Qingli gave him a sly, knowing smile. "If you argue with her, it only fuels her madness. The best way to deal with a rabid dog... is to ignore it."
In her eyes, Gu Qinglin was nothing—utterly beneath notice.
Truth be told, were the timing not so delicate, she could crush Gu Qinglin with a flick of her finger.
Over the years, Gu Qingche had grown deeply fond of his younger cousin. He saw her as clever and spirited—like a cunning little fox. Yet with her parents, she was bright and affectionate, the very picture of a devoted daughter. Most of the time, though, she carried an unshakable, focused presence, as if nothing under heaven could bend her will.
This unwavering calm in the face of humiliation made him, as her elder brother, profoundly admire her.
"Ah Li, are you still stuck at the seven-star level? It's been years... Has your battle aura not grown at all?" Gu Qingche asked, frowning.
Gu Qingli smiled nonchalantly. "Don't worry, Brother Qingche. I'll be joining you at Windcloud Academy this time."
Seeing her confidence, he assumed Master Kunlun must have already made arrangements for her.
The Windcloud Academy's recruitment site had been set in the central square of Loulan City.
By the time they arrived, the plaza was already teeming with people—waves of young hopefuls and their families, faces alight with anticipation. Everyone knew that entry into Windcloud Academy meant a future of limitless potential.
Countless cultivators had also come just to witness the grandeur of the event and catch a glimpse of the chosen prodigies.
Fortunately, as the leading house among Loulan's eight great families, the Gu clan enjoyed certain privileges. Under Elder Mu's guidance, they quickly made their way to the admissions area.
There, more than a dozen long tables had been arranged. Behind each sat academy staff in cerulean uniforms, adorned with both the Windcloud Academy insignia and individual rank emblems.