"Senior, how is this test conducted?"
Gu Qingche stepped forward politely, gently pulling Gu Qingli behind him in a protective gesture.
"Place your hand on the orb and channel your battle energy. Your strength will reveal itself naturally," the senior replied, glancing briefly at the single-star Scholar badge on Gu Qingche's chest.
Gu Qingche nodded, placed his hand on the orb, and infused it with his energy. Instantly, a soft azure light flared from within the crystal sphere.
The moment the glow appeared, heads turned in their direction.
"A Great Warrior?!"
Several seniors from nearby tables looked over, clearly surprised to find such strength in a new student. Even in the esteemed Stormcloud Academy, this level of talent was above average.
"A one-star Great Warrior at just fourteen—remarkable potential!" the senior praised at once. "Quickly, fill out the form—you're admitted."
Gu Qingche nodded calmly, showing little surprise. Instead, his eyes turned toward Gu Qingli, a hint of concern flickering within them.
At that moment, Li Ke'er was also being applauded as she was directly admitted. A nine-star Spirit Adept at the age of fourteen—an extraordinary talent. And as Spirit Weavers were already rare, her presence drew even more attention.
Envy and admiration filled the gazes cast upon her.
More and more students lined up for the test, yet Gu Qingli waited quietly, showing no sign of anxiety.
Among the crowd, a particular senior caught many eyes—not only was his strength formidable, but his handsome and refined appearance, coupled with his gentle demeanor toward everyone, made him especially popular among the girls.
Li Ke'er and Gu Qinglin soon approached him, but after a moment, they turned and noticed Gu Qingli standing alone.
With a shared glance and smirking hands clasped together, they sauntered over.
"Congratulations, Young Master Qingche, on passing the test," Li Ke'er said with a flickering gaze as she stepped forward with a smile.
"Gu Qingli, why are you still standing here? Haven't you embarrassed the Gu family enough? Standing there like a block of wood—I'm ashamed just looking at you!"
Gu Qinglin didn't hesitate to mock her, her voice laced with scorn.
"Qinglin! You've gone too far. This isn't your domain—who gave you the right to decide who can stand where?"
Gu Qingche's voice thundered with anger. He truly loathed this kind of relative.
Worse still, for the Gu family to act so divisively in public—did they really want to be a laughingstock? He genuinely couldn't understand what was going on in Gu Qinglin's head.
"She is a useless good-for-nothing! Can't we even speak the truth? A mere seven-star Warrior—she's disgraced the Gu name! And you still defend her?" Gu Qinglin snapped back, her shrill voice attracting the attention of those nearby.
Now the academy crowd began eyeing Gu Qingli in surprise. A twelve-year-old with only seven stars—such talent was far from sufficient for entry into the academy.
"Young lady, why don't you come over and give it a try?"
Suddenly, a clear, composed voice rose above the noise.
Everyone turned in astonishment. It was that same elegant and affable Senior Bai.
Senior Bai shrugged lightly, a faint helplessness in his expression under so many stares.
Truth be told, he was surprised by his own words—he hadn't planned to speak out.
But when he saw the serene and unshaken look on Gu Qingli's delicate, ethereal face, unmoved by the scorn around her, something about her quiet grace and lotus-like poise struck him deeply. He felt—this girl was no ordinary soul.
"Senior Bai, can't you tell how far below the standard she is?" a student beside him muttered in a low, dissatisfied tone.
"What does it matter?" Bai replied with a smile, beckoning gently to Gu Qingli. "It's just a test."