Though the alchemist residing in the City Lord's estate was merely of the lowest rank within the royal tier, his status still demanded the utmost respect—even from the City Lord himself and the elders of the Eight Great Clans. Such was the influence of a royal-grade alchemist that even formidable figures would go to great lengths to win his favor.
Sikong Ran halted before Gu Qingli. His obsidian eyes brazenly swept over her from head to toe, unrestrained in their scrutiny. A flicker of astonishment flashed through his narrow gaze, betraying his surprise at her beauty.
Yet Gu Qingli met his stare with a face devoid of emotion.
For reasons he could not name, a vague irritation stirred in Sikong Ran's heart. With a smirk, he remarked, "You're quite a beauty. So, when the Gu family dismissed you as useless all these years, you weren't the least bit offended?"
At these words, the expressions of the Gu clan members grew markedly awkward.
Elder Mu, standing to the side, looked utterly humiliated—his face changed colors like a dye vat. Today, his old dignity had truly been cast aside.
"Young Master Sikong, please mind your words! Xiaoli is the Sixth Miss of the Gu family—she always has been!"
Sikong Ran scoffed. "Did you ever treat her like one? Now that you've seen her true talent, you want to curry favor? What's next? Letting her represent the Gu family at the Loulan City Youth Tournament in a month?"
His crimson lips curled into a wicked smile, that bewitching face gleaming with mischief as he looked at the calm, expressionless Gu Qingli.
Elder Mu's expression grew even more strained. He glanced at Gu Qingli, then turned to Gu Qingche. "This matter need not concern you, Young Master Sikong. The head of the house will decide. Qingche, escort the Sixth Miss home."
"Oh dear," Sikong Ran sighed theatrically. "Tell me, Sixth Miss—after being called a waste for so many years, you're really going to fight for the Gu family's honor? You don't seem the selfless type."
His tone, laced with gleeful provocation, made Gu Qingli's lips twitch ever so slightly.
Gu Qingche stepped forward at once, intent on shielding his sister.
"Stand down!"
A man stepped out from behind Sikong Ran, emanating a powerful aura that pressed down like a mountain. His icy gaze locked onto Gu Qingche, and his hand hovered ominously near his sword—ready to draw it without warning.
This man was He Zhongyi, twenty years old, the epitome of masculine might. His skin bore the bronze of the sun, his stature tall and imposing. A massive black sword was strapped to his back, and the chill in his eyes was enough to make others recoil.
Unable to withstand the pressure, Gu Qingche stumbled back two steps, his face pale. Gu Qingli, however, remained rooted to the spot, unmoving—though a faint glimmer of surprise flickered in her eyes. To have reached the level of a seven-star Great Warrior at such a young age—his talent was indeed exceptional.
Sikong Ran chuckled and gestured for He Zhongyi to step down. His gaze lingered on Gu Qingche's pale face before turning to Gu Qingli. Her composure under the pressure of a seven-star Great Warrior astonished him—this Sixth Miss of the Gu family was no ordinary girl.
"Stand down—don't be so rude. We wouldn't want to frighten the Sixth Miss. Besides, Young Master Qingche, I'm simply speaking a bit of truth on your sister's behalf."
Gu Qingche opened his mouth to retort, but Gu Qingli gently caught his hand.
Under the invisible pressure, Gu Qingli stepped forward—lightly, gracefully. Her flawless face was calm, even graced with a faint smile.
"If you wish for me to follow you, wait until your strength surpasses mine. Then you may come and boast."
Her phoenix eyes gleamed with radiant light. Though her words were undeniably arrogant, the boundless confidence shining in her gaze made them impossible to dismiss.
The vast square fell into a sudden hush. All eyes were fixed upon the stunning girl who stood proudly at the center of it all. In that moment, it was as if the crowd had caught a glimpse of the brilliance she would one day become.