Gu Yifeng's gaze swept icily over Gu Ming and Han Jiao. Han Jiao stood utterly bewildered, utterly unaware of the full extent.
Naturally, Gu Qinglin had concealed the truth from Han Jiao, though Gu Ming had grasped part of the matter.
He immediately sank to his knees.
"Father! I know not of what you speak. Qinglin is still young; perhaps she erred unwittingly. It is my failure as a guardian. I vow to discipline her rigorously henceforth!"
Gu Ming's mind worked swiftly; he knelt in submission, adopting a posture of utmost humility.
Yet he was ignorant that Gu Qinglin's transgression was far from one easily pardoned.
"Qingche, recount the events of today."
Having resolved his course, Gu Yifeng would no longer tolerate Gu Qinglin's folly. Such a harbinger of disaster demanded swift judgment.
Gu Qingche stepped forward and related the day's occurrences plainly, devoid of embellishment, as before.
"What?!"
The assembled elders all paled upon hearing this revelation—Gu Qinglin had truly committed a grievous folly, justifying the patriarch's wrath.
Elder Mu's expression darkened like still waters. He had long harbored doubts whether Gu Qinglin's temperament could ever bring honor to the Gu clan.
Yet before Gu Qingli's rise, the Gu family had no choice but to nurture Gu Qinglin.
"You have all heard it clearly—Gu Qinglin betrays her own kin, conspiring with outsiders to harm her family. Such a one is a burden the Gu family can no longer bear!"
Gu Yifeng's face was stern and unyielding; his words merciless.
The elders, reading the patriarch's resolute countenance, understood that his decision was irrevocable. Though years of painstaking cultivation had bred an attachment, the consequences of her actions were insurmountable.
"Patriarch, no! This cannot be!"
Han Jiao's anguished cries pierced the chamber.
"Qinglin is a rare and precious Spirit Illusionist—the Gu family's hope for the future! We cannot cast her aside for such a trifling offense, Patriarch!"
Han Jiao had long luxuriated in the Gu family's grace; the thought of exile chilled her to the bone.
Gu Qingli watched the spectacle leisurely, a faint smirk curling at her lips, eyes glinting with derision.
This woman knew fear well. On the Shen Gu Continent, the family was paramount; bereft of its shelter, greatness was unattainable.
"Hope? Hope to conspire with the Li family? Elders, you hear this—I hereby decree the banishment of Gu Qinglin and her kin from the Gu family!"
Gu Yifeng's voice was frigid and resolute, each word striking like thunder.
His decree stunned Gu Qinglin and Gu Ming into silence, while Han Jiao stared in disbelief, eyes wide as saucers.
"Patriarch! Qinglin is a Spirit Illusionist!"
Gu Ming pleaded desperately. No matter how gifted Gu Qingli was, she could not rival the rarity of a Spirit Illusionist.
"A traitorous Spirit Illusionist such as her—we Gu cannot tolerate. What say the elders?"
Gu Yifeng sneered coldly.
The elders fell into thoughtful silence.
"We have no objection. We shall obey the Patriarch's command."
Gu Ming's face darkened deeply; Gu Qinglin and Han Jiao were rendered utterly speechless.
"It is all because of you, vile woman! Were it not for you, how could I have been cast out? I am the Gu family's eldest daughter—the rightful heir!"
Gu Qinglin raged madly, eyes blazing crimson, her hatred for Gu Qingli unrestrained.
"Smack!"
Gu Qingli's cold laughter preceded a swift strike of azure energy upon Gu Qinglin's cheek, as if delivering a scathing slap.