Gu Qingli had not voiced it aloud, but ever since she began refining elixirs, her understanding of pharmacology and her insight into enhancing poisons had reached a new level.
Now, her thoughts had turned toward using the techniques of alchemy to craft more potent toxins.
Perhaps one day, she could even subdue cultivators far beyond her current strength.
Though poison was seen as an underhanded and dishonorable tool in the eyes of those on the Divine Ancient Continent, Gu Qingli never intended to use it in the public eye. But in moments of life and death or during trials of survival—it might prove to be her greatest asset.
"Xiaoli, you are truly a terrifying adversary," Sikong Ran muttered after a long, silent stare at her.
At that moment, he couldn't help but feel a flicker of gratitude for that incident in the past. Had he confronted her upon first meeting, he would likely have met a dreadful end…
Gu Qingli glanced at him with a faint, enigmatic smile—as if to say, You should be thankful fate was kind to you.
"Hehe…"
Led by Sikong Ran and He Zhongyi, the group began wandering leisurely through the City Lord's estate.
Most of the time, it was Sikong Ran who carried the conversation, Gu Qingli who offered responses, and He Zhongyi who occasionally chimed in with a few words. Only Shao Lan remained silent, following quietly at the rear.
The excited chatter of the youth and the girl's cool, crystalline voice mingled in the air, brimming with the vibrant spirit of adolescence.
Shao Lan's expression was calm and unchanging, but if one looked closely, a gentle light could be seen flickering in his eyes. He was quietly enjoying the warmth of this moment.
The City Lord's manor rivaled the Gu family's estate in grandeur. Pavilions, towers, verdant trees, and crystalline lakes reflected each other in harmony, exuding both vitality and refined elegance.
Truly worthy of its prestige, the manor was a testament to immense wealth—its tranquil beauty far surpassing many of the Gu family's own courtyards.
By the time they returned to the reception hall, the discussions among the elders had concluded. Judging from their expressions, the results had been most satisfactory.
After returning to the Gu residence, Gu Qingli did not immediately immerse herself in further cultivation.
Though the Youth Selection Tournament greatly favored those with higher strength, Gu Qingli remained unhurried.
Her current abilities already placed her among the elite of Loulan City's young generation. She saw no need to rush.
Having never relied on pills before, she had recently consumed two, and with the boost in power, she knew it was now time to stabilize her foundation.
Her ambitions did not end with becoming a high-star Martial King—she aimed far higher.
Thus, she would never allow her foundation to be undermined by impatience.
While fortifying her combat strength and soul power, Gu Qingli began her journey into alchemy. Every day she entered the alchemy chamber at dawn and returned only at dusk.
Remarkably, she never wasted a single ingredient. Every furnace produced results—each pill successfully refined. The entire Gu family watched in awe, their jaws practically unhinged by her astonishing talent.
Patriarch Gu Yifeng and the elders were ecstatic, eager to supply her with any and all medicinal materials.
Whenever Gu Qingli entered the alchemy chamber, it would immediately be filled with eager disciples, all desperate to observe her craft.
Thanks to her tireless effort and the Gu family's unwavering support, her skill in alchemy increased day by day, and even her soul strength quietly advanced.
The most astonishing development—Gu Qingli had advanced beyond a first-rank alchemist and become a second-rank one.
Though she was undoubtedly a prodigy, the shock her achievement caused was still monumental. Disciples now looked at her as though she were some otherworldly entity.
The intensity of their gazes made Gu Qingli deeply uncomfortable—so much so that she often felt goosebumps rising across her skin.
Everyone was green with envy—how cruel comparisons could be.
Peace returned to the Gu household. A rare atmosphere of harmony settled over the clan. Although Gu Qingli hadn't asked about Gu Qinglin's fate, someone soon informed her.
Gu Qinglin and her father had been expelled from the family for plotting against their kin.
Han Jiao wept and wailed like a street shrew, throwing tantrums and threatening suicide—but it was all in vain. She had brought this upon herself.
Gu Qingli felt not a shred of pity. They had only themselves to blame. Without the Gu family's protection, they would no longer have the luxury to be so arrogant.
After their betrayal, Patriarch Gu Yifeng seemed to have awakened from a long slumber. He became more attentive and caring toward the younger generation, shedding his formerly stern and distant demeanor.
"Xiaoli, I never imagined your talent in alchemy would be so extraordinary. What a waste it was not to have begun your training earlier," Gu Qingche said gently.
The Gu family now held Gu Qingli—the Sixth Young Miss—in the highest esteem. Many even flattered her excessively, but Gu Qingche remained as warm and familiar as ever.
"It's nothing. Better late than never," she replied with a casual shrug.
"Many spend their entire lives as first-rank alchemists. In Loulan City, every second-rank alchemist has spent over a decade mastering herbs and refining techniques. Yet you, little sister, have surpassed them with ease—how could I not feel ashamed in comparison?" Gu Qingche said with a wry smile.
"It's not such a big deal. What really bothers me are those stares—everywhere I go now, people look at me like I'm some mythical creature. It gives me the chills… and that creepy smile from Master Yin…"
Just thinking about Master Yin's aged face grinning sycophantically made her scalp tingle.
"Hahaha!"
Gu Qingche burst into laughter. For a fearless girl like Xiaoli to wear such an expression of dread—it was thoroughly entertaining.
"Master Yin is just delighted. Who wouldn't be jealous of your talent?"
Indeed, alchemists were the most revered figures on the Divine Ancient Continent. Their value made them cherished allies and sought-after companions.
There was even a saying: Better to offend a powerful warrior than provoke an alchemist.
Now, Gu Qingli had surpassed even Master Yin in popularity within the family. The elders were elated beyond words, beaming with joy each day.
They treated her with nothing short of reverence, fulfilling her every request.
Thus passed her days in peace, as the Youth Selection Tournament drew near.
One day, Sikong Ran appeared at the Gu household, shocking many. What was the arrogant young lord from the City Lord's estate doing here?
The answer quickly became clear—he was here for the Sixth Young Miss.
"Xiaoli! Xiaoli! I'm here! Come out already!"
Sikong Ran, followed by a solemn-faced He Zhongyi, swaggered to the entrance of the alchemy chamber.
Gu Qingli had just completed a batch of pills and was putting away her furnace.
"What brings you here?" she asked.
"Xiaoli, don't tell me you didn't want to see me?"
Sikong Ran's long, almond-shaped eyes shimmered with mock sorrow, his voice delicate and pitiful, like a beauty pining in heartache.