Not only did Shao Yan's voice tremble with emotion, but Bai Ling and Chen Yihan also wore expressions of profound gravity.
Though they had not raised Shao Lan from infancy, he was, after all, the child they had discovered together all those years ago—a fact that weighed heavily on their hearts.
They carried the guilt of that impulsive decision to administer the viper's gallbladder, condemning him to a lifetime of suffering.
Tears welled in Gu Qingli's eyes as well.
Shao Lan had endured far too much hardship since childhood.
"Yihan and Bai Ling have spent all these years helping me seek a solution."
"So, Uncle Shao, you asked me to stay because I'm an alchemist? But I'm merely a second-rank alchemist—surely someone of your standing could easily enlist the aid of a royal-grade alchemist?"
Gu Qingli was perplexed.
Though her talent in alchemy was exceptional, bolstered by the Phoenix Flame Art, her current abilities were still limited.
"My, what an impressive little prodigy you are! To attain second-rank status so soon after beginning your studies—truly remarkable."
Bai Ling regarded her with an admiring smile.
Even Chen Yihan shared the sentiment. Though Gu Qingli's strength and alchemical prowess might seem modest in their eyes, one must remember—she was only twelve!
Such talent far surpassed even their own youthful brilliance.
"Xiao Li, I've exhausted every avenue. But all say that because Shao Lan ingested the viper's gallbladder in infancy, the toxins have become inseparable from his very being. Eradicating them is nearly impossible. The suffering alone is one matter, but as a cultivator, he loses all his power for an entire day each month—rendered utterly defenseless. If his enemies were to discover this vulnerability..."
Shao Yan's face darkened with grave concern.
Gu Qingli understood his fears. Shao Lan could not remain confined forever. With his gifts, he was destined for greater horizons—yet his isolation stemmed not just from temperament, but this very affliction.
"Uncle Shao! I understand. Once we're at the Phoenix Sanctum Academy, I'll ensure Shao Lan's condition remains concealed!"
Her resolve hardened. That boy had suffered enough.
"Thank you, Xiao Li. But there's another reason I called you here today. As you know, the Divine Ancient Continent reviles poison as the tool of heretics and demons. Even those who dabble in it are scorned. This has led to a dire scarcity of poison masters—most alchemists shun its study entirely, and those who don't operate in shadows."
Gu Qingli nodded in agreement, though privately, she found the prejudice baffling.
Was victory not all that mattered?
"Last time, I heard from Brother Sikong that you used poison to save A'Ran. So, poison... that is to say..."
Shao Yan cleared his throat awkwardly.
Realization dawned on Gu Qingli. So this was the crux of the matter—the reason for this elaborate preamble.
She could hardly blame him. On the Divine Ancient Continent, association with poison was a stain few would willingly claim. Even she, indifferent as she was to reputation, used it sparingly.
Her own name mattered little, but she would not tarnish those of her loved ones.
No wonder Shao Yan had approached the subject with such caution. By first entrusting her with Shao Lan's secret, he had extended his trust—and now sought hers in return.
"Hah! So that's why Shao Yan was hemming and hawing all this time! Little one—may I call you Xiao Li as well?"
Bai Ling burst into laughter, her voluptuous frame trembling with mirth.
"Of course, Sister Bai Ling."
Gu Qingli found herself charmed by this bold, enchanting woman.
"Oh, such a sweet tongue you have!"
The address of "sister" sent Bai Ling into delighted giggles. While Shao Yan was "uncle," she remained "sister"—what clearer compliment to her youth could there be?
"Xiao Li, fret not. We three aren't like those stuffy traditionalists. Poison is just another tool—victory is what counts!"
Bai Ling declared.
"No need for concern, Sister Bai Ling. I trust Uncle Shao and all of you implicitly. As he mentioned, I once used poison to incapacitate a Martial King while rescuing Sikong Ran."
Gu Qingli knew the city lord wouldn't have revealed this lightly—only because Shao Yan had long sought a poison master.
Her words drew stunned glances from Bai Ling and Chen Yihan. To fell a Martial King with poison was no small feat.
Upon reaching that realm, a cultivator's physique transcended the ordinary—yet even they were not immune.
This girl's toxins were formidable indeed.
Under their suddenly reverent gazes, Gu Qingli flushed with embarrassment.
"Still, I haven't examined Shao Lan's condition firsthand. I can't make any promises."
Yet in her heart, she was certain—if poison was the problem, she would find a way.
"Your confidence alone puts my mind at ease."
Gu Qingli couldn't help but marvel at the depths of Shao Yan's devotion.
"Once you and Shao Lan depart for the academy, I'll enter seclusion. I must entrust his care to you during that time."
His reluctance to part from Shao Lan was palpable.
With the newly acquired spirit technique scrolls, a successful retreat could significantly enhance his power—a crucial endeavor.
"Shao Yan, at this rate, you'll turn into a fussy old man. That boy may be withdrawn, but he's no pushover. And with this little firebrand by his side, who would dare cross them?"
Bai Ling's lazy, melodic laughter carried undeniable truth. It was simply a father's worry that clouded Shao Yan's judgment.
"Xiao Li, should you ever need aid, come to the imperial capital. This sister may not be all-powerful, but I'll move heaven and earth to help you!"
With his burdens lightened, Shao Yan's smile returned, even adopting a playful tone.
"Bai Ling, do you even know who Xiao Li's master is before making such grand offers?"
The typically refined man revealed an unexpected wit. Gu Qingli blinked in surprise—clearly, their shared history bred a unique camaraderie.
"Well now, I don't. Who is this illustrious teacher of yours, little one?"
Bai Ling's curiosity was piqued.
"Dongfang Kunlun of Kunlun City—he is Xiao Li's master."
Shao Yan's eyes sparkled with amusement.