After leaving the auction hall, Gu Qingli returned directly to the Gu residence.
Elder Shui had already reported the events of the day to Gu Yifeng, and for once, the solemn man allowed a smile to grace his face.
"The Li family dreaming of acquiring that elixir? Absurd. To think that our Gu family would produce a young talent like Qingli—our ancestors must surely be watching over us!"
The smile on Gu Yifeng's face was difficult to suppress.
Over the years, they had suffered no small number of setbacks at the hands of the Li family.
"Indeed, Master," Elder Shui said with emotion. "With the Sixth Young Lady among our ranks, the Gu family has nothing to fear. Be it intelligence or innate talent, Li Ke'er is far inferior to her. The future awaiting the Sixth Young Lady is not one confined to mere Loulan City."
He then added, "There remains three hundred thousand gold coins unused from today's intended auction expenditure. What would you have done with them, Master?"
The elixir that was supposed to consume the entire sum had been acquired without spending a single coin—an unexpected windfall.
"Send it to Gu Zhan—no, knowing his stubborn nature, he'll likely refuse. Then give it to Qingli. She earned it; let her decide how best to use the funds."
Gu Yifeng made his decision swiftly.
Though three hundred thousand was by no means a paltry sum, he didn't hesitate. This, in a way, was reparation for the neglect the family had shown Gu Qingli's household over the years.
Elder Shui nodded. The amount, while significant, was nothing compared to the years of disregard. The investments poured into Gu Qinglin alone had long exceeded this sum.
"Very well. I shall wait at the front gate. The Sixth Young Lady should return shortly."
Sure enough, not long after, Gu Qingli's silhouette appeared at the entrance.
"You've returned, Sixth Young Lady!"
Gu Qingli blinked in surprise at the sight of Elder Shui. "Elder Shui? Are you… waiting for me?"
Her voice held a note of curiosity. Why would he be waiting for her?
"The Master has instructed that since this sum was saved thanks to your efforts, it is only rightfully yours to allocate."
Understanding dawned immediately on Gu Qingli.
Since the family head had given it willingly, she accepted the funds without hesitation. Though she didn't particularly need the money, it would spare her father the burden of accepting dangerous assignments for the sake of income—sacrificing time meant for cultivation.
This could also be considered a form of recompense from the Gu family.
In the span of a breath, she had thought it all through, and thus took the pouch of gold coins calmly.
"Thank you, Elder Shui. Please extend my gratitude to the Master as well."
"Of course. Do go rest, Sixth Young Lady."
When she returned to their modest courtyard, Gu Qingli found her father sitting in the open, clearly awaiting her return.
"Father, you've been waiting for me?"
"You're back, Qingli. Did you find anything interesting at the auction? If there's anything you desire, just say the word. Let the Gu family pay for it."
He had known she was attending the auction and had clearly waited for her return.
"Eh? I thought you'd be the first to tell me not to take the Gu family's money. Have you forgiven them—and the Master?"
Gu Qingli looked at her father curiously, surprised by his seemingly generous stance.
"You really think your father's that soft in the head?"
Gu Zhan scowled at her.
Gu Qingli chuckled and sat beside him.
"I know that cultivation demands resources. Before, we didn't know of your talent, but now that we do, I won't let my precious daughter go without what she deserves!"
Gu Zhan's voice was brimming with righteous pride.
"That's the spirit, Father! I'll be leading the Gu family one day, aiding its rise. Why not accept the benefits while I can? The family's investing in a genius, and that's bound to be a lucrative return!"
Perhaps her words were a touch arrogant, but they rang with truth. After all, she was also a skilled alchemist.
"You shameless girl," Gu Zhan laughed heartily, shaking his head. "You certainly take after no one I know."
"Which is why," she continued smoothly, "I'll soon be heading to the Fengyun Sacred Academy. You and Mother mustn't feel awkward in the Gu residence while I'm gone, or I'll worry about you constantly."
Gu Qingli seized the moment to persuade him.
She had long known her father didn't truly resent the Gu family. Having lived within its walls for over four decades, it was impossible for him to sever all affection.
"This…"
"Father, it's time for you to focus on your own cultivation. Mercenary tasks are fine as training, but relying on them too heavily is detrimental to your progress. That's not the path forward."
She knew her father's talent wasn't extraordinary, but neither was it mediocre. With proper focus, his future could still hold great promise.
And he was wavering—she could tell. Deep down, he had already begun to forgive.
"Look," she said, producing a pouch. "This is the three hundred thousand gold coins the Master gave me today."
She recounted everything that had happened at the auction—how she had outbid the Li family for the prized elixir. Though she omitted the later meeting with Uncle Shao Yan and the others.
"The Li family… they're trying to destroy you!"
Gu Zhan clenched his fists in fury. He knew the enmity between the two houses ran deep and irreconcilable. For the Li family, eliminating Gu Qingli—this rising star—was a matter of strategy.
And the upcoming Youth Tournament would provide the perfect opportunity.
The more he thought about it, the darker his expression became.
"Qingli… are you confident about the tournament? If not, tell the Master you won't participate. The Li family is infamous for their deceit. No one even knows what kind of beast Li Ke'er will bring—it's too dangerous!"
The more he thought about it, the more he wished she would abstain.
"Don't worry, Father. I'm far stronger than Li Ke'er. And I'm an alchemist. No matter how cunning the Li family may be, they can't outmatch me."
"You don't understand," Gu Zhan pressed. "The Li family may lack our heritage, but they are immensely wealthy."
"I know, Father. But money isn't everything. Didn't they fail to obtain both the elixir and the scroll today?"
It was now clear to Gu Qingli just how seriously everyone viewed the Li family. Whether it was Elder Shui or her father, the moment the Li family was mentioned, caution turned to deep concern.