In truth, Gu Qingli was unaware that there was a deeper reason behind it all.
Though the Gu family no longer wielded the overwhelming power of its prime, its long and storied history endowed it with a profound heritage. And that legacy, though merely a word on the surface, encompassed a wealth of invaluable assets—an accumulation of martial scrolls, rare herbs, knowledge of the continent, weaponry, and countless lived experiences.
In stark contrast, the Li family had its origins in commerce. With business ventures sprawling across the vast region surrounding Loulan City, they amassed great wealth, yet lacked the strength to protect it. Thus, for those in the Li clan who showed promise, they spared no expense in nurturing their growth.
While the Gu family had faced a decline in talent over the years, it wasn't as though the Li family had a surplus of prodigies. But money—money they had in abundance. They could purchase strength, resources, and cultivation aids with ease, giving them an undeniable advantage.
Among the factions in Loulan City with power comparable to the Gu family, the Lis were not alone. Yet the Gu clan harbored particular enmity toward them. From the very beginning of their rise, the Li family made no effort to conceal their ambition and hostility.
Over the years, the Gu family had suffered no small number of losses at the hands of their cunning rival.
To Gu Zhan, the Lis had always been the villain of every tale, a household nemesis since his youth. Their shameless manipulation and trickery were legendary. It was precisely because the Lis lacked heritage that they coveted what the Gus possessed.
After listening to her father recount several despicable acts committed by the Li clan, Gu Qingli finally understood the reason her aunt Gu Qinglin's family had been driven out.
To conspire with the Lis against one's own blood—that was a betrayal of the deepest kind. It struck a nerve, a boundary that could not be crossed.
"That's why, Qingli," Gu Zhan said gravely, "if you choose to withdraw from the Youth Martial Tournament, the clan head will understand. Even if we lose face this time, as long as you're here, the Gu family's future will remain bright."
Indeed, abstaining from the Youth Martial Tournament would tarnish the Gu clan's reputation. For years, it had served as a key benchmark of each noble house's standing in Loulan City, and all the great families placed tremendous importance on it.
"Father, I know you're worried," Gu Qingli said softly, "but have a little faith in your daughter. I'm not so fragile. It's only Li Ke'er, after all. If I shrink away now, how will I face stronger opponents in the future?"
Gu Zhan fell silent. He knew this was not recklessness—it was courage born of confidence.
After a long pause, he exhaled deeply and said, "Alright, but promise me you won't push yourself too hard. You got that pill today—if anything happens, don't hesitate to use it."
"Got it!" Gu Qingli replied cheerfully. "I'm not that foolish. My life matters most."
"Here, Father," she added, taking out a pouch of gold. "This thirty thousand—take it and buy something nice for Mother. Some jewelry, some clothes. Don't be shy. The clan head promised monthly dividends, so there's no need for you to work yourself to exhaustion anymore."
Gu Qingli's greatest concern before leaving Loulan City was her parents. Now that everything was in order, her heart felt at ease.
"All right, all right," Gu Zhan chuckled, patting her head, "Since when did we need our little girl to worry about us? Just take good care of yourself—that's all that matters."
"Go back to your cultivation. Not many days remain. It's time to steady your spirit."
"Yes, Father. You should rest early too."
But Gu Qingli didn't return to her room just yet. Instead, she made her way to the alchemy chamber and carefully selected several medicinal herbs before heading back.
She intended to refine a pill for Mr. Tian. The pill recipe was recorded in the Phoenix Flame Codex, but when she was on Earth, she had neither the resources nor the spiritual herbs required for such a concoction, and so had never attempted it.
Now, she had both the experience and the ingredients.
The Beautifying Pill was not particularly difficult to refine, but the process required imbuing it with soul power to instill vitality—an element of complexity.
Gu Qingli meticulously reviewed every step of the formula, ensuring absolute precision before she began.
Though only a second-grade alchemist, her control and technique were admirable. It was her first attempt at this particular pill, but she moved with calm, practiced ease. Alchemy demanded absolute focus—one lapse, and the entire batch could be lost.
As the furnace emitted a fragrant aroma, a gentle smile finally appeared on Gu Qingli's usually composed face.
"It's done."
She wiped the sweat from her brow and retrieved the pills—three in total—from the cauldron.
For a first attempt, it was quite the accomplishment. Still, Gu Qingli was not entirely satisfied. The medicinal potency was average, and she couldn't be sure how effective it would be against the poison afflicting Elder Tian.
She decided to refine another batch. Who knew when she'd return to Loulan City after leaving for the Wind and Cloud Academy?
Even if it couldn't cure him, it might at least suppress the venom temporarily. She had to make sure there were enough pills in reserve.
Though she often appeared aloof, Gu Qingli was, at heart, a kind and compassionate soul—an imprint of the modern education she had once received.
And Elder Tian's plight was truly pitiful. If she could help him, she would.
Fortunately, Gu Qingli possessed remarkable talent in alchemy. With each attempt, her movements grew steadier and more assured.
After several hours, she had refined three full furnaces of pills.
Though the Beautifying Pill was of a lower grade and didn't heavily tax her soul power, even she was exhausted after producing so many.
Twenty-one pills in total. Enough to last Elder Tian a long time. And the later batches, she could tell, were far more potent than the first.
Satisfied, Gu Qingli allowed herself a small smile before collapsing into sleep.
She was awakened by a familiar voice outside her door.
"Qingli! Are you still sleeping?" came the playful shout of Sikong Ran.
Gu Qingli opened her eyes groggily. That teasing voice could only belong to Sikong Ran. She stretched and got out of bed.
"You're here? Give me a moment, I'll be right out."
"Hurry up, girl! I can't wait any longer!" came Elder Tian's impatient call.
"All right, all right, I hear you," she laughed. "Wait in the reception hall for me."
Though the courtyard where her family lived was modest, it had everything one might need—including a guest hall.
By the time Gu Qingli had changed and arrived, Mr. Tian was already seated, fidgeting with restless anticipation. Ouyang Qian, who was entertaining the guests, looked on in quiet confusion.