Upon hearing the words, Gu Qingli raised her head and glanced toward the entrance, where she saw Gu Ming hurriedly approaching, flanked by two bodyguards. Their speed was so swift, it almost seemed as though they had grown additional legs!
Dongfang Kunlun stood with his arms crossed, a faint smile still playing upon his lips. His demeanor was calm and noble, exuding an elegance that remained unfazed.
His gaze lingered with evident interest upon the five-year-old Gu Qingli before him. The more he looked, the more he felt this little girl was unlike any child he had ever encountered.
Not to mention her extraordinary abilities, it was rare for a girl from an ordinary family to remain so composed. The way her large eyes darted about, seemingly contemplating something, left him wondering what thoughts were swirling in her mind at that moment.
So young, yet already brimming with wisdom that bordered on the uncanny—it was truly fascinating!
His presence here was no mere coincidence. A month ago, he had led his family's younger generation into the Beast Prison Forest for a trial, and today, with nothing particular to do, he had intended to take a nap upon the branches of a tree. But to his surprise, he witnessed this remarkable scene.
From start to finish, he had observed everything with clarity. Not long after arriving in Loulan City, he had heard of the Gu family's newfound Spirit Illusionist, a figure they were working to cultivate. He was also aware of the useless Sixth Miss of the Gu family, who had ruined one of the family's testing instruments and was thus expelled.
But to his astonishment, the little girl he encountered today completely shattered his previous assumptions.
A useless waste, you say? Her martial arts—neither spiritual nor combat energy—along with those rapid silver needles, would easily defeat most warriors!
And let's not forget, she was only five years old!
To still call her a waste was ridiculous. No wonder the Gu family had lost its former glory and fallen into decline.
Moreover, the girl before him gave off no impression of being a mere child. The moment she made her move, she showed no sign of panic. Every strike was precise and deadly.
Her eyes were calm, as though she had grown accustomed to such matters—like a seasoned warrior, hardened by years of battle. It was, indeed, most intriguing.
Gu Ming hurried toward them, his brow furrowed as he first scanned the scene, his gaze landing on Dongfang Kunlun.
The man appeared refined and harmless, yet for some reason, Gu Ming felt a surge of unease within.
Upon closer inspection, he noted the distinctive design on the man's attire: the elegant orchid pattern embroidered on his snow-white robe. This was the family attire of Kunlun City, one of the four great noble families of the Honggu Continent!
Such a family was far more influential and prestigious than the Gu family.
It wasn't unusual for a member of Kunlun City to be here, given that the Great Forest of Demonic Abyss lay just beyond. Every year, many notable families sent their young members to train in the forest, and the Gu family frequently took part in such trials as well. But what puzzled Gu Ming was how such a distinguished man was associated with Gu Qingli.
In the blink of an eye, his attention shifted to Gu Qinglin, lying in the courtyard. His expression changed drastically, and he rushed in, crouching beside her to check her condition. After confirming she was not in immediate danger, he sighed in relief, retrieved a white pill from his pocket, and placed it in her mouth. He then slowly rose, completely ignoring the bloodied Han Jiao beside him.
Gu Ming briefly surveyed Gu Qingli but remained silent. Instead, he turned toward Dongfang Kunlun, his expression one of utmost respect. He clasped his fists and bowed in deference.
"May I ask, are you from Kunlun City, sir?"
Gu Qingli's mind raced. Kunlun City? It seemed quite impressive from the way Gu Ming was practically groveling.
Seeing Gu Ming's obsequious demeanor, she deduced that Kunlun City must indeed be a highly prestigious place. After all, Gu Ming, as Gu Qinglin's father and a precious Spirit Illusionist of the Gu family, was usually quite arrogant and dismissive of others.
Dongfang Kunlun smiled faintly. "You have some discernment."
"Ah, so you are from Kunlun, Master. Might I ask, what is your relationship with Little Li?" Gu Ming's voice trembled slightly, his tone becoming more cautious.
As expected, the four great noble families were not to be trifled with. It seemed the Gu family's young members must have offended this powerful figure, which explained the lesson they had just received.
"I have just taken Little Li as my disciple. To think that the Sixth Miss of the Gu family resides in such a place… I am quite taken aback," Dongfang Kunlun said, his tone tinged with subtle displeasure. However, he affectionately ruffled Gu Qingli's hair, the fondness in his gesture unmistakable.