Holding the Mixed Yuan Pill in her hand, Xue Qinghe brought it to her nose and sniffed. The dense medicinal fragrance instantly filled her senses; even with her strength, she could feel that this pill would be beneficial to her.
She was already at Rank 68. For a pill to be effective for a Soul Emperor, it wasn't hard to imagine how Gu Xuan had managed to jump twelve ranks in a single year. Furthermore, seeing that Gu Xuan showed no signs of an unstable foundation proved just how extraordinary this pill was.
For a Soul Master, raising soul power was undoubtedly the top priority. This single pill from Gu Xuan was enough to repay all the financial support she had given him in the past. After all, what she had provided was mostly monetary, which lacked true substance for someone of his standing. Even the dragon skull she had just gifted him, while useful for a mimicry cultivation field, was insignificant compared to this pill.
Clutching the pill, Xue Qinghe felt a bit embarrassed to look at Gu Xuan. 'Little brother, if you ever find out I'm not your Big Brother Xue, how will you react?' she wondered. A rare trace of guilt flickered in her heart for "deceiving" such a "simple" child.
"Try it. It will definitely give you an unexpected surprise," Gu Xuan said.
Xue Qinghe looked at him and placed the pill back into the porcelain bottle. "No rush. Since you gave me such a precious gift, I can't treat you poorly in return."
"Oh?" Gu Xuan's eyes lit up.
Xue Qinghe smiled. "Don't get too excited. I don't have anything of that caliber to give you right now. But I'll take you to the auction house; if you see anything you like, I'm paying."
Gu Xuan smiled, though he was indifferent internally. Money was the one thing he didn't lack. Between his earnings at the Great Spirit Arena and the treasures he had looted from the dragon nests over the past few months—which he had the Clan "launder" and exchange into personal funds—he was sitting on over five million Gold Soul Coins. He literally couldn't spend it all.
That night, the two appeared at the Heaven Dou Auction House. Gu Xuan bought a few symbolic items, and after a heart-to-heart talk, they parted ways.
During their chat, Gu Xuan informed her that the Clan now had a new Titled Douluo. This matched her previous suspicions, saving her the trouble of investigating. While she marveled at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan gaining another powerhouse, she became even more focused on Gu Xuan.
Gu Xuan was only thirteen, yet he was already a Rank 45 Soul Ancestor. Aside from herself, she had never seen a Soul Master with such talent. Even the "Golden Generation" of Spirit Hall had only broken through to the Soul Ancestor rank at fifteen or sixteen. Gu Xuan was on an entirely different level, practically pacing her own growth.
She also noticed that despite his young age, he was incredibly sharp and had matured significantly. She found herself thinking about him more often than she'd like to admit, unaware that her attitude toward him was shifting from mere interest to something deeper.
Knowing his talent, she was more determined than ever to pull him to her side. Even if he was from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, she felt she had to try. She was confident in her own beauty and talent. 'Brotherly bonds might not make him pick a side, but what about that kind of affection?' she mused. He was young, but his looks and talent were perfectly to her taste. In her mind, perhaps only Gu Xuan was worthy of her in the entire continent.
Every young girl has her dreams of love. She was twenty-two and had never tasted romance; it was only natural for her mind to wander. Gu Xuan might not have known her exact thoughts, but he sensed an undeniable connection forming—a key he could use in the future.
Back at the academy, Gu Xuan resumed his routine classes and training with Yu Tianheng's team. He didn't use his Martial Soul or reveal the secret of his ten-thousand-year fourth ring. Qin Ming didn't force him either; with Gu Xuan's strength, he was practically qualified to be a teacher. Qin Ming focused instead on Gu Xuan's coordination with the rest of the team.
When news of Dugu Yan's transfer reached the team, they were saddened. They had lost a powerful Control Type Soul Master. Fortunately, Gu Xuan was there to fill the gap.
On the fourth afternoon, after training, Gu Xuan went to the lake to enjoy the scenery. He soon realized someone was following him: Ye Lingling. He turned and smiled at her. "Lingling, are you here for the view too?"
Ye Lingling, wearing her veil, didn't show her expression, but she hurried to catch up. "Captain," she said softly.
"Is something on your mind?" Gu Xuan asked. Seeing the setting sun, he gestured to a nearby pavilion. "Let's talk over there."
Ye Lingling followed him silently. To be honest, they hadn't interacted much outside of their time as a 2v2 duo in the arena. Gu Xuan was surprised she sought him out alone—though it was exactly what he had been planning to do himself.
As they sat in the empty pavilion, Ye Lingling seemed uncharacteristically hesitant, fidgeting with her fingers.
"Why so nervous?" Gu Xuan laughed. "We've known each other for a long time. If you have questions, just ask. You're the team's darling; I'll tell you whatever I can."
After a long silence, she whispered, "Captain... I wanted to ask how that Mixed Yuan Pill was refined. Or rather... I want to know where you got the herbs for it."
She quickly added, "You know the Ye Family specializes in medicine, so I have a deep interest in these things. That's why I'm asking."
Gu Xuan gave a helpless chuckle. "That's it? I thought you were taking advantage of Yan Yan's absence to confess to me! I brought you all the way to this secluded spot for nothing."
"?" Ye Lingling's face instantly turned red behind her veil. 'What do you mean, "taking advantage of Yan-jie's absence to confess"?!'
She admitted he was handsome and talented, but this was too narcissistic. She did have feelings for him—most women would—but she was conservative. She couldn't bring herself to "steal" her friend's man.
'Unless... unless you take the lead…'
(End of Chapter)
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