After Hun Changqing left, Xiao Yan and his group went to the tent where Canaan Academy was testing aptitudes. Just as they were about to enter, they encountered a minor character. As expected, Xiao Yan gave the minor character a good talking-to before successfully entering the tent.
"Xiao Yan, Seven-Star Dou Zhe, Age... Sixteen."
At the head of the tent, a gentle and beautiful woman who was about to record the student's information paused, her face showing shock.
The tent fell silent; everyone stared at Xiao Yan, dumbfounded.
"Super...surpassing S-rank talent!"
The minor characters who had offended Xiao Yan and his group were sweating profusely, cowering behind the crowd, afraid that Xiao Yan would seek revenge.
The gentle and beautiful woman at the head of the tent was none other than the academy's instructor, Ruolin.
Ruolin had also recovered from her shock, her eyes gleaming with a strange light as she smiled sweetly.
"I never expected to encounter a student with talent surpassing S-rank. It seems I'm truly lucky,"
Xiao Yan chuckled smugly. He then glanced at Gu Xun'er and said to Instructor Ruolin,
"Xun'er is quite remarkable! I'm still a notch below her."
Xiao Yan knew Gu Xun'er had been a six-star Dou Zhe for a long time. Although he didn't know her exact current level, after so much time, she was definitely at least a nine-star Dou Zhe, and perhaps even had broken through to Dou Shi.
All eyes in the tent followed Xiao Yan's gaze, shifting to the graceful, exquisitely beautiful Gu Xun'er standing behind him.
The gazes of the crowd didn't cause Gu Xun'er the slightest change in expression; she remained as indifferent as ever.
"Oh? Then let's take a good look."
Seeing the indifferent girl, Instructor Ruolin was initially taken aback, then smiled, a gentle, captivating laugh.
Gu Xun'er stood with her arms crossed, her indifferent expression unchanged, a chilling voice emanating from her lips.
"Xiao Xun'er, a two-star Great Dou Master, age sixteen."
Gu Xun'er then unleashed her aura befitting a Great Dou Master.
The entire tent fell silent. No one dared to utter a sound. The atmosphere in the silent tent suddenly became oppressive, making everyone feel suffocated.
Xiao Yan, standing to the side, stared wide-eyed, his mouth agape—wide enough to fit an egg. He knew Gu Xun'er might break through to Dou Master, but he hadn't expected her to have already reached Great Dou Master.
Suddenly, a hint of bewilderment appeared in Xiao Yan's eyes as he looked at Gu Xun'er. He suddenly realized he might not understand her as well as he thought.
"How...how is this possible!"
Finally, a voice broke the silence in the tent. Some people, recovering from the oppressive atmosphere, began to discuss amongst themselves.
"It's fake..."
"Impossible..."
"How could anyone possess such talent?"
Gu Xun'er looked at the incredulous crowd who had witnessed her strength. She felt no excitement whatsoever; her eyes were filled with bewilderment.
Why was she here? What was she doing? She is the eldest daughter of the ancient clan, one of the most powerful forces in the Dou Qi Continent. Why would she appear in this remote and backward place, displaying her pitifully weak strength—a strength completely unworthy of her status and talent—to these frogs in a well?
Glancing at the crowd who were so shocked by her pathetic weakness, Gu Xun'er felt utterly ridiculous. She thought Hun Changqing was right; she really seemed to be a fool…
Taking a deep breath, Gu Xun'er had no desire to stay any longer. She said to Instructor Ruolin,
"Instructor Ruolin, are you finished recording? If so, I'll be leaving now. I'm not feeling well."
Ruolin hadn't recovered from her shock and instinctively replied,
"Uh…okay…okay…wait a minute!"
Before she could finish speaking, Ruolin realized what was happening and hurriedly tried to tell Gu Xun'er to wait.
However, Gu Xun'er had already left the tent alone, leaving everyone with a silhouette that looked somewhat…desolate…
And Xiao Yan, for some reason, didn't chase after her. Instead, he stood in the tent, staring blankly at Gu Xun'er's retreating figure…
...
After returning to the Xiao family, Gu Xun'er went into her room, sat on the edge of the bed, and slowly closed her eyes. She thought to herself with self-deprecation,
"I never thought I'd feel so bad because of my weakness. Before, I thought I could easily reach levels that some people couldn't achieve in a lifetime with just a little cultivation. But now I've lost that ability.
Alas, the divine bloodline... a realm that was once so close in my eyes has become unattainable after losing it... Lin Changqing, should I hate you?
Why did you... after I'd gotten used to your presence?" Only then did you release me.
Why is it that your image is so deeply imprinted in my heart, impossible to erase, yet in reality you won't even glance at me?
I still have value to you… why are you so cold to me?
Is it because of Xiao Yan? Is it because you think you don't need to care about my feelings now that you control Xiao Yan? Then… what will you do if Xiao Yan dies? If
I were to kill Xiao Yan in front of you… what would you… do?"
Gu Xun'er's heart was gradually twisting, a look of madness appearing on her face, a sinister smile creeping onto her lips.
"Hahahahahaha…"
Gu Xun'er suddenly raised her head and laughed wildly, releasing all the terrifying killing intent and inner violence within her without reservation.
After an unknown amount of time, the chilling laughter gradually faded away.
At this moment, Gu Xun'er seemed no different from before, yet she also seemed like a completely different person.
Gu Xun'er lay on her side on the bed, the image of Hun Changqing flashing through her mind. She seemed to hear his voice in her ears. Her eyes were glazed, and a wicked smile appeared on her lips. She muttered to herself,
"Lin Changqing, I hate you, I hate you so much, but I can't kill you, I dare not kill you, you can't die!
I will become stronger and kill anyone who dares to approach you, until only I am left by your side!
You will be mine alone! I will become so strong that you cannot resist me!
Then I will lock you up, and I will do to you… what you did to me before!"
As she spoke, Gu Xun'er's wicked smile deepened. Imagining a certain scene, a startling blush rose to her face, and a glistening tear appeared at the corner of her mouth.