Gu Qingli raised her head to glance at Dongfang Kunlun. The large hand on her forehead left her speechless, though she made no attempt to pull away.
She was not ungrateful; she appreciated Dongfang Kunlun's protection and knew that, given their family's current situation, without a powerful figure to rely on, their lives would be in jeopardy.
A smile tugged at the corner of her lips. Having more than one master wasn't such a loss after all!
Gu Ming was left dumbfounded by the words. How could this be? A person from Kunlun City had actually taken Gu Qingli as their disciple?
"Sir, this Gu Qingli is neither a Spirit Illusionist nor a Martial Sword Master, and she has committed the gravest of offenses, which is why she was expelled from the Gu family. To take such a waste as your disciple would surely tarnish Kunlun City's esteemed reputation," Gu Ming said, his voice laced with disbelief and bitterness.
Naturally, Gu Ming wasn't willing to let this go, and he took the opportunity to disparage Gu Qingli in his mind. In his eyes, only his daughter, Gu Qinglin, was worthy of such a distinction!
"Do you presume to judge my decisions?" Dongfang Kunlun's serene smile suddenly vanished, and his eyes narrowed, sharp as blades. A potent aura surged from his body, overwhelming the air.
Gu Ming was paralyzed with fear, his face draining of color, cold sweat beading on his forehead, and he was unable to utter a single word.
He could only glare at Gu Qingli with venom, unable to fathom how this little girl had come into such luck.
It was well-known that due to bloodline restrictions, an ordinary person could never become a Spirit Illusionist. However, through the use of a special elixir, one could transform into a Martial Sword Master. This process, which altered one's very bones and veins, required the precious Cleansing Elixir, a treasure so costly that only a family with great power could afford it. Kunlun City undoubtedly possessed that kind of wealth.
"Take your people and get out. Go back and tell the Gu family head that I, Dongfang Kunlun, shall pay them a visit tonight!"
Dongfang Kunlun's overwhelming pressure rendered Gu Ming and everyone else in the vicinity too terrified to lift their gazes.
Gu Qingli, stunned, felt as if the very air around her had turned heavy, the immense pressure making her small face turn pale. It seemed she had underestimated the martial prowess of this continent.
Gu Ming trembled violently. Dongfang Kunlun?
The monstrous genius from Kunlun City, who had reached the pinnacle of Spirit Sage by the age of thirty. Even the Gu family, a prestigious household, could not claim such a talent. And that was a hundred years ago—this man before her was no doubt a formidable ancient being.
His legs weak, Gu Ming collapsed to his knees, his voice trembling in submission, no longer daring to speak.
With haste, he grabbed Gu Qinglin in one arm and Han Jiao in the other, quickly retreating, his two bodyguards ushering the others away. Their hurried exit resembled that of strays.
"Little girl, I suppose it's time to call me 'Master' now?"
Dongfang Kunlun released the pressure, his smile returning to its casual, serene form as he gazed at Gu Qingli.
Seeing her face turn pale under his oppressive presence only confirmed his belief that this little girl had an extraordinary future ahead of her.
Gu Qingli stroked her chin with a tiny hand, her phoenix eyes narrowing mischievously as she said, "Let's see what's in it for me first!"
Dongfang Kunlun's smile faltered instantly, his gaze falling on the five-year-old before him with an incredulous expression.
How had he let himself be bargained with by a mere child? Others begged him to take them on as disciples, yet here was a little girl demanding something in return for becoming his apprentice.
With a deep sigh of exaggerated grievance, Dongfang Kunlun reached into his sleeve and fumbled for a moment before producing a silver-gray ring.
At first glance, the ring appeared unremarkable, its band etched with simple, ancient floral patterns. But upon closer inspection, the craftsmanship was exquisite, and the engravings radiated a mysterious, grand aura.
This was no ordinary object!
Gu Qingli immediately deduced its value, especially considering Dongfang Kunlun's earlier reluctant expression. It was clear this ring was a prized possession. Her eyes glinted with sly calculation, but her face remained indifferent as she commented, "Is this some broken ring your idea of a proper gift for your disciple?"