Chapter 140: Harsh Words
Wen Yu’s return to the Imperial Capital had a singular purpose: to support her brother, Wen Xu, and restore his dignity.
She wanted the entire Empire’s aristocracy to understand one thing: no one could bully Wen Xu.
Anyone who dared to humiliate him, even the Qin family, would face the consequences.
Hearing his sister’s words, Wen Xu was deeply moved. He took a deep breath, thinking of Zhao Tong’s death and the humiliation Qin Xian had subjected him to.
The memory of being thrown out of the Divine Revelation Auction House still haunted him. It had turned him into a laughingstock among the Imperial Capital’s aristocracy—a blow that his pride as a young and ambitious man could not bear.
Now that his sister was back, he felt an unshakable sense of security and confidence.
“By the way,” Wen Yu suddenly said with a smile, “I heard you’ve met a girl?”
Wen Xu’s face flushed slightly at the question.
“Yes, I met someone. Her name is Gu Anran, and she’s wonderful. She’s the kindest person I’ve ever met,” he said, his expression softening.
The mere mention of Gu Anran brought a look of joy to Wen Xu’s face. He silently thanked the heavens for allowing him to meet her.
Just thinking about her was enough to make him smile. Wen Yu noticed her brother’s happiness and smiled in return.
Her brother was at the age of first love, and she had no intention of interfering in his personal life.
Unlike the rigid traditions of aristocratic families, Wen Yu had no plans to force her brother into some political marriage.
As long as Wen Xu was happy, that was all that mattered. After Wen Yu’s return, a strange calm settled over the Imperial Capital.
Though she hadn’t taken any direct action against Qin Xian, everyone knew it was only a matter of time. Wen Yu had already made her intentions clear: she would ensure justice for her brother.
The impending Hunting Ceremony only added fuel to the fire. Hosted by the military, it was an annual event where the Empire’s brightest young talents gathered to compete.
It was all but guaranteed that Wen Yu and Qin Xian would come face-to-face during the ceremony.
One represented the Qin family, the Empire’s most powerful and ancient lineage.
The other was the rising star of the Regency Office, supported by Lu Ji and commanding the prestigious Eastern Army. Both were SSS-ranked professionals, a rarity in the Empire.
Their eventual clash would inevitably send shockwaves through the entire nation, potentially altering the balance of power in the Empire forever.
Meanwhile, back at Qingyang Academy, Gu Anran had returned to her routine.
After the incident at the auction house, she had quickly moved on, burying herself in her studies.
Gu Anran was the type of person who embraced life wholeheartedly, choosing to focus on the positives and let go of unpleasant memories.
However, one person remained etched in her mind: Qin Xian. To Gu Anran, Qin Xian was terrifying. Despite his handsome appearance, he was the embodiment of cruelty and malice.
Life at the academy was vastly different from high school.
Where high school emphasized theoretical knowledge, academy life focused heavily on combat and practical application.
Students were granted immense freedom, with the option to follow structured academic programs or forge their own paths by exploring dungeons, leveling up, or even joining the Void Frontline.
Gu Anran, as an SS-ranked Blessing Cleric, was enrolled in the Support Combat Division under the Cleric specialization.
Her remarkable talent as one of the strongest professions in the Cleric lineage made her highly regarded by her instructors, despite her somewhat clumsy and naïve demeanor.
One afternoon, after finishing her Cleric studies, Gu Anran walked back to her dormitory with her best friend and roommate, Tang Siyuan.
The two chatted and laughed along the way, their camaraderie evident. Tang Siyuan, a local of the Imperial Capital, came from a moderately influential family.
Her grandfather had served as a director in the Ministry of Civil Affairs, and her father was a department head in the Ministry of Transportation.
Though such positions were not uncommon in the Imperial Capital, the Tang family was considered a minor aristocratic house.
As Tang Siyuan listened to Gu Anran gush about Wen Xu, a wry smile tugged at the corners of her lips.
Gu Anran, she thought, was a “naive beauty”—innocent and easily charmed.
Yet, despite her simplicity, Gu Anran had managed to attract the attention of several prominent figures.
Tang Siyuan couldn’t help but envy her luck.
In truth, Tang Siyuan’s friendship with Gu Anran wasn’t entirely altruistic. She hoped to use her connection to Gu Anran to gain favor with one of her admirers, which would benefit both herself and her family.
“Do you think I should visit Wen Xu tomorrow?” Gu Anran asked shyly, her cheeks tinged with pink.
“I heard his sister is back…”
The thought of meeting Wen Yu, the formidable Commander of the Eastern Army, filled Gu Anran with a mix of nervousness and anticipation.
Tang Siyuan looked at her friend thoughtfully.
“If you visit Wen Xu, won’t Li Ling and the others get jealous?” she asked, referring to the other admirers vying for Gu Anran’s affection.
Gu Anran pouted. “If only everyone could just get along and be happy…”
Tang Siyuan stifled a laugh, marveling at her friend’s innocence. At that moment, Tang Siyuan’s phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen, her expression shifting to one of shock and disbelief.
After a moment, she turned to Gu Anran with an apologetic smile.
“Anran, something urgent has come up. I need to go,” she said hurriedly.
Gu Anran nodded understandingly.
“Of course, go ahead!” she said cheerfully.