Chapter 145: Don’t You Trust Me?
The Privilege of the Void Hunting Trial
In the grand empire, politics and schemes brewed in high circles, far beyond the awareness of students at Qingyang Academy.
As one of the empire’s elite institutions, Qingyang students enjoyed the unique privilege of participating in the Void Hunting Trial. This opportunity alone was enough to attract many talents who turned down other prestigious academies to enroll in the capital.
In a secluded part of the Qingyang dormitories, where the cream of the crop resided, Gu Anran, an S-tier Blessed Priest, was preparing for the trial.
Her status as a rare talent earned her a personal villa, shared only with her roommate and best friend, Tang Siyuan.
In this world of universal class awakenings, exceptional talent translated to status, privilege, and luxuries far beyond the reach of ordinary people.
Gu Anran sat cross-legged on her bed, chatting excitedly with Tang Siyuan.
“Siyuan,” Gu Anran began, her voice filled with delight. “Wen Xu, Zhao Haoran, Li Ling, and Xu Taichu all want to team up with me for the trial.”
She clasped her hands together. “I didn’t even have to ask—they just insisted!”
While Gu Anran saw this as an innocent offer of protection, Tang Siyuan’s heart burned with jealousy.
Her gaze flickered as she responded, “Wow, Anran. You’re really lucky to have so many outstanding men protecting you. Some of us aren’t so blessed, you know…”
The bitterness was brief, however, replaced by a flash of ambition. After all, she had already been promised an introduction to Qin Xian, the ultimate figure in her dreams.
Tang Siyuan’s demeanor shifted slightly as she leaned closer to Gu Anran, feigning a look of concern.
“Anran, I have to ask… have you decided who you’re going to choose?”
At the mention of this, Gu Anran pouted.
“I don’t want to choose. They’re all so good to me!” she replied, sighing.
Tang Siyuan smirked inwardly at her friend’s naivety. But on the surface, she maintained her caring expression.
“Anran, you do know you can only have one husband, right? It’s better to decide now before you hurt their feelings later.”
Gu Anran’s brows furrowed in distress. “I don’t want to hurt anyone! I like them all—they’re such good people!”
After a moment, she added shyly, “If I had to choose, maybe… Wen Xu? He’s special somehow.”
Tang Siyuan filed that information away, her smile never faltering.
“I have an idea,” Tang Siyuan began, her tone low and conspiratorial.
Gu Anran’s eyes lit up with interest. “What is it? Tell me!”
“We can test them,” Tang Siyuan proposed. “Give them a challenge to prove who truly cares for you the most.”
Gu Anran’s curiosity turned into hesitation.
“That sounds… fun, but isn’t it a bit dangerous?”
Tang Siyuan’s expression grew soothing, like a devil whispering in the shadows.
“Dangerous? Anran, come on. Wen Xu is the brother of General Wen Yu! You really think he’d let anything happen to you? Besides, all four of them are strong—they’ll be fine!”
Her words slithered through Gu Anran’s mind, slowly erasing her doubts.
“This is the only way to see who really loves you the most,” Tang Siyuan pressed.
Gu Anran chewed her lip nervously.
“Do you really think this will work?”
Tang Siyuan’s heart skipped a beat. If this plan failed, her family’s precarious standing could come crashing down.
But her ambition was stronger than her fear.
“Anran,” she said gently, leaning closer. “Don’t you trust me?”
At those words, Gu Anran’s hesitation melted away.
“Of course, I trust you, Siyuan!” she exclaimed, her expression softening.
She took a deep breath, clenching her fists with determination.
“Alright. Let’s do it. Let’s test them.”
Tang Siyuan’s relief was palpable, though she hid it behind a sweet smile.
“Perfect,” she said, her tone light and encouraging. “But remember, Anran—this is our little secret. No one else can know about this test, okay?”
Gu Anran nodded enthusiastically.
“I promise, Siyuan. I won’t tell anyone!”
As Gu Anran’s face filled with innocent trust, Tang Siyuan felt a pang of guilt.
But that guilt was quickly eclipsed by a stronger feeling: contempt.
How could someone so naive deserve everything handed to her on a silver platter?
What a fool, Tang Siyuan thought.
If it had been anyone else, her scheme would have fallen apart instantly.
But Gu Anran’s trusting nature made her the perfect pawn.
The Calm Before the Trial
The stage was set, and Tang Siyuan could already see the pieces falling into place.
Her plan wasn’t just a test for Gu Anran’s suitors.
It was a trap designed to create chaos and pave the way for her own ambitions.
And in her heart, she prayed for one thing:
To finally meet Qin Xian.