The once self-satisfied Bai Lian’er immediately changed her expression when she heard Su Wan’er’s words. She stared at her in disbelief.
Why?
Why had Su Wan’er directly advanced into the Divine Ability Realm? Bai Lian’er herself had only just stepped into the 9th stage of the Core Formation Realm two months ago.
Wasn’t it said that the gap between the 9th stage of Core Formation Realm and the Divine Ability Realm was a massive barrier, one that many cultivators might never cross in their lifetime?
For a moment, Bai Lian’er’s heart was filled with jealousy.
Su Wan’er quickly noticed something wrong. Looking at Bai Lian’er with concern, she asked, “Lian’er, why did you suddenly go quiet? And why does your face look so unpleasant? Are you feeling unwell?”
Bai Lian’er snapped back to herself, forcing an awkward smile. “No… I’m fine!”
But deep inside, she was unwilling to accept it. So she deliberately added with a hint of malice, “Wan’er, I am, of course, happy for your breakthrough to the Divine Ability Realm. But your advancement was too fast. Could it be that your foundation isn’t stable? That might affect your future cultivation. After all, haste makes waste.”
Su Wan’er actually thought she was being considerate and smiled. “It’s fine. My rapid progress is thanks to Gu Yun. He gave me his Exquisite Divine Jade. With its aid, I advanced quickly, and I have no hidden issues.”
Bai Lian’er’s jealousy deepened.
What?
Gu Yun even gave her his clan’s heirloom jade?
Why did Su Wan’er deserve such importance from him?
Her jaw tightened as her heart became increasingly unbalanced. Unable to hold back, she began sowing discord.
“Wan’er, seeing you this happy really makes me glad. But there are things I should still remind you of. Gu Yun’s background is worlds apart from yours. You must stay cautious and not be fooled by his sweet words. What if he cherishes you now, but one day grows tired of you and abandons you?” You are reading on novelping(.)com, the official source.
She quickly added, “Don’t misunderstand, I’m not trying to drive a wedge between you. I’m just worried you’ll get hurt.”
Su Wan’er frowned slightly. At first, her heart sank hearing those words. But Bai Lian’er’s explanation made her think her friend was only worried for her.
So Su Wan’er smiled and replied, “Don’t worry. Gu Yun isn’t that kind of man. He truly treats me well, and he’s even helping my Su Family grow stronger without asking for anything in return. If I doubted his sincerity after all that, I would truly be heartless. I trust him. And as my closest friend, I hope you won’t misjudge him anymore.”
Seeing how firmly Su Wan’er defended Gu Yun, Bai Lian’er could only force a smile. “Alright, alright. As long as you’re happy, I’m at ease. It’s been a while since we’ve seen each other. Let’s go eat something together.”
At this, Su Wan’er smiled again, and the two happily spent the afternoon together.
But what Su Wan’er didn’t realize was that Bai Lian’er had been simmering with resentment the entire time. The more Su Wan’er smiled, the more uncomfortable Bai Lian’er felt.
When they finally parted ways, Bai Lian’er’s face darkened completely. Clenching her fists, she said furiously, “Why? Why does Su Wan’er get every good thing in this world? Whether it’s looks, talent, or men, she always overshadows me. I won’t accept it!”
Her outburst startled her maid outside the carriage. “Miss, what’s wrong?”
Bai Lian’er snorted coldly. “Yunlan, come inside. I have something to ask you.”
The maid quickly replied, “Yes, Miss.” She lifted the curtain and entered, curiously asking, “Miss, what are your orders?”
Bai Lian’er looked at her seriously and asked, “Yunlan, what do you think of my appearance?”
Yunlan froze for a moment before quickly flattering her, “Is that even a question? Miss, you are naturally as beautiful as a celestial fairy. In the entire Primordial Holy Land, no, even across the Great Wilderness, there are few who can compare to you.”
Bai Lian’er nodded in satisfaction. Indeed, she had many admirers around her. This had always made her believe she was stunning and full of charm. You are reading on novelping.com, the official source.
What she failed to realize was that most of her suitors were drawn to her identity and family background, not her beauty.
Bai Lian’er asked again, “Then compared to Su Wan’er, how does my appearance stand?”
Though Yunlan was only fifteen or sixteen, her talent for flattery was extraordinary. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have won Bai Lian’er’s trust. She immediately sneered disdainfully, “Miss, how could you lower yourself by comparing to a girl from such a small family? Our Bai Family is one of the eight great clans of the Primordial Holy Land. Your grandfather is one of the twelve Gold-robed Elders of the inner sect, second only to the Grand Elders. With such noble status, Su Wan’er can’t compare no matter what. Besides, in looks, talent, and bearing, you far surpass her. There’s no comparison at all!”
Bai Lian’er’s lips curled into a smug smile.
That’s right.
Her status and Su Wan’er’s status were not even in the same league. Su Wan’er was only lucky that Gu Yun favored her. Nothing more.
But when she thought about how attentive Gu Yun was to Su Wan’er, she couldn’t help but feel a surge of irritation.
“Hmph. Gu Yun probably thought he couldn’t win me over, so he turned to pursue Su Wan’er instead. It’s my fault for being too aloof before, making him feel there was no chance. But I could tell earlier, when I stood beside Su Wan’er, the way Gu Yun looked at me wasn’t normal. He still likes me. If I give him even a hint of opportunity, he’ll abandon Su Wan’er and fall at my feet.”
Yunlan chuckled awkwardly, quickly chiming in, “Of course, Miss. With your charm, winning the Holy Son will be no problem.”
But deep down, Yunlan felt uneasy. I was only flattering you. Please don’t take it seriously! Even as an Elder’s granddaughter, Gu Yun isn’t someone you can provoke. And as for him liking you… if you just looked in a mirror, you’d know better.
While her maid worried, Bai Lian’er laughed proudly. “And Su Wan’er thinks being with Gu Yun makes her special? Yunlan, tomorrow we’ll put on a good show. We’ll make her see the truth. Let her realize that Gu Yun’s kindness isn’t unique to her.”
Yunlan froze and quickly asked, “Miss, what do you plan to do?”
Bai Lian’er smiled with arrogance. “I’ll take Gu Yun right in front of Su Wan’er.”