The young not being taught is the grandmother's fault.

Gu Jianlin did not voice any rebuke or retort to this foolish bird because he agreed with it.

The President assigned him as the team leader, partly to accelerate his growth, but more likely to let him babysit the privileged child and mess with him a bit.

There was definitely some sneaky malice in this plan.

Clearly a leader of the entire Ascender world, yet so petty and narrow-minded—a Vulgar Master!

No one present dared to chime in; even if they had ten times the courage, they'd never openly challenge the President.

"You realize, if this comment reaches the President's ears, not even ten of you would be enough to save your skin."

The middle-aged man raised his brow, his gaze turning chillingly cold as he sneered, "Here's your chance now—put the Little Princess down. No matter how unruly she may be, she's still the President's granddaughter, a daughter of the Ji family. Disgracing the President and the Ji family will leave you with nothing but misery."

As he spoke, the steel Sword Box at his feet began to tremble, emitting a sinister aura.

The crowd quickly backed away, uncertain whether he was Fourth Rank or Fifth Rank.

Gu Jianlin glanced up at him, catching sight of a murderous spectral figure, carrying ten or more rusted Iron Swords on his back, surrounded by tempestuous Sword Qi and towering like a Giant.

Sword Sect pathway.

Not yet Fifth Rank, but approaching it.

As expected from the Ji family—a solid foundation.

Meanwhile, five stern youths emerged from the crowd and stood behind the man.

"Where were you earlier?"

Gu Jianlin said indifferently, "Why didn't you step up when Ji Xiaoyu was causing trouble? Judging by your Ranks, you're all in your thirties or forties. Surely you can manage one child. The only explanation is that you're intimidated by her background and unwilling to intervene, correct?"

The middle-aged man's expression shifted, and the other Guardians exchanged uneasy glances.

"I discipline your brat for you, and not only do you show no gratitude, you start off by threatening me. You're scared to cross her because of her background, but you turn around and act tough toward me, the victim."

Gu Jianlin toyed with the Poison Bags on the table, speaking lazily, "Is this the kind of spineless cowards the Ji family hires as Guardians? Pathetic."

Clearly, Ji Xiaoyu's Guardians were birds of a feather with her.

If they didn't follow her whims, they wouldn't stay by her side.

They knowingly ignored her daily antics, her mischief well-known.

Once she hit a wall and got beaten up, they popped out to act tough.

Just like those foolish parents.

Neglect their own brat's upbringing, then blame others when trouble arises.

One word describes such people.

"Trash!"

The parrot screeched.

The middle-aged man's face darkened, and he retorted coldly, "We are the Little Princess's Guardians, tasked only with ensuring her safety."

The stern youths stepped forward, the pressure mounting further.

"Cut the act," Gu Jianlin waved dismissively. "Don't pretend like you'd dare do anything here."

He had reviewed the Omega Sequence's regulations before.

At the Black Cloud City Base, Omega Sequence members have top priority.

Anyone who dared act against them would be courting death.

The middle-aged man froze, and the other Guardians glanced around nervously.

Under the spreading pitch-black night, sniper scopes flickered in the darkness, reflecting off apartment buildings and office towers, where Ascenders of the Overlord Path had locked them in their sights.

Anyone attacking Omega Sequence members would be shot in the head.

"You want me to release this brat? Fine."

Gu Jianlin turned to the middle-aged man and said flatly, "You can replace her by hanging on the lamp, with the others standing in punishment nearby."

At this point, the brat dangling from the chandelier babbled and whimpered, her eyes wide with hope.

Her lackeys standing in punishment also raised their heads, faces filled with expectation.

Yet the self-serving Guardians would never agree to such things.

The middle-aged man remained silent for a long time before producing a bronze mirror, its surface quickly shrouded in mist. The fog revealed a dim underground palace lit by burning torches.

A short-haired woman with a stern expression appeared in the mirror, dressed in blood-stained combat gear, wielding two blood-dripping Tang Blades. She asked coldly, "What's going on?"

"Miss Ji Ye,"

The middle-aged man explained the situation in a low voice.

The bronze mirror focused on the pathetic figure dangling under the streetlight.

After a moment's pause, the short-haired woman in the mirror said indifferently, "Something as trivial as this warrants disturbing me? Get Ji Xiaoyu down immediately. Don't have her embarrass the Ji family here. I don't care who's involved or how unruly she is—she's still a Ji family member."

Then she abruptly fell silent.

The Guardians froze as well.

Because an old servant emerged from the crowd, holding a rosewood tray. Atop it was a Golden Phoenix Feather, shining brilliantly even in the night.

Gu Jianlin squinted, raising his brows slightly.

"Mr. Gu, this item—the Golden Phoenix Feather—is a token unearthed from Fusang Divine Palace and now serves as the Ji family's symbol."

The old servant presented the Golden Phoenix Feather with both hands. "Anyone holding this is akin to meeting the President herself."

Fusang Divine Palace!

Gu Jianlin took the Golden Phoenix Feather, examining it carefully.

Luxurious, ancient.

Its history was profoundly old.

The Golden Phoenix Feather bore scars of time, carrying a sense of historical depth.

The moment the Golden Phoenix Feather appeared in the young man's hand,

The Ji family's Guardians, along with the short-haired woman in the bronze mirror, trembled violently in their pupils.

Golden Phoenix Feather.

The President's personal token.

Their eyes filled with dread and fear.

"Still, Ji Xiaoyu is a Ji family member. At twelve years old and as naughty as a monkey, it's good for her to be occasionally disciplined—it's high time she learned a lesson and stopped bringing shame to the Ji family,"

The woman in the bronze mirror said coldly, "Chen Ze, how exactly are you educating her?"

She paused. "Once I return from Immortal Palace, you're all dismissed."

Chen Ze's expression changed dramatically, lamenting his innocence internally.

The Guardians: "..."

Under the streetlight, Ji Xiaoyu's eyes widened.

She truly hit an iron plate this time!

·

·

At the Black Cloud City Base's library.

Gu Jianlin sipped his coffee silently, feeling his spirituality gradually return, letting out a deep breath.

Nie Xiangsi eyed him, hesitating.

"Brother Lin, just leaving the Little Princess dangling out there—is that really okay?"

Cheng Youyu leaned in and asked, "Two days hanging?"

Zhang Cheng kindly reminded, "After all, she's still the Little Princess. Even with the Golden Phoenix Feather, she's still just a brat. What if one day she suddenly snaps and comes after you for revenge?"

Gu Jianlin responded with a grunt, "No problem. She can't beat me anyway."

Though the victory had been hard-earned, he had become acutely aware of his shortcomings in combat.

He planned to address those weaknesses soon.

In a little while, significant improvements were expected.

Cheng Youyu gave him a thumbs-up: "As expected of Brother Lin! A true badass! You got the Little Princess under your thumb—I bet this will soon spread across the association. You've built your reputation again! People bet on the forum that you'd lose. Fortunately, I trusted your ability, bet my last 200 Merit on you, and made a killing!"

Zhang Cheng and Nie Xiangsi turned to him and said in unison, "Gambling dogs die horrible deaths!"

"Oh, come on—I'm just gambling for fun. I believe in Brother Lin's abilities, and if there's profit to be made, why pass it up?"

Cheng Youyu said, "The best part is Brother Lin cornered the Little Princess tight—his reputation has skyrocketed!"

Gu Jianlin frowned at the mention of fame, almost flinching from the word.

"But who sent the President's Golden Phoenix Feather?"

Zhang Cheng asked blankly, "The Ji family Head pleaded for it?"

"Idiot. Do you really believe the Ji family Head can request such a thing?"

Cheng Youyu glared at him, "Do you know what kind of person the President is? Ever since she took her position, she's treated everyone equally. If you're of no use to her, she wouldn't even spare you a glance. Over the years, the President has grown increasingly distant from the Ji family, since she considers them useless."

Nie Xiangsi said softly, "My uncle mentioned this before—the Golden Phoenix Feather is the President's personal token, symbolizing her authority and prestige. It's indeed unlikely the Ji family could acquire it."

She seemed struck by an idea. "Could it be... the King of Qing?"

Gu Jianlin shook his head; the elder likely wouldn't bother with this trivial matter.

"It should be the President herself."

He paused for a moment. "Though I'm clueless as to what her intentions might be."

And yet, he had a premonition.

The President handing her granddaughter over to him was far from simple.

There might be other motives at play.

"The President belongs to the Ji family, right?"

Gu Jianlin suddenly asked, "But does she harbor some grievances with them?"

·

·

Ocean winds echoed through the heavens as waves thundered like drums.

Taihua stood with hands behind her back atop a massive reef, gazing over the raging sea.

Waves surged as foam crashed upward.

"The young not being taught is the grandmother's fault."

She sneered, "Well played, Lao Jiu."

The old servant lowered his head. "I'm here."

"Go unseal that Mythical Weapon and allocate it to the Omega Sequence's resource pool."

Taihua said flatly.

The old servant hesitated briefly, then understood her intention completely.

"You still want to challenge him?"

He asked, "What if he doesn't choose that Mythical Weapon?"

Taihua sneered coldly, "No 'what if.' He will choose it."

Because if it were her, she'd certainly choose that Mythical Weapon too.

As she gazed at that kid, she felt like she was seeing a younger, male version of herself.

[PS: Original release on Qidian Reading App; next chapter updates at 11:30 tonight]