The Mighty Mage

There really were weapons hidden inside.

She pulled them out, one by one.

Swords, spears, daggers, and even enchanted bows. None of them were divine or semi-god level, but all were Soul Grade, just one step below.

Still, they were very valuable.

Some could be sold for high prices, others could be gifted to her family or close allies.

With each weapon she collected, her smile grew a little.

This trip had been more than worth it.

She had gained rare pills, powerful skeleton warriors, hidden weapons, and on top of that, the entire country was calling her a hero.

Gu Jin chuckled softly to herself as she looked around.

It was the perfect situation.

She had taken more than anyone could imagine, and they still thought she was a savior.

It was like selling someone a broken sword and making them thank her for it.

Gu Jin dusted off her hands and walked quietly toward the temple exit.

Her work here was done.

Gu Jin returned to her country with Long Yifan.

The plane ride had been peaceful, and now they were both sitting in the car on the way back from the airport.

Long Yifan looked out the window for a moment before turning to Gu Jin with a chuckle. "So, how does it feel to be the hero of Country J?"

Gu Jin glanced at him and laughed softly. "Not much. I just feel like I'm truly a heroic person now."

Long smiled at her joke but didn't say anything more. He knew her too well. Others might believe all the good things people were saying, but Long Yifan knew the real Gu Jin, the quiet, clever, and slightly mischievous one who never did things without a reason.

After some time, their car finally pulled into the city. It didn't take long to reach the Gu family mansion.

To Gu Jin's surprise, the moment they arrived, the entire Gu family was already standing outside, waiting for her. There were smiles on everyone's faces, and the air was filled with excitement.

Gu Jichun was the first to rush forward and throw her arms around Gu Jin. "You're back! I missed you so much!"

Gu Jin gently patted Jichun's back and smiled. "It's alright. I'm back now. There's no need to worry anymore."

Jichun pulled back, her eyes teary but happy. The rest of the Gu family quickly came forward, one by one, hugging Gu Jin and welcoming her home.

"We have a surprise for you." Gu Jichun said with a mysterious expression.

Gu Jin raised an eyebrow. "Surprise? What kind of surprise?"

But no one answered her question. They just smiled and told her, "Let's go home first. You'll see."

Gu Jin didn't push it. She nodded and followed them into the mansion.

When she stepped inside the grand living room, she immediately saw a tall man standing near the window. He looked unfamiliar. His back was straight, his presence calm and strong. His skin was tan, and he stood about 6'3", taller than anyone else in the room.

Just from the way he held himself, Gu Jin could feel it. This man was powerful. He was probably Heaven Rank, maybe even higher.

The man turned around slowly when he heard her steps. He had a warm smile on his face and opened his arms.

"Won't you hug your big brother?" he asked.

Gu Jin stopped in place and raised an eyebrow. "Who are you?"

Before the man could answer, Gu Jichun burst into laughter and said, "That's Gu Jishi! Your eldest brother!"

Gu Jin blinked in surprise. She had heard of him before but never met him in person.

Gu Jishi didn't look offended. He just laughed quietly and lowered his arms. "I guess I was too dramatic," he said.

Everyone around them started laughing.

"That's what you get, Jishi! You scared her instead!" someone joked.

But Gu Jishi didn't seem bothered. Instead, he walked up to Gu Jin and extended his hand. He understood this little sister of his didn't like too much physical contact.

Gu Jin looked at his hand for a moment, then reached out and shook it.

"I heard from my men," Gu Jishi said with a proud smile, "You were the one who helped during the Fujio City disaster. You also protected the soldiers and handled the outbreak."

Gu Jin gave a small nod. "Yes, that was me."

Gu Jishi's eyes softened. "I'm really proud. I never imagined my little sister would grow up to be so amazing."

Gu Jin didn't reply, but a small smile appeared on her lips.

Later, they all sat around the long dining table, enjoying a lively dinner. Everyone talked and laughed. Gu Jin didn't say much, but she listened quietly.

As she glanced around, her eyes landed on her second brother. He was sitting across the table, texting on his phone. He kept smiling at the screen.

Gu Jin narrowed her eyes.

She gently nudged Gu Jichun with her elbow and tilted her head toward Gu Jihu.

Gu Jichun leaned over and whispered, "I think he's in love. Look at him. He's been texting like this for days."

Gu Jin raised an eyebrow, a little surprised. "Really? Who's the girl?"

Jichun shrugged with a playful grin. "No idea. But I'm watching him closely."

Gu Jin chuckled quietly but didn't ask more.

After dinner, she went to her room and rested for a bit. Everything still felt peaceful, just like home.

But soon, she remembered someone important.

She got up and walked toward the garden to check on Little White.

The garden looked different now. It had been redesigned completely. It was more beautiful than before, with white trees and smooth stone paths. Everything looked peaceful and calm, made to match Little White's taste.

There were small white pillars around, and on one of them, Little White sat with his eyes closed, quietly cultivating.

Gu Jin smiled when she saw him.

But something else caught her attention.

A strange, long blue creature was curled near one of the trees. It was a caterpillar, about the length of a grown person's arms. Its shiny blue skin glowed faintly, and it looked very familiar.

Gu Jin raised an eyebrow and walked closer.

The moment her foot stepped into the garden, Little White's eyes shot open. The caterpillar also looked up, its tiny black eyes wide with fear.

Little White and the blue caterpillar exchanged glances.

Both of them had the same thought in their minds.

"We're doomed."

Little White looked at the caterpillar and scolded it in his heart, "I told you to stay hidden! Why are you lying there like a lazy worm?!"

The caterpillar wanted to cry but didn't say anything. It just curled up tighter.

Gu Jin crossed her arms and looked down at them.

"What is this?" she asked calmly, though her eyes were clearly suspicious.

Little White didn't answer. He tried to look innocent.

The caterpillar pretended to be asleep.

But Gu Jin wasn't fooled.

She knew something strange was going on.

Gu Jin calmly turned her eyes toward Little White and spoke in a low voice.

"Who is this blue caterpillar?"

Little White blinked and looked around, acting like he hadn't heard her. He scratched his head with his tiny claw and even yawned to appear innocent. The blue caterpillar curled tighter and pretended to be asleep again.

But Gu Jin's gaze didn't move away. She wasn't buying it.

Then, she said quietly, "Just now… I heard your thoughts. You said, 'We're doomed.'"

At those words, Little White's eyes widened in shock. The blue caterpillar twitched as if someone had thrown cold water on it. They looked at each other in panic.

Little White wanted to slap his own forehead. He thought, 'Did I really say that out loud? No, I didn't! But then… how did she hear me?'

That's when he realized something worse.

Gu Jin had somehow understood him.

He was no longer just a pet. He had gained intelligence. He could think, feel, and now, even speak through his mind.

And Gu Jin had figured it out.

Little White looked at the blue caterpillar with a face full of regret. He thought, 'I've really gone dumb staying with this water caterpillar. I should have been more careful.'

Still, there was no way to avoid it now.

He turned toward Gu Jin and said slowly, "He is… a friend. I met him during the time you were away."

Gu Jin raised an eyebrow but didn't look angry. Her voice was calm, but her words were sharp.

"If he's just a friend you met recently, then why does it feel like you two have known each other for a long time?"

Little White was about to answer, but his mouth opened and closed like a goldfish. He didn't know what to say.

Before he could come up with a reply, another voice came from behind.

"They have known each other for a while now."

It was Long Yifan.