More strikingly, there was another woman seated quietly to the side. She wore a simple yet elegant silver dress, possessed an ethereal and tranquil temperament, and bore a fifty to sixty percent resemblance to Fan Mingli.
Upon seeing Gu Sheng enter, Tantai Bing Tang was the first to speak, introducing both sides in a cool voice.
"Qingyun, this is Sister Fan Qingcheng, the Academy Head Fan's biological elder sister."
She paused, then added,
"She is also... my friend."
The silver-dressed woman, Fan Qingcheng, rose to her feet and gave Gu Sheng a slight nod, revealing a gentle yet somewhat distant smile.
"Young Master Gu, I have long heard of you. I am merely a substitute by the young lady's side, unworthy of Bing Tang's introduction."
"A substitute?"
At those words, Miss Tantai's delicate brows furrowed almost imperceptibly. She seemed somewhat surprised and displeased that Fan Qingcheng had revealed her identity so bluntly.
She secretly transmitted her voice to Gu Sheng, with a hint of teasing.
"It seems my younger sister and this 'friend' of hers share quite an unusual relationship. She even told her such a secret."
Gu Sheng paid no heed to Miss Tantai's voice transmission and merely cupped his hands in return toward Fan Qingcheng.
"Miss Fan."
Yet his heart stirred. Fan Mingli's elder sister? And a substitute at that? Her identity was rather thought-provoking.
Tantai Bing Tang seemed not to notice her sister's subtle emotions. She looked at Gu Sheng and went straight to the point, her tone carrying an unquestionable decisiveness.
"Qingyun, Central Continent is a long way off, and the situation remains unclear. After discussing it with the Academy Head, I have decided to ask Sister Qingcheng to escort you part of the way."
"Miss Fan will escort us?"
Gu Sheng was somewhat surprised. The