Laughter rang incessantly through the registration hall, echoing off the walls and further darkening the faces of the City Lord's entourage. Their glares toward Gu Qingli brimmed with murderous fury, as though they wished to flay her alive.
"To think they would attempt to buy such brilliance with a mere third-grade Grand Warrior Pill—how miserly the City Lord's Estate is!"
"With talent like hers, our Academy elders would spare no generosity. Forget Grand Warrior Pills—even a King-Making Pill would not be out of reach!"
Sikong Ran's smirk vanished, replaced by a chill in his eyes. He fixed his gaze upon Gu Qingli's impassive face and sneered coldly, "How magnanimous the Sixth Miss must be—to accept such disrespect without even flinching."
At his words, tension crackled in the air as all turned to see how Gu Qingli would respond.
"Sikong Ran! What right do you have to speak so brazenly?" she snapped, her eyes blazing.
In that instant, He Zhongyi stepped forward, unleashing a surge of oppressive energy. Gu Qingche was immediately overwhelmed—his body trembled under the pressure, and his face turned pale.
A glacial fury gleamed in Gu Qingli's eyes. Again and again, they tested her—did they truly believe she was easy prey?
She stepped protectively in front of Gu Qingche, her slender frame radiating formidable might.
He Zhongyi recoiled in disbelief, pulling a wan-faced Sikong Ran two steps back with him.
Wasn't this girl just a five-star Grand Warrior? Yet the force she had just released clearly surpassed the seventh rank—surpassing even his own. How could he not be shaken?
"A grain of dust dares to outshine the stars?" Gu Qingli's voice rang out, frigid and cutting. Her small face was a portrait of icy wrath, and in her obsidian eyes danced a cruel and merciless light. He Zhongyi's repeated bullying of Gu Qingche had clearly provoked her to the core.
"Stand down!" Sikong Ran's face was a mask of displeasure, his voice sharp with command.
Though He Zhongyi was reluctant, he obediently stepped back, his dark eyes glinting with fervent battlelust. He yearned for a true duel with Gu Qingli—he refused to believe he could be outdone by a mere twelve-year-old girl.
Their eyes met in a blaze of silent fury, sparks flying in the still air. Gu Qingli's gaze was fathomless and cold, laced with a razor's gleam that made even Sikong Ran feel an inexplicable unease. These… are not the eyes of a twelve-year-old child.
There was a sharpness in her look so ruthless, it made even He Zhongyi instinctively recoil.
Sikong Ran drew in a deep breath, the arrogance in his voice replaced by reluctant solemnity. "So, Gu Qingli, am I to understand that you intend to represent the Gu family in next month's Youth Martial Tournament?"
In the Divine Ancient Continent, strength reigned supreme. For someone like Gu Qingli—powerful, talented, and bold—only a fool would seek to provoke her.
"My fate is mine to command—not Heaven's. I alone decide my path."
She smiled coldly, her eyes sweeping across Elder Mu's face, which had turned ghostly pale.
Sikong Ran stared, momentarily stunned by the sheer force of her presence. Somehow, this proud little girl had stirred something in his chest he could not name.
"Well said!"
One of the tutors from the Holy Academy applauded, his voice igniting the blood of the young cultivators all around.
That a twelve-year-old girl could possess such unshakable pride and regal defiance—it was a marvel to behold. On this continent where only strength mattered, reaching this point without a clan's support demanded not only astonishing talent, but unwavering will and tireless effort.
Her strength of character and relentless diligence were inseparable from her success.
Elder Mu's face twisted further, his regret sinking deep into his bones.
"In that case, I challenge you!"
Sikong Ran, after all, was a prince born of privilege. Unaccustomed to losing face, he refused to retreat so quietly.