"You vile girl, don't get ahead of yourself!"
Vice-Captain Qi's face contorted into a savage grimace, his murderous aura nearly tangible.
In an instant, a blood-red broadsword materialized in his grasp, its hue dancing ominously with the surrounding surge of azure energy, exuding a chilling aura of slaughter.
This was his trump card—far more formidable than the weapon he had wielded last time.
Embedded within the blade was a crimson demon core, pulsing with terrifying waves of power.
This weapon was no ordinary tool—it was a true engine of destruction. The blade, red as freshly spilled blood, radiated a dreadful presence, likely forged through countless lives taken. The sheer malevolence it emitted could freeze one's soul.
The members of the Snow Tiger Mercenary Group instinctively tensed.
"Damn it! That old bastard's shameless—using such a deadly weapon at his age? How despicable!"
The same sentiment echoed through the crowd.
After all, the Battle Wolf Mercenaries had long been notorious for their brutality, and Vice-Captain Qi's tyranny was no secret. Many had grown to despise him.
The crimson broadsword greedily absorbed the blue energy surrounding Qi, growing more sinister with every pulse.
"Die!"
With a deafening roar, his eyes widened maniacally as he cleaved down with earth-shattering force.
The wave of murderous intent surged forward like a tidal wave, even making Gu Qingli's heart skip a beat.
Yet she remained composed, the corners of her mouth curving into a chilling, almost mocking smile.
Did he truly believe she had no cards left to play? Her master was none other than the great Eastern Kunlun!
A ribbon appeared in her hand without warning—slender, sky-blue, shimmering with crystalline brilliance.
It stood in stark contrast to Qi's brutal, blood-hued blade.
His weapon radiated violence and death, while her ribbon was crafted with exquisite precision—graceful, fluid, and almost sentient as it spiraled around her form.
The sky-blue silk entwined with her azure aura, casting an ethereal glow.
She seemed more spirit than mortal, as though she could drift away upon the wind.
And yet, though delicate in appearance, the ribbon pulsed with a hidden might. When it met the terrifying arc of Qi's broadsword, it dissolved the attack instantly.
The blade, once cold and merciless, was effortlessly severed by the ribbon's gentle sweep.
Vice-Captain Qi's expression darkened further. With a snarl, he lunged, unleashing a flurry of strikes—thirty-six crimson arcs bursting forth like a crimson tempest.
Amidst the storm of blood-hued phantoms, his burly form loomed, eyes blazing with murderous fire.
The deadly flurry closed in on Gu Qingli's small frame, engulfing her completely.
She stood with unwavering focus. Vice-Captain Qi, for all his brutality, had earned his place—his strength was not to be underestimated.
This was no feint. He meant to kill.
Gu Zhan's face turned ashen. Sun Jie clenched his fists, ready to charge forward.
Even atop the grandstand, Shao Yan gripped the armrests, his narrowed eyes fixed intensely on the duel below.
Gu Qingli dared not falter. Her entire being surged with power as azure energy roared to life.
The sky-blue ribbon fragmented into a thousand streaks, weaving a dazzling web. Threads of silver soulforce danced within the azure light—thin, but unmistakable.
The thousands of ribbon shadows formed a radiant shield, deflecting every incoming strike.
When the storm of light and fury finally faded—
Gu Qingli remained standing, her expression cold and unshaken.
She had not suffered a single scratch.