This matter concerned the entire Snow Tiger Corps and was thus naturally entrusted to Sun Jie's judgment.
Upon hearing Shao Yan's words, Sun Jie responded without hesitation,
"All the men of the Snow Tiger Corps pledge their unwavering loyalty to the Guild Leader's command!"
Though somewhat impetuous in his actions, Sun Jie was by no means thoughtless. Despite the formidable strength of the Battle Wolf Corps, to defy the Guild Leader within the mercenary guild was simply ludicrous.
Hence, Sun Jie gave no second thought and held the Guild Leader in the highest reverence.
Moreover, the Snow Tiger and Battle Wolf Corps were now locked in a bitter, relentless struggle.
"Ha!"
Sun Jie's hearty demeanor pleased Shao Yan. As Guild Leader, he seldom mingled with these mercenary factions, and Sun Jie's straightforwardness proved unexpectedly refreshing.
"Vice-Captain Sun is indeed a man of forthright spirit."
"Uncle Guild Leader, I knew you were a man of integrity. How could you stand idly by while those scoundrels of the Battle Wolf Corps sow chaos!"
Gu Qingli chuckled softly.
With this event, the Snow Tiger Corps would be irrevocably bound to Shao Yan. With the Guild Leader's backing, it was only a matter of time before the Snow Tiger Corps rose to become the preeminent mercenary force in Loulan City.
"You're quite the clever little vixen!" Shao Yan laughed heartily.
Elsewhere, unbeknownst to Gu Qingli, her ferocious prowess in this single battle had already become the talk of Loulan City.
Eyewitnesses eagerly relayed the astonishing tale: a mere twelve-year-old girl had defeated a mercenary of peak Grand Warrior caliber.
Such a feat was unheard of.
When the news reached the Gu family, Gu Yifeng and the elders were struck dumb—equal parts astonished and deeply apprehensive.
"To dare face a Grand Warrior at their zenith… this is…" Elder Mu pressed a hand to his pounding chest.
Had any misfortune befallen Gu Qingli, the family would have suffered a grievous loss. The mercenary arena was no place for the faint-hearted—it was a true battleground where death or grievous injury were the only certainties.
"This young lady's courage is incomprehensible. Even if she possesses great confidence, she is but twelve years old!"
The elders shuddered with unease, yet beneath their fear stirred a subtle undercurrent of excitement and anticipation.
To vanquish a Grand Warrior at such a tender age—Gu family's ascendancy was imminent.
"Enough!" Gu Yifeng's voice cut through the murmurs.
After a moment's silence, he continued solemnly,
"Xiaoli's talent is extraordinary, and her courage unparalleled. We need not overly restrain her. True strength is forged not only from innate gift but from countless battles and spilled blood."
Though Gu Yifeng harbored concern for Gu Qingli, as family head his vision extended far beyond immediate worries.
Especially given Gu Qingli's prodigious, almost supernatural talent—not merely unparalleled in Loulan City, but unmatched throughout the Eastern Holy Kingdom for many years.
Her destiny might transcend not only the great clans of Loulan but even the boundaries of the Eastern Holy Kingdom itself.
"Indeed!" The elders nodded in profound agreement. A genius sheltered too well becomes a delicate flower, unfit for the harsh world beyond.
"Remember my words well. Henceforth, the welfare of the Sixth Young Mistress shall be paramount above all else in our clan!"
Gu Yifeng's authoritative decree struck a chord within the elders' hearts. His meaning was unequivocal.
The Gu family had once produced figures renowned throughout the continent; such was the foundation and foresight they possessed.