"Hehe, and the City Lord's Mansion as well—I plan to ally with Uncle Shao and the City Lord's Mansion together to confront the Li family!"
Gu Qingli's pure visage was suffused with earnest determination.
Had any other twelve-year-old maiden uttered such words, she might well have been the subject of ridicule.
Yet when Gu Qingli spoke thus, no one doubted the sincerity behind her resolve.
Shao Yan regarded her with admiration, marveling at the emergence of a prodigious hero in one so young; this spirited girl dared to aspire to anything.
"How do you intend to approach the City Lord's Mansion?"
Shao Yan did not immediately consent but instead posed a question.
"Uncle Shao has a good rapport with the City Lord, so naturally, Uncle Shao will escort me there. Hehe."
Gu Qingli's phoenix-like eyes narrowed slightly, a mischievous smile playing upon her lips, reminiscent of a cunning little fox.
"I…"
"Master, please take Xiao Li with you."
Shao Lan suddenly spoke, his silver eyes suffused with gentle warmth.
Surprised by how effortlessly Shao Lan called her Xiao Li, Gu Qingli pressed her palm to her forehead—well, it was at least a positive sign.
Shao Yan shot a amused glance at Shao Lan, the young rascal already beginning to angle for favors.
"I never intended to refuse. The Li family's foundation is profound; any single faction that confronts them alone suffers heavy losses. But if the Gu family, myself, and the City Lord's Mansion unite, our strength combined will minimize our casualties in eradicating the Li family."
Shao Yan inwardly marveled—at twelve, he lacked both her strength and wisdom.
This was not merely a matter of courage or daring.
Though only twelve, Gu Qingli was a child both he and Sikong Aofeng of the City Lord's Mansion eagerly wished to cultivate.
A triad alliance with the Gu family would yield benefits, foster goodwill with a prodigious talent like Gu Qingli, and with her mediating, their forces could harmonize seamlessly.
In an instant, Shao Yan reached a decision; a venture offering nothing but advantage was not to be missed.
"No time to lose—let us proceed to the City Lord's Mansion at once. Soon, the Youth Selection Contest of Loulan City will commence."
"Agreed! That was precisely my thought!"
Gu Qingli lifted her delicate face, a gentle smile gracing her lips.
"Xiao Lan, you shall accompany us as well—to clear your mind."
Hearing this, Shao Yan hesitated, pursing his lips.
"Enough hesitation—let's go. Be a man and act decisively!"
Gu Qingli grasped Shao Lan's hand firmly, leading him forth with head held high as they stepped out.
Shao Yan's face radiated contentment.
Upon arrival at the City Lord's Mansion, Sikong Ran's eyes immediately found Gu Qingli; his face lit with delight as he hurried forward.
But upon seeing Shao Lan beside her, his expression shifted, his gaze sharp and wary.
Who was this boy, hand in hand with Xiao Li?
"Xiao Li! Who is this boy? Ah! Silver eyes! Could he be a demon beast?"
Sikong Ran flailed with alarm, his slender peach-blossom eyes swirling with suspicion.
Behind him, He Zhongyi wore an even more vigilant expression; those demon beasts capable of assuming human form were elite among their kind!
Gu Qingli suddenly felt Shao Lan's hand tremble slightly.
"To hell with that! Who says silver eyes must belong to demon beasts?"
Gu Qingli retorted brazenly, delivering a swift kick to Sikong Ran's rear, her heart aching for Shao Lan, imagining the discrimination he must have endured.
Thus—
With a sharp yelp, the haughty young master Sikong fell unceremoniously to the ground, utterly humiliated, his face twisted in grievance.
"Xiao Li, you just ambushed me! That's so unfair!"
He sprang up again with a howl.