The moment Gu Qingli's crisp and forthright words fell upon the room, an immediate hush descended. Sikong Aofeng set down his teacup, eyes wide with astonishment as he regarded her.
Such a tender young maiden, her features still imbued with innocence, yet daring to speak with such boldness.
Her eyes, clear and radiant like stars, shimmered with a resolute light that brooked no doubt in the sincerity of her declaration.
Sikong Ran and He Zhongyi exchanged looks of surprise, never having anticipated such candid resolve from her.
"Xiao—Xiao Li, this… this can't be your own decision, can it? Has the Gu family been informed? Do they consent?" Sikong Ran asked, his peach blossom eyes wide with concern.
"The Gu family will undoubtedly cooperate. It is a matter of pure benefit, free of harm. Who would refuse such a thing?" Gu Qingli's gaze lingered meaningfully upon Sikong Aofeng and Shao Yan.
Sikong Ran clicked his tongue in secret admiration. Xiao Li was two years his junior, yet already possessed the audacity to make such a weighty choice.
"You're quite the daring little lass. But how can you be so sure I would agree?" Sikong Aofeng teased, though inwardly he had already acquiesced.
"How could the wise City Lord possibly dissent?" Gu Qingli blinked playfully, a charming smile gracing her lips.
"Haha!" Sikong Aofeng laughed heartily.
"Heh, Xiao Li, rest assured—even if my father were to object, I would stand firmly by your side. Who else but us?" Sikong Ran grinned mischievously as he sidled up to Gu Qingli, his peach blossom eyes gleaming with rogueish mirth.
Though blessed with strikingly handsome features, his antics often evoked bewildered laughter.
Seeing Gu Qingli's disdainful glance, Sikong Ran chuckled.
"Aren't you the savior of both me and He Zhongyi? Naturally, I must heed your wishes."
"Just as this rascal says—since you saved my scoundrel, I shall stand with you. Besides, the Li family has grown far too arrogant and unruly these past years!" Sikong Aofeng's eyes narrowed, flashing with the fleeting ferocity of clashing steel.
"Father has consented? Excellent!" Sikong Ran clapped his hands delightedly, his refined features alight with joy.
"Xiao Li, what are your plans?"
"The Youth Tournament in Loulan City is approaching," Gu Qingli murmured, her eyes narrowing in contemplation.
She had long held the same thought: after dealing with Li Ke'er at the tournament, the Li family would hardly relent and would surely strike against the Gu family in retaliation.
Hence, she had no intention of sparing the Li family.
"Yes, soon after the Youth Tournament, we depart for Fengyun Sacred Academy. So, the strike must come before then?" Sikong Ran queried.
As elders, Sikong Aofeng and Shao Yan remained mostly silent; Sikong Ran was the most loquacious.
"I am likely to encounter Li Ke'er at the tournament," Gu Qingli's lips curved into a faint smile, though her eyes burned with icy resolve.
"Indeed. Li Ke'er, though vexing, is formidable, especially with the Li family's lavish investment in her training," Sikong Ran said, a trace of disdain flickering in his gaze.
Though they had never been close, he acknowledged her beauty—yet compared to Xiao Li, she was but ordinary.
The truth was, Li Ke'er was dearly cherished by the Li family patriarch, her talent quite exceptional, surpassing even Gu Qinglin.
With her enchanting appearance and cunning mind, she was the Li family's beacon of hope.
Should anything befall Li Ke'er at the Youth Tournament, the Li family would surely erupt in fury, presenting a perfect opportunity.
"Li Ke'er is no match for me. She will resort to underhanded means in desperation, but that will be her undoing," Gu Qingli said coolly, a glint of frost flashing in her eyes.
"Haha, Xiao Li, so confident! Li Ke'er is the fruit of the Li family's full might. No one has yet witnessed her contracted beast; it may be a formidable creature indeed," Sikong Ran teased.
Though Gu Qingli was powerful, Li Ke'er was a Spirit Illusionist, gifted with the ability to bind a magical beast—beasts whose strength dwarfed human might.
Spirit Illusionists were rare yet formidable; one's prowess was greatly augmented by their beast companions.
Imagine battling a foe who commanded both self and beast—especially when beasts typically outmatched humans in strength.
"No matter the beast, she will not best me," Gu Qingli stated with quiet confidence, her phoenix-like eyes unwavering.
If she could not overcome Li Ke'er, how could she hope to endure in this vast and perilous Divine Valley Continent?
"Xiao Li, your confidence is admirable. Though they possess countless stratagems, ultimately, strength prevails. Yet you must remain vigilant," Shao Yan remarked approvingly.
True power demanded commanding presence—without which one could not survive amidst the fierce competition of this land.
"That's the kind of bold spirit I adore!" Sikong Aofeng roared with laughter.
Sikong Ran bore a striking resemblance to Sikong Aofeng—a strikingly handsome man in his prime, yet with a generous and unrestrained nature, far more akin to a mercenary than the refined Shao Yan.
Sikong Aofeng's lips twitched at the sight of his usually aloof son acting so obsequiously.
"Normally, you don't flatter me so," he muttered.
"If both the City Lord and Uncle Shao consent, I shall have the family head and elders deliberate on the plan," Sikong Ran declared.
The strategy involved intricate deployment and consideration of the Li family's influence—matters beyond Gu Qingli's purview.
"She's not versed in such affairs," he thought.
"Little lass, you must not show favoritism. Since you and A Ran are friends, I am your elder; you may call me City Lord Uncle, and I shall call you Xiao Li," Sikong Aofeng said warmly.
"Indeed, Xiao Li, my father is family too," Sikong Ran added.
Gu Qingli smiled brightly, accepting the camaraderie.
"Well said, City Lord Uncle. Xiao Li will not be stingy," she replied cheerfully.
Meanwhile, at the Gu residence—
Upon hearing of the City Lord Mansion's invitation, Gu Yifeng's heart skipped a beat, recalling Gu Qingli's earlier words. Could it be that the City Lord Mansion and the Mercenary Guild had already consented?
He promptly summoned the elders for counsel.
Ultimately, Gu Yifeng, along with Elder Shui and Elder Mu, set out toward the City Lord Mansion.
Though the City Lord Mansion and Mercenary Guild were formidable, rivaling the Gu family's strength, they rarely mingled with such great houses—this marked Gu Yifeng and the elders' first visit to the City Lord Mansion.