"Say, Sikong Ran, isn't it odd that none of the representatives from the City Lord's manor share your surname? Don't you have any siblings?"
Gu Qingli's knowledge of Loulan City's inner affairs was, quite frankly, abysmal.
Sikong Ran cast a long, almost aggrieved look at her, his expression laden with unspoken complaint.
"Xiao Li, you truly don't care about me at all—you don't even know me!"
"My father only had me. As for siblings, I do have many cousins, but they're all older and no longer eligible for the Youth Tournament. So I had no choice but to come alone. Haven't you heard everyone calling me the 'youngest master'? I'm the baby of the family!"
Gu Qingli let out an awkward chuckle—so that was the story.
"Since you didn't know before, I'll forgive you this once. But from now on, you'll have to take the time to understand me better."
A glint of mischief flickered in Sikong Ran's phoenix-shaped eyes, hinting at something deeper. But Gu Qingli was focused on the arena and failed to notice.
"Very well! Only fifty contestants remain. The first round is officially over. Congratulations to all who have made it into the top fifty of the Loulan City Youth Tournament!"
The host from the City Lord's manor stepped onto the stage with a genial smile. Gu Qingli didn't recognize him, but she could sense his strength—he was a Martial King, albeit a low-star one.
"Fifty people... That's still quite a number. Who knows how long it'll take to finish this," Gu Qingli muttered with a shrug, doubting whether the tournament could wrap up in a single day.
"Heh, don't worry, Xiao Li," Sikong Ran replied confidently. "It'll be done today, no doubt. You see, there are only a few of us who truly have the strength to vie for the top positions. Most of the others will surrender the moment they face us. Only when two strong contenders meet will there be real combat. For many, simply reaching the top fifty is already their goal."
Gu Qingli understood his implication—the real competition was between a select few.
Sikong Ran, He Yutao, Li Ke'er, and herself.
Soon, the staff from the City Lord's manor efficiently compiled the names of the top fifty contestants.
"Everyone may now step down and take a brief rest. Once the name tags are ready, we will proceed with the draw."
Their process was orderly and precise.
Gu Qingli returned to the seating area with Sikong Ran and Gu Qingche.
"I'm so relieved you're all safe," Gu Zhan said with a sigh of relief.
"Father, this was only the first round. Nothing dangerous could've happened yet," Gu Qingli replied, half exasperated, half amused.
"Many thanks to Young Master Sikong for your help," Gu Yifeng said politely.
"No need for thanks, Patriarch Gu. Xiao Li and I are friends—this was nothing," Sikong Ran replied with gentlemanly grace.
On Gu Qingli's side, the atmosphere was warm and harmonious. The Li family, however, was quite the opposite.
The moment Li Ke'er stepped off the stage, her beautiful face was clouded with cold irritation. Although she had been the one to signal her clan to withdraw, the fact that she had done so under pressure infuriated her and bruised her pride.
"Ke'er, keep your composure," the Li family patriarch began, intending to scold her for losing face in public. But seeing her dark mood, he decided to hold his tongue—for now, the competition took precedence.
"I understand, Grandfather."
"Mm. He Yutao and Sikong Ran may be formidable, but they're no match for your spirit beast. Only Gu Qingli requires true caution. And above all, be extremely careful with that."
The Li family head lowered his voice to a near whisper, so quiet that only he and Li Ke'er could hear.
"I know, Grandfather. That's my trump card—reserved for dealing with Gu Qingli."
A cruel glint flickered in her eyes.
The patriarch nodded, finally at ease. Though Ke'er had grown impatient recently, all his years of nurturing her had not gone to waste. That trump card—an heirloom passed down through generations—was now to be used against Gu Qingli. He didn't regret it in the slightest. In fact, a premonition stirred within him: if Gu Qingli lived, the Li family might never rise again.
"Grandfather, I just worry that if Gu Qingli dies, the Gu family might go mad with rage."
"Hmph. If she dies, so be it. People have perished in the Youth Tournament before. Should the Gu family lose control, what of it? You think we fear them?"
"And the City Lord's manor? Sikong Ran clearly has feelings for Gu Qingli."
If the City Lord's manor and the Gu family united, the Li family would be in trouble.
"You needn't worry. No matter what, once Gu Qingli is dead, they will have no legitimate reason to retaliate. Sikong Ran's sentiments do not represent the stance of the City Lord's manor."
In his view, the City Lord himself wouldn't bother with these matters.
Li Ke'er felt reassured. Her gaze, full of murderous intent, swept across to Gu Qingli's seat, glittering with the thrill of anticipation.
Gu Qingli, enjoy your arrogance while it lasts.
Even from afar, Gu Qingli felt a sudden chill crawl down her spine.
She narrowed her eyes, glancing thoughtfully toward the Li family's seats across the arena.
"Xiao Li, what's wrong?" Sikong Ran asked curiously.
"Nothing. Just a feeling the Li family's up to something shady."
"That's for sure! You must be cautious—those Li people are always scheming."
Sikong Ran's tone turned grave.
"If I end up facing them, they might hold back. But you—they'll throw every dirty trick they've got your way. Your talent makes them uneasy."
Gu Qingli nodded, her expression growing solemn.
The City Lord's staff worked quickly. Before long, the host returned to the stage, accompanied by an aide carrying a large chest—inside were the name slips of the top fifty.
"Xiao Li, if I happen to draw you, promise you'll go easy on me!" Sikong Ran chuckled, trying to charm her.
"I'll go easy on you… if you surrender immediately," Gu Qingli replied mercilessly.
"Damn! That's harsh! Can't you be a little gentler with me?"
"Being gentle with you is being cruel to myself."
As they bantered, the host pulled out the first name slip and read it aloud.
It was someone Gu Qingli didn't know—a name unfamiliar, and clearly not from any of the major clans of Loulan. Likely an ordinary background, perhaps even a lone cultivator.
To have made it to the top fifty was, in itself, a commendable feat.