"Vice Commander! Don't act rashly! Everyone is already wounded, and you yourself are gravely injured!"
Though the men of the Snow Tiger Corps were filled with hatred toward the beast, they could not stand idly by and watch Sun Jie charge toward death. Their bond had been forged in fire and blood, and Sun Jie, known for his bold generosity and unfailing care toward his comrades, was beloved by all.
Gu Qingli caught the worry in her father's eyes and thought of the deep loyalty that defined the man she called 'Father.'
"Father, shall I go save him?"
Though merely an eight-star warrior, she possessed more techniques and far greater speed than her father. She might not be without a chance in this battle.
Had she not just recently outwitted and taken down a Martial King?
A severely wounded beast like this one should not be beyond her abilities.
But Gu Zhan's expression changed instantly. He shook his head vehemently.
"No, absolutely not! Xiao Li, you're only twelve! That is a fourth-tier magical beast—you cannot possibly defeat it. I will not allow you to risk your life!"
"Don't worry, Father. I wouldn't volunteer unless I was confident."
Gu Qingli met his gaze solemnly. Though young in years, her eyes carried a steady calm well beyond her age.
"Would you truly stand by and watch Vice Commander Sun perish?"
She knew her father too well. A sly smile played on her lips.
Sure enough, Gu Zhan's expression stiffened. With the corps decimated, death and injury everywhere, if things went on like this, not only would Sun Jie fall, the entire unit might be slaughtered by the vengeful beast.
As much as Gu Zhan's heart ached for his daughter, he knew all too well—only she could act now.
Seeing his inner struggle, Gu Qingli rose to her feet.
"Trust me, Father. I know what I'm doing."
Gu Zhan looked at her, his chest tight with dread. At last, he muttered through clenched teeth, "Xiao Li, if anything happens to you, your mother and I… we would not survive it."
Gu Qingli gave a solemn nod.
Just then, the beast rose once more and lunged at Sun Jie. He braced himself with his great blade, barely able to stay upright. As he prepared to face the charge, a clear, commanding cry rang out—
"Move aside!"
Azure light surged from Gu Qingli's palms as she hurled herself forward. At the very instant the massive beast lunged, she struck with all her might.
A thunderous boom shattered the air. Dust and rubble exploded from the ground. The immense body of the beast was sent hurtling backward.
Though Gu Qingli, too, was pushed back, her qi surged wildly within her, yet she remained unharmed.
The beast, however, crashed heavily into the earth.
The warriors of the Snow Tiger Corps were dumbfounded. Sun Jie in particular stood frozen in disbelief. That delicate, petite girl—barely more than a child—had sent a monstrous creature flying with a single strike. Words could not begin to describe the shock of it all.
Only then did Gu Zhan's heart settle. It seemed this beast had reached the very end of its strength.
After a long silence, gasps and cries of astonishment erupted.
"Heavens! Am I hallucinating?"
"That little girl… saved us? A child that young just flung a fourth-tier beast through the air with one blow?!"
Excitement rippled through the wounded men. Though covered in blood, their voices were loud, animated with wonder.
For who could witness such power in one so young and not be awed?