Gu Zhan, of course, had no idea what was running through Gu Qingli's mind. After her encounter with the Martial King, she had come to realize the vast gulf between the Martial Warriors and the Martial Kings. That disparity stirred a restless curiosity within her—just how wide was the gap between a peak Nine-Star Warrior and an Eight-Star one?
Her eyes narrowed slightly as she pushed her speed to the limit. Her form became a phantom blur, elusive and ethereal, impossible to follow with the naked eye. All that remained was a fleeting afterimage slicing through space.
The surrounding crowd was stunned—none had expected such astonishing speed from Gu Qingli. She was so fast, only a ghostly trail of motion could be seen.
Vice Commander Qi faltered for a heartbeat, but showed no fear. Gu Qingli struck, her fist thundering forward with every ounce of strength she could summon.
Against a peak Nine-Star Warrior, she dared not show a shred of complacency.
Two waves of blue energy collided with a blinding detonation of light.
Qi staggered backward, retreating dozens of paces before finally steadying himself, a look of disbelief dawning across his face.
The onlookers were dumbfounded.
Though Gu Qingli, too, was forced back by more than ten steps, there was a flicker of thoughtful calculation in her eyes. The power of a peak Nine-Star Warrior was indeed formidable.
But what truly shocked the crowd was Gu Qingli's own strength.
A twelve-year-old girl had just forced such a powerful warrior into retreat. And judging from the hue of her aura—it was unmistakably that of an Eight-Star Warrior.
This was beyond extraordinary—it was monstrous.
"Well now, you little wretch. You've got some bite in you," Qi sneered. "Fine. Let me temper your skills a bit more. Don't say your elder didn't give you a lesson in humility. Genius or not, a little modesty might keep you alive longer."
Murder flickered in his eyes. This impudent child had humiliated him in front of a crowd—this debt would be paid in blood.
Gu Qingli returned a cold smile, too focused to waste words.
Indeed, Vice Commander Qi possessed real power—likely already straddling the threshold of King level. But since she had chosen to strike, she would never allow him the last laugh.
Gu Zhan, sensing the Vice Commander's aura swell with fury, knew his daughter had thoroughly enraged him. He tried to rush to her side, but the two warriors flanking him moved instantly, blocking his path, preventing him from aiding her.
Qi's gaze locked on Gu Qingli like a venomous serpent, his palms now brimming with lethal force. Even those nearby paled at the intensity of his killing intent.
Gu Qingli's face turned solemn, her eyes narrowing to slits, yet she did not retreat a single step.
Within her, the Phoenix Flame Technique surged alongside her battle aura. Her powerful soul force wrapped around her energy, forming an impregnable defense.
It was her hidden advantage—her trump card.
"Die, you cursed brat!" Qi roared, his face contorted in a savage snarl, no longer holding back.
But Gu Qingli remained calm amidst the storm. Her phoenix eyes glinted. She might not rival his raw power—
—but what if she used her unmatched soul force as well?
A bold thought took shape within her. She would merge both powers into one.
Her soul energy poured forth, weaving into her azure battle aura. To the naked eye, the energy still shimmered blue, but beneath the surface, it pulsed with a dark, unspeakable threat.
"My life is not yours to claim," she whispered, her voice as frigid as winter steel.
Murderous intent surged from her slight frame like a tidal wave. Those watching stared in awe—this girl looked nothing like a mere twelve-year-old. She was a force of nature.
With both fists raised, she unleashed twin torrents of blue energy, each laced with something far more terrifying. The spectators cried out in alarm, scrambling backward in fear.
Few among them had strength surpassing Gu Qingli, and none wished to be caught in the backlash of such a fearsome assault.
Vice Commander Qi, veins bulging with fury, met her blow head-on, unleashing his own violent surge of blue energy—equally intense, equally deadly.