Though Gu Qingli's complexion bore a faint pallor, her expression remained composed and serene.
Witnessing Vice Commander Qi's injury, his two subordinates immediately ceased harassing Gu Zhan and rushed to his side.
"Vice Commander, are you all right?"
They reached out to support him but were brusquely pushed aside.
"I won't die!"
Gu Zhan hurried to Gu Qingli's side, relief washing over him as he saw she was unharmed.
Vice Commander Qi glared venomously at Gu Qingli, his visage twisted with fury, his icy murderous intent eclipsing all else.
He felt utterly humiliated as never before in his life.
Yet Gu Qingli was far from unscathed; the gulf between an Eight-Star Warrior and a peak Nine-Star was immense.
Though she had wounded Vice Commander Qi, her own strength was nearly depleted.
Moreover, this was her first time wielding soul force in combat, and her execution was admittedly hasty and imperfect.
Gu Qingli's eyes narrowed thoughtfully—if she refined the balance of soul force next time, her power would only grow greater.
Unfazed by the murderous glare directed at her, a faint, satisfied smile curved upon her cherry-red lips.
"Dead girl, do you think my injury means I can't deal with you?"
Vice Commander Qi seethed with rage, stepping forward, his gaze razor-sharp and filled with malice.
Though wounded, his battle power remained formidable, radiating a commanding aura.
Gu Zhan, his face darkened with concern, positioned himself protectively before Gu Qingli.
Her eyes glinted with icy resolve; Vice Commander Qi's obstinacy remained unyielding.
At that moment, a sudden flash of light emanated from his wound. Beneath a dense azure glow, a massive crescent blade materialized in his grasp.
The curved blade shimmered like a crescent moon, emitting a crystalline radiance laced with chilling lethality.
Gu Zhan shielded Gu Qingli as they both retreated cautiously.
"Vice Commander Qi, do not overstep your bounds!" Gu Zhan bellowed.
Those nearby were taken aback—Vice Commander Qi could not best a mere twelve-year-old girl, and now he brandished a weapon!
Among the crowd were hardened warriors, though none rivaled Qi or the Wolf Pack's might.
Yet they all scorned Qi's bullying of the weak—he might forgo provoking the Snow Tiger faction, but to harass a twelve-year-old girl and draw a weapon was unconscionable.
Disdain colored the bystanders' whispered commentary, while Qi's two subordinates exchanged uneasy glances, unwilling to restrain their leader.
Having suffered such a crushing blow today, Qi had lost all reason.
He swung the great blade with savage hatred aimed squarely at Gu Qingli.
Narrowing her eyes, Gu Qingli discerned the blade's crystalline, glistening demonic core.
The weapon pulsed with immense power, especially in the grasp of a peak Nine-Star Warrior like Vice Commander Qi.
Instantly, his aura intensified, nearly rivaling that of a Martial King.
Gu Zhan's expression darkened, and Gu Qingli's composure sharpened; such a formidable weapon could elevate one's prowess by an entire rank.
The crescent blade bore a colossal demonic core—undeniably a high-grade one by its aura.
Truly, the deputy commander of Loulan City's premier mercenary guild wielded no ordinary armament.
Seeing Gu Zhan and Gu Qingli ready themselves, Qi's lips curled into a triumphant smile.
He caressed the blade tenderly as if it were a treasured heirloom; though wounded, his formidable spirit remained undiminished.