"You possess remarkable audacity, young maiden. Far from appearing fragile or delicate, you are indeed the most gifted child I have ever encountered."
Shao Yan regarded Gu Qingli with keen interest, appraising the youthful girl from head to toe.
Though her countenance still bore the softness of youth, an undeniable grace had begun to emerge, sharpened by a keen intellect.
It was clear that, given time, this young maiden would undoubtedly ascend to greatness.
"I am not daring, merely candid. Are not all mercenaries under the authority of the Guildmaster? Yet here, within the city's streets, they recklessly inflict harm, even attempting murder over personal vendettas! Is this truly the conduct you, Guildmaster Shao, condone?"
For a moment, Gu Qingli's voice was the sole sound piercing the stillness of the street.
One would scarcely dare to confront a Martial King of Shao Yan's stature in such a manner, especially in Loulan City where he moved with near-untouchable supremacy.
Gu Zhan's face paled as he swiftly grasped Gu Qingli's arm and bowed apologetically to Shao Yan.
"Guildmaster, my young daughter speaks without restraint, please pardon her youthful indiscretion."
Gu Qingli curled her lips slightly. She was no fool; before such a powerful figure, she would never speak without caution. Yet she perceived Shao Yan as a man of reason and sagacity, one who weighed the tides of circumstance carefully.
He would never risk alienating the Gu family, nor offend a prodigious talent such as herself—now renowned as the "Little Genius."
Moreover, Shao Yan's gentle eyes and serene demeanor bespoke a kind soul. His timely rescue of her and her father spoke volumes of his disdain for villains like Vice Commander Qi.
"Father, do not fret. I trust Guildmaster Shao is not one to reject honest counsel. After all, my concern is only for the order within the Mercenary Guild."
Gu Qingli smiled slyly, her lively phoenix eyes glinting with the cunning of a fox.
"Hahaha!"
As anticipated, Shao Yan's face bore no trace of ire; instead, a hearty laugh escaped him.
"Gu Si, there is no need for such anxiety. The young lady speaks the truth. During my recent seclusion, these scoundrels have grown ever bolder."
A flicker of icy resolve passed through Shao Yan's gaze as it swept over the prostrate Vice Commander Qi.
With those words spoken, Shao Yan withdrew his imposing presence, allowing Qi to laboriously rise.
The man was drenched in cold sweat, his face ashen and thoroughly disheveled, utterly devoid of the earlier arrogance and bravado.
Gu Qingli's gaze fixed upon Vice Commander Qi, whose outward condition was pitifully wretched.
Yet she discerned he was not gravely injured—merely wounded.
Recalling his murderous intent, a deadly gleam flickered in Gu Qingli's eyes. Such an enemy, now sworn, must be eliminated swiftly to safeguard her father's future.
Though Qi bore the mark of Shao Yan's wrath, he dared not display a hint of resentment, instead cloaking himself in reverence while casting a fierce glare at her.
"Guildmaster Shao, what punishment shall you mete out to him? To commit such blatant violence upon your own mercenary guild's street—surely this cannot go unpunished!"
Gu Qingli blinked innocently, her demeanor disarmingly sweet, as if the fierce warrior she had been moments before had vanished.
Shao Yan chuckled softly. This little girl, though young, was not only immensely powerful but fiercely unyielding. He found himself increasingly fond of her.
Such a prodigy was a rare jewel in Loulan City; it would be wise to cultivate a favorable relationship early.