"Rest assured, I am fully aware of the risks; even in defeat, my life shall remain unharmed. I seek to use this opportunity to hone my skills in preparation for future challenges."
Gu Qingli murmured softly into Gu Qingche's ear, a confident radiance blossoming in her eyes, momentarily silencing his anxiety.
Her words were so low only the two of them could hear.
"But—"
He knew she harbored her own resolve, yet could not help but worry.
After all, their opponent wielded King-tier strength—a realm beneath which all others are but insignificant insects.
Especially since he himself had just faced the young man surnamed He and was utterly outmatched, utterly powerless to resist.
"Fear not, I am confident."
Gu Qingli offered him a faint smile; Gu Qingche grudgingly nodded.
"Be exceedingly cautious!"
With a nod in return, Gu Qingli turned to the one who claimed the title of Young Master He.
"Come then, Young Master He, allow me to witness the true extent of your prowess."
With that, she sprang onto the stage, an exquisite visage adorned with a provocative smile.
Young Master He's countenance darkened; he bellowed:
"I accept your challenge!"
Gu Qingche watched below with mounting concern, his peripheral vision catching Gu Qinglin's expression of delighted surprise—she seemed genuinely pleased.
"Xiao Lin, what is there to be so glad about?"
"Ah! They dared to wound you, Qingche, so of course I am furious. Gu Qingli is now the strongest force in our family; her standing up for us brings me great joy."
Gu Qinglin replied with a hint of guilt.
"Let it be so."
Gu Qingche was no fool—merely gentle and trusting of his kin. Though the circumstances were suspicious, he had never doubted her before.
Now, faced with such blatant signs, he found himself compelled to suspect Gu Qinglin.
Flustered, Gu Qinglin forced a smile, avoiding his questioning gaze and instead looking toward the stage.
Bitter resentment festered within her—if only Gu Qingli had remained the useless failure she once was, Gu Qinglin would still bask in the family's adulation, destined to inherit the Gu legacy.
Yet because of Gu Qingli, everything had changed. So, Gu Qingli, do not blame me—blame yourself for stealing my spotlight. If you were destined to be a waste, why not have stayed so?
Such venomous thoughts poisoned Gu Qinglin's heart, unbeknownst to her that Gu Qingche saw the twisted jealousy plain as day.
Li Ke'er, meanwhile, wore a mask of innocence, her delicate features blank with confusion, also pondering who dared oppose the Gu family.
Gu Qingli paid no heed to the turbulent murmurs below, her gaze piercing as it fixed on Young Master He.
A one-star Martial King—she had encountered such before; the first being the black-clad elder she had poisoned into submission.
Admittedly, before now, she lacked the confidence to confront a one-star Martial King head-on, but times had changed.
Her own strength had reached the pinnacle of a nine-star Great Warrior—a mere sliver away from Martial King status. Though that gap was narrow, the difference was as vast as heaven and earth.
Moreover, the soul-enhancing elixir given by Uncle Shao had greatly fortified the spiritual energy within her body.
For an alchemist, soul energy was not only a formidable weapon in battle but also a crucial bargaining chip.