It is said that Miss Gu Qingli was once notorious throughout Loulan City as an utter wastrel and disappointment.
Young Master He's eyes narrowed darkly, his words intended solely to belittle Gu Qingli.
"Indeed, Young Master He seems exceptionally well-versed in the affairs of Loulan City!"
Gu Qingli received the remark with a serene smile, her words laden with subtle insinuations.
"Hmph! Bold words for one so young!"
Young Master He's expression darkened, a flicker of disdain flashing in his eyes.
Though this young girl was undoubtedly a prodigy, she remained but a Great Warrior—not remotely a match for a Martial King.
The chasm between a Martial King and a Great Warrior was one of profound magnitude.
No matter how formidable her strength might become in the future, today she would inevitably suffer defeat.
Gu Qingli remained silent, a faintly wicked smile curling her lips as she suddenly swept her fair hand forward, unleashing a dense surge of azure energy directly toward Young Master He's face.
The onlookers gasped in astonishment—none had anticipated that the ostensibly weaker Gu Qingli would launch such a sharp, proactive assault.
Young Master He's eyes flared with blue light as he glared fiercely.
"Foolish as an egg striking stone!"
Though inwardly startled by the overwhelming force of her strike, his Martial King might rendered it little more than a mere nuisance.
Yet this young girl was far stronger than he had imagined.
A thirteen-year-old nine-star Great Warrior—truly a peerless prodigy!
The crowd below buzzed with surprise and whispered fervently.
"Gu Qingli has already attained nine-star Great Warrior status!"
"Heavens, how can this be? It's been mere days! This is simply beyond belief!"
Many recalled her strength at Fengyun Sacred Academy just days prior and were left speechless.
"Clearly she was concealing her true power all along. You forget, she had always hidden her abilities; no one in Loulan had uncovered them for years. Perhaps even her last display was a mere façade!"
"This is true mastery concealed!"
Some murmured in admiration.
The Shengu Continent revered the strong above all else. When Gu Qingli was once regarded as a worthless failure, scorn was her lot. But now, her formidable power earned her much admiration.
Naturally, jealousy festered among some.
Gu Qinglin clenched her teeth, her eyes burning with hatred.
Though Li Ke'er's expression remained composed, her gaze grew icy and solemn.
Thankfully, it was Gu Qinglin's suggestion that led to this confrontation. Otherwise, before Gu Qingli unveiled her true might, Li Ke'er might have believed that despite being weaker, her bonded beast could still hold its own.
But now—
A nine-star Great Warrior. It was clear she needed to enhance her strength upon returning, lest she remain no match for Gu Qingli.
Hmph. No, that was mistaken.
Gu Qingli would never again have the chance to become her rival.
A faintly chilling smile slowly curved upon Li Ke'er's enchanting visage, unnoticed by all.
Though Young Master He's blue energy was faint, it swiftly shattered Gu Qingli's dense azure force.
Azure clashed against blue, seemingly brittle and easily undone.
None among the spectators found this surprising; a nine-star Great Warrior was no match for a one-star Martial King—that was to be expected.
Gu Qingli had not yet exerted her full strength. Both sides remained in the early stages of testing each other.
This was Gu Qingli's inaugural direct confrontation with a one-star Martial King. Despite her caution, an exhilarating surge of battle fervor threatened to overflow uncontrollably.