Chapter 100: Dog bites dog

Young Master He's words sent a wave of astonishment rippling through the crowd below the stage.

All eyes instantly turned to Li Ke'er, just in time to catch her once-alluring face drained of color, a sickly blend of pale and green.

"Don't you dare slander me! I don't even know you—how could I possibly be involved with you?"

Sikong Ran leaned back with an air of leisure, clearly relishing the drastic change in her expression. Watching this arrogant woman squirm—it was nothing short of delightful.

At that moment, Sikong Ran no longer seemed in a hurry. With a casual wave of his hand, he ordered Young Master He released, as if inviting more chaos purely for amusement.

"Well, well, it seems there's quite a tale behind this. Let's give Young Master He some space—perhaps he and Miss Li would like a nice, long chat."

All around them stood the elite sons and daughters of Loulan City's prominent families. Normally, Li Ke'er—renowned for her charm and beauty—was popular among this crowd.

But if today's scheme truly bore her mark...

Disdain slowly crept across the faces of her once-admiring peers.

"All this… just to win?"

"Indeed. With Gu Qingli rising like a dark horse, even as a Spirit Illusionist, Li Ke'er would hardly be her match. After all, Gu Qingli is a Nine-Star Martial Warrior—and a skilled alchemist to boot."

On the continent of Shengu, strength commands respect. And those who resort to deceit against those more powerful earn nothing but scorn.

"I must've been blind to think well of her. So this is who Li Ke'er truly is."

Li Ke'er's complexion shifted from green to white and back again. Though she was still a girl in her teens, she was clearly struggling to keep her composure.

"Silence! I've already said—I don't know these people! Besides, it wasn't me who brought Gu Qingli and Gu Qingche here!"

Her eyes flicked cunningly as she spoke, shifting the blame.

"She's right, in a way…"

Instantly, eyes turned toward Gu Qinglin. When Gu Qingli helped Gu Qingche away earlier, neither of them had so much as glanced at her. Too fearful to follow them, Gu Qinglin had stayed behind—making her presence now all the more conspicuous.

"Why are you all looking at me? What has this to do with me?"

Gu Qinglin's voice rang out with a show of force, but her faltering expression betrayed her growing panic—far less composed than Li Ke'er.

Clap. Clap.

From the side, Sikong Ran applauded, a satisfied smile playing on his lips.

"What a splendid performance. I must say, this young master is thoroughly entertained. Tsk tsk… a classic case of dogs turning on each other."

"It's plain for all to see—Gu Qinglin called him here, and Li Ke'er pushed for the match. The two of you made quite the team."

"Heh…"

Li Ke'er forced out a strained laugh. "Young Master Sikong jests. This is merely a friendly spar. I was only here to enjoy the spectacle, and may have said a word too many. Nothing more."

A glint of ruthlessness flashed in Sikong Ran's eyes, though his smile remained.

"Does Li Ke'er truly take us all for fools? Very well, let's see what Young Master He has to say."

His smile vanished, replaced by a biting chill.

"Young Master He, this is your final chance. Speak now—or you leave with me."

"I'll talk! It was that wretched woman!"

Young Master He sneered, clearly deciding to burn the bridge behind him.

"She's the one who hired me. Said she wanted someone dealt with."