Gu Qingli remained composed, showing no visible reaction, while Gu Zhan's face immediately lit up with relief.
"Wonderful, truly wonderful. With the Guildmaster's protection, there's no doubt Xiao Li will be safe," he said, the stern expression he had worn all day finally softening into a smile.
"Father, I know you're worried about me, but rest assured—I wouldn't have come if I weren't fully prepared."
Gu Qingli gently took Gu Zhan's arm, her tone playfully affectionate, like a cherished daughter indulging her concerned parent.
"Besides," she whispered, her voice low and secretive, "my master left me a few means of survival. Unless absolutely necessary, they shall remain hidden."
With a wink full of mischief and confidence, she leaned close to Gu Zhan's ear. Only the two of them could hear her words.
The entire plaza of the Mercenary Guild was teeming with people, a sea of bodies and voices, all eyes turning toward Gu Qingli as curious murmurs rippled through the crowd.
Even among the seasoned mercenaries, everyone knew her as the sixth young lady of the Gu family. For years, she had borne the infamous reputation of being a good-for-nothing, only to stun the world with a single dazzling performance.
Despite her tender age, her strength now far surpassed that of most present.
"Is the Gu family's sixth young lady really capable of defeating Vice-Captain Qi?"
"Somehow, I doubt she's his match."
Though none could deny her extraordinary talent, many still questioned her youth and inexperience.
Word had spread that during her recent evaluation at the prestigious Fengyun Academy, she was revealed to be a mere five-star martial warrior—while Vice-Captain Qi had already reached the peak of nine stars in the same class.
By all reasoning, her chances seemed nonexistent.
It wasn't only the onlookers who doubted her—Gu Zhan himself was torn with worry, certain his daughter could not rival such a formidable opponent.
Yet Gu Qingli merely smiled, unfazed by the doubtful gazes cast upon her. While she dared not say with certainty that victory was hers, neither did she believe Vice-Captain Qi could defeat her so easily.
"Come, let's not remain standing here."
Taking Gu Zhan by the hand, Gu Qingli walked forward with a serene smile gracing her flawless face. Though still a girl, she radiated the calm elegance of a lotus in bloom—quiet, poised, and dazzling beyond compare, turning heads wherever she passed.
From a distance, Vice-Captain Qi spotted the group and approached with a twisted smile tugging at his lips.
"Well, well. Who would've thought? The mighty Snow Tiger Group, full of men, and yet they send out a little girl. What's the matter—have all your warriors perished?"
The rift between the Snow Tiger and War Wolf groups had long since torn open, and Vice-Captain Qi had no intention of sparing their dignity. His voice dripped with mockery as he sneered.
In his eyes, she was nothing more than a brat. Hadn't she already suffered humiliating defeat at his hands just three days ago? What difference could such a short time make—had she suddenly grown wings?
He regarded Gu Qingli with utter disdain, a cruel grin playing at the corner of his mouth.
But Gu Qingli's expression remained calm, untouched by his provocation—as though he were little more than a gust of wind.
Just as Sun Jie was about to erupt in fury, Gu Qingli spoke leisurely:
"Vice-Captain Qi is mistaken. It is precisely because I'm merely a young girl that I was chosen to face you. After all, sending anyone else might be far too unfair—to you."
A faint smirk touched her lips, and a flash of contempt danced in her eyes.
Laughter erupted from the crowd of mercenaries nearby. These rugged men, unaccustomed to decorum, broke into hearty guffaws at her words, thoroughly entertained.