Vice-Captain Qi's expression darkened, his face flushing a deep crimson.
Though he held considerable sway within the mercenary world, the vast crowd filling the plaza today rendered him powerless—after all, when faced with a multitude, even the harshest laws lose their bite. Despite his humiliation, there was no way for him to single anyone out for punishment.
Moreover, with Guildmaster Shao Yan presiding over the gathering, Qi dared not exhibit the same arrogance he once flaunted so freely.
"Very well, very well! That sharp tongue of yours hasn't dulled in the slightest, girl. I only hope your strength proves to be as formidable," he sneered, his eyes fixed on Gu Qingli with a ferocity that promised violence.
"No need to trouble yourself with concern, Vice-Captain Qi."
Gu Qingli's voice was calm, unruffled, as though utterly untouched by his menace. Yet, in the depths of her gaze, a flicker of killing intent glimmered, fleeting and chilling.
She glanced toward Shao Yan, who sat with regal composure upon the central dais. His expression was grave, exuding an overwhelming authority that seemed to silence the very air. One look from him, and the clamor died away.
Vice-Captain Qi was undeniably the strongest among those present—a high-star Martial King, his power unmatched in the arena.
"Hmph."
With a cold snort, Qi turned from the Snow Tiger contingent, leading his War Wolf men away.
Though the duel was between Gu Qingli and Qi, it symbolized the larger conflict between the Snow Tiger and War Wolf mercenary groups—each side having chosen a champion to represent them.
The massive dueling platform was flanked on either side by their respective allies, while the central dais hosted the highest authority.
"Since all parties have now arrived, let the duel commence."
Shao Yan's commanding voice echoed across the grounds, and the once-boisterous plaza instantly fell into reverent silence.
All eyes turned toward him with involuntary respect.
To every mercenary in Loulan City, Shao Yan was not merely a leader—he was a symbol of power. The Mercenary Guild, with its vast numbers, stood as a formidable force in the region. Though its members might lack the refined training of noble family scions, their sheer scale made them impossible to ignore. The majority of unaffiliated cultivators in the city found their place within the guild's ranks.
And within such a colossal organization, Shao Yan reigned supreme—not only by position, but by unmatched strength. He was indisputably one of Loulan's most powerful figures.
Seated on the dais beside him were several other middle-aged men. Gu Qingli did not recognize most of them, but her eyes were drawn to the man on Shao Yan's right—his face vaguely familiar.
"Uncle Sun, aside from the Guildmaster, who are the others on the platform?"
Anyone seated there must certainly be a person of significance in Loulan City. Yet, having spent most of her life within the Gu household, Gu Qingli was unfamiliar with the city's elite.
"That gentleman beside the Guildmaster is Lord Sikong Aofeng, the City Lord of Loulan. He and the Guildmaster have long shared a strong alliance, and their strength is quite evenly matched."
Sikong Aofeng. Gu Qingli's eyes widened in recognition as she turned to study the man. No wonder he looked familiar—his features bore a striking resemblance to his son, Sikong Ran, though the younger's face was more sharply defined and delicate.
The remaining figures on the dais were all senior officials within the Mercenary Guild.
What Gu Qingli pondered was this: if the Gu family could gain the support of both Shao Yan and Sikong Aofeng, then toppling the Li family would be nothing short of effortless.