Chapter 116 Painstaking Efforts

Vice-Captain Qi, already grievously depleted of his strength, was utterly incapable of mounting any defense now.

Before long, he was hurled violently through the air by Gu Qingli's onslaught.

His bulky form crashed thunderously onto the arena's stone platform—fortunately, the stage was reinforced and constructed from solid rock.

Unable to withstand the blow, Qi spat a mouthful of fresh blood. Once a robust man in his prime, he now appeared utterly disheveled and battered.

A heavy silence fell over the vast venue; no one had anticipated that in the blink of an eye, Gu Qingli would not only reverse the tide but also wound the formidable Vice-Captain.

"Well done!"

The Snow Tiger Mercenaries erupted into applause, Sun Jie clapping his hands with fervent excitement.

"Excellent! Little Li truly is remarkable."

Most of those present were mercenaries, long resentful of Vice-Captain Qi and the Battle Wolf Corps' tyranny, though seldom daring to oppose them openly.

After all, the Battle Wolf Corps ruled with brutal impunity, and crossing them could mean a silent, deadly ambush during missions.

Yet, these mercenaries still possessed pride and spirit. With so many eyes watching, they could no longer restrain their laughter, which soon echoed throughout the hall.

The deep, resonant voices of men filled the space.

Vice-Captain Qi and his Battle Wolf comrades wore sullen expressions, their faces flickering between shades of rage and shame. They glared venomously at the crowd, only to be met with mocking and contemptuous stares from all sides—rendering them momentarily speechless.

"Hahaha! You swagger around on the strength of the Battle Wolf Corps, and now look at you—beaten to a pulp by a mere girl!"

"Serves you right! Finally, justice!"

The men vented their long-suppressed frustrations, their curses raining down.

The Battle Wolf Corps had never endured such humiliation; their fury simmered dangerously close to violence. Were it not for Shao Yan's presence, the confrontation might have erupted into chaos.

Meanwhile, Sikong Ran fixed his gaze intently on Gu Qingli, noting the faint, joyful curve that lifted her rosy lips. For some reason, his heart began to race uncontrollably.

"That girl is truly formidable—more gifted than our own boy," murmured Sikong, seemingly impervious to the surrounding derision.

A flicker of lethal intent glinted in Shao Yan's eyes. He had long harbored disdain for the Battle Wolf Corps.

Previously, their dominance in Loulan City's mercenary circles and their immense influence had restrained him from acting against them.

But today's events revealed the deep-seated animosity they had sown among their peers.

With the rise of the Snow Tiger Corps, it was clear the Battle Wolf Corps could no longer be tolerated.

Shao Yan's thoughts raced like lightning, yet his expression remained composed, even wearing a faint smile as he spoke.

"Indeed, this girl is extraordinary. Having met her several times, I find myself increasingly fond of her. She is the most talented child I've ever encountered."

This was no mere flattery; Shao Yan spoke from the heart.

A prodigy like Gu Qingli was truly rare even across the vast Shen'gu Continent.

"Brother Shao, you seem well acquainted with this girl?"

Sikong and Shao Yan shared a cordial relationship, and Sikong was aware of Shao Yan's reclusive, introverted disciple.

"It's all for my disciple's sake. His temperament is somewhat solitary. Once they both attend the Fengyun Sacred Academy together—their ages are close—I hope this girl's presence will help him open up."

Shao Yan smiled wryly, revealing the lengths he went to for his disciple's well-being.