Chapter 151: Do Your Best

These were all members of the Gu family, and they had long come to regard Gu Qingli as the heir of the next generation—blessed with unmatched talent and a rare gift for alchemy, she was naturally held in high esteem.

"Qingli, you're here."

Gu Qingche greeted her with a gentle smile, his warm expression like a spring breeze brushing across the soul.

Gu Qingche was not only powerful in his own right but also kind-hearted, which made him widely respected throughout the Gu household. Many often spoke on his behalf.

"Hm?"

Gu Qingli sensed a subtle shift in his aura. Sweeping over him with her soul force, she realized that his strength had quietly advanced.

He had now reached the level of a Seven-Star Martial Warrior. Clearly, he had been cultivating diligently these past days.

"I took the Martial Warrior Pill you gave me, Qingli, but I haven't yet had the chance to thank you properly."

Because both Qingli and Qingche rarely consumed such elixirs, their bodies were better able to absorb and harness the medicinal essence.

"Brother Qingche, there's no need to stand on ceremony. But now that you've used the pill, be sure to consolidate your foundation well. Don't let it shake your roots."

Gu Qingli reminded him earnestly.

"Mm, don't worry, Qingli. I understand."

As the two spoke, the clan leader appeared, flanked by several elders.

"Sixth Miss, today's Youth Tournament—we of the Gu family are placing our hopes on you!"

Elder Huo, ever outspoken and forthright, declared with vigor.

"I shall do my utmost."

At her resolute response, a rare smile crept onto the stern face of Gu Yifeng.

"Still, Qingli, do not burden yourself with pressure. Your talent is without peer, but the Li family is cunning and treacherous. Be cautious. If things turn dire, even if the elders and I must clash with the Li family on the spot, we shall not let harm befall you."

His words were firm, and a flicker of killing intent passed through his eyes.

Gu Qingli could instantly feel a fierce aura rise from the clan leader and the elders. She was momentarily at a loss—clearly, the Li family had cast a long shadow over their hearts.

Ahem. You all need to have a little more faith in me, she thought, this isn't an execution ground, is it?

"Sixth Miss will surely make Li Ke'er taste bitter defeat!"

The young members of the Gu family cheered with unwavering confidence.

With high spirits, the entire Gu clan marched out in force.

The Youth Tournament was held in the grandest arena of Loulan City—far more expansive even than the Mercenary Guild's venue. Towering terraces surrounded a vast open square, now packed with a sea of spectators. Despite the early hour, it was already a human tide.

The arena itself stood like a colossus, with rugged, majestic architecture carved in ancient style, exuding grandeur and might.

This was likely the most magnificent contest Loulan City had ever seen. Gu Qingli thought they had arrived early, yet the opposing families had come even earlier.

The arena had no roof, allowing a full view of the blue heavens above.

Each major family had its own designated seating, and the Gu family was no exception.

From across the expanse, the Li family could be seen clustered together in a dark mass. The rising din of voices and thrumming excitement gradually stirred a fire in Gu Qingli's own heart.

The atmosphere was nothing short of electrifying.

To their left sat the Mercenary Guild. Uncle Shaoyan arrived a moment later, accompanied by the ever-silent Shao Lan.

Gu Qingli was genuinely surprised—Shao Lan had actually stepped outside, and without even wearing his usual hat to hide himself.

Indeed, there were many curious glances cast his way, but with Shaoyan beside him, the presence of the Guild Master commanded natural respect—no one dared show impudence in Loulan City.

Gu Qingli beamed brightly at Shao Lan, even giving him a playful wink.

Shao Lan, ever awkward, glanced at her radiant smile, then mouthed the words be careful before quickly averting his gaze.

Gu Qingli pouted slightly. What a difficult boy, she thought. Still, the fact that he had chosen to come, and under such public scrutiny, was a tremendous step forward.

On the Gu family's other side sat none other than the City Lord's household.

Si Kongran arrived just then, waving frantically and shouting at the top of his lungs—

"Qingli!"

Gu Qingli pointedly ignored him. Utter embarrassment, she thought.

"Qingli, actually, the Youth Tournament was originally proposed by the City Lord's estate. Even now, they remain its overseers."

Gu Qingche knew his sister well—she probably had no idea about these details.

"Oh, is that so?"

Sure enough, Gu Qingli had been unaware. As she spoke, City Lord Si Kong Aofeng arrived at the grand arena below, leading an imposing retinue. As the City Lord of Loulan, he naturally wielded significant authority within its borders.

Clad in resplendent robes of royal purple and gold, his tall frame radiated a commanding presence.

His long phoenix eyes swept the crowd with razor-sharp intensity, and wherever his gaze passed, the raucous arena fell into sudden silence.

Gu Qingli couldn't help but sigh inwardly. What a dashing older man.

Behind him followed hundreds of armored guards in gleaming silver, exuding an aura of strength and discipline. All of them were young men, their faces stern and proud. Among them stood He Zhongyi, evidently the commander, right beside the City Lord himself.

The strength of the City Lord's estate was not to be underestimated—and Si Kong Aofeng's power was clearly formidable.

Only after surveying the scene with satisfaction did he speak.

"Today marks Loulan City's Youth Tournament. All participants must be under the age of eighteen—our city's most promising youths. The world is a cruel place, and thus this tournament has few constraints. Victory is for the strong. However, once one side concedes, no further attacks will be tolerated."

With a sweeping gesture of authority, the City Lord directed his guards, who swiftly formed a perfect ring around the arena's perimeter. Each stood at precisely measured intervals, posture immaculate.

Si Kong Aofeng then took his place at the center dais, directly in front of the City Lord's section, with He Zhongyi standing respectfully behind him.

Only now did Gu Qingli understand—the positioning of the guards served not just to maintain order, but as a deterrent. If anyone dared stir trouble or attempt foul play from the stands, they would first have to contend with the might of the City Lord himself.

With his declaration made and the scene firmly under control, the City Lord looked on in satisfaction. After all, it was the reputation of his estate that was at stake.

At last, the official host of the event ascended the stage. Following Si Kong Aofeng's awe-inspiring presence, the arena's atmosphere slowly rekindled—buzzing once again with excitement and anticipation.