Chapter 152 The Competition Begins

Gu Qingli was certain this seating arrangement had been deliberately orchestrated by the City Lord's Mansion.

The Gu family was flanked by the Mercenary Guild on one side and the City Lord's Mansion on the other, fostering a rather harmonious atmosphere. Opposite them, separated by a wide obsidian arena, sat the Li family—so far away that their expressions were completely indiscernible.

"Not having to see the Li clan's faces is actually a blessing," remarked Gu Qingche unexpectedly, his usual gentleness tinged with rare disdain, a sentiment that mirrored Gu Qingli's own unmasked aversion.

In that moment, Gu Qingli understood—regardless of her involvement, the Li family's unpopularity meant that their downfall was merely a matter of time.

As representatives from all major powers arrived, the air inside the venue grew increasingly fervent. The announcer's resounding voice soon echoed throughout the arena.

"Greetings, everyone! Today marks a grand occasion in Loulan City—a time for our youth to showcase their strength and prowess."

Gu Qingli glanced around. The enormous venue was filled to capacity. Only the sections reserved for the elite had been specially arranged; the remaining seats were first come, first served. By the time the Gu family arrived, every spot was already claimed, the entire arena a sea of bustling heads.

"Xiao Li, how about this seating? Not bad, huh?"

To her surprise, Sikong Ran approached, undeterred by Gu Qingli's earlier dismissal. After all, only a narrow aisle separated their respective seats.

"You arranged this seating?"

"Of course. Who wants to ruin their mood looking at Li Ke'er's face?"

"How considerate of you."

"Heh, naturally."

"Xiao Li, not many from your Gu family are competing, huh?" Sikong Ran swept a glance behind her, noting that most seemed more like spectators than contenders.

"That's right. I'm more than enough. Why bother sending others up just to make things more complicated?"

In truth, the more powerful the family, the fewer participants they sent—only their finest. Smaller families, however, tended to field more contestants, hoping someone might defy the odds and earn a high ranking, thereby elevating the family's reputation.

"Xiao Li, aren't you being a little too arrogant?" Sikong Ran teased.

"Arrogant? I'm merely stating a fact."

Her confident, matter-of-fact tone left one helpless—and yet, Sikong Ran had to admit, she was right. With her strength, the Gu family didn't need anyone else.

Only Gu Qingche would join her, hoping to gain some experience. After all, sending too few participants might give outsiders the impression that the Gu family had no promising youth. Yet with Gu Qingli's overwhelming power, even one person was enough to eclipse the rest.

In the face of such absolute strength, numbers became irrelevant.

All hopes now rested on her shoulders alone.

"Xiao Li, be gentle with me if we cross paths, alright?" Sikong Ran grinned, attempting to charm her.

"That depends on whether you run into my fists," she replied with a raised brow and a playful smile.

At last, the announcer's clear voice rang out again, steering the crowd toward the main event.

"Our Loulan City Youth Tournament proceeds in two stages. First, all participants will take to the arena and engage in open combat. The match continues until only fifty contestants remain."

No one seemed surprised—clearly, this brutal format was already well-known, a tradition upheld for many years.

Though it was Gu Qingli's first time hearing of it, she found the rules rather merciless. It wasn't just about strength, but also numbers and strategy. No wonder families sent so many; forming temporary alliances was clearly part of the plan.

The method was efficient. It allowed for swift elimination of the weaker contestants. Even if one was strong, sheer numbers could be overwhelming. Unless, of course, one possessed unmatched power—like Gu Qingli.

"So, Xiao Li, want to team up with me?" Sikong Ran asked.

"That's worth considering."

She wasn't foolish. With just her and Gu Qingche, they'd be at a disadvantage. Aligning with Sikong Ran would reduce the threat. Few would dare provoke their combined force. Even the scheming Li family would be forced to back down. It would make things far easier.

Spending too much energy in the first round was unwise.

"So the families send many to wear down the competition?"

"Partly. And also to protect their prodigies from being ambushed early on."

That explained Sikong Ran's surprise—why hadn't the Gu family sent more participants?

Truthfully, the Gu patriarch would have loved to, but Gu Qingli was their only remarkable talent. Anyone else would only highlight their weakness and invite ridicule. It was this very scarcity that once made them treasure Gu Qinglin so highly. If not for her self-destruction, they wouldn't have shifted all their hopes to Gu Qingli.

Some people, it seemed, didn't need enemies to bring about their downfall—they were their own undoing.

"Then it's settled, Xiao Li. We'll join forces in the first round, in case the Li family tries anything underhanded."

Clearly, the Li family's reputation for deceit was deeply ingrained in everyone's minds.

With the first round explained, the announcer moved on to the next.

A large chest was brought onstage, gleaming under the sun.

"According to long-standing tradition," the announcer declared, "the names of the fifty victors from round one will be placed in this box. Opponents will be selected by random draw. Each match will continue until one contestant yields."

So those were the rules—or rather, the lack of them. If no one surrendered, the fight could go on indefinitely. Even to the death.

"Now, I declare the Loulan City Youth Tournament officially open! All participants, take the stage!"

With that commanding proclamation, figures leapt up from all corners of the arena.

"Xiao Li, let's go!" said Sikong Ran as he rose. His usual playful expression gave way to a sharp, cold gaze as his peach-blossom eyes swept the crowd—a stark contrast to the smiling boy from the City Lord's Mansion. He now radiated pride and frost.

Gu Qingli exchanged a glance with Gu Qingche, then nodded toward Sikong Ran. Together, they rose and stepped forward.