Chapter 155: Winning People’s Hearts

**"What is the meaning of this?"** 

Li Ke'er clenched her fists, her bravado thinly veiling her unease. 

The crowd merely watched in silence. Gu Qingli's group remained utterly unperturbed, secure in their invulnerability, while He Yutao maintained his usual mild composure, revealing nothing. 

The remaining independent cultivators, though wary of provoking Li Ke'er, had already assessed the situation—her faction was the weakest link. 

Against a nine-star and an eight-star Great Warrior, they stood no chance. 

Those who had endured this far were neither fools nor weaklings. 

The allure of securing a place among the top fifty was simply too great. 

**"What exactly are the benefits of making the top fifty?"** 

Gu Qingli, utterly at ease, leaned in to whisper the question to Sikong Ran and Gu Qingche. 

**"The rewards are substantial,"** Sikong Ran explained. **"Beyond prestige for oneself and one's family—though intangible, that holds its own weight—there are tangible advantages. Greater resources, heightened status within one's clan, even succession rights. For those of humble origins, a place among the top fifty opens the door to joining the City Lord's guard."** 

Gu Qingli nodded. For those without privilege or exceptional talent, this was a rare ladder to ascend. 

**"The City Lord's estate rewards its guards with elixirs annually,"** Gu Qingche added pointedly. 

Understanding dawned on Gu Qingli. Of course—with Elder Tian, the city's sole royal-grade alchemist, under the estate's employ, the allure was undeniable. 

Amused, she glanced at Li Ke'er, whose sharp mind had surely grasped her predicament. 

The Li family had sent many, but now, it seemed none but Li Ke'er herself would remain. 

No one was foolish enough to provoke her into summoning her spirit beast—what good would that serve them? 

**"Lady Li, we would never dare challenge you,"** declared the leader of the ad hoc alliance. **"We know our limits. But your retinue… surely they may step down voluntarily?"** 

A few formidable figures stood at the forefront, their temporary unity born of necessity. Eliminating Li Ke'er's supporters would leave only a handful more to remove—greatly improving their own odds. 

**"How dare you!"** 

Li Ke'er's face twisted with fury, her delicate features contorted. 

The Li clansmen around her stiffened. To be so publicly humiliated—their numbers reduced to just one—was unthinkable. 

**"If Lady Li refuses, we have no choice but to fight!"** 

Though many feared the Li family's notorious ruthlessness, none were willing to forfeit their chance at the top fifty. 

Once within the City Lord's guard, what could the Li family do to them? 

Li Ke'er trembled with rage. This was outright coercion! 

Yet what choice did she have? 

Her followers looked to her, awaiting direction—only for their so-called pillar of strength to coldly decree: 

**"Step down."** 

Stunned disbelief flashed across their faces. To yield so easily? 

They were no pushovers! 

But Li Ke'er cared only for self-preservation. Engaging now would waste her energy, leaving her vulnerable to Gu Qingli's schemes. 

**"Must I repeat myself? Go."** 

Accustomed to her tyranny, the Li clansmen could only obey, though resentment simmered beneath their bowed heads. 

Even the usually composed He Yutao frowned, his disdain for her callousness evident. 

The alliance, however, exhaled in relief—before shifting their gaze warily toward He Yutao and Gu Qingli's factions. 

Neither seemed approachable. 

As silence stretched, Sikong Ran's eyes gleamed with sudden inspiration. After a hushed exchange with his guards, he cleared his throat. 

**"Esteemed talents,"** he announced, **"the City Lord's estate welcomes worthy warriors to safeguard our city and kin. Thus, my men shall withdraw, sparing you further strife. As for the remaining two spots… you may decide amongst yourselves."** 

A masterstroke. 

This preserved the estate's potential recruits while casting Sikong Ran as magnanimous. 

**"Young Master Sikong's generosity knows no bounds!"** 

The crowd's gratitude was palpable—a stark contrast to the bitterness festering among Li Ke'er's abandoned followers. 

**"Quite the politician,"** Gu Qingli remarked dryly. 

Sikong Ran merely grinned. **"Necessity breeds ingenuity."** 

The final two eliminations passed without bloodshed—the weakest reluctantly conceding. 

And just like that, the first round concluded, with Gu Qingli having barely lifted a finger. 

A mere culling of the herd, ensuring the next stage remained manageable. 

Had every match been one-on-one, they might still be fighting at dawn.