Chapter 157: Draw Lots for Competition

To Gu Qingli's surprise, the next contender turned out to be a young maiden, likely seventeen or eighteen years of age. Her upturned brows exuded a bold, commanding presence. Though not extraordinarily beautiful, she carried an air of valiant grace. Clad in a short tunic and long trousers, her attire was simple yet refreshingly crisp.

With a casual sweep of her gaze, Gu Qingli discerned that the girl was a Two-Star Great Warrior. For someone from an ordinary clan or a lone cultivator to reach such a level was no small feat.

Her opponent, soon to take the stage, was a lanky youth—likely just within the age threshold. A quick glance revealed he was a One-Star Great Warrior, slightly inferior in strength to the red-clad maiden.

Though their power appeared somewhat balanced, Gu Qingli felt confident the red-garbed girl would emerge victorious. After all, reaching the top fifty meant each contestant had at least achieved the rank of Great Warrior—any weaker would have been eliminated early on.

Indeed, this match was relatively even, but it didn't take long to reach a conclusion. As expected, the red-clad maiden claimed victory.

"At this pace," Gu Qingli mused aloud, "it seems the day will be sufficient to settle all outcomes."

Perhaps it was due to the early start—just after dawn—that the second round had already begun, yet the sky remained bright.

Leaning back in her chair, Gu Qingli lounged with ease, unsure when her own turn would arrive.

Just as that thought crossed her mind, fate played a trick: her name was drawn in the second round, prompting her to sit bolt upright, nearly choking in surprise.

"Heh heh, Little Li, it's your turn at last," Sikong Ran chuckled gleefully, though inwardly he was just as anxious—eager to see which poor soul would be unlucky enough to face her.

When he heard the next name and it wasn't his, he exhaled in relief.

"Off you go, Little Li," he grinned.

Gu Qingli, now the center of attention, stepped onto the stage. Her opponent followed slowly and reluctantly. When he finally arrived, he offered her a hesitant smile.

Gu Qingli raised a brow—wasn't he one of He Yutao's entourage? A fair-skinned young man with a cherubic face, looking far younger than his actual age.

Ah, yes—he bore the surname He. Clearly a member of the He family.

A Three-Star Great Warrior. Were he to face anyone else, he might have advanced further. But since fate had matched him with her, this would be his final step.

"Ah," the cherubic-faced youth sighed deeply before she could speak, visibly distressed.

"Just my luck to be pitted against the strongest one here."

His pitiful expression nearly made Gu Qingli burst into laughter.

"Well, I suppose I've no choice but to surrender. I have no desire to be used as a punching bag."

"Haha! Then surrender quickly," Gu Qingli replied with a grin. This fellow truly was a character.

"I yield!" he exclaimed with a look of great grievance.

And so, Gu Qingli advanced without lifting a finger.

She returned to her seat just as the next round of drawing began.

Within two hours, the entire second round had concluded, leaving only twenty-five contestants. Among them, Gu Qingli, Sikong Ran, He Yutao, and Li Ke'er had all advanced without combat.

Gu Qingche, however, had faced the strongest among the rogue cultivators. The battle was fierce and relentless, but in the end, he prevailed, though not without considerable effort.

With twenty-five remaining—a prime number—the rules dictated that the strongest among them would advance automatically. Rankings were determined by strength, and Gu Qingli, a Nine-Star Great Warrior, naturally secured a spot in the next round.

She hadn't expected such a privilege. According to Sikong Ran, whenever the numbers were odd, this rule applied. If even, no such benefit existed.

Given Gu Qingli's unmatched prowess, her unchallenged advancement seemed only fair.

Thus, she remained at ease, watching the ongoing battles like a leisurely spectator.

What drew her attention, however, was that despite some visible difficulty, Li Ke'er still hadn't revealed her spirit beast.

Whether it was luck or strategy, she had avoided any opponent strong enough to force her hand. Hence, her true strength remained a mystery.

Gu Qingli suspected Li Ke'er was reserving her trump card for their inevitable showdown.

A faint, cold smile tugged at Gu Qingli's lips. So all the headliners were being saved for her, it seemed.

Her gaze then shifted to He Yutao. Though perhaps not the absolute strongest among his peers, he fought with a steady, measured rhythm—reflecting the man himself: composed and dependable.

Even Gu Yifeng couldn't help but nod in approval.

"He Yutao is indeed exceptional. I'd long heard of his reputation for wisdom, though he seldom appeared in public. To see him now—so calm and reliable—is impressive. With such a successor, the He family shall enjoy stability for generations to come."

Among the six great clans of Loulan City, the He family had always held a middling position—neither rising nor falling. Yet this time, they had made a remarkable showing.

The He family had more members enter the top fifty than any other. Regardless of He Yutao's final ranking, their prestige was bound to grow.

Especially since He Yutao's strength was undeniable.

Apart from Gu Qingli—the undisputed champion—Li Ke'er, who concealed a formidable beast, and Sikong Ran, a mysterious spirit illusionist, He Yutao was arguably the most formidable remaining contestant.

"If I were to face He Yutao," Gu Qingche admitted candidly, "I would surely lose."

Not out of modesty, but realism. Gu Qingche was younger by several years, and though a Seven-Star Great Warrior, he had chosen to advance steadily and had yet to consume the powerful warrior elixir given by Gu Qingli.

With Gu Qingli as their primary hope, he had no urgent need to rush his progress.

"If you do face He Yutao," Gu Yifeng advised, "do not chase victory—treat it as a chance to hone your skills. That will be reward enough."

Gu Qingli nodded in agreement. Their clan leader was showing wisdom and warmth.

Titles meant little if they came at the cost of growth. For Gu Qingche, this battle would be a rare and valuable experience.

"I understand, Clan Leader. You may rest assured—I will not act recklessly," Gu Qingche replied with composed assurance.

Gu Yifeng smiled, finally at ease.