Chapter 158: The Needle and the Wheat

Gu Yifeng could not help but sigh inwardly. In truth, Qingche was an exceptional seedling…

In the past, he had focused all his attention on nurturing Gu Qinglin, overlooking the other promising youths within the family.

Had he invested the same care and effort in Gu Qingche, the boy would likely have reached the level of an Eight-Star Martial Warrior by now.

Though a moment of regret flickered through Gu Yifeng's heart, he quickly composed himself.

Fortunately, it was not too late. As long as he began now to earnestly support the younger generation of the Gu family, their lineage would surely rise and prosper.

By the time the final round commenced, only seven contenders remained—and once again, Gu Qingli advanced without a fight.

At this stage of the Youth Martial Tournament, the remaining few knew well the nature of the competition. Naturally, Li Ke'er and Sikong Ran both emerged victorious with grace and ease.

Gu Qingchen, however, finally encountered He Yutao—the last match before the final four would be determined.

The victor of this duel would earn a place among the top four.

The top four would then battle in pairs, until a single champion stood above all.

All eyes from the Gu family were riveted on the field. He Yutao's previous performances had been consistently outstanding—his strength and tactical composure, all remarkably solid.

"Brother Yutao, it's been a while. I look forward to exchanging pointers with you today," Gu Qingche greeted with a bright, open smile.

He and He Yutao were of similar age, both sons of influential clans in Loulan City, and had crossed paths before.

"You're too modest, Brother Qingche," He Yutao replied calmly. "Though I'm a few years older, with your talent, you'll soon surpass me."

He was a serious young man, and his words, neither falsely humble nor overly flattering, earned genuine goodwill.

Indeed, while Gu Qingche was not yet his equal, in time, his potential would no doubt eclipse He Yutao's—especially with a sister who was a gifted alchemist.

"Then let us begin," said Gu Qingche, the genial smile vanishing from his face as his aura surged.

A sharp light gathered in his narrowed eyes, and waves of cyan battle energy instantly coalesced around him.

His gaze was keen, his stance vigilant, yet he made no hasty move to strike first.

He Yutao was undeniably stronger. Acting rashly at this moment would likely spell disaster.

Calm and cautious, He Yutao released a probing blast of cyan energy—deliberately restrained, a test of waters.

Gu Qingche met it head-on with a graceful flick of his hand, dispersing the force with ease.

"Again!"

With a cry, He Yutao leapt into the air, fists clenched and glowing with cyan light—like twin suns—hurtling toward Gu Qingche.

The latter narrowed his eyes but remained composed.

He retreated swiftly and fluidly, arms extended, palms open, as a soft current of battle energy unfurled toward the incoming blow like a breeze through leaves.

Brilliant.

Gu Qingli, watching keenly from the sidelines, silently applauded.

She knew her brother lacked the raw power to face He Yutao head-on. A direct clash would only bring him harm.

Instead, he evaded the sharp edge and countered with subtlety—a strategy of softness overcoming force.

A shrewd and intelligent approach.

Now that the competition had reached its final four, none remaining could be considered anything less than the elite of Loulan's young generation. This match instantly seized the crowd's attention.

Few had expected such excitement from the first bout of the round. The arena erupted with cheers and shouts of admiration.

Anyone with a measure of combat experience could recognize the brilliance of Gu Qingche's maneuver.

For the first time, many within Loulan City realized that the Gu family had more than just the formidable Gu Qingli.

Until now, Gu Qingche had always stood in the shadow of his sister, his own talent overlooked by those around him.

Yet today, he revealed his own radiance—a youth with both strength and strategy, destined to be a figure of renown.

"Now this is the Youth Martial Tournament of Loulan City," Sikong Ran said with a grin. "Every name that rises to fame here first shines on this stage. With this battle alone, Gu Qingche has earned his place among Loulan's finest young warriors."

He Yutao, unexpectedly finding himself restrained and disrupted, quickly steadied his breathing.

No longer pressing forward recklessly, he stepped back, dimmed the glow of his fists, and surveyed Gu Qingche's surroundings for an opening.

In the blink of an eye, he appeared at Gu Qingche's right flank.

"Well done!"

Gu Qingche shouted, a fierce light flashing in his eyes.

The battle energy within him surged wildly, cascading toward He Yutao like a tidal wave.

The crowd gasped in astonishment.

Up to this moment, Gu Qingche had fought with calm restraint, leading many to believe he had adopted a purely defensive approach against the stronger opponent.

He Yutao, likewise, had toned down his attacks—both to conserve strength and to exhaust his opponent.

But Gu Qingche had flipped the board.

His sudden assault, like a relentless wave of cyan energy, struck with overwhelming force.

"This kid… he acts all quiet and unassuming, but he's sly as they come!" Sikong Ran clicked his tongue in surprise.

Even Gu Qingli was visibly thrilled.

The entire audience buzzed with awe—none had anticipated Gu Qingche's cunning.

"Watch your mouth!" Gu Qingli shot Sikong Ran a glare, her phoenix eyes flashing with unspoken threat.

The message was clear: if he dared speak carelessly again, and they were matched later—she'd show no mercy.

"Understood, understood! I get it!" Sikong Ran laughed nervously.

Gu Qingche's grasp of battlefield momentum and human psychology was nothing short of masterful.

He Yutao was forced back, his breath faltering, blood and energy churning within.

Had his reactions been a fraction slower—or his cultivation a shade weaker—he might already have lost.

Despite the high regard in which he held Gu Qingche, He Yutao now realized he had underestimated him.

It was the first time in his entire cultivation journey that someone younger and less powerful had driven him to such a disadvantage.

And Gu Qingche did not relent.

Even as He Yutao retreated, struggling to suppress the turmoil within, Gu Qingche pressed forward like a storm.

Waves of cyan energy surged from both flanks, giving He Yutao no chance to catch his breath.