Chapter 159: Making Friends Through Martial Arts

He fought while retreating, blood slowly trickling from the corner of his mouth, a clear sign of internal injury.

Yet, He Yutao's superior strength could not be denied.

Swiftly, he regained his footing amid Gu Qingche's tempestuous onslaught and began to mount a counteroffensive.

The vast arena erupted with exclamations of astonishment.

Many marveled at Gu Qingche's ingenious tactics, his ability to fully harness his own prowess and even suppress a slightly stronger adversary.

Had He Yutao been weaker, or less mentally resolute, Gu Qingche might have triumphed against the odds.

This contest proved to be the most exhilarating match of the day's youth tournament, both combatants earning newfound respect.

Those privy to some insider knowledge had long anticipated the final victory would be contested between Li Ke'er and Gu Qingli.

Although some had witnessed Su Yunxi's formidable power firsthand, most had only heard rumors, so curiosity about the famed prodigious maiden of Loulan City ran high.

Yet, before Gu Qingli even entered the arena, the audience was already treated to such a dazzling display.

Both young men exhibited meticulous strategy; however, He Yutao's advantage lay in his strength and his quick composure under any circumstance, earning admiration.

Conversely, Gu Qingche's tactical acumen was ruthless and exceptionally shrewd, seldom surpassed by others. Even Gu Qingli was deeply impressed, having once seen her elder brother as gentle and kind—one of the few within the Gu family, apart from their parents, who showed her warmth and affection.

No one had anticipated his silent diligence and relentless effort behind the scenes.

Gu Qingli's admiration for him grew immeasurably.

Gu Yifeng was profoundly moved; Gu Qingche's performance far exceeded his expectations, stirring anew the regrets buried within.

Had they nurtured Qingche properly from the start, he might well have rivaled He Yutao by now.

With a heavy sigh, Gu Yifeng reflected that his sole lifelong ambition was to rejuvenate the Gu family, refusing to let it suffer any decline under his watch.

Yet ironically, his actions had nearly brought ruin. Entrusting the family solely to Gu Qingli would have meant its demise.

On the battlefield, Gu Qingche and He Yutao were locked in an intense, unyielding duel. Both moved with remarkable agility, constantly shifting and exchanging blows infused with surging azure energy, neither willing to concede an inch.

The spectators were thoroughly enthralled, their cheers never ceasing.

For the combatants themselves, the fight was exhilarating, a true test of their utmost capabilities.

As time elapsed, the battle raged on for a full hour.

In the end, He Yutao narrowly claimed victory, and Gu Qingche reluctantly yielded.

Yet, the two exchanged a smile, their mutual respect deepened by the fierce contest.

"Apologies, Brother Yutao. After this match, I fear the next one may not bode well for you," Gu Qingche said with a hint of regret, as both warriors had nearly exhausted their strength in this fervent clash. Such depletion boded ill for He Yutao's subsequent bout.

He Yutao responded with a genial smile.

"To concede is no shame. To have faced Brother Qingche in combat, I have no regrets."

His expression radiated magnanimity and candor, clearly unconcerned. For him, this fight was a means to bolster the prestige of the He family, a goal he now believed was achieved.

Moreover, such an intense and unrestrained battle would greatly benefit both young men's future cultivation and insights.

As the crowd eagerly recounted the thrilling duel, the next round's pairings were announced.

Unexpectedly, Gu Qingli was to face Si Kongran.

Gu Qingli cast a faint, knowing smile toward Si Kongran, whose previously confident grin stiffened, frustration simmering beneath.

Damn it, can't you rig this a bit? I'm supposed to be from the City Lord's residence!

Si Kongran's thoughts roiled silently.

Ultimately, he reluctantly stepped onto the stage alongside Gu Qingli. Many in Loulan City knew that the young master of the City Lord's estate and the sixth young lady of the Gu family shared a close bond—yet here they were, pitted against each other.

"Xiaoli…"

"Si Kongran, why not just concede now?" Gu Qingli said with a casual air.

Si Kongran's expression was conflicted. Though tempted to give up, a part of him resisted. He knew he was no match for Qingli, but he longed for the opportunity to spar with her.

After all, being outmatched is the only way to grow stronger.

Especially when facing Qingli, the fire of combat blazed fiercely within him.

"Have you decided?" Gu Qingli asked leisurely, her pink dress fluttering gently, ebony hair cascading, eyes narrowing slightly as if savoring the gentle breeze.

"Xiaoli, I intend to concede," Si Kongran said solemnly, though his heart was already made up.

"Oh? And why is that?" Gu Qingli feigned surprise, expecting a longer hesitation.

"Next round, you face Li Ke'er. Though she is unlikely to defeat you, the Li family is cunning and treacherous. You must stay sharp and give it your all," Si Kongran replied gravely, warming Gu Qingli's heart.

"Also, I can't beat you anyway. Better to concede with dignity than to be thoroughly beaten—and everyone will surely think I fell for your charms!" he added with a cheeky grin.

Gu Qingli felt a sudden itch to strike him for his impudence.

"I yield!"

After a brief exchange, Si Kongran declared his surrender outright.

The City Lord's estate already wielded immense influence in Loulan City, and Si Kongran's reputation was well established.

Unlike Gu Qingli, a hidden dark horse, Si Kongran was a celebrated prodigy, widely acknowledged by all.

With Gu Qingli and Si Kongran off the stage, only Li Ke'er remained. She was to face He Yutao next, though He Yutao had no intention of engaging her.

He knew he likely stood no chance against her. Though Li Ke'er's strength was not overwhelming, she commanded a spirit beast.

Under present depleted conditions, there was no need to risk combat.

All eyes in the arena now eagerly anticipated the final clash between Gu Qingli and Li Ke'er—two formidable young women who had stirred the winds of Loulan City.

Who would emerge as the ultimate victor?