The disciples of Kunlun City were instantly charmed by Gu Qingli's adorably obedient demeanor.
After all, who could resist a girl as enchanting as a little celestial sprite? Some of the young women even reached out to caress her delicate cheeks, their hearts steeped in envy—after all, the revered Master Dongfang Kunlun had never before accepted a disciple.
Watching the scene unfold, Chu Chensheng couldn't help but scoff inwardly. That wretched girl might be endearing, but the thought that her strength rivaled his own left a bitter taste in his mouth. Her talent actually surpassed his? How absurd.
With a wave of his hand, a young man stepped forward and approached the body of the azure wolf. His sword flicked with practiced precision, and a blood-streaked, crystal-like emerald core dropped neatly into his palm.
"They're taking the demon core!" cried a girl from among the Kunlun disciples.
"Well, aren't you shameless?" another sneered.
Gu Qingli turned toward Chu Chensheng with a mischievous glint in her eyes and a wicked little grin.
Chu Chensheng's handsome face darkened at once. He ground his teeth and snapped, "Gu Qingli, are you itching for a beating? If not for the old monster's protection, I'd have taught you a lesson long ago."
"Oh? You think you can take me on?" Gu Qingli teased deliberately.
The little girl, porcelain-perfect and barely five years old, lifted her plump chin with regal pride—so adorably haughty it drew chuckles from the surrounding disciples.
"You! Fine then, I challenge you to a duel!"
Chu Chensheng, though only eight, had always carried himself with a composure that outshone even many adults.
Yet now, this five-year-old imp had so thoroughly ruffled him, simply because no one had ever dared provoke him in such a way.
Gu Qingli's eyes sparkled as an idea came to her.
"Very well, a wager then! I don't care that you're older—I'm not afraid of you. Let's bet on the demon core of this azure wolf!"
Her boldness made the Kunlun disciples admire her all the more.
"If you defeat me, the core is yours. But if you lose, you'll kneel, apologize, and call me 'Brother Chen' from now on!"
It was rare for Chu Chensheng to descend into such childish antics.
"And if I win," Gu Qingli countered, her eyes gleaming with mischief, "you'll have to call me 'Granny Qingli'!"
The entire crowd burst into laughter. This little girl was simply too delightful.
"You—!"
A flush crept across Chu Chensheng's handsome young face.
"What's the matter? Afraid?" Gu Qingli arched a brow, her eyes dancing with provocation.
"What nonsense! Today I'll teach you a lesson in place of that old monster!"
Teeth clenched, Chu Chensheng charged forward.
Gu Qingli activated the Phoenix Flame Manual within her, her small frame twisting agilely as she evaded his strike.
She knew well that there was a considerable gap between her strength and his. But when it came to speed, she trusted in the Starstep footwork within her technique. Fleeing when outmatched had been her guiding principle for five years—and no one was better at it than her.
Chu Chensheng let out a cold snort, his hands glowing with gray light as he launched a barrage of strikes toward her—though he held back just enough to avoid causing real harm.
At the early ranks, whether warrior or spirit practitioner, one's energy and power could only be used in linear attacks.
Only upon reaching the Royal Tier could one learn diverse skills, mold energy into tangible forms, and unleash techniques that signaled a true master's emergence.
Gray light chased after Gu Qingli in sharp succession. Her small figure darted through the air, weaving with uncanny grace—each move narrowly avoiding impact, yet never once faltering.
The onlookers could hardly breathe, their hands clenched in tension for her.
Chu Chensheng frowned deeply. Not a single strike had connected.
"Is running away all you know, you little brat?" he shouted, attempting to provoke her.