Gu Qingli halted her steps as he ceased his assault, her delicate frame rising and falling gently with each breath.
A crimson smile blossomed on her lips as she beamed and said, "Well? Dodging is a skill too. If you think yourself capable, let me be the one to strike. If I land a hit, you admit defeat!"
When it came to speed, she refused to believe this eight-year-old brat could best her.
"You sharp-tongued little imp! You think such petty tricks can win against me? Hmph! You'll find it's not so simple!"
Of course, Chu Chensheng wouldn't fall for such an obvious ploy. Still, her speed had clearly left him stunned—he knew in his heart he couldn't match her agility.
His lips curled into a cold smirk as he suddenly extended his arm. A streak of green light shot forth from his middle finger.
"Oh? Can't win, so you're calling in reinforcements now?"
Gu Qingli hadn't expected this arrogant boy to also be a Spirit Illusionist. Looking closely, she spotted a green ring on his finger.
A green ring—the telltale sign of a Spirit Illusionist. Though some, like Dongfang Kunlun, preferred to conceal their identity and would wear it elsewhere.
Dongfang Kunlun's eyes narrowed in surprise. "A Twin-Wing Azure Dragon."
At the same time, his hands clenched imperceptibly, ready to intervene the moment Gu Qingli was in real danger.
Beside Chu Chensheng appeared a beast twice his size. Its head bore the resemblance of a dragon, while its body was more akin to a great lizard. Two azure wings protruded from its back, its scales shimmering with a brilliant teal hue, and two lantern-sized eyes glared menacingly in Gu Qingli's direction.
The magic dragons of the Shen Gu Continent bore little resemblance to those of her former world.
Though only a juvenile, the Twin-Wing Azure Dragon radiated power and majesty.
"As expected from a child—losing and calling for help already."
Gu Qingli taunted him with a smirk, but her small frame was taut with tension, every nerve alert.
Truth be told, she admired Chu Chensheng. To possess such achievements at the age of eight was no small feat. Talent alone was never enough; it was clear he had trained with tireless devotion. Unlike her, who merely wore the disguise of a child—he truly was only eight years old. She couldn't help but respect him.
Still, when such words were spoken from the lips of a five-year-old with cherubic cheeks, the result was simply absurd.
Two monstrous children locked in battle—no wonder the young disciples of Kunlun City were so thoroughly exasperated. Where on earth had these little monsters come from?
"What a joke! Spirit Illusionists always fight alongside their contracted beasts. It's the law of the land! If you have the skill, summon one too! Oh—wait, you're not a Spirit Illusionist, are you?"
Chu Chensheng caught the guarded tension in Gu Qingli's expression and allowed himself a small, smug moment of triumph.
Gu Qingli pursed her lips and shot a glance at Dongfang Kunlun.
He, in turn, raised his head to the sky, feigning ignorance. Clearly, even her master was curious to see her true strength. She cursed him silently—what an old monster indeed.
"Dealing with a pompous brat like you? I have plenty of tricks up my sleeve!"
Gu Qingli snorted arrogantly, her tone dripping with disdain.
"You little wretch—still so mouthy! Qingfeng, attack!"
Chu Chensheng pointed forward, his youthful face drawn into a fierce and commanding expression.
The Twin-Wing Azure Dragon let out a thunderous roar and lunged at Gu Qingli, leaving a streak of teal in the air. Its gaping maw flashed with rows of gleaming, razor-sharp fangs.
Given Gu Qingli's tiny frame, it looked as though the beast might swallow her whole.
All around, the crowd watched with bated breath, hearts lodged in their throats.
Gu Qingli inhaled sharply, her nimble body darting to the side. With a push from her back foot, she soared into the air just in time to evade the creature's assault. While midair, she twisted gracefully and flung a handful of black powder behind her.
The beast, having missed its target, roared in frustration and turned with startling agility—only to run headfirst into the cloud of powder. It let out a thunderous sneeze.
As Gu Qingli landed lightly on the ground, she scarcely had time to catch her breath before a volley of grey light surged toward her. But she reacted with lightning speed, flicking her fingers to release five silver threads that intercepted the attack, scattering the grey energy in a brilliant burst.