Of course, this was not flattery. Gu Qingnian simply found Xu Jiawei somewhat interesting.
Killing him outright was certainly an option, but the Star Luo Empire would descend into chaos, drastically changing the balance of power on the continent. That would do Gu Qingnian no good, though it would not do him much harm, either.
An idea suddenly surfaced. Gu Qingnian paused and began communicating with the system in his mind, searching for something-and he actually found it.
After exchanging for it, Gu Qingnian looked at Xu Jiawei and the others with excitement filling his eyes, sending a chill through Cheng Gang and the rest.
Memories and bizarre runes gradually flooded Gu Qingnian's mind, while a mark spontaneously formed between his brows.
The mark was pitch-black, resembling a simply sketched crown. It exuded an oppressive, spirit-subjugating presence, as though anyone who looked at it would surrender their body and soul.
Gu Qingnian's eyes gleamed. His left hand suddenly shot toward Cheng Gang's throat beside Xu Jiawei. Cheng Gang quickly snapped back to his senses and retreated frantically, simultaneously mobilizing his soul power to defend against Gu Qingnian's attack.
Unfortunately for him, Gu Qingnian sneered, then flexed his hand. A terrifying, invisible suction erupted, dragging Cheng Gang's retreating body back at tremendous speed.
Cold sweat streamed down Cheng Gang's body. He unleashed his soul power recklessly, weighing himself down so he could continue his arduous retreat, while wisps of black energy spread around him.
How could Gu Qingnian allow that? The suction surged again as he gave a vicious backward tug. Feeling the pull wrenching at his body, Cheng Gang stamped his foot hard against the ground.
At the same time, he hauled himself backward as though uprooting a drooping willow. The instant his body leaned back, Gu Qingnian sneered and