Chapter 20: The Trial of Skill

Being one of the eight great generals of the Imperial Guard certainly sounds awe-inspiring, but in the eyes of some, it is nothing more than a title. The Imperial Guard is the Emperor’s personal force, yet these generals possess not a shred of actual military authority. Furthermore, the Xiao family is merely a minor aristocratic house. Aside from Xiao Qi, what other figures do they have to speak of? Given such a level, if they truly dared to take action against Wang Yu, how could he possibly let them off lightly in the future?

Therefore, today, as long as Xiao Buyu is not a fool, he would at most seek to defeat Wang Yu to bruise his ego and help his backers diminish Wang Yu’s reputation. He would not dare to go further, even if a prince or the Crown Prince were truly standing behind him. Moreover, Wang Yu did not believe he would lose to Xiao Buyu! Having just awakened his second skill, his strength had surged, and he was filled with absolute confidence.

"Very well. Since Brother Xiao insists, it would be improper for me to decline further. Please, enlighten me!" Seemingly unable to refuse Xiao Buyu's persistence, Wang Yu finally agreed.

In the Tianqi Continent, the martial spirit is prevalent. Within the territories of the various dynasties, there are countless martial artists, and duels are naturally not prohibited. As long as you do not disrupt the public order or cause loss of life, no one will interfere with your duels. Of course, if you damage anyone’s property during the fight, you must pay full compensation.

The two did not bother choosing a special venue; they simply found an open space nearby. At their current level of strength, their sparring would not cause significant damage, so there was no need for a formal arena. The young men who had just finished registering, and even some who had not, followed them to watch the spectacle. Xiao Buyu was a notable figure among the younger generation in the capital, and Wang Yu was hailed as one of the Ten Heavenly Prodigies of the Great Cang Dynasty—a rising star in his own right. A duel between these two would naturally draw quite a crowd.

"Brother Xiao, after you!" Neither used weapons; they were merely testing their hand-to-hand combat skills. Besides, if Wang Yu were to use a weapon, Xiao Buyu might not dare to continue. If an accident occurred, he could not bear the consequences.

"Young Master, then let us begin!"

As soon as the words fell, both men lunged at each other, throwing punches.

"Ding! Xiao Buyu’s base martial strength is 94. Martial General skill +2. Current martial strength rises to 96."

"Ding! Wang Yu’s base martial strength is 90. Martial General skill +2. Current martial strength rises to 92."

"Boom!"

"Boom!"

The ground shook as they exploded forward. The two, who had appeared to be chatting amicably, used the force of their stance to launch an attack as if they were mortal enemies. It was a terrifying display.

"Bang!"

Their fists collided. Xiao Buyu launched a fierce offensive, increasing his strike speed. Wang Yu, naturally, held nothing back, his iron fists aiming for Xiao Buyu’s vital points. Xiao Buyu only wanted to defeat Wang Yu to humble him and ruin his reputation; he did not dare to deal a lethal blow. Wang Yu, however, was different. As long as he didn't kill him, merely inflicting a heavy injury would not lead to any major repercussions.

"Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang!"

Both sides traded heavy blows, their fists and feet clashing with a brutal style that whipped up a gust of wind. Although Xiao Buyu’s manifested martial strength was higher than Wang Yu’s, his internal energy was only at the early stage of the first-class level. Wang Yu, on the other hand, not only possessed super-first-class external prowess but had also just broken through to the Xiantian realm with his internal energy.

Furthermore, there was a vast difference in the cultivation techniques they practiced. Wang Yu’s ancestor, the first-generation General of the Eastern Defense, along with the other three generals, were sworn brothers of the founding Emperor of Great Cang. While conquering the empire, before the Great Cang Dynasty was formally established, they had accidentally acquired two supreme manuals after eliminating a local warlord: the *Dragon Emperor Treasure Canon* and the *Buddha Prison-Suppression Scripture*. Legend had it that these techniques were passed down from the legendary Divine Martial Emperor, though the truth was uncertain. Nevertheless, they were undeniably among the top-tier techniques in the world. Since then, the Great Cang Emperor kept the *Dragon Emperor Treasure Canon* for the royal family, while the four generals shared the *Buddha Prison-Suppression Scripture*, passing it down to this day. Thus, despite Xiao Buyu’s superior martial strength, Wang Yu did not fall behind in the slightest.

"Young Master Yu is truly worthy of being called a prodigy of Great Cang; no one else compares!" the onlookers whispered among themselves.

"Some people in the capital act as if they are someone, but they pale in comparison to a true prodigy!" Wherever there are people, there is conflict; it was unclear if the speaker had a grudge against Xiao Buyu, but the remark was as good as naming him directly.

Wang Yu remained unfazed, but Xiao Buyu was consumed by rising fury. His rhythm faltered, and Wang Yu, spotting the opening, stepped forward and delivered a heavy punch to his eye, leaving him with a blackened bruise.

"Young Master indeed has great skill. Next, I shall show you my true strength!" Xiao Buyu suppressed his anger and forced a smile.

"Brother Xiao’s fist techniques are exquisite; I would be honored to learn more!" Wang Yu replied with a bow, appearing perfectly sincere.

"Bang!"

With a three-step lunge, Xiao Buyu rushed in, shifting from his previous broad, sweeping style to a series of cunning and intricate strikes, hoping to suppress Wang Yu through sheer technical pressure.

"Ding! Xiao Buyu’s 'Strive for Martial Prowess' skill has been activated.
Strive for Martial Prowess: An advancement of the 'Displaying Might' skill. Can be further upgraded to 'Fierce Combat'.
Effect 1: Upon activation, own martial strength +4.
Effect 2: For every ten rounds of combat, own martial strength +1, up to three times. (Only unlocks after base martial strength reaches the Heavenly Level.)
Xiao Buyu’s 'Strive for Martial Prowess' Effect 1 activated. Martial strength +4. Current martial strength rises to 100."

It seemed Xiao Buyu was truly enraged, having unleashed his second skill. Unfortunately, despite the system notification, Wang Yu’s expression remained unchanged. This level of power was not enough to cause him to falter.

"Well played!" Wang Yu shouted, throwing his own punch.

"Ding! Wang Yu’s 'Martial Hero' Effect 1 activated. Martial strength +6. Current martial strength rises to 98."

He used the most basic of fist techniques, but his style was wild and bold, meeting Xiao Buyu’s strikes head-on. If you have your cunning techniques, I will simply smash them into submission with raw force! As his skill activated, Wang Yu felt a surge of power welling up from deep within his body.