Chapter 13: True Strength

Murong Lingyun wiped off the sweat off his forehead, a bitter smile appeared on his face. Inside, he was seething. He hated being cornered like this, and it wounded his ego that Su Chen's onslaught of technique could break through his defenses. He didn't enjoy looking weak in front of others nor appearing unprepared. But there he was, standing battered and bruised for the empire to see.

"I hate looking uncool the most," Murong Lingyun sighs under his breath. His eyes narrowed as they focused on Su Chen with renewed determination.

The whole arena hummed with disbelief and anticipation as Murong Lingyun's eyes spotted the weapon by its side — a heaven-grade spear made from rare materials. It was their first time seeing such a weapon in many years or even ever, it exuded an aura of dominance that demanded respect.

Lingyun's father, The Grand Tutor, watched with mixed emotions plastered on his visage. Pride swelled up within him but concern followed closely behind. This is the fated day where he would find out if all the effort and sacrifices were worth it — just so that he could keep their family name from fading into obscurity.

As Murong Lingyun shot forward like lightning with his heaven-grade spear, the atmosphere became electric. Many spectators were thrilled to see such a rare weapon wielded by somebody else than Su Chen himself. Even Su Chen momentarily faltered because of Murong Lingyun's ferociousness.

Old Ji couldn't help but widen his eyes at what was happening in front of him when he sensed something different in the air… Spear intent? In golden core realm? Even people who had lived for generations wouldn't have heard about this technique before meeting him today!

Su Chen instantly understood why everything had suddenly turned more intense and ignited his core without thinking much about it. The profound energy inside him matched Murong Lingyun's spear intent, he too believed that it was time to test out his real strength.

But, before Su Chen could take advantage of this sudden power-up, a voice louder than thunder roared. "Not yet!" Murong Lingyun's voice reverberated through the arena and shook everybody within earshot. Every syllable carried with it defiance and determination.

Wang Chu observed all of this with an impassive expression. He had been expecting something like this to happen — he knew that Murong Lingyun held more treasures than just physical combat.

Murong Lingyun had proven himself against Su Chen, but his opponent's power was just too much. He fought with the grace of a dancer, each move calculated and precise. But as powerful as he was, it wasn't enough to overcome Su Chen's enhanced core.

Wang Chu's mind was working quickly. This duel wasn't just about who would win. It was an opportunity for him to recognize potential talent— and what better way to do that than by seeing someone at their worst? As Su Chen landed his final blow and Murong Lingyun slowly crumpled to the ground, the arena fell quiet.

Though defeated, Murong Lingyun stood tall and strong in front of Su Chen. His eyes shimmered with admiration as he looked at him.

Su Chen took a moment to look out over the crowd before meeting eyes with Murong Lingyun. "Still not convinced?" he asked, an air of curiosity in his voice. "You think that if you practice hard enough you can beat me?"

Murong Lingyun met Su Chen's gaze without hesitation, though his weariness was obvious on his face. Just because he lost didn't mean his determination wavered in the slightest bit."Truth be told," began Su Chen again with a slight smile on his lips, "I don't think I even used half my strength."

The words hung in the air like fog over trees. The color drained from Murong Lingyun's face when it finally hit him what Su Chen meant."Not even…" he whispered under his breath.

Now fully aware of what was happening around them, everyone's attention shifted towards Su Chen as he drew his sword from its sheath.The blade shone brightly under the lights of the arena as a deadly aura swirled around it; only one thing could it be described as: killing intent.

The audience let out a collective gasp as they felt this energy press against their chests.

The sword was a skill passed down from the Asura Clan, a technique that had been honed over countless generations of war and fighting. Su Chen knew that Murong Lingyun could feel it as well.

"If I were to strike you with this," said Su Chen as he directed his sword towards Murong Lingyun, "do you think you'd survive?"

His words were said with force, they hung heavily in the air as they demanded an answer— can you truly understand what it means to go up against someone like me? This is what he wanted to know.

The Grand Tutor raised his voice for everyone now quieted by fear and awe. "That's enough." His voice boomed in the arena. "You've shown us all more than we ever would have asked for."

The Grand Tutor's voice boomed out with authority, silencing the mutterings and whispers that trailed Su Chen's challenge. "Enough." His eyes scanned across the crowd, his gaze landing on Wang Chu and his entourage. "You have given us more than we expected."

As fear began to dissipate from the air, he motioned for Wang Chu to join him in a private conversation. But just as he was about to finish, a young voice penetrated the serious atmosphere.

"Master!" Xiao Chi had been observing everything with rapt attention. Now, he pushed his way through the throng of people, excitement gleaming in his eyes. "Can I fight against the Prince?" The words slipped out of his mouth before he could even think.

Wang Chu looked at him with an amused gaze mixed with surprise. A moment ago they were all engulfed in tension but this disciple brought lightness into the air. "Xiao Chi," he spoke lightly, amusement lacing each word, "this is not a childhood scuffle."

Xiao Chi faltered for a short moment before determination flared once again in his pupils. "But Master! I've practiced so hard!" He insisted eagerly.

Sighing inwardly, Wang Chu knew it would be difficult to change Xiao Chi's mind now that he had set it on something. He glanced at the Grand Tutor briefly before turning back to Xiao Chi with a small smile on his face."Alright," he finally gave in and Xiao Chi's face lit up at once."Just remember this is not about winning or losing," he reminded gently."It's about applying what you've learned."

"Yes Master!" Xiao Chi nodded quickly and dashed off towards where the Prince and his group stood.

When Xiao Chii, who was only seven years old launched Titan Blow like it was some childhood game that he enjoyed, the crowd chuckled in amusement and anticipation. The Prince was taken aback by his challenge but couldn't hide his surprise when Titan Blow hit him with an unexpected amount of force.

The impact of Little Chi's Titan Blow shook the whole arena. As a child, the prince had never encountered such power before. His body froze for a moment due to the shock, allowing Old Ji to step in time to prevent him from suffering any serious consequences from being hit by massive strength unleashed by Xiao Chi.

Old Ji's smooth movement caught everyone off guard. The audience gasped in awe as they sighed in relief realizing that the prince could have been seriously hurt if it weren't for Old Ji's intervention.

Xiao Chi, still not understanding how bad things could have gotten, snickered playfully. He didn't see a problem with hitting with all his might because this was just a game to him.

Not even flinching after his blow got intercepted by Old Ji, Xiao Chi turned towards the Prince and smirked mischievously at him."I was only warming up," He teased with an innocent smile on his face that played along well with his playful tone.

The Prince, stunned by the unexpected blow, took pause to reorient himself. He blinked in surprise at Xiao Chi's audacity before a mix of annoyance and amusement flitted across his features. Suppressing a smile, he replied, "Impressive, young one. But let's see if you can handle a real challenge."

Su Chen's laughter echoed out as he watched the exchange with mirth twinkling in his eyes. It was rare to find someone like Su Chen that could bring an air of levity to any situation; even here where everything was so serious. "Xiao Chi," Su Chen said with a grin. Another Titan Blow."

Xiao Chi nodded rapidly, determination written all over his face as he bounced on the balls of his feet excitedly. "I won't let you down, Senior Brother!" he shouted back at him.

As the excitement from Xiao Chi's unexpected blow settled, the Prince couldn't help but still be taken aback by it all. He straightened his posture and gave Xiao Chi a measured look.

"Hmph," The Prince huffed condescendingly with a smirk on his lips. "Not bad for a child." His arrogance bled into every word as he spoke to Xiao Chi.

Wang Chu raised an hand between them, halting any further challenges immediately when he spoke up next. "Hold on you two," Wang Chu interjected calmly though there was an edge to it now that hadn't been there beforehand.. "The Grand Tutor requests us."

Turning to Wang Chu with a pout still glued to his face, Xiao Chi nodded obediently despite himself ––tranquilized by their superior's summons.

Still standing tall and towering above those around him, the Prince leaned back just slightly while giving Xiao Chi another once-over.

"Remember your place." The Prince warned him this time giving him a stern look. His voice carried the weight of his station as he spoke down to the younger boy.

Su Chen, observing the exchange between Xiao Chi and the Prince, couldn't help but notice the arrogance in the Prince's demeanor. His playful smile faded, replaced by a steely glint in his eyes as he addressed the Prince directly.

"Remember your place," Su Chen echoed, his voice carrying a weight that demanded attention. His gaze locked onto the Prince, unwavering and intense. "My master might not care about an opinion of ants, but I'm not like him , try to threaten Xiao Chi again. I'll make sure not even your Emperor can save you".

Wang Chu, sensing the tension escalating, intervened once more with his calm yet authoritative voice. "Enough posturing for now".