The platform wasn't large, barely ten meters in diameter, making it one of the smallest types found in Tianluo Kingdom. Currently, two sturdy men stood poised on the one-meter-high stage, facing each other.

They glared like fierce adversaries, and every flicker of their eyes and subtle movement of their bodies betrayed a palpable tension. Below, the crowd roared its approval, chatting excitedly about the two on stage, whether they knew them or not.

He Yiming and his brother arrived at the foot of the ring. They took a careful look at the pair above, exchanged a glance, and both couldn't help but show a look bordering on a wry smile.

Upon hearing the sound of the bronze drum, they had rushed over, assuming two true masters were about to clash. To arrive only to find this scene brought a wave of disappointment.

While they couldn't immediately confirm the identities of the two men, they could tell both possessed Neijin (Internal Strength), though its intensity barely reached the third or fourth layer. For ordinary folk, this level of Neijin was remarkable, but for scions of noble families, it failed to even reach the basic fifth layer. Once their strength was assessed, the He brothers lost all interest, their initial excitement utterly extinguished. However, packed tightly by the throng in front and behind, leaving was proving difficult. With a slight shake of their heads, they remained rooted to the spot to watch the match unfold.

After a prolonged standoff, the two on the stage finally moved. Though not powerful in terms of Neijin cultivation, each had mastered a combat technique, and when unleashed, their movements were quite a spectacle.

The surrounding spectators were mostly commoners. To their eyes, the two men exchanged a flurry of blows, an energetic and exciting fight. Cheers erupted constantly, a deafening wave of sound.

No matter how robust the martial fervor in the civilian sphere, those who managed to cultivate Neijin to a proficient level were exceedingly rare. The vast majority only knew basic exercises for fitness and the most rudimentary combat skills. To them, anyone who understood Neijin was a formidable cultivator, far beyond their reach. Thus, the two men on stage, possessing Neijin and seemingly exceptional combat techniques, rightfully earned the audience's thunderous applause.

As the fight continued, the He brothers grew increasingly speechless. In their view, the combatants were beneath contempt, yet being in such an environment stirred a slight, almost embarrassing surge of zeal—a sudden urge to leap onto the platform themselves and fight without restraint.

Of course, such a thought only fleetingly crossed their minds. Given their status, engaging in a brawl in this setting was unthinkable.

Suddenly, one combatant on stage let out a fierce bellow, his entire body convulsing violently as his limbs flailed wildly, reminiscent of an epileptic fit. His opponent seemed startled by this bizarre turn, freezing for a split second. In that instant, he was struck hard in the chest and abdomen, soaring off the platform as if carried on a cloud.

The area around the ring erupted in cheers like thunder. The victor raised his hands high, basking in the adulation as if he were an emperor. The loser, sprawled beneath the stage, was instantly forgotten.

The He brothers exchanged another look, a mix of amusement and annoyance. They never anticipated such an ending. In truth, given the skill levels of the two, the man who was thrown had cultivation and technique no weaker than his opponent; he was simply stunned by the sudden madness displayed, leading to his defeat. It was a regrettable outcome, though one most onlookers failed to perceive.

The victor swaggered on the platform for a moment before loudly proclaiming, "I am Xiao Leng, a retainer of the Cheng family, holding this ring today! Which brother is willing to step up and challenge me?"

His voice carried far, but the crowd below murmured amongst themselves. Ah, a retainer of the Cheng family; no wonder he managed the final victory. Though the Cheng family possessed the weakest martial prowess among the three great noble houses, they were highly esteemed and respected within the county seat.

The man called out twice more. Seeing no challenger, his arrogance flared; his eyebrows shot up, his gaze sweeping around with an air of supreme self-regard, and his tone grew imperious.

He Yiming scoffed and started forward, but He Yi Xuan caught his arm, shaking his head slightly. "It's not worth it."

Slightly taken aback, He Yiming nodded, and together with his brother, they turned to leave.

However, just then, a sharp shout echoed, and a figure shot onto the stage like lightning.

The He brothers looked back in surprise. A man in his twenties, built like an iron tower, stood upon the platform. He wore tight-fitting martial attire, his muscles coiled and prominent beneath the cloth. Furthermore, his gaze was sharp and cold; anyone who met his eyes felt an instinctive urge to look away, as if being scorched.

"Huh, it's him," He Yi Xuan murmured softly.

"Third Brother, you know him?"

"Yes. He is Xu Yucai, the second son among the Xu family's third generation of disciples. He's a Sixth Layer Gold Element Neijin master." He Yi Xuan paused. "Strange, his aura seems significantly stronger than before."

A face suddenly flashed across He Yiming's mind, triggering a memory. When they were pursuing Hu Bin, two Sixth Layer Neijin masters from the Xu family's third generation had both been injured by Hu Bin's hand. Perhaps it was that brush with death that caused Xu Yucai to circle the gates of hell and undergo some transformation. Of course, a single, brief experience wouldn't be enough to break through the Sixth Layer barrier, but a change in spirit and bearing was hardly surprising.

He Yiming’s thoughts raced. "Second Brother, how do you know he's stronger than before?"

"I sparred with him once at the Xu Family Stronghold," He Yi Xuan replied with a slight smile.

"Who won?"

He Yi Xuan gave a proud, knowing smile and didn't answer. Seeing that smile, He Yiming realized he didn't need to ask further.

Xu Yucai, a true cultivator at the Sixth Layer of Neijin, emanated an aura upon entering the ring that instantly and completely overpowered his opponent.

Xiao Leng regarded Xu Yucai with hesitant eyes, all previous arrogance and swagger gone. Though he didn't know the man’s background, he sensed this was someone he could not possibly contend with.

"I am Xiao Leng, retainer of the Cheng family..." Xiao Leng clasped his fists cautiously. "May I ask your esteemed name, Sir?" He deliberately emphasized 'Cheng family retainer' when speaking. While he wasn't a major figure in Taicang County, the Cheng family was an undeniable behemoth; not everyone had the standing to invite trouble.

Xu Yucai gave a cold snort, not a trace of a smile on his face. He spoke in a flat, unwavering voice, "Xu Yucai."

Xiao Leng started, his expression instantly changing drastically. As a retainer of the Cheng family, he was keenly aware of the three great families of Taicang County, knew this young man was a Sixth Layer Neijin master, and was far beyond his own capabilities. What he couldn't fathom was why someone of Xu Yucai’s status would deign to challenge a small fry like himself.

Xu Yucai frowned slightly. "The ring is a place for martial contest. Will you fight, or should you step down?"

Xiao Leng felt as if granted a reprieve. He bowed deeply. "I am certainly no match for Young Master Xu. I will step down now; please forgive me, Young Master." With that, he scurried off the platform, not daring to glance back.

The crowd immediately began whispering, every topic centering on Xu Yucai. Each spectator watched the Xu Family's second young master, who stood like a celestial being on the stage, with eyes full of envy. If their statuses were closer, they might have felt jealousy, but the standing of the Xu Second Young Master was significant throughout Taicang County; to these common folk, he was a legendary figure forever beyond reach, so genuine jealousy never took root.

A sudden, bad premonition struck He Yiming. He reached out, tugging his brother’s sleeve. "Third Brother, let's go."

He Yi Xuan waved his hand dismissively. "Wait a moment."

"Why?"

"That is the Xu Second Young Master. I don't understand why he would come up to challenge. Let's watch a bit longer."

The moment his words fell, both brothers saw Xu Yucai’s gaze sweep in their direction. Though the area beneath the stage was densely packed, Xu Yucai’s eyes landed on He Yi Xuan like two sharp blades, locking onto him precisely.

In that instant, the brothers understood. Xu Yucai hadn't taken the stage to challenge the strutting Xiao Leng; he was there for He Yi Xuan.

Indeed, Xu Yucai suddenly raised his hand in a cupped-fist salute and called out loudly, "Brother He Yi Xuan, it has been two years since we last met. I trust you are well?"

All eyes turned in their direction. The crowd parted like waves, revealing the two figures standing tall, strikingly conspicuous amidst the mass.

He Yi Xuan smiled faintly and returned the gesture, clasping his fists. "Brother Xu Yucai, I never expected to meet you here after parting ways."

A sharp glint flashed in Xu Yucai's eyes. "Brother He Yi Xuan, after our last parting, I have often thought of you. Since we meet now, how about we have a little contest?"

The area beneath the stage fell silent for a beat, then exploded into countless wild cheers.

Ps: Today is Thursday; I was late because I was helping my daughter practice calligraphy, sigh... Apologies.

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