The Wu family training grounds were modest compared to the vast arenas of Verdant Lotus Peak but were well-maintained and functional. Situated behind the manor, the grounds featured an open area surrounded by neatly trimmed hedges, with a few stone practice dummies and target boards set up for various training exercises.

They gathered up a decent crowd, mostly servants and guards curious to see what a cultivator fight looked like but also what Jiang Tao assumed to be members of the Wu family judging by their fine garbs.

Yixing stretched and loosened up, his movements smooth and confident. His friend’s enthusiasm was infectious, and he was eager to see how their current skills measured up against each other.

Then he gave Jiang Tao a confident smile. “I haven’t had a proper duel in a while. Internal arts or just a simple showing ?”

“Anything goes,” Jiang Tao replied with a grin.

“Are you ready, Jiang Tao?” Zhou Yixing asked, his tone laced with a friendly challenge.

“Ready,” He replied, his eyes narrowing with focus. “Let’s see what you’ve got.”

Without warning, Zhou Yixing moved, a blur of motion as he darted forward, a palm strike aimed straight at his core.

Jiang Tao however was ready, with a fluid sidestep he evaded the strike and countered with a quick chop aimed at his neck.

Yixing’s reflexes were sharp, and he deflected the jab with ease, the clash of their strikes ringing out across the training grounds.

They separated, circling each other and exchanging probing strikes. Anyone familiar with martial arts could see the actual fight had yet to begin.

They were getting each other's measure, evaluating how much the other had grown since they last traded blows.

He could tell Yixing’s strikes were more powerful now; there was a profundity to them that was absent back at the sect.

It wasn't just raw skill anymore; Zhou Yixing understood the intent of his attacks, making each move more deliberate and impactful.

Zhou Yixing launched a series of rapid kicks, forcing him to backpedal and parry.

JTao responded with a sweeping low kick, attempting to unbalance Yixing, but his friend backflipped effortlessly avoiding his maneuver.

Now that's just unnecessary. He thought in amusement, at the flashy move.

Jiang Tao decided to switch tactics. He feinted a high punch, drawing Zhou Yixing’s guard up, then quickly shifted his stance and delivered a powerful palm strike to his midsection.

Yixing grunted, absorbing the blow and retaliating with a spinning kick that Jiang Tao barely blocked.

Leaping back, he eyed him warily. "You've gotten better, Jiang Tao," he said, rolling his shoulders.

Tao chuckled, his eyes gleaming with the thrill of the fight. "I could say the same about you,”

The onlookers murmured in excitement, the atmosphere thick with anticipation. Members of the Wu family exchanged whispers.

“I didn't think that anyone would have Lord Liu on the back foot like that,” a voice said in amazement. “Cultivators are a different breed entirely.”

He couldn't help but chuckle at the commentary, they were just starting.

If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

Zhou Yixing made a hand sign and his aura exploded out from him sending debris flying from his position. His form shimmered with light.

“This technique is known as the First Rays of Dawn,” Zhou Yixing announced, his voice carrying over the crowd.

The Vermilion flag of five infinities was suddenly in his hands, blocking the devastating kick Zhou Yixing had aimed at his head; he'd barely seen him move. If that had connected he'd be nursing that bruise for days.

A small shockwave radiated from the impact kicking up dust. He recovered quickly and swung the flag, feeling a portion of his reserves leave him.

Zhou Yixing let out a pained gasp as the flag seized his movement, not willing to waste the momentum. Jiang Tao pressed his advantage with a series of concussive orbs of compressed wind, sending them hurtling toward Yixing. Each orb struck with precision, pushing him back and forcing him to focus on defense.

“Lord Liu!” Wu Lingxi cried out in concern.

"I see you’ve been working on your techniques," Zhou Yixing said, his voice steady despite the strain. "Impressive but let's end this"

Yixing's expression hardened with resolve as he gathered his energy. The aura around him intensified, creating a pulsating wave of light that made the onlookers take a step back.

"Without the light, the world is naught but shadows," Zhou Yixing chanted.

Jiang Tao's eyes narrowed as Zhou Yixing chanted, sensing the shift in the atmosphere. That was a decisive strike if he knew one. Jiang Tao tightened his grip on the Vermilion Flag of Five Infinities.

Using the flag for an attack that intense will drain me dry. His mind raced as he thought of a way to counter.

Making up his mind Jiang Tao anchored the Vermilion Flag of Five Infinities into the ground, its crimson fabric billowing as if alive. The flag’s innate defense formation activated, creating a shimmering barrier that encased him.

He could feel the intense strain on his qi, but he focused on maintaining the flag’s defense,

Zhou Yixing, now fully charged and radiating a brilliant aura, raised his hands high. His hands began to glow with a brilliant, almost blinding light. The energy he had gathered converged into a single point above him, forming a swirling orb of radiance.

“A spark Illuminates the void,” Yixing's chant reached its climax, and he thrust his hands forward, releasing the orb.

The orb of light shot through the air with a blistering speed, heading straight for Jiang Tao. The sheer intensity of its light momentarily blinded him, but he focused on maintaining the Vermilion Flag of Five Infinities' barrier.

His qi surged as he channeled every ounce of energy into reinforcing the flag's defenses.

The orb struck the barrier with a deafening explosion. The air crackled with energy, and Jiang Tao was momentarily engulfed in a blinding flash.

Dust and debris filled the air, and the onlookers were thrown back, shielding themselves from the force of the impact.

Tao gritted his teeth, fighting to hold his ground as the barrier quivered under the onslaught. The flag’s defense held strong, absorbing and deflecting the overwhelming force of Zhou Yixing's attack.

As the blinding flash began to dissipate, Jiang Tao’s vision slowly returned. Through the settling dust, he saw Zhou Yixing standing a few paces away, breathing heavily.

He released the Vermilion Flag of Five Infinities from its anchored position. The flag’s barrier faded, and he took a deep breath, looked like he still had some juice for a final attack.

Zhou Yixing wiped the sweat from his brow and gave Jiang Tao a nod of respect. “Impressive. Of course, you're still standing!”

Jiang Tao just grinned, “Prepare yourself,” he said.

Zhou Yixing moved into a defensive stance, his eyes focused and intent. He knew he'd lost, but he wasn't giving up that easily.

Jiang Tao gathered the remains of his energy, his aura surging around him as a whirlwind built around him his robes billowing.

"The south wind heralds the storm,” Jiang Tao said, and with a sharp swing of his flag, a violent blade of wind erupted from the slash.

The blade of wind cut through the air with a razor's edge, distorting the surrounding air and sending debris flying. Zhou Yixing's eyes widened as the blade of wind rushed toward him.

His arms raised in a futile defense, were struck by the full force of the attack. The violent gust cut through his defenses, leaving deep gashes on his forearms, and sent him tumbling through the air, crashing into the stone practice dummies with a loud thud.

Wu Lingxi rushed forward with a panicked cry, her face pale as she hurried to Zhou Yixing’s side. Jiang Tao watched with an amused smile.

Zhou Yixing groaned as pushed himself up, waving away her assistance, “I’m fine, calm yourself,” he snapped.

Wu Lingxi hesitated but stood back, still clearly anxious. Zhou Yixing, despite his injuries, managed a faint, pained smile as he slowly stood up.

“Brother Tao, that was thrilling. Where did you get such a treasure?” he asked nodding at the flag in Jiang Tao's hands.

Jiang Tao chuckled, shaking his head. "That’s a tale I'll share when we get back to the sect grounds”

“Ah, alright”

The gathered onlookers slowly dispersed, the guards and servants returning to their duties. Only Lingxi’s relatives remained, looking at them with a mixture of fear and respect.

Wu Lingxi, though still visibly anxious, managed a small smile. “Lord Liu, you should get those wounds tended to.”

Zhou Yixing waved her concern away with a dismissive gesture. “I’m fine, Lingxi. It’s just a few scratches. I’ve had worse.”

Jiang Tao looked at their interaction with a raised brow, Zhou Yixing was rather dismissive of the girl considering they were married.

Clearly, Zhou Yixing viewed their arrangement as a formality he’d extended to a helpless mortal while Lingxi had genuine affection for him; it was kind of sad.

Cultivators were all about power and as someone raised by a powerful clan Yixing was likely raised with the ideals of marrying someone of equal or slightly less power, Lingxi despite her incredible beauty was not that and would like to be one of many eventual wives.

He had pretty much used her to usurp control of the Wu family while he resided in the village, smart and ruthless, but infinitely kinder than most cultivators. Jiang Tao shook his head it did not concern him.

Wu Lingxi, her concern not entirely eased, stepped closer. “Lord Liu, please, let’s get you back inside. You need to rest and have those injuries treated properly.”

Yixing only groaned but relented and let her lead them inside.