Brothers Sparring

The morning light of Stone Spring Oasis pierced the thin clouds, dyeing the rolling sand dunes in a warm golden hue. The sand grains gleamed with a fine, glittering light under the rising sun, and even the fur curtains of the tents were plated with a soft halo. Xiao Yan was squatting by the wooden rack next to the tent, helping Qing Lin sort through some newly gathered Sand Leaf Grass—the edges of these herbal leaves possessed tiny thorns, requiring the dead leaves to be carefully removed. Qing Lin's small hands pinched the blades, her fingertips applying slight force, and she raised her head from time to time to look at Xiao Yan, her eyes filled with complete focus. Her small face was still stained with a bit of plant debris, making her look like a serious little squirrel.

Xiao Yan! Don't busy yourself with those herbs, get out here! Xiao Li's loud voice suddenly traveled from outside the tent, carrying a trace of irrepressible excitement, like a long-pent-up force that had finally found a vent. The sound pierced through the morning mist, echoing across the oasis and startling the dewdrops on the distant bushes into tumbling down in a rustle.

Xiao Yan looked up and saw Xiao Li striding over, the sandy ground beneath his feet crunching audibly. He held a long spear in his hand—the shaft forged from dark iron, emanating a cold and hard black radiance. The spearhead was as sharp as an eagle's claw, flashing with an intimidating chill, and the butt of the spear was wrapped in anti-slip black beast hide, with the emblem of the Ink Iron Mercenary Group embroidered on the edge, clearly a well-maintained and handy weapon. Behind him followed Xiao Ding, who stood with his arms crossed, a warm smile on his face. When his gaze swept over Xiao Yan, it hid a trace of anticipation, and his fingertips were unconsciously rubbing the hilt of the curved saber at his waist, the weapon he had carried for many years.

Big Brother, Second Brother, what is this about? Xiao Yan patted the plant debris off his hands and casually used his thumb to gently wipe the speck of green off Qing Lin's face with a gentle motion. He led Qing Lin, who was stretching her neck out in curiosity, as he walked over. Qing Lin's gaze fell upon Xiao Li's long spear; at first she slightly shrunk her neck and her small hand unconsciously tightened its grip on Xiao Yan's hem, but immediately afterward, she was drawn to the weapon exuding a sharp aura, opening her round eyes and sizing it up without blinking.

Xiao Li waved the long spear, the tip tearing the air to produce a soft whistle. The shaft trembled slightly, emanating a faint purple lightning glow—the sign of his Lightning Attribute Dou Qi wreathing around it. Upon closer inspection, the lightning patterns were still flowing slowly. He grinned, revealing an open and hearty expression, his teeth flashing white in the morning light: Come on, Xiao Yan! Let the two of us brothers have a good spar today! Ever since you left the northern part of the Jia Ma Empire last time, it has been nearly two years. Your big brother and I have always wondered how your skills have progressed, so let's take this opportunity to see how much you've improved! As he spoke, the toes of his boots tapped lightly against the sandy ground, his posture instantly shifting into a stance. The long spear slanted toward the ground, its tip cutting a shallow trace across the sand. The sand grains were stirred into slight jumps by the spear's sharpness, like startled little bugs. Don't worry, Second Brother knows what he's doing. I'll only use thirty percent of my strength, just to warm you up. I won't hurt you!

Xiao Ding stepped forward, his gaze falling upon Xiao Yan. His tone was gentle yet carried an unmistakable expectation: That's right. Over these years, you've been tempering yourself alone outside. Although we knew from scattered news that you've made quite a name for yourself—from the Monster Beast Mountain Range to the Jia Ma Holy City, there are rumors of you—we've never seen your strength with our own eyes. Today, don't have any reservations; go all out and let us see just how much skill the boy of the Xiao Clan has grown.

A trace of a smile flashed in Xiao Yan's eyes. He turned his head to Qing Lin and spoke softly: Qing Lin, stand under the Poplar tree by the tent and watch. Don't come close, okay? His voice was gentle, carrying a reassuring strength. Seeing Qing Lin obediently nod, her small hands tightly grasping the tree trunk as she stood on tiptoe to look toward this side with a small face full of curiosity and anticipation, he finally turned and walked toward Xiao Li. His right hand grasped the hilt of the Black Heavy Ruler on his back, and with a low, deep chime of hum, the Black Heavy Ruler was slowly drawn forth with immense power. The ruler's body was as dark as ink, casting a heavy black radiance under the morning light. The moment it appeared, the surrounding air seemed to be weighed down into stagnation, and the sandy ground even bore tiny depressions from the ruler's weight, showing just how heavy it was. Second Brother, then I truly won't hold back.

Come on! Let Second Brother see your capabilities! Xiao Li let out a loud shout, the Lightning Attribute Dou Qi within his body surging abruptly, and pale purple lightning instantly enveloped his surroundings. It crackled audibly, as if countless tiny flashes of lightning were leaping about. The sand grains beneath his feet were jolted into slight bounces by the Dou Qi, even leaving tiny burnt marks—the overbearing nature of Lightning Attribute Dou Qi, the moment it was revealed, carried an intimidating momentum, and a faint ozone scent filled the air. Before his voice fell, his figure darted out like an arrow leaving a string, moving so fast that he left only a blurry afterimage. The long spear carried the sharp whistle of breaking wind, its tip wrapped in lightning like an electrified venomous snake as it thrust straight for Xiao Yan's face. Before the spearhead arrived, the strong wind had already blown the stray hairs on Xiao Yan's forehead fluttering backward, and even the fabric on his shoulders rustled from the gale, yet Xiao Yan showed not the slightest panic. His wrist turned slightly, and the Black Heavy Ruler crossed horizontally in front of his chest with a smooth and flowing motion, precisely blocking the spearhead.

Clang! The crisp sound of metal clashing exploded across the oasis, accompanied by the sizzling sound of splashing lightning sparks, like a thunderbolt striking the ground. It shook the surrounding sand grains into a nervous tremor and even startled the small birds roosting on nearby bushes into flapping their wings with frantic cries as they scattered in all directions. Xiao Li felt a formidable force transmit along the long spear, his webbed thumb and forefinger instantly going numb as if struck by a heavy hammer. His arm trembled backward involuntarily, and the long spear was actually knocked slightly off course, the lightning glow on the spear dimming somewhat and the flowing lightning patterns slowing down. He was secretly startled in his heart: Good grief! This brat's strength is more than twice as strong as it was two years ago! Back then, he still had to rely on the weight of the Black Heavy Ruler to barely suppress me, but now, judging by strength alone, he has already vaguely surpassed me. Even the impact of my Lightning Attribute Dou Qi was easily received by him. This progress is simply too astonishing!

Taking advantage of the momentum, Xiao Yan flipped his wrist, and the Black Heavy Ruler swept out carrying immense power. The ruler's body swiped past the air, producing a roaring whoosh like a violent gale passing over, pressing straight toward Xiao Li's waist. Xiao Li hurriedly leaped backward to dodge, leaving two shallow footprints on the sand when both feet landed. Before he had even stabilized himself, he saw that Xiao Yan's figure had already pursued him like a shadow—his footwork was agile, a skill honed through integrating demonic beast movement techniques and practical combat experience during his trials. His footsteps made almost no sound upon the sandy ground, and a light tap of his sole on the sand allowed him to charge forward, instantly closing in to close quarters. The Black Heavy Ruler was wreathed in faint purple Dou Qi, as if plating this heavy weapon with a halo, and carrying a sharp momentum, it thrust straight for the vital points on Xiao Li's chest.

Such fast speed! Xiao Li's gaze sharpened, and he no longer dared to underestimate his opponent. The Lightning Attribute Dou Qi in his body circulated faster, and the lightning light instantly expanded. He danced the long spear in his hand in an air-tight manner, the spear images intertwining with lightning to form an air-tight defensive barrier, resembling a wall flashing with electric currents. The continuous sounds of ding-ding-dong-dang rang out, sparks and lightning constantly splashing between the spear tip and the ruler's body like brilliant fireworks, casting alternating light and shadow across their faces. Xiao Yan did not stop his feet, at times moving left to avoid the spear tip, and at other times sideling around to Xiao Li's flank. The attack angles of the Black Heavy Ruler were tricky and varied, forcing Xiao Li to continuously adjust his defensive posture. On the sandy ground around them, footprints from their rapid movements quickly filled the earth, with scorch marks left behind by the burning lightning still lingering beside the footprints, forming a sharp contrast with the golden-yellow sand.

Off to the side, Xiao Ding nodded slightly, his gaze as sharp as an eagle's as he took in every move and Dou Qi fluctuation of the two, not missing even the subtle changes. He thought to himself: Xiao Yan's movement technique is even more agile than before. Although his footwork is not as fantastical as a secret technique, it excels in practicality and swiftness. Combined with his actual combat experience, he can always avoid Xiao Li's attacks at critical moments; his moves have also gained a bit more steadiness, no longer relying as heavily on the sheer weight of the Black Heavy Ruler for head-on collisions as before, but instead understanding how to borrow momentum and blend hardness with softness. Clearly, the Black Heavy Ruler is a heavy weapon, yet in his hands it can at times be like a fierce tiger descending the mountain—unstoppable, crushing opponents with weight and strength—and at other times like a spirit snake darting its tongue, flexible and ever-changing, bypassing defenses by taking advantage of his footwork. What is even rarer is that his mastery over Dou Qi has grown increasingly proficient. Although the Dou Qi on the Black Heavy Ruler is not flashy, it is condensed to the point of substance, allowing him to precisely dissipate force with every collision. Clearly, his trials over these years have not only raised his Dou Qi realm, but his practical combat experience is also no longer what it used to be.

As the fight reached its height, fine beads of sweat had already seeped out on Xiao Li's forehead, sliding down his cheek to drip onto the sandy ground, where they were instantly evaporated. His breathing also grew slightly hurried, his chest heaving, and the palms holding the long spear were soaked with sweat, making the beast hide on the shaft somewhat slippery. Yet his gaze grew increasingly excited, as if he had encountered the most satisfying opponent—the stronger the opponent, the more it could stimulate his competitive spirit. He knew that if he held back any further, he would truly fall behind, and immediately let out a loud shout, his voice even louder than before: Xiao Yan, take this move of mine, Thunderclap Break!

The moment his voice fell, the Lightning Attribute Dou Qi within his body erupted abruptly, and the pale purple lightning instantly expanded, enveloping his entire person like a God of Thunder stepping out of mythology, the air around him scorched and warped by electricity. A rich purple lightning radiance also appeared on the long spear, and a fist-sized, throbbing lightning ball even condensed at the spear tip, crackling loudly. Tiny electric arcs wrapped around the lightning ball, continuously striking the sandy ground and leaving small black dots behind. Immediately after, Xiao Li's arms exerted sudden force, and the long spear carried the sharp screech of tearing air as the lightning ball at the tip exploded with a bang, transforming into several lightning spears as thick as a human arm that swept towards Xiao Yan in all directions like a torrential storm. Wherever the lightning passed, the sand grains were scorched black, emitting a burnt smell; the leaves of the bushes developed scorch marks, and even small branches were split apart by the lightning. A strong aura of lightning permeated the air with an astonishing momentum, as if even the sky had been dyed pale purple by the force of this move.

Qing Lin watched nervously beneath the Poplar tree, her small hands tightly grasping her hem until her knuckles turned white, her small face tensing up as her large eyes stared fixedly at the arena, afraid that Xiao Yan might get hurt. She couldn't help but cry out in a low voice: Big Brother Xiao Yan, be careful! Her voice carried a trace of trembling, and she subconsciously took a step forward, only to remember Xiao Yan's instruction and forcefully stop in her tracks, able only to grip her hem and watch with a heart full of worry.

Xiao Yan remained calm, his face showing not the slightest panic. He took a deep breath, his chest heaving slightly as the Dou Qi in his body circulated rapidly. Purple Dou Qi surged toward the Black Heavy Ruler like a tide, and the ruler's body was instantly enveloped by a purple halo, even growing slightly hot, while fine patterns appeared on the ruler—the manifestation of Dou Qi condensed to the extreme, the patterns flowing slowly like a living thing. Staring at the sweeping lightning spears, his gaze as sharp as a blade, not only did he not retreat, but Dou Qi surged under his feet as his figure accelerated abruptly. Treading with flexible footwork, he rapidly maneuvered across the sand, dodging two lightning spears while charging head-on toward the remaining few. The Black Heavy Ruler seemed to gain life in his hands. Second Brother, watch out! Before his voice fell, he let out a low shout and violently swung the Black Heavy Ruler. Without any flashy moves, relying solely on pure strength and condensed Dou Qi, it transformed into a thick wall of purple light like an indestructible shield, forcefully hacking toward those several lightning spears.

Boom! The instant the Black Heavy Ruler collided with the lightning spears, a muffled, giant roar erupted like thunder exploding beside the ear. Purple Dou Qi and lightning clashed and tore at each other, bursting forth with a dazzling light that made it almost impossible to look directly at them. The surrounding air seemed to be twisted and torn apart, and sand grains were whipped into a frenzy by the shockwave to form a small sandstorm that enveloped them both. Qing Lin subconsciously raised her hand to shield her eyes, still managing to peek through her fingers toward the center of the arena, her heart full of worry. When the light grew slightly dimmer and the sandstorm gradually subsided, she lowered her hand and anxiously looked into the arena. She saw the lightning spears being shattered step by step by the Black Heavy Ruler, the lightning light gradually dimming like an extinguished flame before finally dissipating into the air as tiny sparks.

Xiao Li felt a force several times stronger than before transmit along the long spear, sending numbness through his arm, and fine bloody cracks were even jolted open on his webbed thumb and forefinger. Fresh blood slightly seeped out, staining the beast hide at the spear's butt. His footsteps involuntarily retreated three steps in a row, each step leaving deep footprints in the sand before he barely managed to stabilize himself. The long spear trembled slightly in his hands, and the lightning light on the spear's body was almost completely extinguished, showing he could hardly hold it anymore. He raised his head to look at Xiao Yan, his face filled with amazement and gratification, along with a trace of the lightheartedness of someone who had survived a disaster. Putting away the long spear, he laughed out loud with a hearty voice: Good lad! You really have what it takes! Second Brother admits defeat! With this strength of yours, I'm afraid you surpassed me long ago. Even if I used my full power, I might not necessarily win against you! To take this Full Power Attack of my Lightning Attribute Dou Qi head-on and still shatter my offensive momentum—awesome! Truly awesome!

Xiao Yan also put away the Black Heavy Ruler, his breathing still steady, though a thin layer of sweat had seeped out on his temples, dampening the stray hairs beside his temples and causing them to stick to his cheeks, making him look all the more heroic. He smiled as he walked forward, patting Xiao Li on the shoulder with moderate force: Second Brother, you flatter me. It was you who held back and didn't really deal a heavy blow to me. The power of your Lightning Attribute Dou Qi is still as overbearing as ever; when I blocked that move just now, I could feel the Dou Qi churning inside my body, and it took quite a bit of effort to stabilize it.

Xiao Ding stepped forward and patted both of their shoulders in turn, his eyes filled with gratification and pride, his tone carrying deep emotion: Xiao Yan, you've improved immensely, even better than we anticipated. It looks like the hardships you've suffered outside these years haven't been in vain. The power of the Lightning Attribute Dou Qi's "Thunderclap Break" is not weak; among those in the Dou Shi Realm, those who can take this move head-on and remain completely unscathed can be counted on one hand. For you to easily receive it and even counterattack—with this level of strength, you're likely to have very few rivals among the younger generation of the Jia Ma Empire. He turned his head to tease Xiao Li: Now you know, right? Our younger brother is long past being that little fellow who needed us to protect him, the one who could only swallow his grievances in Wutan City. Now he is already an expert who can stand on his own. As the second brother, you mustn't treat him like a child anymore from now on; who knows, one day you might even have to rely on him for protection!

Xiao Li scratched the back of his head and laughed heartily, not caring in the least about his defeat, instead beaming with pride as if he were the one who had won: Ain't that the truth! Our Xiao Clan has produced such an amazing kid; from now on in this Tagor Desert, our Ink Iron Mercenary Group has gained another pillar of strength! In the future when we go out on missions, with Xiao Yan around, my heart will feel much more at ease! Next time we run into those blind mercenary groups or troublesome demonic beasts, we'll let Xiao Yan handle them, and I guarantee we'll beat them so hard they cry for their parents and flee in disarray!

Seeing that the sparring had ended and Xiao Yan was completely unscathed, Qing Lin finally let go of the heart she had been holding up. She hurriedly ran over from beneath the Poplar tree, her small legs moving swiftly as she left a trail of tiny footprints in the sand. She ran up to Xiao Yan, raising her small face to look at him with bright eyes that seemed to conceal two little stars, her tone full of adoration and her voice soft and sweet: Big Brother Xiao Yan, you're so amazing! Those loud lights just now were so scary, but you shattered them all at once, just like... just like a hero who chases away bad things! As she spoke, she even reached out her small hand to cautiously touch Xiao Yan's arm, as if confirming whether he was injured, her fingertips carrying a trace of warmth.

Xiao Yan rubbed her head, the corners of his mouth rising into a gentle smile and his eyes filled with pampering: It's fine. Second Brother knew his limits and didn't hurt me. That was a Lightning Attribute Dou Qi technique; it looks scary, but as long as you find the right method, you can resolve it. He paused for a moment before adding: If you see this kind of light in the future, remember to stay far away and protect yourself, alright?

Qing Lin nodded vigorously, her small head bobbing like a rattle-drum, and a brilliant smile bloomed on her small face, exceptionally dazzling like a sunflower blooming in the desert: Mm! I'll listen to Big Brother Xiao Yan! In the future, I want to become strong too, just like Big Brother Xiao Yan, and be able to protect myself!

Beneath the morning light, the three brothers stood shoulder to shoulder—Xiao Ding steady, Xiao Li hearty, and Xiao Yan upright—each carrying the sharpness of tempering and the warmth of emotion. The crisscrossing footprints on the sandy ground, the lingering scorch marks of lightning, and the scattered sparks jointly witnessed this warm spar. Qing Lin stood beside Xiao Yan, her small hand tightly grasping his hem as she smiled brilliantly with her head raised, her crisp laughter intertwining with the chatter of the three men to echo across the oasis. This scene became the most vibrant and warmest scenery in Stone Spring Oasis—possessing both the tacit understanding and expectations between brothers and the warmth of protecting one another, while also hiding the rising edge of a youthful powerhouse, shining brilliantly in the morning light and warming the entire morning of the desert.