Strongest in History vs. Strongest of Modern Times

On the training grounds of the Xiao Clan.

To call it a training ground was a stretch; it was merely the plaza where the soul power tests had been held that day.

Because of the duel between Xiao Yulü and Xiao Yan, the plaza was currently packed with people, not a single seat left empty.

That Xiao Yan was the most gifted individual the entire Xiao Clan had seen in recent years, arguably the greatest in history.

And that Xiao Yulü was the second genius to emerge after Xiao Yan's rapid rise and equally rapid fall.

He cultivated no soul power and used no soul skills, relying solely on his honed martial arts to crush soul masters of the same generation; he was rightfully considered the strongest of the modern era.

With the two of them dueling, it was like the greatest of history versus the strongest of the modern day. How could anyone miss such a compelling spectacle?

The scorching sun hung high, heating the stone slabs of the training ground until they were searing to the touch. In the center of the arena, Xiao Yulü stood straight in his fine silk robes, as still as a sundial.

As his shadow crept from one end to the other, the voices of the spectators grew increasingly clamorous, waves of discussion rising one after another.

"Hey, it's almost noon. Hasn't Xiao Yan arrived yet?"

"Not here? Hah, I reckon that Xiao Yan is too cowardly to show his face."

"I think so too. Xiao Yan only has level three soul power; what could he possibly use to fight Young Master Xiao Yulü, who could take on a level thirty Soul Grand Master with just level ten soul power? If he comes, he's just asking for humiliation and suffering."

"Heh, and to think Young Master Xiao Yulü actually considers him a worthy rival, setting up this duel just to motivate that piece of trash."

"If you ask me, Young Master Xiao Yulü would be better off taking his recommendation letter and heading to Shrek Academy to study."

The bustling chatter drifted toward him, and Xiao Yulü heard every word clearly.

The initial anticipation had gradually curdled into disdain and mockery. Even the clan elders on the viewing platform were now furrowing their brows.

"Is that Xiao Yan really not coming? Does he truly hold Yulü in such low regard?"

"Hmph! I said from the start we shouldn't hold this ridiculous duel; that brat isn't worthy!"

"Sigh, sigh! Yulü, come down. Let's just count this duel as your victory."

Xiao Yulü looked at the elders and shook his head gently.

"Elders, I would like to wait a little longer."

"Ah, since Yulü has said so, we shall wait another quarter of an hour."

Xiao Yulü turned his head, his gaze seemingly piercing through the surging crowd to land on Xiao Yan.

He did not believe that the cheerful older brother who had helped him three years ago could have become so decadent and weak.

He could not believe he had become a coward who didn't even dare to show up for an appointment.

Time ticked away, second by second. A quarter of an hour passed, and Xiao Yulü did not move. Another quarter of an hour passed, and he still remained motionless.

After another quarter of an hour, the elders began to grow restless, though they were held back by a senior elder at their side.

"One last quarter of an hour. If Xiao Yan doesn't show up by then, we will count it as a forfeit."

"..."

The final quarter of an hour slipped away quietly. On the viewing platform, the presiding elder stood up, his face etched with displeasure as he announced in a loud voice:

"The time has come!"

"Since Xiao Yan has failed to appear due to cowardice, this duel is, by default, won by Xiao Yulü—"

"Elder, wait!"

Before the elder could finish his sentence, a figure suddenly charged in from the entrance, kicking up a trail of dust. Amidst the stunned gazes of the crowd, the figure leaped with agility, crossing the crowd in a few bounds before landing steadily on the training ground.

The person who arrived was none other than the one who had just finished his cultivation... Xiao Yan.

His breathing was somewhat ragged, and beads of sweat clung to his temples.

The moment he had seen the calendar, his mind had gone blank. Without a second thought, he had bolted toward the training ground, finally making it just in time.

"You came."

Xiao Yulü looked at him, and the expressionless mask he had worn for ages seemed to show signs of melting. He managed to squeeze out a faint smile, only to see Xiao Yan catch his breath and nod calmly.

"I came. I shouldn't have come, yet here I am."

"...?"

Xiao Yan's gaze swept across the audience—a sea of faces filled with shock, contempt, and the hunger for a show—before finally settling on Xiao Yulü.

"I helped you finish your sentence ahead of time. No need to thank me."

The corners of the black-haired youth's mouth curled into a smile, one even more wild and unbridled than Xiao Yulü's.

As his words fell, a heavy pressure radiated from him, expanding outward in all directions.

It was a ripple caused by surging soul power; he was no longer hiding his cultivation. Level ten soul power was fully revealed!

"This... this is level ten soul power!"

Someone shouted, and in the next instant, the entire training ground erupted into chaos.

"Level ten soul power! How is that possible? Didn't he test at level three just yesterday?"

"Leaping from level three to level ten in a single night? What kind of monster is this Xiao Yan?"

The crowd below became lively, and the mocking words from before now turned into boomerangs, precisely and elegantly piercing their foreheads.

And Xiao Yulü opposite, far from being surprised, only saw his smile deepen, even tinged with a hint of fanaticism.

Yes, just like this, Xiao Yan! This is right! This is the opponent destined for me! A worthy rival!

"Very good!"

He also let out a great roar, his aura soaring to the heavens, his ten levels of Soul Power unleashed without reservation, standing on par with Xiao Yan.

"Come on!"

Xiao Yan flexed his wrists and strode forward.

"Then, let the match begin!"

The Strongest in History, VS The Strongest of Modern Times!

Xiao Yulü raised his hand, and in the next instant, a giant ruler appeared in his hand.

The ruler was entirely black, bearing some resemblance to the Xiao Clan's native martial soul, the Heavy Profound Ruler. At the same time, a layer of radiant flames burned upon the giant ruler.

"It's Young Master Xiao Yulü's mutated martial soul, the Flame Splitting Wave Devouring Ruler!"

Some exclaimed, while others rejoiced.

And Xiao Yan, the moment he saw the ruler, twitched the corner of his mouth.

Hey buddy, settle the copyright fee?

He shook off the inappropriate thought and also extended his right hand.

"Come out, my partner! Xiao Fire Dragon!"

"Chirp!"

Flames surged, and a strange creature, entirely golden with a small cluster of flames burning at the tip of its tail, appeared before the crowd.

At this moment, the entire venue fell silent once more.

If the silence just now was due to the shock of Xiao Yan revealing his ten levels of Soul Power, then now, everyone's expressions were filled only with confusion and bewilderment.

"What... what kind of martial soul is that?"

"Wasn't Xiao Yan's martial soul that egg? What did he hatch into this thing?"

"A somewhat strange-looking fire lizard? Is this his martial soul with Innate Full Soul Power? How is this going to fight against Young Master Yulü's Flame Splitting Wave Devouring Ruler?"

Several clan elders exchanged glances. Having lived for most of their lives, they had never seen such a peculiar martial soul, its depths completely unfathomable.

With both sides revealing their martial souls, Xiao Yulü struck first. The giant ruler in his hand swept out horizontally, carrying a whistling sound that broke through the wind, smashing down with immense force towards Xiao Yan.

"Xiao Fire Dragon, catch!"

Xiao Yan's mind stirred. The golden little dragon on the stage flickered, and instead of retreating, it advanced, extending its small claws to meet the giant ruler.

"Clang!"

A crisp sound of metal striking metal rang out!

The Xiao Fire Dragon's claws collided with the ruler's body, yet they were completely unharmed. Instead, it used the force to somersault in the air and land steadily.

Xiao Yulü's pupils contracted.

Before he could change his move, the Xiao Fire Dragon opened its mouth.

"Ember!"

A small cluster of flames sprayed out. Though it looked small, it accurately shot towards Xiao Yulü's next intended foot placement, forcing him to interrupt his attack and dodge sideways.

Such fast reactions, such precise control!

"Interesting!"

Xiao Yulü stopped probing. Soul Power surged madly into the ruler, and he shouted:

"Martial Skill—Flame Splitting, Wave Devouring Ruler!"

He violently brought the giant ruler down. A massive flame ruler shadow, several zhang long, detached from the ruler's body, carrying the might to incinerate mountains and boil seas, slashing down towards Xiao Yan and the Xiao Fire Dragon!

"Come back!"

Xiao Yan let out a low cry, recalling his martial soul. He himself retreated rapidly, narrowly dodging this heavy blow.

Boom!

The ruler shadow smashed onto the martial stage, leaving a deep, scorched black mark on the hard stone slabs.

"Can you dodge this?"

Xiao Yulü pressed forward.

Xiao Yan stood firm, looking at the charging opponent, his eyes narrowing.

"Martial Soul, Assimilation!"

The Xiao Fire Dragon transformed into a golden light and instantly merged into his body.

The next moment, fine, tough golden scales appeared on Xiao Yan's arms, his fingertips sharpened like claws, and a sense of power far exceeding his previous strength surged through his entire body!

Facing the giant ruler Xiao Yulü swung again, Xiao Yan neither dodged nor evaded. His right arm became wreathed in golden flames. He raised both hands high, and as flames billowed, a crimson fire lotus appeared in his palms!

Thanks to the Flame Emperor for the open source!

"Take this, Buddha Fury Fire Lotus!"