Defeating Zhang Geyang

As soon as Qiangu Dieting finished speaking, the atmosphere in the training room suddenly became tense.

The seven looked at one another, but no one spoke first. The captaincy was neither too important nor insignificant, yet everyone present was a favored genius. No one wanted to bow their head to someone else for no reason.

"Since everyone is too embarrassed to speak first, let me break the ice."

A booming voice shattered the silence.

Zhang Geyang strode forward with a confident smile on his face. His gaze swept across the group before finally settling on Xiao Cheng. "Brother Xiao Cheng, I've long heard that you're a genius with Twin Martial Souls. Since we're fortunate enough to be on the same team today, how about we spar first? It'll help everyone get a better understanding of each other's strength."

His words were polite, but the fighting spirit in his eyes was undisguised.

Xiao Cheng raised an eyebrow slightly, not particularly surprised.

Among the seven, Qiangu Dongfeng and Qiangu Qingfeng were clearly opponents Zhang Geyang could not defeat. Leng Yaozhu was a rank higher than him in cultivation, and he held no advantage in Martial Souls either. At best, Zhang Geyang had a thirty-percent chance against her.

Leng Yulai was clearly somewhat weaker than him, while Xia Zhengleng lacked any real frontal combat ability. In front of these major figures, he could not bring himself to challenge them without risking a loss of face. After calculating it all, Xiao Cheng was the most suitable opponent.

Moreover, in his eyes, although Xiao Cheng possessed Twin Martial Souls, his Body Martial Soul had yet to receive any soul rings, leaving only the Azure Sky Snake Martial Soul available. As for Martial Soul quality, his Nether Flame Beast was a top-tier Martial Soul comparable to the Azure Sky Snake Emperor. Xiao Cheng's Martial Soul was merely an Azure Sky Snake, so he held the advantage there.

In terms of Soul Power, he was Rank 23 while Xiao Cheng was Rank 22, so he had the advantage there as well. As for combat experience, he had been carefully trained by his father since childhood and had undergone plenty of practical combat training. How could he possibly lose?

I'll win. Zhang Geyang was certain.

However, what he did not know was that Xiao Cheng had spent more than a year fighting for survival in the Spirit Ascension Platform. In his previous life, he had also been a Martial Dao grandmaster who had seen countless schemes, betrayals, and bloody storms. Zhang Geyang's so-called "practical combat experience" was nothing before Xiao Cheng.

"Sure. Then I'll have to ask Brother Zhang for guidance." Xiao Cheng smiled and did not refuse, striding onto the arena at the center of the training room.

The two stood facing each other, ten meters apart.

Below the stage, Leng Yaozhu crossed her arms, looking as though she were enjoying a show. "Tsk, tsk. That unlucky kid could have picked anyone, but he had to pick Xiao Cheng. He'll be crying soon enough."

"Big Sister, can Xiao Cheng win?" Leng Yulai asked worriedly.

"Don't worry. Xiao Cheng isn't someone to be trifled with." The corners of Leng Yaozhu's lips curved upward. "Even if I faced him, I wouldn't have much confidence in winning unless I relied on my aerial advantage to fight while maneuvering."

On the other side, Qiangu Dongfeng frowned slightly, feeling a faint sense of unease. He had witnessed Xiao Cheng's strength in the Spirit Ascension Platform before. Although Xiao Cheng had only been Rank 21 then, his ruthlessness and combat awareness had left a deep impression on him. Zhang Geyang might have higher cultivation, but his combat experience might not surpass Xiao Cheng's.

It doesn't matter. If Zhang Geyang loses, then he loses. In the face of absolute strength, it won't affect the overall situation. Qiangu Dongfeng thought to himself.

On the arena, the referee gave the command. "Begin!"

Zhang Geyang attacked first!

With a loud shout, a layer of dark-blue flames abruptly ignited around his body! The flames were not scorching, yet they carried an icy, sinister aura, as if they could burn the soul itself. Behind him, the phantom of an enormous Nether Flame Beast emerged—lion head, baboon body, tiger claws, and azure-blue fur covering its entire form. Its cold eyes locked tightly onto Xiao Cheng.

"First Soul Skill—Nether Flame Impact!"

Zhang Geyang suddenly leaped high into the air, merging with the Nether Flame Beast phantom behind him. He transformed into a five-meter-wide beast-shaped mass of dark-blue fire and charged toward Xiao Cheng at terrifying speed! Midair, the flaming beast phantom expanded sharply and opened its bloody maw, as if it intended to swallow Xiao Cheng whole!

The attack was tremendously imposing!

At the same time, Xiao Cheng moved.

He neither chose to take the attack head-on nor attempted to dodge. Instead, just as Zhang Geyang was about to collide with him, his figure suddenly vanished!

Teleportation!

The next second, Xiao Cheng appeared at Zhang Geyang's side. The Azure Sky Divine Spear was already in his hand, two purple soul rings pulsing around its shaft. First Soul Skill—Power of Empty Green, activated!

"Flood Dragon Exits the Sea!"

It was a plain, straightforward thrust, yet it carried an unstoppable momentum. The spear tip tore through the air with a sharp whistle as it stabbed directly toward Zhang Geyang's ribs!

"What?!" Zhang Geyang's pupils contracted sharply. He had never expected Xiao Cheng to be so fast, much less for him to instantly teleport to his side!

He had just unleashed Nether Flame Impact. His old momentum had been exhausted while his new strength had yet to arise, leaving him no time to adjust his posture. In his panic, he could only forcefully shift the direction of Nether Flame Impact and use the recoil from its force to barely roll aside, narrowly avoiding the thrust!

That was close! Zhang Geyang broke out in a cold sweat and was just about to regain his footing—

"It's not over yet."

Xiao Cheng's voice rang beside his ear like a ghost.

After missing with his thrust, the Azure Sky Divine Spear in Xiao Cheng's hand did not pause in the slightest. He immediately followed with a powerful Sweep Across the Army. The spear shaft was like a massive green python, carrying terrifying force as it viciously struck toward Zhang Geyang, who had only just regained his balance!

"Sweep Across the Army!"

Back when Xiao Cheng's Martial Soul had only been the Azure Sky Snake, the Azure Sky Divine Spear could only be considered a light spear, weighing merely several dozen kilograms. It had not been particularly suitable for the physically powerful Xiao Cheng. After evolving into a python, the Azure Sky Divine Spear had also begun evolving toward a heavy spear, and now weighed a full three hundred kilograms.

Zhang Geyang had no time to make any defensive move. He could only watch helplessly as the green spear grew larger and larger in his vision—

"Bang!"

A dull impact rang out.

Zhang Geyang was sent flying as if he had been struck by a high-speed Soul Guidance Train. He drew a graceful arc through the air before crashing heavily into the protective barrier at the edge of the arena, then bouncing back onto the ground.

He struggled to rise, but felt his blood and qi churn violently in his chest. He spat out a mouthful of blood and no longer had the strength to stand.

The entire room fell silent.

From beginning to end, it had taken less than ten seconds.

Zhang Geyang had lost. And he had lost so cleanly and thoroughly that he had been unable to fight back at all.

"This..." The smile on Qiangu Dongfeng's face froze. He knew Zhang Geyang might not be able to defeat Xiao Cheng, but he had never expected him to lose so miserably! This was a complete crushing!

His little brother had lost so badly. It was humiliating for him as the leader!

Leng Yaozhu was not surprised in the slightest. She clapped her hands and said with a grin, "What did I say? That unlucky kid could have picked anyone, but he had to pick Xiao Cheng."

Leng Yulai's eyes shone as she looked at the tall, upright figure on the arena, her little face filled with admiration.

Xia Zhengleng also lifted her head. There was now a trace of surprise and curiosity in her gaze toward Xiao Cheng.

As for Qiangu Qingfeng, he remained expressionless, but a sharp glint flashed deep within his eyes. He seemed to be reevaluating Xiao Cheng's strength.

"That's enough! Xiao Cheng wins this match!"

Below the arena, Zhang Hongwen hurriedly called for the match to stop, his expression somewhat grim. He quickly stepped onto the stage. After the accompanying healing Soul Master treated Zhang Geyang's injuries, he grabbed Zhang Geyang by the ear and yanked him up from the ground. "You brat! I told you to work harder, but you never listened! Now you know what it feels like to embarrass yourself, don't you? When we get back, you'll train extra for three months!"

"Ow, ow! Dad! Easy, easy! I know I was wrong!" Zhang Geyang clutched his ear and grimaced in pain as Zhang Hongwen dragged him off the arena like a chick.

It was foreseeable that after returning, Zhang Geyang would undergo a brutal hellish training regimen.

Qiangu Dieting watched this scene with a meaningful smile. Turning to Xiao Ran, he praised, "Xiao Ran, you gave birth to a fine son. His spear technique has already reached the realm of Unity of Body and Spear, and he can even wield the power of momentum. He is only one step away from condensing spear intent. This level of comprehension is extraordinary!"

Xiao Ran smiled faintly and humbly replied, "Tower Master, you flatter him. Cheng'er was merely lucky."

"Lucky?" Qiangu Dieting shook his head. "Luck cannot train such spear technique. How old is he this year? Seven and a half, right? To reach this level at just over seven years old, he is a rare existence even across the entire Douluo Continent. It's just a pity he doesn't possess a Weapon Martial Soul. Otherwise, with his comprehension of spear technique alone, he might have had a chance to reach the limit."

Xiao Ran said nothing further, but the pride in his eyes could not be concealed.

On the arena, Xiao Cheng had accepted Zhang Geyang's challenge, yet he did not show much excitement. To him, defeating Zhang Geyang had been expected. There was nothing worth being proud of.

He was about to step down when he heard a crisp voice ring out.

"Qiangu Dongfeng, I challenge you!"

Everyone turned toward the voice and saw Leng Yaozhu stride forward, blazing fighting spirit burning in her eyes. She had long found Qiangu Dongfeng's pretentious face irritating. Today was the perfect opportunity to teach him a proper lesson!

Although she knew Qiangu Dongfeng had just absorbed a Hundred Thousand Year Soul Bone and his cultivation had surged to Rank 28, making her unlikely to be his opponent, Leng Yaozhu had never been someone who would retreat simply because her opponent was powerful!

Qiangu Dongfeng froze for a moment, then smiled. "If Sister Yao Zhu wishes to spar, then of course I'll accompany—"

"Wait."

An icy voice interrupted him.

Qiangu Qingfeng slowly stepped forward and looked directly at Qiangu Dongfeng. "Let me take this match."

His voice was not loud, yet it carried an unwavering resolve that could not be questioned.

The atmosphere in the training room instantly became subtle.

Qiangu Dongfeng looked at his older brother, and the smile on his face gradually faded, replaced by a grave expression. "Big Brother, you..."

"I want to see just how powerful a Hundred Thousand Year Soul Bone truly is." Qiangu Qingfeng said coldly, his eyes flashing with a light called unwillingness. "Or are you afraid?"

As soon as those words were spoken, the entire room erupted!

The Qiangu Brothers were actually about to stage a brotherly feud in full view of everyone!

Leng Yaozhu blinked and wisely retreated to the side. "Fine, fine. Since you brothers want to spar first, I won't steal the spotlight."

She walked over to Xiao Cheng and muttered quietly, "Now this will be a good show."

Xiao Cheng nodded slightly, his gaze moving back and forth between the Qiangu Brothers. Qiangu Qingfeng has been holding in a bellyful of anger. Qiangu Dieting gave the Hundred Thousand Year Soul Bone to Qiangu Dongfeng, so he must feel resentful. This battle probably won't be simple.

Qiangu Dongfeng fell silent for a moment, then slowly nodded. "Fine. Since Big Brother is in the mood, then this little brother will accompany you to the end."

He stepped onto the arena and stood facing Qiangu Qingfeng.

Qiangu Dieting sat in the main seat, watching the scene expressionlessly. No one knew what he was thinking.

The two brothers, one wielding a Coiling Dragon Staff and the other gripping a Purgatory Halberd.

The same bloodline, different Martial Souls.

A battle over dignity and recognition was about to begin.