Cloud State.
The city of the prefecture.
A pigeon flew through rows of tall buildings and landed in a quiet courtyard.
Zhao Zhongming took the small note from the carrier pigeon and said, " Jiang Shu stayed in Azure Sky Prefecture for a long time."
He was tall and imposing, his arm muscles and veins bulging like dragons. He had mastered the Five Flood Dragons Viscera Melting Force to perfection, his power tempering every bone marrow in his body. Just standing there quietly, his vital Qi and Blood influenced every blade of grass and tree around him.
"Cousin, what if Jiang Shu is too scared... and doesn't come?"
Zhao Chengxuan hesitated before speaking.
After leaving Yongning Prefecture, he arrived in the prefectural city as quickly as possible. For the past few days, he had been practicing martial arts in his cousin's courtyard, learning from his mistakes and striving to improve, successfully breaking through to the mid-stage of the Blood Exchange Realm.
Even his mastery of forbidden techniques reached a minor level under Zhao Zhongming's guidance.
"There are no Superior Grade Cultivation Method in the county town. If he wants to advance to the Opening Aperture Opening Realm, he will definitely have to come here."
Zhao Zhongming replied with a disdainful look, "What you call drawing upon the Origin Qi of heaven and earth might just be an interesting martial art. When he arrives, we can interrogate him. Your goal is to climb the Little Dragon-Tiger Rankings as soon as possible. Once I break through my cultivation level, I will definitely go to the Royal City. It's too far from my Lineage, and I can't reach them effectively. I'll feel more at ease if you become a genius on the Little Dragon-Tiger Rankings."
"Your failure lies in your low cultivation level and lack of experience. Once you reach the late stage of the Blood Exchange Realm, I'll find someone to train you. What kind of ability can a country bumpkin from a small county town possibly have?"
"Yes..."
Zhao Chengxuan, the arrogant genius who was once the most powerful in Yongning Prefecture City, now stood with his hands hanging down, unable to lift his head as he was being lectured.
He really wanted to say that Jiang Shu was definitely not as bad as his cousin had described, but he didn't dare to speak up.
He had fought against other martial artists of the same level in the city, but none of them could exert such pressure on him.
That incredibly powerful figure is still vividly etched in his memory, deeply rooted in his mind, and he can never forget it.
"Since Jiang Shu isn't coming, I won't waste any more time waiting for him. My biggest enemy right now is still Chu Xisheng. He fought me to a draw last time, but he has the backing of the Chu Family, so it won't be long before he comes to fight again. Luckily, I have a good friend, Tang Yujian, who is in Azure Sky Prefecture. I'll send him a message and ask him to check out the Danxia Merchant Guild on his way."
"Alright, I'll be going into seclusion for the next few days. This period of guidance should be enough for you to digest."
Zhao Zhongming waved his hand. For someone like him who could break into the top twenty of the Little Dragon-Tiger Rankings...
No matter how strong Jiang Shu's martial arts talent is, he is still just a martial artist who has not long entered the Blood Exchange Realm.
How could they possibly possess the strength they truly honed through various competitions among the geniuses of a single state?
It was only because his own cousin was so terrified after the battle that he was so afraid.
" Tang Yujian... Cousin, is this the Young Master Tang who is ranked ninety-second on the Little Dragon-Tiger Rankings?"
After whispering Tang Yujian's name a few times, Zhao Chengxuan's eyes lit up, and he couldn't help but ask his cousin.
The Little Dragon-Tiger Rankings is a gathering place for true geniuses of Cloud State.
No matter how outstanding Jiang Shu's martial arts talent is, he still needs time to grow!
It had only been a little over two months since that battle.
Jiang Shu is at most at the same level as me, reaching the mid-stage of the Blood Exchange Realm.
Absolutely unbeatable, Young Master Tang, who has made it into the top 100 of the Little Dragon-Tiger Rankings!
Take a deep breath.
He saw his cousin nod.
Zhao Chengxuan finally felt relieved.
This nightmare is finally about to end.
As long as Tang Yujian defeats him and shatters his martial arts heart.
I can focus on my training in the city and catch up later.
My cousin is right.
The Little Dragon-Tiger Rankings is his real target!
Jiang Shu, after all, came from a small county town.
Even after arriving in the capital, he still had to deal with all sorts of complicated relationships and accumulate Contribution Points little by little before he could exchange them for Cultivation Method techniques.
But he had his cousin's backing.
These things can be obtained much earlier!
They didn't start on the same footing.
His future is sure to be even brighter!
Shaking his head, Zhao Chengxuan forcibly banished the image from his mind and rallied his spirits.
Three days later.
The sky was cloudless, and a gentle breeze was blowing.
In the East City of Azure Sky Prefecture, inside a huge square.
Tang Yujian stood on the arena very early, surrounded by a cacophony of voices. Countless martial artists had gathered there, waiting to witness a true battle of titans.
"It's another challenge from a genius on the Little Dragon-Tiger Rankings. I wonder if this time they will succeed or fail."
"Just a few days ago, Young Master Tang went to suppress bandits with the government. He beheaded a bandit in the late stage of the Blood Exchange Realm with a single sword strike! And that was before he even used any forbidden techniques! Moreover, I've heard that Young Master Tang has reached perfection in his cultivation of Middle-Grade Martial Art, so he should have a certain chance of winning."
"It's difficult. On the Little Dragon-Tiger Rankings, the lower the ranking, the smaller the gap. Those eight geniuses outside the top 100 can be replaced at any time. But once they enter the top 100, they have the strength to maintain their ranking. Young Master Tang and Young Master Ouyang may seem to be only ten places apart in ranking, but in reality, the difference in their combat strength is quite significant."
"Well, this is a challenge from Young Master Tang, so he must be confident. He wouldn't just go looking for trouble, would he?"
"That's true. And judging from the arena, Young Master Tang is undoubtedly confident. As for Young Master Ouyang, he hasn't appeared yet, and we don't know when this battle will begin. Blood Exchange Realm expert, just one more step and he'll be Aperture Opening Realm expert. With Lifespan of four Jiazi, he could easily establish a large clan in the county city."
Azure Sky Prefecture is close to the prefectural city, and its people are martial.
Even ordinary vendors know a few tricks.
But they were all stopped outside the square by the Sky Patrol Guard.
Only martial artists at the Bone Forging or above are allowed to approach.
After all, no one can guarantee that they won't be affected by the aftereffects of the battle between the two geniuses on the Little Dragon-Tiger Rankings.
The patriarchs of the Ten Great Clans also appeared at this moment, working together with the Millenary Commander of the Sky Patrol Guard to maintain the protective barrier of True Force on the arena.
" Young Master Ouyang has arrived!"
On the other side of the square, a series of female voices rang out.
Ouyang Jun approached slowly, waving a Jade Bone Fan. He was a member of the powerful Ouyang clan in the county town and was extremely popular. After being listed on the Little Dragon-Tiger Rankings, his fame soared, and countless women were deeply in love with him.
" Tang Yujian, you are no match for me."
With his True Force unleashed, Ouyang Jun leaped lightly onto the arena, exuding elegance that contrasted sharply with Tang Yujian, who carried a giant sword and had his broad shoulders exposed.
The supportive voices from below were even more pronounced.
It's not that they only care about looks, but Ouyang Jun's nonchalant demeanor made the group of martial artists below feel that this is how a martial arts genius should be.
At a restaurant near the Danxia Merchant Guild.
Jiang Shu took a sip of Heqi Tea and took in everything on the square.
The Origin Qi of heaven and earth draws them together, and even though they are far apart, some sounds still reach our ears clearly.
The head of the Danxia Merchant Guild poured tea, looking helpless. He held a high position among ordinary martial artists, but in front of a genius like Jiang Shu, he had no say whatsoever.
Once a decision has been made, just listen to it.
In his opinion, the best place to see the battle of geniuses on the Little Dragon-Tiger Rankings is in the square.
Only in this way can one immediately sense the fluctuations of True Force and feel the power of a genius.
This is how geniuses in their eighties and nineties are.
In the state capital, Zhao Zhongming, ranked twenty-second, is terrifying, as one can imagine.
"Sit down."
Jiang Shu observed from afar. "If nothing unexpected happens, Ouyang Jun should have lost."
Having reached his level in martial arts, he no longer judges others by their outward appearance, unlike the martial artists in the square.
Their spirit and vitality were all within his observation range.
In terms of physical Qi and Blood, Ouyang Jun and Tang Yujian were about the same.
But in terms of spirit, Jiang Shu could clearly sense that Tang Yujian was more like a sharp blade drawn from its sheath, unrestrained and flamboyant. As for Ouyang Jun, who seemed like a refined gentleman, calm and collected, he actually appeared somewhat weak and feeble under the influence of Tang Yujian's spirit.
If it's just a brief exchange, naturally no clear winner can be determined.
But once the battle lines are drawn out, Tang Yujian will become more and more courageous.
"After I finish this cup of tea, I will prepare to go to the state capital."
Jiang Shu said calmly. He came to watch, not to see the fight between the two.
I just wanted to figure out roughly where I belong on the Little Dragon-Tiger Rankings.
It now seems that neither Tang Yujian nor Ouyang Jun are his match.
It's time to head to the capital and fight Zhao Zhongming.
square.
The arena.
Tang Yujian smiled dismissively.
He came to challenge them with considerable confidence. He drew the broadsword from his back and looked at Ouyang Jun, saying, "You've been quite leisurely in the county town these past few days."
Don't you believe me?
Ouyang Jun shook his head. He opened and closed his fan as if a mechanism had been activated.
One by one, jade bones flew out from the fan.
This Jade Bone Fan is not just a decorative tool, but also a newly crafted weapon!
Each piece of jade bone is specially made, and its hardness is such that it can cut through iron like mud!
Strands of True Force intertwined, forming a sharp cone from the ten jade bones, which spun wildly toward Tang Yujian.
"That's interesting."
A glint of light flashed in Tang Yujian's eyes. He swung his greatsword, colliding with the sharp cone.
"Bite."
A tremendous tremor resounded across the arena.
Ouyang Jun took a step forward, waved his hands, and the ten jade bones recombined to form a wheel-like shape, spinning as if to directly sever Tang Yujian's throat.
"Extraordinary techniques are no match for my overwhelming power!"
A loud shout shook the heavens and the earth.
Tang Yujian's muscles were on full display, and his giant sword gleamed blindingly in the sunlight, with five streams of True Force swirling around it. He repelled the Jade Bone Wheel with a single strike, then stomped on the arena, leaping into the air. Layers of sword energy condensed at the tip of the giant sword, seemingly possessing boundless power.
"Go back!"
Ouyang Jun gave a low shout, his brows furrowing slightly, clearly sensing that the situation was getting tricky.
Jade Bone is tricky, with attack angles that make it impossible for martial artists to defend against.
But Tang Yujian was no ordinary martial artist; he could wield a giant sword with incredible precision.
I launched several attacks, but none of them were effective.
Each jade bone tried to penetrate him from a different angle, but he blocked it.
Since that's the case, let's really have a battle!
He retrieved the jade bones into his hand, and no one saw that the moment he grabbed the jade bones, a slender golden needle flew out from his sleeve and became embedded among the ten jade bones.
"Go!"
Ten jade bones floated on Ouyang Jun's palm. With a push, Ouyang Jun took a step forward.
Layer upon layer of sword energy was shattered by his swift attack.
From beginning to end, he seemed to have the upper hand.
The cheers below grew even louder.
Even in the restaurant, the manager seemed hesitant to speak.
"It's somewhat interesting, but it's still too far-fetched in its techniques."
Jiang Shu naturally saw the golden needle. Undoubtedly, for some careless martial artists, Ouyang Jun's move was deeply concealed. Every genius on the Little Dragon-Tiger Rankings truly has their own trump card.
But Ouyang Jun has clearly narrowed his options.
This method is something martial artists have no choice but to resort to.
At this stage, the goal should still be to achieve rapid progress in martial arts.
"Bang."
"Bang."
"Bang!"
The final layer of sword energy shattered. From within the jade bone, a golden needle flew out rapidly, almost invisible in the air.
It shot swiftly toward Tang Yujian's brow.
"I've been waiting for you for so long!"
Ouyang Jun chuckled softly, but just as he finished laughing, feeling that things had gone well, he realized that he had succeeded.
Suddenly, Tang Yujian let out a sinister laugh.
He loosened his grip, the giant sword and the jade bone locked in a stalemate. He lowered his body to avoid the golden needle attack and threw a punch at the same time.
"Boom!"
Ouyang Jun, who had been keeping a close eye on the giant sword, never expected that Tang Yujian, who was famous for his Swordsmanship, would actually abandon his sword.
The True Force broke through his skin and membranes, shaking his Five Viscera.
He took two steps back.
Jade Bones trembled as it fell to the ground along with the giant sword.
Everything in the ring happened too fast.
It happened so fast that no one could react in time; how did Ouyang Jun suddenly start to fall behind?
Tang Yujian took a step forward; having found an opportunity, he wouldn't let it slip away.
He attacked relentlessly with both fists, and no matter how hard Ouyang Jun tried to stop him, it was too late.
"Boom boom boom!"
"Puff!"
A stream of blood spurted from his mouth.
Ouyang Jun was also knocked off the stage.
Tang Yujian withdrew his fist and stood up. With a burst of True Force, the giant sword returned to his hand.
"The victor is Tang Yujian. From this day forward, Tang Yujian has successfully challenged Ouyang Jun and ascended to the eighty-first place on the Little Dragon-Tiger Rankings! Let us congratulate Young Master Tang Yujian and wish Young Master Tang continued success in his martial arts career."
A Centurion from the Sky Patrol Guard stepped onto the stage and shouted loudly, his voice echoing throughout the entire square.
The martial artists who supported Tang Yujian clapped and celebrated.
The clan leaders also removed their True Force shields and began inviting Tang Yujian to their residences.
"There's no need for me to be a guest. I'll do one last thing before I return to the capital."
Tang Yujian glanced at Ouyang Jun, who was being helped up by a maid and looked at him with resentment, then leaped off the arena like an eagle and headed towards the Danxia Merchant Guild.
"What is Young Master Tang trying to do?"
"What could possibly be more important than attending a grand banquet?"
"Is this the direction to the Danxia Merchant Guild?"
Following Tang Yujian, the group soon arrived in front of the Danxia Merchant Guild.
Upon receiving the news, one of the Vice President immediately came to greet them.
"Your Chamber of Commerce's Jiang Shu should still be around. It's fine if he's hiding like a coward. I'm just here to deliver a message: if you're going to hide, then keep hiding. And whatever you do, don't go to the state capital. The waters there are too deep and too vast. A coward will drown."
His battle with Ouyang Jun was the focus of attention for all the martial artists in Azure Sky Prefecture.
It's impossible that Jiang Shu didn't pay attention to this.
The fact that he hasn't come out yet can only mean that Jiang Shu is truly a coward.
Why bother doing it yourself and make people think you're bullying the weak?
These words alone, in terms of public opinion, were enough to make Jiang Shu suffer immensely for the rest of his life.
Who is Jiang Shu?
"Never heard of it?"
"I think I've heard of him. He's a very talented genius from Yongning Prefecture. It's said that he could make it onto the Little Dragon-Tiger Rankings."
"So he hasn't boarded it yet, but the fact that he's remembered by Young Master Tang shows that he's become quite famous."
The sounds continued from below.
This place is very close to the restaurant.
The person in charge upstairs heard everything clearly. He looked at Jiang Shu, who had just finished drinking the last sip of tea, and didn't know what to say.
" Young Master Tang, it's not like I haven't seen Young Master Jiang for several days. He may have already gone to the city, or perhaps he is in seclusion."
The Vice President replied vaguely.
"Heh, do you believe that?"
Tang Yujian scoffed, turned around, and spoke to the martial artists behind him. He didn't want to argue with these seasoned veterans of the merchant guild; once he finished speaking, it was time to go back.
However, just as he took that step...
Not far away.
Suddenly, a gust of wind blew up in the restaurant.
A figure, like a winged tiger, leaped down.
The True Force was fierce and powerful, attacking Tang Yujian with lightning speed.
"Who!"
Tang Yujian suddenly shouted, his whole body stiffened, and his True Force spread out layer by layer.
However, this fist directly shattered the shield of True Force.
Forbidden Technique!
Each Didi Essence Blood instantly ignited.
On the arena, not using forbidden techniques is unnecessary because both he and Ouyang Jun possess only minor-level forbidden techniques. Using them simultaneously would yield the same result as not using them at all.
But now, we face this unknown enemy.
It's time to put your skills to use; you should still put them to use.
The forbidden technique erupted, Tang Yujian's Qi and Blood and qi surged instantly.
The True Force also froze instantly.
But it was too late. The solidified True Force was quickly shattered by the force of the fist.
"Bang."
"Bang."
"Bang."
In full view of everyone.
Jiang Shu punched Tang Yujian in the abdomen, then turned his fist into a claw, grabbed his throat, and slammed him to the ground in Tang Yujian's incredulous eyes!
It crashed and created a giant, human-shaped crater.
"Boom!"
The smoke and dust cleared.
Jiang Shu leaned low, his palms like Five-Finger Mountain, gripping Tang Yujian's throat tightly.
"Who gave you the confidence to think that you alone can block my door and humiliate me?"
"Did Zhao Zhongming give you this confidence?"
"Send a message to him, saying that I, Jiang Shu, will set off immediately and, upon arriving in the city, will formally engage him in battle."
Slowly let go of her hand.
Jiang Shu walked into the Danxia Merchant Guild without looking back.
Behind him, thousands of martial artists were utterly shocked and speechless.
The Centurion Sky Patrol Guard hastily recorded the list of Little Dragon-Tiger Rankings.
Jiang Shu of Yongning Prefecture defeated Tang Yujian in one move.
He ranked eighty-one on the Little Dragon-Tiger Rankings.
Same day.
The news spread throughout Cloud State!