Chapter 23: Testing the Waters, Close Combat
"A hundred year old Spirit Ring?" Seeing the pale yellow Spirit Ring on Yu Tianlin's body, Yu Luomian asked Yu Yuanzhen, who was seated at the head, "Did it mutate during the absorption process?"
"Even if it did, it is still only at the hundred year level. That is not enough for us to agree to give Tianlin a Dragon Origin Fruit."
The nearby elders nodded in agreement.
Yu Yuanzhen did not care about their reactions. He only smiled and said, "Alright, let the battle begin."
On the field, Yu Tianqing was also a little surprised by the yellow Spirit Ring on Yu Tianlin's body. Wasn't it said that Brother Lin only had a ten year Spirit Ring? How could this be different from the rumors?
Yu Tianqing was about to speak, but when he heard the clan leader order the start, he swallowed his words and charged straight at Yu Tianlin.
Not using Spirit Skills, just pure close combat? That suits me perfectly.
Seeing Yu Tianqing rushing over, Yu Tianlin met him head on.
As long as Yu Tianqing did not use Thunder Dragon Claw, Yu Tianlin was not afraid of close combat at all.
Soon, the two collided. In their exchange of blows, Yu Tianlin directly suppressed Yu Tianqing and forced him back.
"So Tianlin's strength is greater!" Yu Luomian frowned at the result of their clash. "Impossible. Tianqing's first Spirit Ring came from a Swift Lightning Dragon that was just over four hundred years old. With such a higher age, the physical attributes he gained after absorbing it should be far superior to Tianlin's. How could it turn out like this?"
"Luo Mian, in the past four months, you probably focused on Tianqing's Spirit Power cultivation so he could reach level ten quickly and obtain a Spirit Ring," Yu Yuanzhen said. "As for physical training and combat training, I suspect you barely let him do any."
"Tianlin is different. Over these four months, I had Yu Jian put him through heavy physical training, so his physique improved greatly. It is normal for him to suppress Tianqing in raw strength now."
"After all, Tianqing's Spirit Ring is only four hundred years old. Even if we praise it to the heavens, how much could it really strengthen his body? How could that compare to four months of Tianlin's devilish training?"
First, the ten year Spirit Ring had somehow become a hundred year one. Then came this outright suppression in strength. The duel had barely started, yet Yu Tianlin had already broken the elders' understanding twice, making them feel the situation was slipping out of their control.
Yu Luomian took a deep look at his brother, then said, "Brother, no matter what advantage Tianlin has right now, once Tianqing uses Thunder Dragon Claw, everything will reverse."
"Tianqing is not even fighting at full strength yet. Tianlin will definitely be no match for him."
Yu Yuanzhen replied without committing, "Perhaps."
Down below, Yu Tianqing realized brute force would not work. He immediately changed tactics.
He lifted a leg, aiming to kick Yu Tianlin in the stomach.
"Too slow."
Yu Tianqing's move was exactly what Yu Tianlin expected. Yu Tianlin kicked first, striking Yu Tianqing in the abdomen.
He did not go too far. His foot pressed into Yu Tianqing's stomach and then drove him back with a sharp shove.
Yu Tianqing stumbled several steps. Yu Tianlin could not help shaking his head.
Tianqing's combat experience is only average, far inferior to Yu Jian, who has gone through strict combat training.
Because Yu Tianlin had not attacked with his toes, Yu Tianqing was not truly hurt. After rubbing his stomach, he charged again.
The first time I met Yu Tianqing head on was to test his physical strength. Now that I understand his ability better, I can use some real combat techniques.
This time, Yu Tianlin did not retreat. He stood still, waiting.
Only when Yu Tianqing got close did Yu Tianlin step forward. He bent low to slip past the punch aimed at his head, then whipped a heavy backhand into Yu Tianqing's chest, sending him flying.
He had held back before, but now Yu Tianlin was truly using his full strength.
Yu Tianqing was knocked away. To stop his momentum, he pushed off the ground with both legs and barely steadied himself, though his breathing turned ragged.
In Martial Spirit Possession, with Spirit Power protecting him, Yu Tianqing only felt short of breath and a tight ache in his chest.
Clutching his chest, he looked at Yu Tianlin helplessly. "Brother Lin, are you serious?"
Yu Tianlin's expression stayed calm. "Tianqing, if you do not use Thunder Dragon Claw and only fight close range, you will never be my match."
Yu Tianqing glanced at Yu Luomian seated above. He gritted his teeth and said in a low voice, "Alright, Brother Lin. Do not blame me."
As soon as he finished speaking, the yellow Spirit Ring around Yu Tianqing lit up.
Blue purple lightning burst out, instantly forming a lightning claw about a foot long over his right hand, wrapping his palm.
Above, seeing Yu Tianqing finally use Thunder Dragon Claw, Yu Luomian stroked his beard. "Now that Tianqing has used his first Spirit Skill, this battle should end soon."
Yu Yuanzhen did not argue. He only said, "It is too early to judge. Let's watch."
With Thunder Dragon Claw active, Yu Tianqing surged with confidence. He roared and charged forward with unstoppable momentum.
"Good timing!"
Instead of retreating, Yu Tianlin advanced to meet him.
The distance closed in a blink. Yu Tianqing stomped hard and leapt into the air, his lightning claw slashing straight for Yu Tianlin's head.
An elder above stood up, ready to block the strike at the critical moment.
Yu Yuanzhen stopped him at once, forbidding any interference. He did not move either, only watching quietly, as if not worried about his grandson being hurt.
Facing the claw rushing down at him, Yu Tianlin remained calm, showing the results of four months of brutal training.
He tracked the trajectory carefully. At the decisive instant, Yu Tianlin slipped aside and cleanly avoided the strike.
Boom.
Yu Tianqing's lightning claw smashed into the ground. Thunder and lightning burst out, blasting a small crater and showing just how terrifying the Thunder Dragon Claw really was.
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