After Jing Hongchen finished speaking, he looked at Liu Yuan with clear anticipation in his eyes.
He had no intention of forcing him—but if possible, he truly wanted to witness Liu Yuan's strength firsthand.
Liu Yuan smiled faintly.
"I was wondering what it would be. If it's just this, then of course there's no problem."
He understood perfectly well—behind Jing Hongchen's curiosity lay not suspicion, but investment.
Since the other party had shown him such sincerity, Liu Yuan naturally wouldn't hold back.
Sometimes, in front of true powerhouses, hiding one's strength wasn't wisdom.
A proper display was the fastest way to earn trust.
"Excellent!"
Jing Hongchen's eyes lit up immediately.
Ever since hearing Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen's account, his curiosity had been burning.
Now, he could finally see it for himself.
Liu Yuan asked calmly, "Then how would you like me to demonstrate? Simply display my spirit ability?"
Jing Hongchen shook his head.
"A simple display is too shallow."
A sharp glint flashed in his eyes.
"Actual combat is the best measure of strength."
As he spoke, his gaze shifted—
—and landed directly on Xiao Hongchen.
"Xiaoer, you will spar with Little Yuan."
"...Me?"
Xiao Hongchen's face stiffened instantly.
Inside, he was practically crying.
Fight him? Are you serious?
Unlike his grandfather, who only heard descriptions, Xiao Hongchen had witnessed Liu Yuan's terrifying power firsthand.
That scene in the cave—four Evil Soul Masters wiped out in an instant—
It was burned into his memory.
If Liu Yuan got serious, there would only be one result.
Instant defeat.
Going up there now wasn't sparring.
It was public humiliation.
"Grandfather, I—"
"Hm?"
Jing Hongchen's gaze sharpened slightly.
A Titled Douluo's pressure spread faintly.
Xiao Hongchen froze.
"…Yes, Grandfather."
Resistance? Gone.
Completely gone.
---
Soon, the group arrived at an exclusive training ground.
The massive alloy gates slowly opened, revealing a vast silver-white arena inside.
The structure was built to withstand full-force attacks from Spirit Douluo-level experts—more than enough for a "friendly spar."
Liu Yuan stepped into the center and turned around.
"Shall we begin?"
Xiao Hongchen hurriedly waved his hands.
"Wait! Let's increase the distance!"
He immediately ran all the way to the edge of the arena.
"Twenty meters! Minimum!"
Only then did he feel slightly safer.
Liu Yuan couldn't help but smile.
Jing Hongchen, watching from the side, showed no anger—only deeper curiosity.
Just how strong is this Liu Yuan… to make Xiaoer this cautious?
---
"Ready!" Xiao Hongchen shouted.
"Alright," Liu Yuan replied calmly.
The moment his voice fell—
Both released their Spirits.
"Three-Legged Golden Toad, possess!"
Golden light erupted from Xiao Hongchen's body.
His physique expanded slightly, golden patterns spread across his skin, and a massive toad phantom flickered behind him.
His aura surged powerfully.
On the opposite side—
Liu Yuan activated Rayquaza possession.
Emerald and gold light intertwined around him like a divine aura.
His body became taller and more refined, golden markings appeared on his forehead, and his eyes transformed into vertical dragon pupils.
Two emerald energy ribbons floated behind him like divine halos.
The moment his aura erupted—
Xiao Hongchen's presence was instantly crushed.
Not suppressed.
Crushed.
The difference was absolute.
Jing Hongchen's pupils contracted sharply.
"What a Spirit…!"
Then his brows furrowed.
"This aura… why does it feel familiar…?"
---
On the field, Xiao Hongchen didn't dare hesitate.
He attacked immediately.
Mechanical components assembled in midair with precision.
Dozens of gun barrels and cannons locked onto Liu Yuan.
"Covering Strike!"
Boom—boom—boom!
A storm of artillery erupted.
Shells streaked across the field like meteors, accompanied by piercing energy beams.
It was a full-scale saturation attack.
Even Spirit Kings would struggle to withstand it.
Jing Hongchen nodded slightly.
Impressive control…
But before he could finish the thought—
Liu Yuan moved.
He simply raised one hand.
"Second Spirit Skill… Storm."
A violent gale exploded outward.
The incoming barrage—
Was blown apart instantly.
The shells twisted midair, completely losing trajectory, and slammed into the alloy walls.
Explosions echoed across the arena.
Xiao Hongchen's full-power attack—
Neutralized in a single move.
"…What is that?!" he blurted out in shock.
But before he could react further—
Liu Yuan moved again.
"First Spirit Skill… Extreme Speed."
Swish—!
He vanished.
No afterimage.
No warning.
Just… gone.
Xiao Hongchen's pupils shrank to pinpoints.
Every instinct in his body screamed danger.
Then—
A hand gently rested on his shoulder.
His entire body froze.
Cold dread surged from his spine to his skull.
He turned his head stiffly.
Liu Yuan stood beside him.
Smiling.
At that distance—
He could have ended everything instantly.
Cold sweat drenched Xiao Hongchen's back.
No need to continue.
"I… lost."
Clean. Absolute. Undeniable.
This wasn't a spar.
It was a complete one-sided defeat.
If this had been a real battle—
He would already be dead.