Chapter 46: The Greatest Prodigy in the Capital

Chapter Forty-Six: The Greatest Genius in the Capital

Wu Songran turned at the sound of her name to see a young man in azure robes. He had sword-like brows and phoenix eyes, his features sharply defined, the corners of his mouth faintly upturned. His long hair was tied behind his head with a silken cord. His figure was well-proportioned and in his hand he carried an unsheathed precious sword.

The young man was tall, his voice melodious as heavenly music. The affectionate “Sister Ran” he called made Wu Songran’s delicate frame shiver as she spun around, joy lighting up her face. She called out warmly, “Brother Lie!”

This was none other than the second son of the Prince of Martial Might’s household, only a few months younger than Wu Hong—twenty years old as well.

Yet, whether in the martial world or in the capital, Wu Lie had always been hailed as a genius. At such a young age, he had already attained the Bone Forging Realm. Raised amidst the military, he had distinguished himself in battle, and was accomplished in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting.

Wu Lie was the son of the Prince’s second wife, Lady Zhao. He was so outstanding that from childhood all glory was centered on him. Most members of the household took pride in Wu Lie; before news of the Prince’s death, Wu Lie was the heir apparent. But when rumors spread that the Prince had been killed by Wu Hong, all suspicion and blame turned to Wu Hong.

The capital’s nobility was furious, issuing a massive bounty for Wu Hong’s capture. Lady Zhao herself swore not to discuss the succession until Wu Hong was apprehended. Thus, Wu Lie remained the second son for the time being.

Having heard that the Book of Heaven’s Cave was about to open, Wu Lie had come in search of fortune. But to his chagrin, he encountered the fake Wu Hong—whom he had never even deigned to look at before—fought him, was soundly defeated, and even had a precious innate technique manual snatched from him. This humiliation was a poisoned thorn in his heart.

He had since heard of the southern Monkey Valley, where strange beasts ran rampant, and had come to test his luck, only to run into Wu Songran.

Wu Songran skipped over to Wu Lie’s side, clinging to his arm and acting coy.

“Little rascal, always running about,” Wu Lie teased, flicking her nose.

“And who is this?” Wu Lie asked, looking at Wu Hong.

Wu Hong saw that Wu Songran was about to introduce him and interjected, “My name is Hong Wu. I’ve only just met Miss Songran.”

As Wu Lie heard Wu Hong speak, his gaze turned cold. “I am talking to my sister,” he said icily.

Wu Hong felt a wave of awkwardness. Since childhood, he had lived in Wu Lie’s shadow, and even now Wu Lie’s arrogance was unbearable. Rage simmered in his heart.

Lady Zhao, Wu Lie’s mother, might well be the true culprit behind his father’s death. From one perspective, Wu Lie might be considered his brother, but the way Wu Lie spoke to him now fanned the flames of Wu Hong’s anger. Yet with Wu Songran present, he could only snort and turn away.

Wu Lie let out a cold laugh. “Mister Hong, you must be highly skilled. I have always befriended others through martial arts—may I ask for a few pointers?”

Wu Hong had no wish to spar, but some among the crowd, realizing the two were about to compete, recognized Wu Lie at once.

“Isn’t that Young Master Wu Lie, famed as the capital’s greatest genius? He’s already reached the early Bone Forging Realm—an extraordinary young master,” someone murmured.

“Who’s that other youth? He doesn’t look very old either. Why would Wu Lie challenge him?”

The crowd buzzed with speculation. Some edged away, clearing a space for the duel.

“Brother Lie, let it go. Brother Hong is my friend,” Wu Songran said helplessly, her expression odd.

“Sister Ran, the martial world is full of dangerous sorts. Don’t be blinded by a little kindness. Who knows what kind of person he truly is?” Wu Lie’s words were utterly dismissive of Wu Hong, his arrogance grating on those around. Yet, his reputation was such that no one dared object openly.

Wu Hong’s anger burned. He could not bring himself to yield. Nodding slightly, he said, “Since you are so eager, Young Master Wu Lie, let us stop at the point of contact. Please.”

At this, Wu Lie’s face darkened further. From childhood, his pride had gone unmatched. Now, this youth actually invited him to make the first move—a clear sign of condescension. How could he not be enraged?

“My martial skills may not be supreme,” Wu Lie said coldly, “but I have never been given first move in a duel. Mister Hong, you should go first.”

Thus began a curious exchange of courtesies, each inviting the other to begin, to the crowd’s amusement. It was only a friendly match, yet both were so polite.

Wu Songran had always admired Wu Lie since childhood. Though Wu Hong’s recent displays of martial prowess had astounded her, she still had a blind confidence in Wu Lie.

Wu Hong saw all this, and humiliation washed over him. Since childhood, he had lived in the shadow of neglect. Now, seeing Wu Songran’s unwavering faith in Wu Lie, his pride would not allow him to yield any further.

“In that case, I’ll not stand on ceremony!” he declared.

With that, his body vanished from sight, reappearing with a fist aimed at Wu Lie’s face—a movement as swift as a phantom.

Wu Lie thought, “So fast!” He dodged to the side as the fist whistled past.

Wu Hong’s movement finished in a single instant, his fist tearing through the air with a sharp crack. Such speed! Yet Wu Lie had managed to evade.

The crowd was astounded.

Wu Lie was shaken. This man’s martial skills were truly extraordinary. He instantly shed any contempt, channeling his inner energy to form a protective sheath—a layer of fiery red energy enveloped him, blazing so fiercely that it was hard to look at directly. The temperature around them soared.

“That’s the Prince of Martial Might’s second secret art, the Blazing Flame Sutra! Remarkable—using true energy to produce a shield of fire!”

“Hmph—boy, let me show you the meaning of genius. Some people toil their whole lives and still accomplish nothing!”

Wu Lie gathered power in his palms; the red energy swelled, crackling with the sound of burning flames. His eyes flared like those of a god as he shouted, “Sunfire Palms! Take this, boy!”

Leaping high into the air, Wu Lie locked his aura onto Wu Hong and thrust both palms downward. A stream of tangible fire energy, over ten meters wide, enveloped Wu Hong.

Wu Hong felt as though he were completely locked in place—no matter where he tried to dodge, he would have to face this seemingly unstoppable blow.

The spectators murmured, “The Sunfire Palms are truly wondrous. In battle, it can seal off all avenues of escape. No matter how fast one moves, what’s the use? This golden-skinned youth is doomed. Pity—before the capital’s greatest genius, any so-called talent is reduced to nothing.”

The crowd’s comments grew louder. Some marveled at Wu Lie’s legendary prowess, finding the Sunfire Palms executed to perfection. Others pitied Wu Hong, who, though he seemed unremarkable next to Wu Lie, was clearly a master in his own right.

Wu Hong ignored the chatter, silently channeling his true energy into his right palm.

Wu Songran, seeing Wu Hong apparently trapped and about to endure this devastating blow, grew desperately anxious. Whatever resentment she had once held for Wu Hong had long since vanished; now, seeing him in peril, she felt a sudden ache in her heart.

As all looked on, unwilling to witness Wu Hong’s defeat, he suddenly raised his right hand, which expanded rapidly in the wind until it became a massive golden palm of true energy, dozens of meters across, rising to meet Wu Lie’s falling Sunfire Palms.

“What martial art is that?” The sudden transformation drew gasps from the crowd. Yet none could name the technique.

With a thunderous crash, Wu Lie’s Sunfire Palms collided with Wu Hong’s giant golden hand. Wu Lie’s face changed dramatically; he felt as though struck in the chest by a ten-thousand-pound hammer. Blood welled in his throat, nearly bursting forth.

Wu Lie, even with the advantage of striking down from the air, felt grievously injured by the force of the blow. This was no trivial matter.

“Ah—so you have some skill,” Wu Hong remarked, surprised that using only thirty percent of his power had not sent Wu Lie flying.

To Wu Lie, that slight exclamation was a stinging humiliation. Unable to bear it, he spat a mouthful of blood in midair as the force of Wu Hong’s Vajra Sun Palm sent him hurtling toward a massive boulder.

In that instant, Wu Lie’s despair was palpable. “Damn it, where have all these young masters come from?”

Ever since entering this small world, Wu Lie had been plagued by frustration: first, the once useless Wu Hong had taken his hard-won innate manual; now, in Monkey Valley, this Hong fellow had bested him with overwhelming strength.

Just as Wu Lie braced himself for the impact of the boulder, a pair of large hands caught him from behind, steadying his body.

The crowd, seeing that the outcome had been decided within a handful of exchanges, was stunned into silence. Wu Lie was formidable, but this other youth was even stronger. What was happening to the world, with so many young geniuses emerging?

The bystanders erupted into heated debate over the martial skills just displayed.

Wu Lie whirled around to see Wu Hong smiling at him. His face flushed crimson as he declared, “I concede! Your martial prowess is extraordinary.”

Wu Hong was taken aback. Wu Lie, for all his arrogance, was not without virtue. To admit defeat so readily before so many was admirable.

“Hong Wu, is it? Brother, your skills are impressive. I look forward to crossing paths again. Come, Sister Ran, with Brother Hong here, there’s no chance for me in Monkey Valley.”

Wu Songran glanced at Wu Hong, then approached to whisper, “Brother, I’m sorry.”

Wu Hong smiled faintly. “It’s nothing. With so many experts here, it may be wise to leave early.”

His words carried a clear message: since Wu Songran no longer lacked innate manuals, she should avoid further danger.

Wu Lie’s parting words were unintentional, but to those with keen ears, they hinted at something more. A few clever individuals immediately began paying close attention to Wu Hong, quietly preparing for the chaos that was soon to come.