Chapter 39 0041: So This Is the Power of a Genius?

At this moment, the Lord of the City’s eyes narrowed into mere slits. “Make yourself clear—who lost? Which Duanmu Ci are you talking about?”

“Lord…” On the other end of the line, the scout completely understood his master’s feelings, for he himself found it hard to believe. Yet the outcome on the field, as well as the stunned looks on the faces of everyone around him, told him it was the truth.

“The Duanmu Ci of the Duanmu family, one of the ten great families of Watchtower City—the very Duanmu Ci most likely to succeed you as the city’s guardian!”

Gulp.

Lord Guo unconsciously swallowed hard.

He ended the call and told his guards, “Prepare the carriage. We’re going to the Noble Club.”

Back on the field, everyone felt the same suffocating weight as the scout who had been watching Chu Yun—a heavy stone pressed down on their chests, making it hard to breathe.

They were utterly shocked.

The senior who had previously ridiculed Chu Yun’s past exploits nearly had his eyes pop out of their sockets.

Because of his earlier comments, everyone who had already branded Chu Yun as “useless” now felt the sting of their own words.

Duanmu Ci and Chu Yun had exchanged more than thirty blows. Chu Yun had gained the upper hand and struck Duanmu Ci eight times, meaning he could spot and exploit a weakness in four moves or fewer.

On the ninth strike to his chest, Duanmu Ci could no longer hold back; a bitter taste rose in his throat, and he spat blood, stumbling back several steps to keep his distance and defend himself.

His eyes were bloodshot now, his teeth grinding audibly as the crowd whispered about the unbelievable outcome.

The truth was, his strength was not that of a half-step First Rank Warrior—he had already entered the warrior stage.

Let us return to ten minutes earlier—

Duanmu Ci, facing Chu Yun, had revealed the battle aura exclusive to warriors.

When the pale yellow glow flared from his hands, everyone watching gasped in shock.

“That’s battle aura!”

“He’s already reached the warrior stage? Seventeen years old, and already a First Rank Warrior!”

“Who was it who said he couldn’t possibly reach that level this year? And yet, before the year is even out, he’s already made it.”

“The future of Watchtower City is bright indeed.”

“There’s no need to continue. Look at Chu Yun—his opponent has already revealed his trump card, but he hasn’t. The difference in presence alone is worlds apart.”

“It’s not that he hasn’t revealed it—he doesn’t have one. As they say, anyone below a warrior is just an ordinary fighter. Whether you’re a Rank One or Rank Nine Fighter, if you can’t manifest your battle aura, you’re still ordinary.”

“Battle aura is just so commanding. Honestly, the outcome seems decided already.”

As Duanmu Ci’s battle aura stunned the crowd, his friends couldn’t resist mocking Chu Yun. “Hey you, why don’t you show us your battle aura?”

Chu Yun said nothing, simply standing his ground opposite Duanmu Ci.

He had no battle aura.

The cultivation technique he practiced was utterly different from the crude battle skills of these low-level civilizations. This was also why, despite his previous lack of strength, even the old butler by Hou Manman’s side couldn’t see through him. And with his ancient soul and deep cunning, Chu Yun disdained to show off such things.

As someone who had seen it all, he knew that true masters had no need for ostentation.

Seeing that Chu Yun showed no battle aura, Hou Manman and the old butler exchanged glances.

“It’s already quite impressive, isn’t it?” The old butler, worried Hou Manman might be disappointed, spoke up for Chu Yun. “There are very few like Duanmu Ci in the whole world, after all.”

“You make it sound like if he could show battle aura, I’d be all over him,” Hou Manman rolled her eyes. “Honestly, at this level, he’s already good enough. It’s just his personality—he’ll probably be single all his life. And I have no intention of making the first move. Most importantly, I’m just not interested in him right now!”

The old butler glanced at Ye Linglong standing not far away. “Then that girl might have the upper hand.”

Hou Manman replied, “Ye Linglong isn’t so shallow. If she were, she would have accepted Duanmu Ci long ago—he’s got better prospects than anyone. Clearly, like me, she cares more about true feelings than background, power, or strength.”

The old butler gave a wry smile. “My young lady, just because you think this way doesn’t mean other women will. After today, women seeking him out will be as countless as the fish in the river. Your advantage might not be what it is now.”

Hou Manman snorted, “Doesn’t matter—I don’t like him anyway.”

The old butler said, “But surely you admire him a little?”

Hou Manman admitted, “A little, yes. From the moment he dared to take on Duanmu Ci, I admired his courage.”

The old butler chuckled softly.

On the field, Duanmu Ci saw that Chu Yun still hadn’t revealed any battle aura and let out a small laugh. “Are you not ready yet?”

“I’m ready,” Chu Yun replied honestly. “I simply don’t have battle aura.”

Laughter erupted all around them.

Even Duanmu Ci couldn’t help but chuckle. “That’s the difference between a genius and an ordinary person, don’t you see?”

Unexpectedly, Chu Yun asked, “Can battle aura be eaten? It looks impressive, but is it actually useful?”

“Let me show you,” Duanmu Ci’s gaze turned steely, and he launched his attack.

At that moment, everyone held their breath, eyes wide, watching intently.

They had all heard tales of Duanmu Ci’s prowess but never witnessed it themselves. Now, seeing the city’s superstar in action and comparing themselves, this was a rare opportunity.

But in focusing solely on Duanmu Ci, they overlooked Chu Yun. As the fight progressed, they realized that Duanmu Ci’s rhythm was faltering.

Only then did they notice something was wrong with the flow of the battle.

He was actually losing ground!

When Duanmu Ci was struck and forced back for the first time, the onlookers were stunned. Duanmu Ci himself was even more shocked—he couldn’t believe he had been hit.

At the same moment, light flashed in the eyes of both Hou Manman and Ye Linglong.

Even the old butler let out a gasp of surprise.

But in the next instant, Duanmu Ci, shamed and enraged, launched a furious assault, each move aiming to end the fight.

Yet for Chu Yun—the battle-hardened god of war—facing a mere upstart, it was impossible to be caught off guard.

On the thirty-sixth exchange, Chu Yun landed a decisive punch to Duanmu Ci’s chest, sending him staggering back.

That blow left Duanmu Ci temporarily unable to fight, half-kneeling and gasping, his eyes filled with doubt and disbelief.

Chu Yun glanced at the glow of battle aura around him and commented, “It really is just for show—all flash, no substance.”

Blood suddenly gushed from the corner of Duanmu Ci’s mouth.

Chu Yun added, “So this is the strength of a so-called genius? I’ve learned my lesson. Thank you.”