Uncle Dingyuan, a born military man, honed his skills primarily through the practice of Horizontal Training, and Liang Xu, as his legitimate son, also showed considerable talent in the path of physical martial arts.
It was precisely because of this that Cao Zhen had suggested that Gu Chen compete with Liang Xu in lifting cauldrons, having calculated every step carefully.
"Good!"
Liang Xu's eyes widened as he bellowed, "Let's compete in lifting cauldrons, Gu Chen, do you dare?"
Lu Xinlan's brows furrowed slightly, and just as she was about to speak, Cao Zhen interjected, "Miss Lu, the Duke of the Liang State is from a military background where strength is always the deciding factor. If two people do not see eye to eye and have disagreements, they resort to proving themselves through strength.
Today is the Duke's birthday feast; let Gu Chen and Brother Liang celebrate his longevity through this contest."
Lu Xinlan glanced at Gu Chen and Liang Xu, her beautiful eyes stirring as she said, "This… both of you are guests. It wouldn't be good if anyone gets hurt."
Those three cauldrons were indeed what the Duke of the Liang State used to train his body normally. But what was the Duke's cultivation level? He was a martial artist at the seventh realm, the Gang Qi Stage. Even in his old age with a deteriorating physique, his strength was not something that Gu Chen and Liang Xu, the two juniors, could compare with.
Even the lightest cauldron weighed thirty thousand jin (approximately 15 tons).
"Gu Chen, cut the nonsense. Do you dare or not?" Liang Xu challenged, his face full of provocation. As a body refining martial artist on the verge of stepping into the Vajra Stage, he had been constantly honing his physique and had reached a strength of sixty thousand jin (approximately 30 tons). He did not believe that Gu Chen could be stronger than him.
"Good!"
Before Gu Chen could respond, a loud shout suddenly came from afar. A group of people approached, led by the Duke of the Liang State himself, followed by Chen Yu, Uncle Dingyuan, and others.
The "Good!" that had just been heard was from the Duke, his voice robust and full of breath.
"What my nephew Cao Zhen said is correct. In the army, we speak through strength. Since both of you are eager to pursue my granddaughter, then prove with your strength who is more deserving of Xin Lan," said the Duke of the Liang State.
"Grandfather…" Seeing the Duke so direct, Xin Lan's face turned slightly red.
Seeing this, the Duke laughed heartily and did not mind, continuing, "Consider this performance as a part of my birthday celebration. It has been quite a while since I've watched young people compete. Don't hesitate or dilly-dally; is that how a true man behaves?"
Upon hearing this, Gu Chen instantly turned his gaze towards Chen Yu, who gave a slight nod after noticing the look.
Chen Yu was not at all worried about Gu Chen's strength.
Liang Xu also looked towards Uncle Dingyuan, who smiled subtly, signaling not to worry.
Immediately after, Uncle Dingyuan turned his gaze towards Chen Yu and joked, "Master Chen, you seem quite confident in your subordinate?"
Chen Yu responded calmly, "There's no need for Uncle Dingyuan to worry on this account."
Uncle Dingyuan did not appear to be annoyed. He smiled slightly and said, "My son is about to enter the Vajra Stage. Isn't it a bit too bullying to compare strength?"
He said this because he was worried that if Gu Chen lost later, Chen Yu might make excuses.
"Not at all. We in the Jing Tian Department live by martial prowess and have never feared anyone's challenge," said Chen Yu, his expression composed, showing no worry at all.
Uncle Dingyuan raised his eyebrows and said, "Good. I hope Master Chen can maintain this composure later."
"Just wait and see," said Chen Yu, his face expressionless.
At this moment, the Duke of the Liang State, Lu Sheng, said, "Since this is a competition, let's add a wager. Xin Lan is my granddaughter, so naturally she can't be the prize. It's up to her to decide who she favors. That said, whoever wins this contest, I shall reward with a superior martial arts technique."
Liang Xu, hearing this, was immediately overjoyed and declared, "Good!"
Gu Chen also nodded slightly. Since Chen Yu had spoken, then the competition was on. In terms of strength, Gu Chen had never feared anyone.
Moreover, he too wanted to know just how far his current strength had developed. Liang Xu was on the brink of entering the Vajra Stage, which made him a suitable test subject.
"Bring in the cauldrons!"
At the command of the Duke of the Liang State, it wasn't long before a group of more than twenty servants arrived, carrying the three cauldrons.
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These servants all had cultivation at the external qi level, but they still struggled with the heavy cauldrons, their faces flushed with exertion.
Especially for the last cauldron, which needed the most hands to carry. They had to rest every few steps, indicating the staggering weight of the cauldron.
Dong!
The cauldron landed, and the ground trembled. The sight caused many to hold their breath in suspense.
Uncle Dingyuan furrowed his brows as well, the weight of the cauldrons being great. He, too, felt uncertain about Liang Xu's performance, but after glancing at Gu Chen and discerning his cultivation level, he felt reassured.
Then, the Duke of the Liang State stepped forward to introduce the cauldrons, "These three cauldrons are what I used during my cultivation at the Vajra Stage and have accompanied me for half my life. After returning to Tiandu, in order not to let my martial skills degrade too much, I have practiced lifting them daily. This first cauldron weighs thirty-three thousand jin!"
As these words were spoken, the crowd immediately gasped in shock. The first cauldron alone weighed over thirty thousand jin?
That was not all. The Duke of the Liang State pointed to the second cauldron and continued, "This cauldron weighs seventy-seven thousand jin."
Hearing this, Chen Yu slightly raised his eyebrows, looking towards Gu Chen. Seeing Gu Chen still calm, a hint of a smile appeared in his eyes.
"This third cauldron weighs one hundred and eight thousand jin. It was for my attempt to break through the third layer of the Vajra Stage, achieving the body of a savage dragon. Unfortunately, in the end, I failed," said the Duke of the Liang State with a mix of solemnity and disappointment on his face.