Yu Su tried to straighten his back, the pain from the fall moments ago echoed through his body. One hand trembled, but he couldn't show weakness; Yu Xiong must not see any vulnerability.
He had to win this duel today. Yu Xiong tossing Yu Zhou earlier was one reason; the other was that defeating Yu Xiong would establish his reputation. Moreover, with Yu Zhou and his father standing behind him, he couldn't afford to let his family be looked down upon.
"Hahaha, did you all hear that? Yu Su actually let me win. Don't cry for your parents!"
"He probably hit his head. With that physique, I could knock him down with one hand."
Yu Xiong and four other village youths mocked Yu Su, not taking him seriously.
"Boss, beat him hard! Let's see if this kid dares to talk big again."
"Yes, beat him!"
Yu Xiong pressed his finger joints forcefully, producing cracking sounds, and gave Yu Su a malicious smile.
Yu Su, concealing his trembling hand behind him, carefully observed Yu Xiong, contemplating ways to defeat him. Direct confrontation wouldn't work. Fortunately, Yu Su had learned martial arts. In the era without spiritual energy, basic martial arts and sword techniques could still be learned. Yu Su, passionate about it, excelled in his martial arts class. His teacher regretfully told him that if not for being born in this era, he would have been a shining talent.
"Drink!"
Yu Xiong's fist missed Yu Su, who swiftly evaded the attack.
Yu Xiong's fist landed empty, surprise flickering in his eyes, as if he couldn't understand how Yu Su had avoided it.
Quickly regaining composure, Yu Xiong turned to attack Yu Su again.
Yu Su darted away once more. His evasive movements were rhythmic and practical, taught by his martial arts instructor. Flexibility in dodging was crucial in combat. If Yu Su were in better shape, he could have used this to exploit Yu Xiong's vulnerabilities early on. Unfortunately, weakened as he was, his dodges were heavy and lacked agility, forcing him to circle Yu Xiong a few more times.
Yu Xiong's fist missed again, and he looked puzzled. Was it that he didn't eat enough today, or were his eyes playing tricks on him? Why couldn't he hit Yu Su?
Yu Xiong refocused, turning to attack Yu Su once more.
Seizing an opportunity, Yu Su circled behind Yu Xiong and forcefully kicked his knee pit, a weak joint that even Yu Xiong couldn't resist.
"Ah!" Yu Xiong's knee slammed into the uneven ground, filled with fine sand and gravel that embedded into his knee joint.
While he screamed in pain, Yu Su grabbed his arm and twisted it sharply, producing a crack.
"Ah!" Yu Xiong yelled again, his arm almost breaking.
Yu Su executed the twist with skill; a bit more strength, and Yu Xiong would have suffered even more.
"Boss!" The four onlookers from the village exclaimed, ready to intervene.
"Don't come over!" Yu Xiong roared. Duels had rules, and if it became known that he not only couldn't beat Yu Su but also broke the rules by ganging up, he would lose face in the village.
Yu Su's eyes flashed; Yu Xiong might still have a chance to redeem himself. However, considering Yu Xiong's repeated bullying and challenges to the original owner, nearly causing harm to Yu Zhou, this debt had to be settled. Today, Yu Su intended to teach Yu Xiong a lesson he'd never forget.
By now, Yu Xiong had climbed back up, proving his resilience. Even with one arm nearly disabled, he declared fiercely, "I was careless just now. I'll definitely disable you next."
Yu Su didn't expect to win by disabling one arm. When Yu Xiong attacked again, Yu Su used a feigned strategy, evading Yu Xiong's strikes and landing a few more hits while he was disoriented.
Yu Xiong, like a furious bull, was toyed with by Yu Su, who wielded the red cloth like a matador.
Yu Xiong was infuriated. As he charged at Yu Su again, Yu Su instinctively raised his foot and kicked.
"Boom!"
Yu Xiong's bull-like body crashed into the remaining portion of the rammed-earth wall in the yard, creating a cloud of dust.