Mythical Three Kingdoms

Zhang Fei's muttering, though quiet and far from Ma Chao, was perfectly heard by the latter — for any Inner Qi Manifestation martial artist possessed exceptional hearing and vision. Zhang Fei's words struck Ma Chao like a heavy blow.

Thinking back to his time in Xiliang when he had never encountered an Inner Qi Manifestation opponent, the humiliation of being defeated by Zhang Xiu in a two-versus-one duel was overwhelming. He had even thought Zhang Xiu was Lyu Bu in disguise, only to later discover that Zhang Xiu was not Lyu Bu but rather an exceptional master — a master who ended up being captured alive. Captured alive...

Later, after arriving in Chang'an, Ma Chao encountered many masters, including the one who had captured Zhang Xiu. Out of curiosity, Ma Chao challenged this expert, but after landing just one punch on Dian Wei, he immediately realized his defeat.

That was their first encounter — a battle without weapons. Dian Wei barely reacted, casually scratching his head as if dealing with a mischievous child. Ma Chao struck Dian Wei's chest and abdomen with full force, yet Dian Wei then effortlessly grabbed him and tossed him over the wall, showcasing utterly despair-inducing strength...

The most demoralizing aspect for Ma Chao was that, despite unleashing his full power on Dian Wei, the man showed no reaction. At that moment, Dian Wei's previously relaxed muscles transformed into a solidity tougher than refined iron. Ma Chao felt no evidence of his punch causing even the slightest indent in Dian Wei's chest or abdomen.

For someone like Ma Chao, who had achieved Inner Qi Manifestation — even if his close-combat abilities were greatly diminished — for his strike to have zero effect was utterly devastating.

Of course, this was due to Ma Chao's ignorance about those who, aside from cultivating Inner Qi, also trained their bodies. Dian Wei was the strongest among all the top generals who specialized in physical training.

In terms of close-quarters combat on foot, even with weapons, nobody could outperform him. Without weapons, even someone like Lyu Bu could find himself punched and kicked to death by Dian Wei. Such was Dian Wei's confidence!

Naturally, at a time when Ma Chao couldn't even defeat Hua Xiong, it was unimaginable that he could match Dian Wei in unarmed combat.

Fortunately, Cao Cao had plans for both Ma Chao and Pang De. Otherwise, Ma Chao's impulsive wall-climbing stunt could have easily led to Dian Wei killing him outright.

With the first attempt often comes the second. Resilience is an essential quality for a martial artist; thus, Ma Chao armed himself fully and sought trouble with Dian Wei again. This time, Ma Chao openly informed Dian Wei that he had come to seek his guidance. Given Cao Cao's specific instructions, Dian Wei held back and, after enjoying the fine Xiliang wine Ma Chao had brought, allowed Ma Chao to attack freely.

Naturally, Ma Chao displayed his utmost strength, employing every technique at his disposal and elevating his Essence, Qi, and Spirit to their peak. With the aid of his horse's momentum, he unleashed his pinnacle strike. Yet, Dian Wei — unmounted — relied on sheer brute force to knock Ma Chao and his weapon flying.

At that moment, Ma Chao fully understood that unless his explosive power reached at least one-third of Dian Wei's strength, his current techniques and moves would mean absolutely nothing against Dian Wei, who could break finesse with raw power.

Afterward, having drunk Ma Chao's wine and taken Cao Cao's instructions to heart, Dian Wei imparted some advice to Ma Chao.

The gist was that Ma Chao, though strong, was still physically immature and had substantial room for growth. His Inner Qi might be sufficient, but his strength and endurance were lacking, which limited the benefits of Inner Qi enhancements on his body.

Though Ma Chao's strength was terrifying among his peers, to higher-level experts, he ranked at the bottom. His raw power paled even in comparison to Zhao Yun, who relied more on skill and speed rather than brute strength.

Being young, Ma Chao had immense potential for improvement. If he trained for another year, he might be able to avoid his current predicament where his Inner Qi was formidable, yet his physical quality hindered his true capabilities.

"Ah!" Ma Chao roared skyward from horseback. Lifeisha, the ultimate steed of the realm, could suspend itself in the void, ensuring Ma Chao's safety. So long as he avoided reckless behavior, Lifeisha could carry him away from danger.

After his fervent roar, Ma Chao's golden Inner Qi erupted wildly. As it surged forth, the Qi's color grew deeper, resembling liquid flowing gold enveloping Ma Chao.

"Ma Chao, Ma Mengqi of Xiliang, humbly requests guidance from General Zhang!" After roaring, Ma Chao finally calmed his mind. He clasped his fists toward Zhang Fei in a respectful yet introspective gesture befitting a junior seeking advice from an elder.

"Indeed, a remarkable young man," Fa Zheng slowly turned and concealed the lower half of his face with a hollow wooden fan, his expression enigmatic.

"Ma Mengqi, you've earned the right to know my name. I am Fa Zheng, Fa Xiaozhi of Fufeng. You've likely guessed why I've targeted you after hearing my name, though I must admit, you are quite impressive." Fa Zheng folded his fan, raising his chin proudly as he spoke.

"So you're Fa Xiaozhi." Ma Chao's face grew serious. Months earlier, the ancestral home of the Legalist family had been restored with ceremonies befitting the Feudal Lords, a grand affair that the Ma Clan in nearby Fufeng could not ignore. To be ennobled while still under twenty was exceedingly rare, but now Ma Chao stood before his fellow townsman, one of those few exceptions. Regrettably, their past feud left Ma Chao unwilling to yield.

"Indeed, it's me. Though there's no need for surprise; you and I shall have plenty of opportunities to meet again in the future," Fa Zheng replied calmly, without the slightest malice. He acknowledged Ma Chao's worth as a hero but bore nothing further toward him.

"General Zhang, I leave him to your capable hands," Fa Zheng said with a smile as he patted Zhang Fei's shoulder before turning to walk away.

Zhang Fei looked puzzled at Fa Zheng's serene demeanor. Though he didn't understand Fa Zheng's purpose, he could clearly sense that the latter had resolved his internal strife and no longer clung to past grievances.

After Fa Zheng's departure, Zhang Fei burst into laughter. Having endured Xiahou Yuan's constant harassment with a lance earlier, Zhang Fei now welcomed Ma Chao as his punching bag, cheerfully assuring the latter that he would go easy on him.

True to his word, Zhang Fei refrained from using excessive force. After all, not only did he have no grudge against Ma Teng, Ma Chao's father, but there was also some camaraderie between them. Thinking ahead, Zhang Fei realized the two families might interact more in the future. Thus, despite having ample opportunities to injure Ma Chao during their sparring, Zhang Fei restrained himself, leaving Ma Chao unscathed — his way of extending goodwill.

Naturally, Ma Chao could sense these intentions, though since Zhang Fei didn't explicitly mention them, Ma Chao simply pretended nothing had occurred. He had come to spar with masters to improve his martial arts, and Zhang Fei's powerful and vigorous attacks taught him much, even though Zhang Fei uttered not a single unnecessary word.

In the subsequent two days, with both sides' relations remaining cordial and Fa Zheng not causing trouble, Ma Chao repeatedly sought out challenges, each time making slight improvements. Zhang Fei couldn't help but marvel at the vitality of youth!

(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote with recommendation tickets or monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)