C18 He Smashed His Nose

Yang Chuxia remarked, "No matter what, the power demonstrated through internal energy can always be chalked up to superpowers. How can I possibly prove it?"

Edi rose to his feet and proposed, "You didn't use internal energy when you sparred with me yesterday, did you? So, if you use your internal energy to defeat me today, I'll believe you."

"Defeat you?" Edi's challenge left Yang Chuxia momentarily speechless.

"What's the matter, no confidence? You managed to hold your own against me for fifteen minutes without internal energy. Surely you can last with it, can't you?"

Yang Chuxia wasn't spurred to combativeness by Edi's words. She earnestly replied, "I can't defeat you. Internal energy isn't a cure-all. At best, it can ensure I won't be defeated easily."

Edi expressed his astonishment, "You mean to say that with the strength to lift 100 kilograms, you still can't beat me? I admit, I couldn't run 60 kilometers carrying 100 kilograms."

Yang Chuxia gave a wry smile and said, "Sure, a weightlifting champion might be stronger than a general, but would he claim he could win in a fight against one?"

Her analogy was spot-on and clearly amused Edi, whose lips curled into a smile. "Fine," he said, "just use your internal energy to spar with me, and I'll ensure your secret is safe."

Yang Chuxia replied with resignation, "Alright, but do we do it here?"

Edi pondered for a moment before asking, "Can others see your internal energy?"

"It's invisible, just energy," Yang Chuxia clarified truthfully.

"Great! Let's head out to the Fighting Platform for a bout, and then we can grab lunch. Just remember, even though I'll keep your secret, you can't file a complaint against me if you get hurt."

Edi felt a surge of pride at the prospect of gaining a strong ally and the thrill of engaging with a martial arts master he had looked up to since his youth.

Moreover, in a life-or-death situation, it would be easiest to determine if Yang Chuxia truly possessed superpowers. The Healing Chamber could do wonders, but even its miraculous abilities couldn't bring back the dead.

Yang Chuxia followed Edi out of the Confinement Room. With his height and long strides, Edi quickly outpaced her, forcing Yang Chuxia to jog to catch up. "General," she called out, "could we clear the area?"

As they walked, Edi asked her, "What's the matter? Afraid that if you beat me, I won't be able to handle the defeat gracefully?"

Yang Chuxia rubbed her temples. "It sounds like you're saying if I lose to you, then I can gracefully exit the stage!"

Suddenly, Edi stopped and spun around. Caught off guard, Yang Chuxia stumbled and crashed into his chest. Edi, who regularly worked out, had a chest of solid muscle.

Yang Chuxia's nose nearly snapped. She yelped, recoiling from his embrace and stumbling back several steps. Clutching her nose and wincing, she whimpered, "Ouch, ouch, it's so painful!"

Edi caught her arm, torn between laughter and concern. "Don't you have internal energy? How could you run into me like that?"

Tears brimmed in Yang Chuxia's eyes as she looked at him, feeling wronged. "How was I supposed to know you'd stop so abruptly?"

"Isn't someone who masters internal energy supposed to be aware of their surroundings at all times?"

Edi watched her with a twinkle in his eye, finding her clumsy attempt to cover her nose endearing. His expression was captivating, softening his normally stern features into something more mischievous.

Yang Chuxia was so taken aback by his face that she forgot about the pain in her nose. Her infatuation was plain to see!

The smile deepened in Edi's eyes as he gently pulled her hand away from her nose, saying, "Let me see, are you bleeding?" His tone was ostensibly concerned about her collision, but it carried an undercurrent of flirtation.

Yang Chuxia's cheeks turned crimson, and sure enough, a trickle of blood began to flow from her nose.

Edi couldn't help but burst into laughter, pulling out a tissue to dab at her nose. "Your internal energy is quite something, making your nose bleed in sync with your emotions."

Now, Yang Chuxia was mortified. She remembered how she had been distracted by Edi's good looks during their last fight, which led to her defeat. Overcome with a mix of rage and embarrassment, she shoved Edi away and stormed off.

Edi quickly caught her, and Yang Chuxia collided with his chest once more, this time her nose took the brunt of it, and the blood flowed freely.

The pain was so intense that her eyes began to sting. She opened her mouth, on the verge of tears, yet felt too ashamed to let them fall. With wide eyes, she silently accused Edi.

Startled, Edi quickly pulled out a tissue to dab at the blood trickling from her nose, saying with a hint of exasperation, "I didn't mean to hurt you. Who knew you were so delicate?"

Tears welled in Yang Chuxia's eyes as she gazed at the tissue in Edi's hand, now soaked with her blood. Her voice wavered as she spoke, "Is it my fault for being light? Why don't you admit that you're the one who's incredibly tall and strong?"

Edi looked down at Yang Chuxia, who barely reached his chest, and conceded, "You're right, it was my oversight. Ms. Yang Chuxia, I offer you my sincere apologies. I shouldn't be this tall, nor should I have been born with such strength!"

Yang Chuxia couldn't help but laugh, her head cocked to the side as she asked, "Are the soldiers in the Flying Eagle Combat Group aware of their general's sense of humor?"

Edi cleared his throat and replied, "All my humor has been bestowed upon you! So, Ms. Yang Chuxia, would you forgive me for my chest being too solid and for the mishap with your nose?"

Flustered, Yang Chuxia held her head high, her cheeks flushing a shade that rivaled the blood from her nose. She stammered, "I—I think I need to check... to see if my nose is broken!" With that, she hurried forward.

Edi furrowed his brow and declared with gravity, "I believe it's time I demonstrate the more chivalrous aspect of my character."

Walking ahead, Yang Chuxia was puzzled by his comment. She turned back and inquired, "What do you mean?"

Edi met her gaze and explained, "There's a blind spot up ahead. The exit is over here." He gestured to a passageway next to him.