The prince is fierce: Who dares to steal my woman?

Xiao Jinyan stood in the center of the training ground, his voice booming like a bell: "Soldiers, assemble on the training ground! I, the general, have a speech to give!"

However, Xiao Jinyan was met only with sparse footsteps and occasional whispers. Most of the soldiers seemed to disregard the new general, remaining either standing or sitting, busy with their own tasks.

Faced with this scene, Xiao Jinyan's eyes gradually sharpened. He took a deep breath, raised his voice again, and his voice carried a hint of anger: "Is there anyone in charge here? How can you be so rude!"

This time, finally someone made a move.

From a corner of the crowd emerged a general with thick eyebrows, large eyes, sword-like brows reaching his temples, a high nose bridge, and an upright posture. His armor reflected a cold light in the sunlight, and every step he took appeared steady and powerful.

"I'm in charge here."

The officer's voice was deep and powerful, his eyes revealing unquestionable authority and disdain. He slowly scanned his surroundings before finally fixing his gaze on Xiao Jinyan, seemingly waiting for her response.

"who are you?"

Xiao Jinyan's voice was much calmer, but the determination and domineering aura in his eyes remained undiminished.

"My name is Wang Xuanyu, a captain of the Tiger Guard Battalion, and I am temporarily in charge of all affairs of the Tiger Guard Battalion."

Wang Xuanyu's answer was concise and clear, with a hint of challenge in his tone.

"Oh?" Xiao Jinyan's lips curled into a playful smile. "Then, I am the newly appointed Tiger General, Xiao Jinyan."

Upon hearing this, a hint of surprise flashed in Wang Xuanyu's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by disdain: "You are the legendary playboy, Xiao Jinyan, who only became a general because of his family background?"

"What? Not convinced?"

Xiao Jinyan's eyes flashed with an undeniable determination.

Wang Xuanyu's eyes gleamed with an indomitable light: "Every soldier in our Tiger Legion earned their honors on the battlefield with their own flesh and blood, with real swords and spears. And you, Xiao Jinyan, have risen to the position of Tiger Legion Commander solely because of your family's influence. How can you expect those soldiers who fought and bled to be truly convinced of this?"

In an instant, the atmosphere in the entire training ground froze to its limit, and everyone's eyes were focused on the two of them. A contest concerning dignity and authority seemed to be about to break out.

"You are extremely rude, daring to disrespect your superior and speak arrogantly to the general. What is your punishment?"

Luo Chuan's eyes widened in anger, his hands clenched into fists, as if he were about to rush forward and beat Wang Xuanyu to a pulp. However, at that moment, Xiao Jinyan's long, strong hand gently rested on his shoulder, stopping his impulse.

Xiao Jinyan's gaze was gentle yet firm. He spoke slowly, his voice deep and magnetic: "Wang Xuanyu, how can this general truly convince you?"

Wang Xuanyu sneered and said disdainfully, "Hmph, Xiao Jinyan, if you and I were to have a martial arts contest in this camp, and you could beat me, then I would naturally be convinced of your superiority."

Xiao Jinyan's eyes were sharp as an eagle's, and his voice was deep and firm: "Wang Xuanyu, if I win against you, what will you do with me?"

"Xiao Jinyan, you can't beat me."

Wang Xuanyu, with his broad shoulders and bulging muscles, was recognized as the pinnacle of combat strength in the Tiger Warriors Camp. His smile carried an undeniable confidence, as if victory was assured.

"What if I win?" Xiao Jinyan retorted defiantly, her tone laced with provocation.

Wang Xuanyu chuckled, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes: "If you win, I'll do whatever you want with me."

“If I win…” Xiao Jinyan’s voice suddenly turned low, each word seemed to be squeezed out from between his teeth, carrying an irresistible force, “I will take your life.”

The moment those four words were uttered, the atmosphere on the entire training ground froze instantly, and even the wind seemed to stand still.

Upon hearing this, Wang Xuanyu frowned slightly, then relaxed, a cold smile playing on his lips: "Fine, no problem. But what if I win?"

Xiao Jinyan took a deep breath, his gaze sharp: "If you win, I will leave the Tiger Legion Camp, never again concern myself with military affairs, and go home to take care of my children. Furthermore, I will personally recommend you to His Highness the Crown Prince for the position of Tiger Legion Commander. What do you say?"

"A word is settled!"

Wang Xuanyu shouted loudly, his voice echoing across the empty training ground, resounding with conviction.

Luo Chuan, who was standing to the side, witnessed this scene and couldn't help but feel worried. He knew that Wang Xuanyu's strength was not to be underestimated, and Xiao Jinyan had always lived a life of luxury and ease. How could he compete with the fierce generals of the Tiger Guard? Moreover, the stakes in this bet were the Tiger Guard General position that he had finally managed to obtain from the Crown Prince. If he lost, he would have to start all over again.

So, Luo Chuan gestured to Xiao Jinyan with his eyes and hands, asking if he needed help with hidden weapons during the martial arts competition. Xiao Jinyan gave Luo Chuan a resolute look, indicating that he didn't need to.

On a chilly autumn afternoon, dappled sunlight streamed across the Tiger Warriors' training ground. Xiao Jinyan and Wang Xuanyu stood facing each other, swords drawn, tension palpable, the air thick with the smell of gunpowder. The surrounding air seemed to freeze, all eyes fixed on these two generals about to engage in combat.

With a deep gong sound, the martial arts competition officially began.

Xiao Jinyan moved with lightning speed, instantly closing in on Wang Xuanyu. His fist whistled through the air, carrying a force not to be underestimated. Wang Xuanyu was equally skilled; he sidestepped Xiao Jinyan's attack, skillfully avoiding it, while simultaneously throwing a counter-punch, his eyes like dragons, aimed straight for Xiao Jinyan's heart. The two exchanged blows, fists and feet flying, dust billowing, neither gaining the upper hand for a moment. The onlookers were breathless with amazement, marveling at the spectacle.

However, as time went on, Wang Xuanyu gradually felt the dual pressure of physical strength and skill. Xiao Jinyan's moves were unpredictable, each move containing indescribable mystery, as if they were the essence extracted from endless combat experience.

Wang Xuanyu took a few steps back, a question arising in his mind: "Xiao Jinyan, what kind of move is this? I've never seen it before."

He was breathing heavily, his expression a mixture of resentment and surprise.

Xiao Jinyan smiled faintly, thinking to himself, "I was a special forces soldier in my past life. You've never seen these moves that combine modern fighting and grappling techniques."

But he remained outwardly calm and said with a smile, "How about that? Ignorant, aren't you?"

After saying that, he sprang up again, like a cheetah hunting its prey, with a speed that was astonishing.

This time, Xiao Jinyan held back, each punch and kick precise and ruthless, aiming straight for Wang Xuanyu's vitals. Although Wang Xuanyu tried his best to defend, under Xiao Jinyan's overwhelming onslaught, he gradually lost his ability to defend. With a loud "bang," Wang Xuanyu was kicked in the chest by Xiao Jinyan, and his whole body flew backward like a kite with a broken string, crashing heavily to the ground, raising a cloud of dust.

"Good! Good! Good!"

"Well done, General!"

A thunderous applause and cheers erupted instantly in the Tiger Warriors' Camp, and the soldiers all cast approving and admiring glances at Xiao Jinyan.

Luo Chuan and Huan Rongzu, who were standing to the side, were dumbfounded and incredulous. They thought to themselves, "How could the pampered prince have such terrifying combat power? Is this still the same纨绔 (wán kù, spoiled and dissolute) prince from before?"