"Weapons forged from dragon scales only harm enemies, never their wielder. The scales resonate with the user's intent and can distinguish friend from foe."
As if noticing their confusion, Guang Bo offered a rare explanation.
"JARVIS, record all their movements. I'm going to practice this when we get back."
Tony immediately gave the order. He was already imagining himself wielding a double-bladed lightsaber like something out of Star Wars—it would look incredible.
"Understood, sir."
A projection appeared on Tony's wrist, replaying the villagers' staff techniques.
"So you brought us here to test our abilities?"
Steve had already figured it out. Guang Bo clearly didn't yet trust that they could handle what was coming.
Guang Bo nodded.
"That kid Shang-Chi said his father Wenwu is coming. With that man's temperament, there'll be bloodshed. You came with him, so naturally you'll fight too. Or did you come here for sightseeing?"
Without waiting for a reply, Guang Bo waved his hand, dismissing those on the platform before stepping up himself.
"I'll test your mettle."
He extended his hand, and a young man tossed him a dragon-scale staff.
"You—the flashy one with the mustache. You first."
He pointed at Tony.
Tony shrugged, his nanotech armor spreading across his body as he flew onto the platform. After a dramatic landing, he drew his energy blade.
"Come on—hit me!"
He swung the blade arrogantly.
Guang Bo smiled faintly, then kicked his staff upward and lunged forward.
---
On the platform, the clash was intense—sparks flying as staff met blade.
Despite Tony's weapon, it did nothing to the dragon-scale staff. Each strike was like hitting an ordinary weapon—no damage at all.
Even so, the two fought evenly. Guang Bo relied on true martial skill, while Tony… relied mostly on JARVIS. His "technique" was essentially preloaded combat data.
Then—
Bang!
Guang Bo's staff struck Tony square in the chest. The dragon scales flashed red—
Boom!
The impact blasted Tony off the platform. He quickly stabilized midair.
Floating there, he glanced at his chest. Guang Bo had held back—the armor was scorched, but intact.
"Meaningless. Your technique—your AI is doing the fighting, isn't it? Rigid patterns, no spirit."
Guang Bo exposed him mercilessly. No matter how advanced JARVIS was, it was still a program—precise, but lacking true adaptability.
"Alright, I admit it—you're good. So… can I get some of those dragon scales later? I'll pay."
Tony descended—but outside the platform. He had already lost.
"Money is worthless here. No matter how much you have, it's just paper."
Guang Bo saw right through him—a man of wealth, obsessed with value.
Tony didn't argue. He simply shrugged. He had a feeling Guang Bo would agree eventually.
---
"Next—you."
Guang Bo pointed at Sam.
"Uh… take it easy on me."
Sam spread his wings and flew up.
"You don't use weapons?"
Guang Bo asked, seeing him empty-handed.
"I usually use guns."
Sam pulled out two modified SMGs.
"Guns are useless here. Try these."
Guang Bo signaled someone, who brought over two dragon-scale blades.
With a flick of his staff, Guang Bo sent them flying to Sam.
Sam caught them, immediately captivated. The blades glowed faintly red, their surfaces patterned with scales.
"Thanks."
The blades pulsed faintly, almost responding to him.
"Careful!"
Guang Bo shouted, leaping into the air and bringing his staff down like a blazing arc.
Sam raised both blades to block—
Clang!!
The impact sent a shockwave outward. Sam was forced back seven or eight steps, while Guang Bo landed lightly.
The difference was obvious.
Sam's hands trembled. Without the blades absorbing part of the force, he would've dropped them instantly.
"Decent strength. Poor technique."
Guang Bo shook his head.
"You could've redirected my force. I was airborne—a perfect target. Instead, you chose to block head-on."
Sam didn't argue. Guang Bo was right.
"Train with them for the next few days. Learn what you can."
He pointed to the villagers.
"Got it."
Sam nodded. He knew his limits—he wasn't enhanced like Steve, trained like Natasha, or equipped like Tony. He was just… a soldier.
---
"Next."
Guang Bo pointed at Natasha.
With a graceful leap, she landed on the platform.
At a glance, Guang Bo could tell—she was skilled. Not traditional martial arts, but efficient, lethal combat techniques.
"You're much better than the last two."
There was a hint of approval in his voice.
"What weapon do you prefer?"
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