Clueless

The steam coming from Ayush's sword was increasing. The stage was slowly filled by a layer of fog hampering the visibility of the spectators. Those with stronger spiritual powers continued to give a running commentary. While others watched the stage with dismay as they could not see anything but had to rely on the commentaries.

Ayush's expression changed drastically at his sword's weird reaction against Bai Hua's sword. The fog may have hampered the visibility for some people but both of them were still fighting on the stage relentlessly.

Then, it suddenly hit him! His sword was being nullified by Bai Hua's sword! He didn't realize it earlier as he was fighting wildly without holding back. But there was a drain to his powers. His yogic powers had been replenishing his sword the moment Bai Hua's sword had transformed!

And only now was he able to feel the drain in his powers. At this rate, he would lose if he continues like this. Thinking this, he increased strength to finish off the battle quickly before Bai Hua has the upper hand.

Bai Hua had noticed the change in tactics and he narrowed his eyes as he blocked and defended from Ayush's brutal attacks.

Bai Hua had a trump card. He could reveal his true form and end the battle right here! But because he had to hide his true form he was trapped! His mortal form wasn't weak either but Ayush was this strong to pressure him this much.

If Bai Hua was considered a prodigy in the kingdom, then Ayush was not less in any way. He was the king's favorite son for a reason. He was the youngest prodigy in the Surya Kingdom. His royal father had told him to go and attend Bai Hua's initiation celebration as a sign of respect to the legendary Emperor. But that was just an excuse, the main reason why Ayush had been sent here was to check the progress of the heir of Soaring Dragon. Ayush had played along with his father's charade and had even agreed to let some of the nobles tag along with him. He clearly knew that those nobles were his father's men, but he didn't mind. He had acted reluctant and arrogant just to get his father give him the flying chariot as compensation.

Bai Hua was just 14 years old while Second Prince Ayush was 17! If he had those 3 years, he was confident that he could easily beat this guy.

But all this time Bai Hua had not even panicked once. When one has been fighting daily with a beast like his father, one was bound to have some tricks in his hands.

Lately, he had been feeling a slight stir in his soul. And he knew that those were his memories that were slowly coming back at a snail's pace. It wasn't much, but it was more than enough. He had never used them against his father, but now he thought, why not? He just had to make sure that while he was using his powers derived from his memories, he does not show his true form.

Then, something happened. Ayush's sword began to give a low hiss and it was slowly becoming louder.

"What? Impossible! What are you doing to my sword?!" Ayush yelled as he jumped backward away from Bai Hua.

Bai Hua was as clueless as Ayush. He did not even know about his own sword, much less about what it was capable of.

Something tugged at his soul, it was those memories which had come back to him and to his surprise it contained the knowledge of his sword.

Then he had a realization. His sword had gone through a breakthrough before. And he didn't even know!

His sword was made of condensed clouds. That was why it was having that effect on Ayush's sword, which seemed to be of the fire element.

Bai Hua was so happy! This battle was indeed fun! His sword has powered by a level and with a shred of his memory back he can tap into his soul a little more. But that was more than enough.

Bai Hua couldn't help but grin, "Let me introduce my sword. A spirit blade made of condensed cloud!"

-------

"Ah, he figured it out at last," Imsong commented, "and Wana, he's not as stupid as you think."

"Hmmm... You dote on him too much, Sister Imsong. Lord Bai Yur agrees with me on that."

Bai Yur grimaced when he heard his name being mentioned.

"Let me stay out of this, please, ladies."