Unavoidable Trouble (3)

Common sense dictated that the victor was clear just by looking at their cultivation, but even the disciples from the Blue Waves Sect who wanted Shui to lose couldn't be sure of that result. After all, even if it wasn't a battle, Shui had the ability to defeat Trin, a genius who Cleia would have trouble against. Still, they silently offered their prayers for Bastor's victory. Cleia did the same for Shui, but she was also prepared to step in if necessary.

Once everyone except Shui and Bastor were two cales away from them, the air around the two changed. Shui naturally had no need to fear his opponent, in fact this 'fight' could be finished with just a bit of coercion. However, there was also no need for him to show off his true strength so he planned on winning with just his energy cultivation and martial arts. On the other hand, Bastor was taught to use his full strength no matter the enemy and was ready to go all out from the start.

With seemingly no setup, he pushed off the ground and charged at Shui with his fist. Shui had taken a simple stance with both hands in front, but he didn't make a move until Bastor entered into super-close range. He smoothly parried his fist with his left hand and then pushed out his right palm into his chest. From their first confrontation, Bastor was knocked back while Shui remained in position.

Everyone except the siblings were surprised by this result, and this was without knowing that Shui had used air to hit Bastor instead of his fist because the collision would have done far more serious damage. Like an egg striking a rock, Bastor might have even been crippled. However, Shui didn't hold back for his sake, but so that his powers wouldn't be exposed.

Nonetheless, his technique alone was enough to earn praise. While Cleia's expression brightened, even her junior disciples had to admit that Shui was a monstrous genius.

"Are we done there?" Shui asked Bastor.

The strike had Bastor in a daze, but he woke up thanks to Shui's question and shook his head.

"No. I'm just getting started!"

After confirming that Shui would be a fine opponent, Bastor threw off the open shirt he wore and boldly showed off his sculpted bare muscles. Then as he circulated his nature energy through his body, his skin gained an increasingly gray shade. Shui could tell that he was growing stronger, but he didn't try to stop him. When Bastor was finished, he released a roar of excitement and then charged at Shui once again, this time with his shoulder. Despite his increased weight, Bastor was even faster, but Shui sidestepped him with ease.

"Good, you can keep up with me. But I can't have you running either."

With a stomp of his feet, Bastor created a wall that formed a semi-circle around Shui, only leaving a path for Bastor. She hadn't been sure before, but now Cleia exclaimed the name of this art.

"Rock Mountain Body!"

It was the unique art of the Mountain Lord said to be passed down from the first Mountain Lord who was a sworn brother of the Founder of Reich. Those that cultivated it would be able to transform their bodies into the hardest of rocks and manipulate the earth with their intent. Shui also saw through this art, but he was confident he could overcome it even without brute force.

With Shui backed it a corner, Bastor charged again, but the only thing he ran into was the wall he created as Shui used the wall as a foothold to jump over him. This time a spike emerged from the earth as if waiting for him, but Shui landed perfectly on the tip of the spike. After taking a moment to internally praise Shui's outstanding balance, Bastor shattered the spike with his foot while waiting for Shui's falling figure with his fist. Shui could have evaded this attack as well, but he saw an opportunity and took it instead.

While falling, Shui dodged the fist but still grabbed the outstretched arm and used it as a passage to reach Bastor's neck. With his feet around Bastor's neck and his hands on his head, Shui only needed a few knocks with 'Vibrate' to blow away his consciousness. Once Bastor fell, everyone, including fresh spectators, looked at Shui in amazement while he thought nothing of it. He returned to Cleia's side and smiled at the dazed maiden.

"I told you I could handle him. Shall we go?"

"Ah yes."

While walking with Cleia who seemed to have become more interested in him, Shui sent a wave back at the siblings as well as a quick look at Matt. He wasn't someone to fear, but he had power inside the academy so Shui felt the need to watch him. Matt had noticed a cold gaze targeting him, but he was too worried about Bastor to notice who sent it. He had no direct relation with Bastor, but this happened inside the academy so it was possible that he might have to take some of the blame.

"Damn it! Why did these two freaks have to make a mess here?"

About an hour later, Shui and Cleia finished their walk around the academy. Cleia was ready to suggest another place, but Jade interfered.

"Senior sister, please remember that we have to report back to the elder."

"Oh, that's right."

As a dutiful core disciple, Cleia found it hard to neglect sect matters for personal affairs so Shui didn't try to force her.

"It's okay, you can go. We can just meet up again another time."

To his promise of a next time, Cleia and her junior disciples had opposing reactions. Cleia's expression immediately brightened and she nodded with a smile.

"That's true. We can meet again."

On the other hand, her junior disciples gave Shui the stink eye.

'Why the hell does this playboy have to come after our senior sister?'

Shui accepted both of their reactions with a faint smile and waved them goodbye.