Prelude To The Match

~ In The Void Outside Star Boundary ~

I awaited the go ahead for the match I was about to have with Iron Blood Great Emperor, and he did the same. What we were waiting for was simple, the people who were going to view this match. It's only been an hour since Yang Kai's declaration, which means we have some time left to wait before the match begins. 

"Young Master, this will be your first fight with a true 7th rank level opponent. I would ask if you were excited, but there is no need." Fang Qing said to me from inside my Knowledge Sea.

"That's because you can already tell, isn't that right?" I replied in thought. "This really is going to be fun. It's been a while since I was able to really let loose. I hope Martial Uncle Iron Blood can last long enough to give me a good fight." I smirked, as I continued my reply. 

"From what I can tell, that man over there, he isn't as strong as you are, young master. Don't do anything rash alright? In fact I'd wager to say there are only two people here I can say with confidence could actually beat you every time. You, of course, already know who they are so I need not say their names." Fang Qing asked, worried not for me, but the other party. 

"Father and Mother Smiles, both are certain to defeat in single combat. Of that I am certain. However, mother Feng Ying and mother Bai Yi, could likely kick my ass just as easily. But, I get the feeling that Martial Uncle Martial Beast, he, would definitely give me one hell of a run for my money. That is, if he uses his strengths wisely, and I'm not certain he ever would." I thought, returning my gaze toward Iron Blood. "However, Martial Uncle Iron Blood is the one who has the highest chance of bringing out my strength." I sighed. 

"This, will be a difficult fight for you. So I won't cause you any trouble during it." Fang Qing sighed. 

"You're right, it will be difficult. Even if he isn't as strong as I am. I tailored my cultivation to be especially powerful against the Ink Clan. On top of that, this is single combat, my worst field, and Martial Uncles best field." I replied. "But this is exactly why I must fight him. I want to know what my exact weaknesses are. In doing this, I can improve my power against the Royal Lords in the future." I added. 

"Is this because of what happened on that battlefield, with the Territory Lord?" Fang Qing asked. 

"It is... I got lucky that time and I reacted in time. Had been even slightly slower... Well, there would be no Temporal Thunder here today. So I'd like to come up with some solid strategies for dealing with 5 or less opponents and that includes single opponents." I answered.

"I see, you know, if we were able to fully condense all the might of one of our ranged attacks into one singular attack... It's more than likely we could outright kill a Territory Lord. Perhaps if we got lucky it might even change the scales in a battle between a Royal Lord and a 9th rank open heaven." Fang Qing suggested. 

"You realized that I've been working on that very thing. Or have you forgotten what that demonstration in front of the twins was all about?" I jabbed. "Anyways, it doesn't matter, it seems like my father is coming now. So I guess this fight will begin soon." I said, ending the conversation with Fang Qing. 

Day Break, the ship made for the Dawn Squad had parked itself in a place just outside the Star Boundary. And the number of people there was rather staggering for just a 2 hour time frame. And then Yang Kai arrived next to me. 

"Son, it seems like everyone is ready. This won't be the same kind of fight as the battlefield. So don't overboard. But do your best, your women are watching after all." Yang Kai said, in his warm fatherly tone. 

"Worry not father, I will make sure not to go overboard. In fact this fight will be a source of training. I'd prefer to have a few methods up my sleeve for the event another... one of those situations occurs. Against many I am mighty, against one I am weak. This fight will change that." I said, as the look in my eyes, on its own shook the void. 

"Don't worry too much about what happened that day. It was an unfortunate event. But until you are able to deal with it, you can leave it to your father and your seniors. So just train yourself well, and don't take any shortcuts. Not, that I need to remind you of that." Yang Kai nodded, patting my shoulder. 

And then Yang Kai flew to a safe point between myself and Iron Blood. "Everything is ready. This will be an exhibition match, so stop short of fatalities and learn from this experience." He said after clearing his throat quietly. "That said, Smiles will ensure the safety of the witnesses. Which means..." He added. 

"That we can go all out!" I and Iron Blood Great Emperor both said at the same time. We both even had a similar look on our faces... Excitement and anticipation. 

"Both fighters are ready. Then, in the name of Void, this match may begin!" Yang Kai declared after looking at each of the participants. "This will definitely be a good match." He thought, bringing his arm down, signaling the start of the fight. 

It was at that moment, an explosion of auras filled the immediate area of the void. The looks on the witnesses' faces were priceless. Each of them seemingly more impressed than the last. On top of that, Yang Kai quickly moved out of the way, appearing back on the ship. 

"What, you don't want to stay over there?" Feng Ying said, jokingly. 

"You and I both know just how dangerous Leiji's power can truly be. Even if I can protect myself, it's better not to be a burden on the fight." Yang Kai shot back.