Chapter 49: I Like (the idea of) You

Chapter 49: I Like (the idea of) You

Unsurprisingly, it turned out that the Sect provided their disciples with a thorough education in martial arts. Id thought my best bet was to hold off the kid long enough for my friends to sneak Bruno out. After that, I could book it. But Otsu was competent and easily kept pace with my blows and kicks, somehow able to test every hole in my defense with his jabs.

Each of my punches shook the small boy. So I played a careful game of trying not to take too much damage accidentally but not hit hard enough to end the fight by accident.

So it was that Otsu turned to his Soul Ability before I broke out mine.

He pounded his fists together and the air bent inward in a swirl at the point of contact. An invisible membrane wrapped around his fists. I shifted between my feet, that familiar sense of unease infesting me like it did whenever an unknown Soul Seed came into play. You could never tell what someone might have up their sleeveand based on Otsus grin, chances were that Id gotten too cocky about this fight. I needed to buy more time.

Outsider, witness this. This is what separates the Sects from the rogue cultivators. Were built on a strong foundation, which carries us farther than you can imagine.

Seen plenty of Soul Seeds, got my own, and I can say its more about how ya use it than what it is that determines if someone is strong. I gave him a grin I didnt feel. He scowled. If I could keep him off balance with anger, Id have an easier time drawing the fight out.

But if he was turning to his Soul Seed, I needed to step my game up. A burst of azure and crimson came from both of my shoulders. My Crows let out a grating caw as they appeared in a bolt of energy. Otsu teetered, obviously not expecting me to be past his stage.This chapter is updated by nov(e)(l)biin.com

Aw, ya aint broken past the first stage yet? Tsk, tsk. Here Id thought all disciples woulda been able to move on with their eyes closedyet you aint even faced your first heavenly tribulation? Guess the Getsu sect aint all its cracked up to be. Otsu took a couple of steps away, eyes darting between the two Crows I Manifested.

My instincts screamed at me to rush and take advantage of his hesitation. Were I looking for a victory, this mightve been a breakthrough moment in the fight, but I wasnt. Let him tarry. Each second he was afraid to face off against me was a blessing. Even if I lost this fight, Id be happy as long as my friend got free. Fukui frowned as she watched from a distance, her arms crossed.

Finally, Otsu shook his head and threw himself into the fight. Encouraged by the fact I didnt launch into an attack, he was able to regain that spark of pride and confidence in his abilities. The boy rushed me, and I backpedaled, careening one of my Crows to his side and directing it to dig in with his claws. I didnt want to hurt him seriously, but I still needed to make an impact.

I huffed, leaning on my knees next to the immobile Otsu. Fukui looked at me with a strange expression, giving me a curled smile. Not the bravest fight Ive ever seen.

Who the fuck cares about bravery?

Many would say that how one wins holds just as much importance as winning.

Those people are fucking stupid. I wiped my brown, dug in my pocket for a smoke, and lit it. Fukui didnt seem interested in revenging her fellow disciple, and if she did, I was too fucked to defend myself anyway. Otsu was still breathing, and I bet half the exhaustion resulted from abusing his Soul Seed repeatedly as he figured out the timing to catch my Crows. Still, he kept going for surprisingly long. Tough little fucker. Wins a win.

Uh-huh. So, when shall you be taking my hand in marriage? Fukui batted her eyes, and the cigarette fell from my lips. A second later, the girl covered her mouth and stifled a laugh. Thanks for the entertainment. Today has been dreadfully boring. I dont believe I caught your name, outsider.

Er she was fucking with me. But I didnt see any harm in being honest; besides, she hadnt gotten pissed over me beating up her junior. Luca.

Well, given youve caused all this, Im sure you wouldnt mind helping me to carry my fellow disciple back to our gate. She gave me a pointed look, and I rolled my shoulders. I took a long look at the knocked out brat.

Ya know what? Fine. Why not? I crouched over and tossed him on my shoulder. Even after exhausting myself through the fight, I managed to haul him. I didnt have much stake in hating the Getsu Sect when it came down to it. My hate only dwelled with one shit-stain of a young master. Something about this tough little bastard made an impression on me, and it wasnt like Otsu or Fukui had any say over the behavior of the privileged in their Sect.

People scrambled every year to join the Sect during their trials. Very few found acceptance, and itd been a blanket prejudice to dismiss those who got in as privileged. I imagined some of them spent blood, sweat, and tears to get their spots.

My brief but pleasant conversation with Fukui on the way back caught me by surprise. From her stories, theyd received a good education in the Sectouter disciples like her didnt have a much more luxurious life than mortals in the city. They labored on behalf of the inner and core members. Occasionally the privileged like the young master, belittled and even mocked them due to their position on the lowest rung.

Dont get me wrong, from what she described as her life, the streets of New Valentine were much more dangerous. Switching up your life for a cozy spot and a chance to utilize their assets would change your life as a cultivator. It made sense why people tried so hard to get in. But for me, that sort of life would bore me out of my mind.