Chapter 66: Storm Against the Sea
The rain fell steadily across the harbor.
It drummed against the wooden docks, rolled down the hulls of waiting ships, and vanished into the vast river as though the sky itself wished to become part of the sea.
The crowd slowly grew larger.
Dockworkers abandoned their cargo.
Merchants paused their negotiations.
Even several shipwrights climbed down from unfinished vessels to watch.
A duel between foreign cultivators was entertainment few wished to miss.
Jin Wei quietly leaned toward Yun Che.
"I've never actually seen one up close."
"The Waterfolk?"
Jin Wei nodded.
"They're common here..."
"...but they usually stay around the harbor."
Yun Che observed the towering blue figure with great interest.
The being truly looked as though someone had sculpted a person from flowing water.
Only now, standing this close, could he notice something else.
Deep inside the creature's translucent chest...
A brilliant azure crystal slowly pulsed.
Like a heartbeat.
Seeing Yun Che's curiosity, one elderly dockworker smiled.
"That's the Core."
"Waterfolk are elemental beings."
"Their Core is both their heart and soul."
Yun Che listened carefully.
"The Waterfolk are one of the Dominion's largest peoples. But they are not its only people. The Azure Tide rules hundreds of aquatic races beneath the Eastern Star Ocean."
He pointed toward several nearby ships flying blue banners.
Most of the sailors loading cargo were completely different.
Broad-shouldered crabfolk carried crates that would require three humans.
Merfolk effortlessly swam beneath the docks, securing anchor chains from below.
Octopusfolk climbed rigging using flexible tentacles while simultaneously tying ropes faster than human hands could manage.
Many others resembled ordinary fish walking upright upon powerful legs.
"The humanoid Waterfolk..."
the dockworker explained,
"...are only one branch of their people."
"They simply share the same royal authority."
Yun Che nodded slowly.
A true underwater civilization...
Far larger than he had imagined.
Like most foreign civilizations...
The Waterfolk possessed their own language.
Yet unlike ordinary speech...
Much of it relied upon telepathic resonance.
Thoughts flowed directly between Waterfolk with remarkable speed.
When speaking the common tongue of the Land of Clouds...
Their voices retained a gentle musical rhythm.
Almost every sentence rose and fell like waves upon a calm sea.
Lei Zhenyu noticed it immediately.
The accent sounded beautiful.
Almost hypnotic.
The towering Waterfolk smiled politely.
"My name..."
he said with a graceful bow,
"...is Neruul."
"I serve the Azure Tide Dominion."
The surrounding merchants respectfully lowered their voices.
Even among foreigners...
The Azure Tide Dominion held considerable prestige.
It ruled one of the greatest underwater realms within the Eastern Star Ocean.
Its merchant fleets regularly traded spirit pearls, aquatic herbs, monster materials, and rare metals with coastal kingdoms.
The Land of Clouds was among its closest trading partners.
Neruul rested his liquid blade against one shoulder.
"I am one of the Navy's elite swordsmen."
"Second Stage Foundation Establishment."
"I protect merchant vessels."
"But..."
he chuckled softly,
"...I am no captain."
Lei Zhenyu smiled.
"Are you among your kingdom's strongest swordsmen?"
Neruul laughed.
The sound resembled flowing water over smooth stone.
"No."
"Not even close."
"Our admirals."
"Our captains."
"They stand much higher."
He tilted his head.
"If you defeat me today..."
"...perhaps next time..."
"...I'll introduce you to one of them."
Lei's eyes immediately brightened.
"...Then it's a promise."
The Waterfolk's smile widened.
"I admire confidence."
Neruul glanced toward the nearby shore.
"If you prefer..."
"We may duel upon land."
"It would disadvantage me greatly."
"My techniques flourish within water."
Lei slowly shook his head.
"There would be no meaning in such a victory."
"I came to test myself."
"Not convenience."
For a brief moment...
The Waterfolk's respect visibly increased.
"...Very well."
He slowly raised his liquid blade.
"First blood or decisive check?" Neruul asked.
Lei nodded. "Decisive check."
Neruul tapped the glowing Core in his chest. "Then do not pierce this."
"Naturally."
"Then let us begin."
The instant Neruul lowered his stance, Lei Zhenyu disappeared.
There was no testing strike.
No polite exchange.
No hesitation.
A thunderclap split the sky as Lightning Step carried him across the river in a blur, his sword already descending toward Neruul's shoulder.
Clang!
Neruul met the attack with astonishing speed. His liquid blade flowed around Lei's sword before hardening at the moment of impact, redirecting the strike instead of stopping it outright. Sparks and droplets exploded together.
Lei's sword immediately changed direction.
A slash became a thrust.
The thrust became an upward cut.
Three attacks flowed together as naturally as breathing.
Neruul answered each one without retreating. His sword style resembled the tide itself. Every defense became an attack. Every parry carried his blade into another angle.
Steel and condensed water rang across the river.
Neither had gained an inch.
"So fast..."
One of the dockworkers whispered.
"They're already fighting at full speed."
Even Yun Che found it difficult to follow.
He could barely make out flashes of silver and blue before another collision erupted.
Neither cultivator relied on flashy techniques.
They were simply trying to cut the other down.
Lei attacked relentlessly.
His sword was direct.
Sharp.
Every movement sought the shortest path to victory.
Neruul's blade never met strength with strength. It curved away, diverted, redirected and slipped around Lei's attacks like flowing water around rocks.
The difference in styles was immediately obvious.
Lei cut through.
Neruul flowed around.
Lei suddenly shortened his grip.
His sword rotated in his hand.
Instead of another slash, he stepped inside Neruul's guard and drove his shoulder into the Waterfolk's chest.
Neruul hadn't expected the body check.
His footing shifted.
Lei's sword instantly flashed toward the exposed neck.
At the last instant Neruul twisted.
The blade grazed his shoulder instead of taking his head.
At the same time his left arm transformed into a massive watery claw and swept toward Lei's ribs.
Lei leaned backward just enough for the claw to brush across his jacket.
The claw smashed into the river behind him, sending water twenty meters into the air.
The spectators collectively inhaled.
Both attacks had nearly ended the duel.
Lei smiled.
"Worth it."
Neruul laughed.
"I was thinking the same thing."
Only now did Neruul move his free hand.
The river obeyed.
Two waves rose behind Lei without warning.
Not to attack.
To limit movement.
Lei instantly understood.
The water wasn't the attack.
It was shaping the battlefield.
Neruul lunged.
His sword spun once before lengthening into a lance.
The extra reach forced Lei backward.
The lance struck three times.
The third thrust suddenly shortened halfway through and became a sword again.
Lei barely caught the unexpected change.
Clang!
The impact forced him back several steps across the water.
For the first time...
He had lost ground.
Yun Che's eyes narrowed.
"That wasn't a technique."
Lin Xia nodded.
"He changed the weapon length during the attack."
"He hid the real strike."
Lei's eyes shone with blue lightning.
Thunder Roc Eyes.
The world slowed.
Rain.
Ripples.
Muscle movement.
The faint glow of Neruul's Core.
Everything became clearer.
Neruul attacked again.
This time Lei stepped forward instead of backward.
His sword intercepted the first strike before it fully developed.
He slid along Neruul's blade rather than blocking it directly.
The two swords scraped together with a shower of sparks.
Before Neruul could transition into the next movement—
Lei's elbow crashed into his wrist.
The lance wavered.
Lei's sword swept toward his waist.
Neruul abandoned balance entirely.
His body briefly dissolved into water.
The slash passed harmlessly through his torso.
The lower half of his body immediately reformed behind Lei.
A kick struck Lei between the shoulders.
Lei stumbled.
Neruul's sword followed immediately.
The blade stopped barely a finger from Lei's neck.
Except...
Lei wasn't there anymore.
Lightning exploded beneath his feet.
He had accelerated at the exact moment of impact.
Neruul's sword cut nothing but mist.
The duel accelerated again.
Neither spoke.
Neither wasted movement.
Footwork became the deciding factor.
Lei constantly sought Neruul's flank, refusing to remain directly in front of the fluid swordsman.
Neruul answered by circling, forcing Lei toward deeper water where the river favored him.
Every exchange lasted only moments before both repositioned.
The techniques supported their swordsmanship rather than replacing it.
A wave would rise only to hide a thrust.
A burst of lightning served only to increase the speed of a cut.
Every supernatural ability existed to create a better sword strike.
Neruul suddenly slammed his foot into the river.
A whirlpool appeared beneath both of them.
This time Lei didn't jump away.
He stayed inside.
The unstable footing affected them both.
Their swords collided repeatedly while the water spun beneath their feet.
Neruul's balance remained perfect.
Lei adjusted every step with Lightning Step, each flash placing him exactly where he wanted to be.
The advantage shifted back and forth with every heartbeat.
One exchange...
Neruul gained the upper hand.
The next...
Lei forced him back.
It was impossible to predict who would land the decisive blow.
Then Neruul smiled.
Water erupted from behind Lei.
Two enormous hands seized toward his arms.
Not to injure.
To interrupt.
Lei immediately understood the timing.
He ignored them completely.
Instead of escaping...
He attacked.
His sword draw was so fast that several spectators never even saw the blade leave its sheath.
A line of lightning crossed the battlefield.
Neruul instinctively raised his barrier.
It shattered.
The water hands caught Lei a heartbeat later.
Too late.
The draw attack had already reached Neruul.
A shallow wound opened across the Waterfolk's chest.
Neruul retaliated instantly.
His claw crashed into Lei's shoulder.
The impact sent Lei skipping across the river like a thrown stone.
The crowd erupted.
Both had finally drawn blood.
Lei rose without hesitation.
Blood trickled down his sleeve.
He rolled his shoulder once.
"Good."
Above them, thunder answered.
Dark clouds thickened as Heaven-Splitting Storm Domain expanded across the battlefield.
Lightning no longer struck randomly.
It obeyed him.
Every flash illuminated Neruul's Core.
Every reflection upon the water became another path for Lei's movement.
Neruul frowned.
"This... is troublesome."
Electricity spread across the river's surface.
His elemental body could no longer dissolve freely without exposing his Core to the current.
His greatest defensive advantage had become dangerous.
Lei attacked again.
Now every exchange favored him slightly.
Not overwhelmingly.
Just enough.
His speed forced Neruul to defend more often than attack.
His sword reached openings before the Waterfolk could reshape his weapon.
Neruul still landed counters.
Still forced Lei to dodge.
Still nearly trapped him inside a Water Prison.
But each minute the pressure increased.
Lei was learning.
Adapting.
Reading the Azure Tide Sword Style.
Finally, Neruul attempted one last flowing combination, changing from lance to sword to claw in rapid succession.
Lei saw through it.
The Thunder Roc Eyes recognized the transition before it happened.
He stepped inside the claw, trapped Neruul's sword arm with his shoulder, and unleashed StormWing Chain.
He didn't teleport.
He accelerated in a series of impossibly fast bursts, each aided by a bolt of lightning striking somewhere within his Domain.
One precise cut severed the claw.
A second struck the sword aside.
A third stopped at the glowing Core within Neruul's chest.
Silence settled over the harbor.
Neruul looked down at the blade, then laughed.
"I could still steal three victories out of ten."
Lei nodded.
"I know."
"And that's exactly why this was worth crossing swords."
-------------------
The harbor erupted into applause.
Dockworkers whistled.
Merchants clapped enthusiastically.
Even sailors aboard nearby ships leaned over the railings to cheer.
A duel of that caliber was always worth watching.
Rivergate had seen thousands of cultivators pass through its docks over the centuries.
Challenges were almost a daily occurrence.
Some ended with handshakes.
Others ended with lifelong grudges.
A few...
Ended with funerals.
Cultivators were, by nature, competitive. Every duel carried pride, reputation, and the chance to learn. Those who feared crossing blades rarely walked very far upon the path of cultivation.
Fortunately...
Today's battle had ended as it should.
With mutual respect.
Lei Zhenyu sheathed his sword.
Neruul's liquid blade dissolved back into flowing water before reforming as an ordinary arm.
The two warriors walked toward one another.
Instead of speaking immediately...
They simply laughed.
Then clasped forearms.
""Your confidence was not empty."
"I've rarely seen someone adapt so quickly.," Neruul said with genuine admiration.
Lei smiled.
"So do you."
"Your sword style almost drowned me."
Neruul chuckled.
"It almost did."
The Waterfolk looked toward the distant harbor where several massive blue warships rested quietly despite the rain.
"The next time you visit Rivergate..."
"...I'll introduce you to my captain."
Lei's eyes immediately brightened.
"Oh?"
"He is an Aqua Knight."
Even several Waterfolk sailors nearby straightened slightly upon hearing the title.
Neruul continued,
"He has reached the Sixth Stage of Foundation Establishment."
"And..."
He smiled knowingly.
"...his species stands above mine."
Lei tilted his head.
"Species?"
Neruul nodded.
"Our kingdoms beneath the Eastern Star Ocean contain countless aquatic races."
"Not all are born equal."
"Some possess stronger bodies."
"Others greater affinity for water."
"Others longer lifespans."
"Much like dragons possess greater natural potential than ordinary beasts..."
"...or elves often possess greater spiritual affinity than humans..."
"...our species also have different natural limits."
"I was fortunate."
"But my captain belongs to a higher-ranked lineage."
"He was born with greater potential."
Lei listened quietly.
"So..."
"If I wish to cross swords with him..."
"I'll need to become much stronger."
Neruul smiled.
"I believe so."
Lei laughed.
"Good."
"I'll be different by then."
"I don't mind losing."
Neruul looked slightly surprised.
Lei continued naturally.
"A loss teaches as much as a victory."
"Sometimes more."
"If I lose to someone stronger..."
"I simply have another mountain to climb."
"Losing to a senior has never embarrassed me."
Neruul remained silent for a moment before nodding slowly.
"...That is a good way to walk the path."
"Arrogance sinks more cultivators than weak talent."
"The sea teaches one lesson above all others."
He gestured toward the endlessly flowing river.
"Those who refuse to adapt..."
"...are eventually crushed by the tide."
Lei respectfully bowed.
"Thank you."
"I'll remember that."
Then his expression suddenly brightened.
"Actually..."
"May I ask for one more favor?"
Neruul blinked.
"If possible..."
"I'd like to arrange another duel."
"For my friend."
"Oh?"
Neruul looked toward the spectators.
"Is he as skilled as you?"
Lei thought for only a heartbeat.
"...Against me?"
"He's a difficult opponent."
"He defeated me twice within an hour."
The surrounding Wolf Brigade members exchanged amused looks.
Technically...
That was true.
Neruul's eyes widened with genuine interest.
"Twice?"
Lei nodded.
"Our styles are completely different."
"I think you'd enjoy crossing blades with him."
The Waterfolk smiled.
"I can arrange that."
"My friend isn't particularly fond of fighting either..."
"...but I doubt he'll refuse a respectful duel."
Lei clasped his hands together.
"Thank you."
Without another word...
He flashed back toward the docks in a streak of lightning.
"You looked incredible!"
Jin Wei exclaimed the moment Lei landed.
Bao Kun nodded enthusiastically.
"That final exchange..."
"I couldn't even follow it."
Lin Xia smiled warmly.
"You've become even faster."
Lei awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck.
"...Thank you."
Then he looked directly at Yun Che.
"Would you like to fight?"
Yun Che blinked.
"...Me?"
Lei nodded.
"Ah."
"I should have asked you first."
"I apologize."
"I asked Neruul."
"He agreed."
"It would be useful."
"You've probably never fought on water before."
"Neither have I until today."
Yun Che instinctively shook his head.
"I wasn't planning to."
Unlike Lei, Yun Che had never travelled in search of opponents.
He trained.
He sparred.
He tested his weapons and weaknesses whenever the opportunity appeared.
But fighting itself had never been the destination.
It was preparation for survival.
A means of protecting someone.
A problem that needed solving.
He had never looked at a stranger and thought, I wonder what it would feel like to fight him.
Lin Xia stepped beside him.
"...Come on."
He looked toward her.
"I want to see more."
She smiled toward the river.
"The Waterfolk's techniques are beautiful."
"I've never seen water manipulated like that."
She folded her notebook closed.
"And honestly..."
"I'd like to see how your strange fighting style works against someone like them."
Jin Wei joined in immediately.
"You'll regret saying no later."
Bao Kun nodded.
"It's good experience."
Even Shen Rui spoke.
It's a friendly duel"
"With rules. With witnesses. With Neruul nearby."
"If you're going to learn this weakness, this is probably the safest place."
Yun Che looked back toward the river.
He silently replayed Lei's duel in his mind.
Water.
Constant movement.
Few solid surfaces.
He frowned slightly.
"...This terrain is almost the opposite of everything I like."
"My rifle loses most of its concealment."
"My mines have nowhere to hide."
"Even steel wires become easier to notice across open water."
He slowly smiled.
"...Which probably makes this the perfect place to learn."
Lin Xia grinned.
"So?"
Yun Che exhaled.
"...Alright."
"Let's do it."
Amon remained behind on the docks as Yun Che calmly stepped onto the river.
Ki spread beneath his boots.
Thin ripples carried him forward until he reached the waiting platform.
Standing opposite him...
Was another Waterfolk.
This one looked nothing like Neruul.
He was broader through the shoulders, his deep-blue body covered in glowing turquoise markings that pulsed like currents beneath the sea.
A long pointed snout gave his face a draconic appearance.
Two thick crimson horns curved backward above dark fins running along his spine.
Sharp teeth protruded naturally from an amused grin.
His powerful webbed feet rested effortlessly upon a curved translucent board fashioned from condensed water.
Rather than standing formally...
He balanced lazily upon it as though surfing invisible waves.
The board gently circled him without any apparent effort.
He looked completely relaxed.
Almost sleepy.
He raised one clawed hand in greeting.
"So..."
His voice rolled like calm ocean waves.
"You're the interesting one."