Tartaglia quickly found a suitable location.
Although the Fatui's movements were restricted throughout Liyue monitored closely by the Millelith and the Ministry of Civil Affairs the hidden power they wielded, thanks to the Northland Bank's vast financial resources, was still nothing to scoff at. Finding a deserted stretch of wilderness was a simple task for them.
Su Ming followed Tartaglia to a clearing at the foot of Mt. Tianheng.
"So, shall we consider the match started?" Tartaglia asked, sounding a bit impatient. Without waiting for Su Ming's answer, he lunged forward.
To the Fatui subordinates watching from the sidelines, their Harbinger moved so fast he left afterimages, his form nearly impossible to track with the naked eye.
"As expected of Master Childe!"
"Of course! He's the youngest Harbinger! You don't get that title without a few tricks up your sleeve, do you?"
However, in the eyes of his opponent, Su Ming, all of this felt somewhat sluggish.
Too slow.
The thought couldn't help but surface in Su Ming's mind. This was his first time facing a decent opponent since his strength had increased. Previously, whether it was the monster tide at Wangshu Inn or the harassment from bandits and monsters along the road, none of it could truly be called a fight. Generally, a single use of Frozen was enough to solve everything.
He had originally hoped Tartaglia could provide a different experience after all, the guy had been quite confident earlier. But looking at him now, it seemed even he wouldn't be enough.
Still, Su Ming knew his opponent wasn't going all out yet. Tartaglia hadn't even used his Foul Legacy Transformation. In the later stages of his journey, Childe could use that form to go toe-to-toe with the All-Devouring Narwhal that had swallowed the Primordial Sea Water. His true strength and potential were far beyond the "shabby" display currently before him.
While Su Ming was lost in thought, Tartaglia reached him. Two short daggers made of condensed Hydro appeared in his hands, which he swung fiercely at Su Ming.
Su Ming simply raised his palm and met the Hydro blades head-on.
Thump!
In an instant, the condensed water blades were shattered by Su Ming's palm, turning into a spray of Hydro elements that scattered into the air.
"What?!"
Tartaglia tried to retreat immediately, but it was too late. Su Ming's hand pressed down, grabbing the very hand that had just been holding a dagger. Then, a heavy side-kick sent Tartaglia flying.
Though he managed to land successfully after a mid-air flip, Su Ming's kick had been so powerful that Tartaglia felt as if the breath had been knocked out of his lungs.
He shattered my condensed weapons with a casual swat, and he has that kind of monstrous strength… Is this guy even human? Tartaglia thought, coughing up a mouthful of blood.
"It seems I've fallen into a disadvantage right from the start. As expected, meaningless probing against an opponent like this only works against me."
Su Ming remained perfectly calm. During his years on the mountain, he had studied the way of spells and talismans extensively, and he hadn't neglected his weapons training or martial arts either. While he wouldn't claim to be invincible, even without his system, his martial prowess wasn't something Tartaglia could overcome with a casual test.
"If you have any real skill, bring it out now. I want to finish this and go grab some dinner," Su Ming said flatly.
Tartaglia grinned. "Hahaha, don't be in such a rush! The battle has only just begun! If you win, I'll even treat you to that dinner."
Su Ming's face darkened. "I really don't like men. Please, have some dignity."
Tartaglia didn't respond. He simply unleashed his Delusion. The water blades in his hands instantly transformed into a spear forged from condensed Electro.
Zzt!
With a flash of purple lightning, Tartaglia vanished from his spot. The sight caused the surrounding Fatui to cheer.
"Woohoo! Master Harbinger is getting serious!"
"I told you he wasn't going all out! That Liyue guy is in for it now!"
"Go for it, Master Harbinger!"
"Place your bets, place your bets! Everyone, get your wagers in!"
However, the scene that followed felt strangely familiar. It was like a replay of the previous round.
Tartaglia was sent flying back once again, though this time he didn't go as far and didn't look quite as disheveled. But even with a mask obscuring his face, the Fatui could sense that their Harbinger was finally becoming truly serious.
Those who followed Tartaglia here were his most loyal subordinates. The atmosphere currently radiating from him was a rare sight for them. Without exception, whenever he showed this kind of aura, it meant he was dealing with a powerful foe.
The cheers and shouts died down simultaneously. The Fatui finally began to pay close attention to the opponent their Harbinger had personally invited. He was handsome, with a transcendent temperament at a glance, he looked no different from the legendary Adepti mentioned in Liyue's rumors.
At that moment, he was holding something in his hand: the lightning spear Tartaglia had just condensed using the power of his Delusion.
Crackle!
Su Ming applied a slight amount of pressure, and the lightning spear crumbled away.
"So that's it… The Dragon Factor has this effect too. I was careless not to notice."
Su Ming realized that he was almost immune to all elemental damage. Unless the energy level of an attack exceeded the intensity of his physical body, elemental strikes could barely harm him.
In fact, if Tartaglia were using a normal weapon to attack, there might be a chance of breaking through his defense. But weapons made of pure elemental energy were, to Su Ming, nothing more than fragile things that shattered upon contact.
Once he understood this, Su Ming felt that continuing this fight wouldn't provide many more surprises. His serious mood faded into indifference.
"It seems this match isn't going to test my limits. I might as well try out a new skill instead."
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