Main Chapter: Hou Dun vs Lou Jian (1). Duel Between "Friends."

The heir to the Qing Ruo's, Hou Family was fair. Not particularly handsome, but in a room full of plain people he would easily stand out. Despite having the common dark eyes and dark hair. The bearing one would expect from a well-raised heir. And the mask that one would expect from one.

Currently, that mask was shifted into a slight frown as he faced off against Lou Jian. His arms crossed as he contemplated though unlike Lou Jian who was thinking of a battle plan his thoughts were elsewhere.

"I wonder what the fault was in the, Luminous Enduring Impenetrable Guard of Hou. Just thinking of all the time me and Xiang wasted on coming up with it too, only to have it be broken by a savage. It's going to be troublesome coming up with a way to put down that beast. Then there's Xuan Yu to handle as well. Maybe I should suggest to father to replace that long-winded Zhou. Xuan Yu should have been gone by now. It's so troubling when people let their trash get in the way of others."

As he thought about troublesome trash. Hou Dun's eyes focused on Lou Jian. Uncrossing one of his hands Hou Dun tapped his temple with two knuckles. And his thoughts shifted.

"Even now I still can't see what Xiang sees in Jian. Are memories from 8 years ago that important? Especially when she is the only one who remembers them. Well, whatever time to use this opportunity."

Moving his hand from his temple Hou Dun rested his chin on it. And spoke:

"Are you underestimating me Jian? Sure, maybe compared to some of the others I may seem on the weaker side. But from the moment I was able to hear, from the days I was still bound to my mother. I've been in training.

Maybe you feel the struggles you've had, has made you somewhat strong. Or maybe it's the fact that you were placed in this class of elites. Regardless, realize this, I may not be the ceiling. However, I am still far above you."

Lou Jian didn't seem bothered by Hou Dun's words. Neither agreeing or disagreeing, still deep in thought. Hou Xiang on the other hand was visibly uncomfortable.

"And here I was warning you as a friend."

"You're talking too much."

"I see... Jian, one last thing. After you lose this duel do your best to avoid both me and Xiang."

"Brother!"

For a brief, barely noticed moment Hou Dun glared at Hou Xiang. And slightly moved his lips. "Isolated confinement is the easiest of the punishments I can give." Before continuing to speak with the same nonchalant manner.

"Initially I was fine with you being around us, but you… changed Xiang. And she decided to abandon her duties and harm her own future as well as our family.

Because of her bout of foolishness influenced by you. A potential ally has turned into an enemy, the Hou family's willingness to sacrifice for Qing Ruo has been called into question, as well as our ability to teach (govern). Not to mention how several of our rivals have used this to make moves against us or simply demean us.

Ultimately, it is indeed Xiang's mistake, you however are the root cause. So, when you lose do not approach her unless necessary."

"Finished? I don't intend to lose. So, let's start."

Hou Dun face went completely emotionless, but he said nothing more. Taking a deep breath to calm his mind, Hou Dun shifted into a relaxed stance, one full of openings. The ready stance for the Reflecting Moon Sect's Illusion of Tranquility.

Seeing he was ready, Lou Jian charged forth and Hou Dun gaze grew cold.

The moment he was in range Lou Jian punched out, without holding back and missed. Undaunted Lou Jian pressed his offense but missed again and again. Before Hou Dun backhanded him with enough force Lou Jian spun.

Moving with the recoil, Lou Jian tried to counter and missed. With clear mockery in his eyes Hou Dun slammed his fist in Lou Jian's face, buried his knee in the latter's stomach and fed Lou Jian his elbow so hard that Lou Jian was forced back.

Stepping in before Lou Jian could recover, Hou Dun pummeled him until his breath started to go short. Then planted his foot into Lou Jian hard enough to send him to the ground.

Slowly, lowering his leg Hou Dun began to regulate his breath. His gaze empty as he watched Lou Jian get up.

Back on his feet, Lou Jian didn't bother wiping the blood that was coming from his nose. Instead, once the dizziness was gone, he charged back in. And like before Hou Dun dominated.

***

"He can really take a beating can't he."

"He certainly doesn't stay down for long."

While Ming Xie and Seung Do were sharing commentary. Hou Xiang was digging her nails into her palms and chewing on her lips.

"You know you can cheer for him if you want."

Hearing Ming Xie, Hou Xiang turned her gaze but;

"I-…"

Was still uncertain.

"It'll feel better than that anyway."

As if her words needed explanation, Ming Xie raised her hands and clenched and unclenched her fist.

"Who knows maybe he'll pull off a turn around."

"Unlikely."

As Seung Do said, Lou Jian was in the midst of staggering from a palm strike to the face. While Hou Dun was still untouched.

"But maybe cheering him on will give him a second wind. Though you don't have to do it too loud since you'll get in trouble, right?"

Seeing Hou Xiang's surprised look Ming Xie explained;

"Confinement or whatever, anyways, don't worry I won't leak on you. And if anyone else tries, I'll beat them up. I'm sure you remember how tough I can get."

Ming Xie said with a reassuring smile. It took her some time but Hou Xiang relaxed a bit. Then turning her gaze back to Lou Jian who was still struggling against her brother said ever so softly:

"Don't lose, Jian."

***

Caught off guard by a feint Lou Jian took a reverse kick that sent him whirling onto the ground. Before he could rise this time. Hou Dun leapt to him and stepped into his stomach. Mouth opened in pain. Lou Jian didn't have the time to respond before his throat was struck by Hou Dun. Strong enough that he blanked out momentarily.

Some part of Lou Jian registered the sound of chanting. And then suddenly felt himself be lifted up. Hou Dun was lifting him up with one hand. Though sweat was beading from him and exhaustion had begun to set in for Hou Dun. Currently, he wasn't under strain from Lou Jian's weight rather it was from something else.

Seeing the technique Mou Lin eyes lit up as he said to himself. "There's another thing I have to ban."

"Give up, Jian. No matter what you do the result will be the same. I'm saying this as someone you consider a friend. Someone who to some extent respects the way you are. Free-spirited, determined, resilient are all traits that are hard not to admire. Yet everything has its place. Realize yours and submit."

At first Hou Dun was merely holding Lou Jian up. But when Lou Jian ignored his words and instead grabbed onto Hou Dun's arm and glared at him, Hou Dun started choking.

"Lou Jian, we all have our ceilings."

Hou Dun's voice took on an empty tone as he choked Lou Jian harder. Despite his fierce struggle, Hou Dun didn't budge. Unable to free himself Lou Jian's grip loosened, and his hands fell limply. Seeing that Hou Dun started smirking.

"Those that we can't win against by pointlessly struggling. Lou Jian, I am your ceiling. A ceiling that a fool like you can never overcome.

One last chance, Jian, give up or I'll ruin your throat. Though I'm not sure how you'll surrender after that. Though giving how loud you usually are I'm sure your voice will be able to squeeze out even then."

But Lou Jian didn't respond or even try to. Instead without his resolute gaze cooling, he closed his eyes.

"Unsightly, there is nothing you can do. Yet you won't submit. Jian, like I said, admirable only at certain times.

Right now however you're more like an instinct than something to admire. I had hoped you would understand but apparently, you're too stupid. Start focusing on hand signs from now on. You'll never be able to cha-…"

A bright light flooded the academy field, blinding Hou Dun. When it faded and Hou Dun's eyes readjust. There was Mou Lin standing by him with a frown. But more importantly to him, in front of Hou Dun's chest was a white orb that flickers of purple fire were fading from. Things slowly clicked and realization hit Hou Dun.

"I-I… I lost?"

Mou Lin nodded and Hou Dun released his grip. Falling on his butt, Lou Jian took in as much air as he could. While Hou Dun looked more than a little lost.

"Dun, I may be an idiot but even I know that if a ceiling blocking me. I just gotta get out from under it. I'm sure there's stairs or something somewhere. And if there isn't you can always make some."

Finally getting his breath back Lou Jian said all smiles. Hou Dun merely turned his unfocused gaze on him. And then upon realizing that there wasn't a hint of gloating on Lou Jian he looked even more lost. Until he tapped his temple with his knuckle twice. And his expression returned to usual.

"You're right, Jian. I was being stupid. Are you not upset about the things I said?"

"Seriously, why would I be? It was just trash talk to score an easy win. It's not like I'm new to fighting."

"Right, right, just trash talk."

Hou Dun took the bell he had pocketed and handed it over to Lou Jian. All while thinking how stupid the latter was. Then his realization fully set in, he had lost to this idiot. Anger and embarrassment mixed, and he aimed to strike Lou Jian in the throat as hard as he could. The moment that Lou Jian took the bell.

Yet when the moment came as Lou Jian took the bell. A pressure washed over him that froze him in place. His instincts told him he could do nothing in this being's presence without its permission. And at this moment the only thing that presence allowed was the beating of his heart and the most essential vital functions.

Not noticing any of this Lou Jian ran off to give the bell to Xuan Yi.

With the pressure gone Hou Dun was finally able to breathe.

"I don't need to explain why you should never try that again."

"I-…"

"The only reason you are fine now is luck. One mistake and you would be a Qi Amalgamation. There is a reason you are not taught enhancement or reinforcement techniques until you have reached the 2nd Stage."

Realizing that Mou Lin was choosing to overlook what Hou Dun had thought about. He made no fuss and promised not to do such a thing again unless his life was in danger.

"… Seriously? Teacher! Xuan Yi doesn't want to accept the bell."

Lou Jian who was over by Xuan Yi, Dai Tian, Fan Hua and Hou Xiang. Yelled, annoyingly loud.

"You should take it. Otherwise, Lou Jian got beat up for nothing."

Said the fierce faced warlord.

"You didn't have to put it like that."

Said Lou Jian in a weak voice. And Xuan Yi finally gave in seeing even Mou Lin hinting he should with a nod. While Hou Dun seeing his sister already by Lou Jian, albeit attempting to hide from his view, gave a brief, dissatisfied smile.

"So, Teach, how are we supposed to take bells after we use up our challenge tokens?"

With Ming Xie's word the friendly atmosphere that had fallen on the field froze up.

"Then you just have to steal it. Since you are no longer able to formally take it. You have to try whatever method you can to snatch them. When doing so their are no methods that are off the table.

The only rule you have to follow is that whatever action you take must not be focused on harming the bell holder. The point is prioritizing the objective. Just like you'll be expected to when handling assignments in the future."

Ming Xie nodded her head and began pondering while the rest of the class, Tan Cui excluded watched to see what she would decide.

"Cool, if I lose the bell again tomorrow, I'll try that."

And with Ming Xie choosing not to try anything the rest of Class 1-A let Xuan Yi keep the bell. And to their surprise found out later that no one from the other classes was willing to try to take the bells.