The courtyard was quiet and peaceful. A tall tree stood in the middle, its branches spreading out to provide shade. Sunlight peeked through the leaves, making small patterns on the stone path below. The air smelled fresh, and a light breeze made the leaves rustle gently.
In one corner, there was a small wooden pavilion with a simple roof. It faced a small clear pond, where the water was still and calm, reflecting the sky. Around the edges of the courtyard were a few plants and stones, giving the place a calm and welcoming feel.
Neither of them talked with each other on the way, both falling into a misunderstanding.
Cai Tian sat on the pavilion with Luis following and sitting opposite him.
There was silence before Cai Tian broke it with a sharp question.
"No need to pretend anymore," Cai Tian said, his eyes narrowing. "Tell me, what are you really here for? Which force do you belong to?"
Luis sat in silence, locking eyes with Cai Tian.
'I need to pretend again and show my acting skills again,' Luis thought as he assessed his situation.
"You found out, didn't you?" Luis feigned surprise. His voice was calm, but his expression showed just enough uncertainty to keep Cai Tian guessing.
"How did you figure it out?"
"Your aura and demeanor... I have only seen it in those who hold high authority," Cai Tian leaned back and said with a thoughtful face.
He would probably surround and beat Luis if he didn't notice the age and demeanor of Luis.
'This kid is definitely from a big force. Currently, there might still be Innate masters secretly watching this.' Cold sweat broke out from the body of Cai Tian as he thought of this.
"Haha, I didn't think I would be exposed because of something so small." Luis laughed and shook his head.
"Well, since you've already guessed, I might as well be honest. I'm here on a mission."
"Can you guess why I've come here?"
Luis slowly said, revealing a little and questioning the old man. The old man will answer his question, and he will just make a complete story from the old man's answer.
Cai Tian remained silent after the question of Luis. He had a thoughtful expression on his face. Luis was also patiently waiting for the answer of this old man.
The courtyard was silent, with just the sound of the rustling of leaves. Cai Tian was lost in thought when his face suddenly lit as if he had put the pieces together. He looked at Luis, then began speaking.
"You're here to learn martial arts, just as you said," Cai Tian began slowly, as if testing his theory. "But your mission... it must be something more. Are you here to explore the forces in this city?"
Luis nodded, giving Cai Tian a deep look.
"The warriors from rivers and lakes cannot really be underestimated."
"You old man almost guessed it, so let me tell you a secret."
Cai Tian leaned in slightly, listening intently.
Luis let out a small laugh, mocking the situation. "We have information that some forces are planning to rebel, those frogs in wells, trying to go against the court."
Cai Tian stood up from his position in panic and hurriedly bowed deeply.
"I—I shouldn't have heard that!" He stammered, his voice shaking.
He didn't dare to listen any further. This was a great secret of the royal court, not something he can pry on.
Luis, who he thought was from a big force, was actually from the royal court. He also learned about rebellion and his back couldn't help but become sweaty.
"No need to bow. Sit down." He gestured for Cai Tian to sit, watching as the old man nervously followed.
'He's completely bought into this,' Luis thought, satisfied.
The two spoke briefly about a less important topic after that, but this time Cai Tian was very restrained and didn't dare to talk much. After some small back and forth talking, Luis decided to spar with Cai Tian and test his strength.
"Let's spar," Luis said suddenly, standing up. "I want to test your strength."
Cai Tian hesitated. "A spar? Now?"
Luis was already walking toward an open space in the courtyard.
"I won't take no for an answer,"
Cai Tian followed Luis reluctantly.
'This kid... he's too confident,' Cai Tian thought as he sighed heavily.
He had little suspicion, but he didn't dare to point it out, as his wrong choice might destroy both him and the turtle martial hall. Through out his life, he has seen a lot of scenes where people mess with the wrong people and get destroyed.
This matter even involves rebels, and he didn't want to involve himself any further.
----
Luis and Cai Tian were both ready in their positions.
"Don't hold back, or you'll suffer for it!" Luis shouted and vanished from his place.
In a blink of an eye, Luis appeared in front of Cai Tian, swinging his sword without any mercy. He wanted to test the limits of this old man.
Cai Tian barely managed to dodge it, stepping back to avoid the attack.
Luis was fast—faster than anyone Cai Tian had fought in years. He closed in to attack with a punch.
Luis pressed his advantage, forcing Cai Tian in defense. But this old man was like a turtle shell.
For several minutes they exchanged blows, neither gaining any upper hands.
Suddenly, Luis saw an opening. His sword sliced toward Cai Tian head, who dodged it but was immediately kicked solidly in the chest. Cai Tian stumbled back, grasping for breath.
Luis didn't give Cai Tai any more chance, before he could recover, he was punched in the face, making him crash to the ground.
Cai Tian then felt a sword inches away from his neck.
"I give up!" Cai Tian gasped, raising his hand in surrender. His chest heaved as he struggled to breathe. "In all my years... I've never seen someone so strong at such a young age."
Luis also withdrawn his sword from Cai Tian's neck and backed up. Cai Tian slowly got to his feet, still shaking from the fight.
"Your Turtle Martial Arts," Luis said, sheathing his sword. "It's... interesting. It makes your defense stronger."
As Luis fought with Cai Tian, he felt the defense of Cai Tian was very strong.
'Is he still eyeing the Turtle Martial Arts?' Cai Tian wiped the sweat from brows and couldn't help but think with some sadness.
"If you want to learn the advanced stages, I can teach you," Cai Tian said, his voice low.
"The chances of me breaking through to the Innate Realm are low anyway. Innate is like a moat, almost all the late-stage warriors are stuck at this stage."
Luis listened to all of these silently.
'This old man is smart and didn't make things difficult for me' Luis looked at the panting old man thoughtfully.
"You're a smart man," he said finally.
"In the future, I'll give you a chance to break through to the Innate Realm."