Torsten Hewson
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v2 c77: The Misty Duel Part 1
🕑 Added 2021-11-09 03:01:35 +0000 UTCAnd back to the tournament. My second attempt at this.
EDIT: Third
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The trick to not becoming bored with these matches, Tigu found out, was to act like the crowds above.
They shouted and ranted, and it was quite fun to copy them. Especially as she could shout the loudest out of any of them. Her Qi enhanced her voice, and sent it booming off the stands. The people watching listened intently to her shouts, and echoed her sentiments.
“Go on, Smaller Blade of Grass! Fight!” She demanded, her voice booming off the stands. Her opponent was pressing her hard, using his greater size and strength to try and keep her off balance.
It was finally something mildly exciting. An Ran looked far more composed now than she did this morning. During breakfast Yun Ren had questioned them on their whereabouts after the meal., Both had turned a shade of red, and let out frantic denials that they had done anything last night.
The rest of the Blades of Grass had found this most interesting, and Xiulan had been smug about it.
For some reason. All the two of them had done was talk about growing crops, for some reason. Or at least Gou Ren had, while the Smaller Blade of grass listened. Up until a point. Then they started making increasingly nonsensical poems before they fell asleep on the roof, the fools, and Tigu had to put them both to bed after Ri Zu mentioned they might catch a cold.
Now, The Smaller Blade of Grass’ eyes were focused and narrow, even as she was pressed. Small cuts appeared across her arms, and one small gash tore open her cheek.
Her eyes glanced to Tigu, then the Blade of Grass.
The next strike she blocked fully, throwing herself backwards, and grasping her sword tightly with both hands. With a flip, she landed on her feet, and took a breath. Her hair waved in the wind, as her eyes scrunched closed.
An Ran pulled her arms apart. The blade separated into two.The second sword was ghostly, and smaller by half. Near-ethereal, it's form not quite solid.
“And An Ran shows the main technique of the Verdant Blade Sect, The Blades of Grass!” The announcer boomed. “What an accomplishment for the outer disciple!”
Xiulan was on her feet, and Tigu leaned forwards, interested. So thats what that move looked like incomplete. Xiulan’s swords always felt the same. As solid and dependable as the original, but the Smaller Blade of Grass’ was only half grown. More a dagger than a blade, and still helped in her hands.
Her opponent seemed surprised by the sudden shift, as An Ran abruptly went on the offensive, trying to capitalize. It was inexpert, and had clearly never been used in battle before, but it was the tipping point. The Smaller Blade of Grass managed to block the man’s strike with her dagger, the blade shattering from the force, but the strike diverted enough that she got in a clean blow. It was a cut down the side, and one that sent the man sprawling.
Tigu shouted with the rest of the crowd, as the announcer man proclaimed An Ran’s victory.
She managed to stagger out of the arena under her own power, and the next contestants took their place.
She smiled at who it was.
“Go and win, Handsome Man!” She shouted, her voice echoing. The crowd roared its approval, and a few began to laugh.
The handsome Man’s face turned bright red at Tigu’s encouragement, And tentatively raised his hand, waving at her. Tigu smiled brightly at him and waved back. The man’s face somehow got even redder. His entire body coiled, as he turned to face his opponent. His shoulder muscles bunched up, and his arms flexed most pleasingly.
The match was called to begin.
The handsome man simply charged his opponent. His large, superior frame slamming into the smaller man like Chun Ke. The spearman tried to put up a fight, but his weapon simply skittered off the Handsome Man’s body.
“The Hermitic Iron Body!” The announcer roared, as the twitching spearman failed to stand.
The Handsome man looked back at Tigu, who clapped at his victory. He would be fun to fight!
He seemed almost in a daze, as he exited the arena.
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The rest of the day proceeded most pleasingly. It seemed that the quality of the fights was slowly increasing, and Loud Boy managed a victory that seemed certain to end in his defeat. The sudden reversal in fortune had been interesting.
“And our final match for today! Rou Tigu versus Liu Xainguha!” The fat announcer man boomed.
It was finally her turn! Tigu bounced from foot to foot, her blood pumping merrily in her veins. This Misty Lady was supposed to be strong! This is what she came here for! This is what it was all about! Honestly, so far she would have been better off staying at home and continuing to battle Xiulan!
But now, she was going to face a worthy opponent!
Hopefully, at any rate.
She managed to prevent herself from skipping into the arena, however. It was a close thing, as she calmed her excitement, and focused her intent. She expected to see her opponent in a similar state. Ready for battle, as they tuned out all the unnecessary distractions.
Her opponent was tall and lithe. Her strange contraption was on her back, a large pipe sticking out of it and so it rose just slightly above her head. A gauntlet was strapped to her left arm. It looked like a recent addition, and her sword was strapped to her waist.
But the Misty Lake Lady was distracted. Her eyes were searching the stands, almost frantically, until they alighted on something. Her gaze abruptly softened, and a small smile appeared.
Tigu glanced at where she was looking. There was a pack of people, but one stood out. A small boy with crutches was in the stands, and he was staring directly at the Misty Lady, a complicated expression on his face.
Tigu’s eyes snapped back to her opponent.
The Misty Lady’s soft smile morphed into a grin, as she planted her hands on her hips. She took a deep breath.
Then began to laugh, her hands on her hips.
“Rou Tigu! I, Liu Xianghua, acknowledge your cultivation!” She boomed, pointing directly at her. “But be warned! Even your power, a stage above my own, will not be enough! The Techniques of the Misty Lake Sect shall defeat you without fail!”
Tigu cocked her head to the side.
“Kowtow before this Young Mistress, and I shall take it easy on you!” Misty Lady declared.
Tigu frowned, annoyed that this woman would dare even insinuate that she would take it easy on her. And her attention was not even fully focused upon Tigu! The Misty Lady’s eyes strayed to the stands again, once more seeking out the boy, who was smiling and shaking his head.
….she was doing it because the boy in the stands found it amusing?
This was meant to be a fight! Yes, fights were entertaining, but the fact that this one wasn’t giving Tigu her full attention!
How rude!
Tigu’s eyes narrowed. Her intent leaked out.
The Misty woman’s cheer vanished from her face, as her eyes focused on Tigu.
Good.
“Hpmh! A peasant raising her fangs at the heavens.” The Misty Lady declared, staring at Tigu with some wariness. “I shall crush you, and have my fated battle against my rival!”
It had been amusing, directed at Xiulan. Now that it was directed at Tigu, it was significantly more annoying.
“You? The Blade of Grass’ Rival?” Tigu asked, scorn in her voice. “I have taken that place, Damp Pond. You can watch from the sidelines, after I defeat you.”
Misty Lady recoiled, her eyes narrowing, and shooting once more to the stands. The boy she was looking at mouthed something, and a little smirk tugged at Damp Pond’s lips.
“You court death with your words! Very well, I shall crush you with all I have!” It was haughty and arrogant. She flipped her hair out of the way, and leaned back slightly, so she was purposefully looking down on Tigu.
Her eyes flicked once more away, to a box seat, high above. There was a flash of irritation, before she rolled her eyes.
They suddenly focused, going cold and hard. Tigu had her undivided attention.
Mist began to swirl on the ground, getting thicker and thicker, as the Misty Lady’’s Qi formed around her.
For the first time in the tournament, Tigu formed a Qi Blades. Misty Lady was supposed to be strong.
Tigu glanced at the announcer man, who for some reason hadn’t started the fight yet. He had a massive grin on his face, and was rubbing his hands together.
“Begin!” he boomed.
Tigu attacked. A relatively gentle, probing strike. To be on the offensive was her place. It felt right, and natural. While her instincts to hunt Ri Zu may have faded, this had remained. In her previous two disappointing matches, her opponents could not even react to her.
For a brief moment, Tigu thought this would be the case for the Misty Lady too.
Until she moved with grace, stepping out of the way. Tigu’s blades missed by hairsbreaths. She drew her blue sword, mixed with swirls of white.
For the first time, an opponent truly attacked her back. The sword lashed out for Tigu’s head, and she jerked herself away, a single strand of orange hair falling to the earth.
Tigu bounced away, greeting some distance.
“Hmph. is that it?” The Misty lady demanded haughtily. She had a bit of a smirk on. “I suppose it is the natural way of things for lessers to scurry away from their betters, even after a single exchange!.”
Tigu stared at the fallen strand of hair. She considered her opponent, and her reactions.
She grinned.
One Qi blade multiplied to six. Three for each hand. The smirk paused on the Misty Lady’s face.
She absently heard the crowd’s gasp, as she closed the distance, her claws ready. The Misty Lady’s eyes widened briefly, as Tigu unleashed herself on the woman.
A relentless barrage, coupled with her own bouncing movements. Attacks that gave the Blade of Grass pause.
She proved herself Xiulan’s rival. Six blades tried to break through her guard, and Six blades failed.
The Misty Lady’s sword slid through the air like a swan through a lake. Silent and deceptively calm. It reminded Tigu a bit of Bi De. A kind of serenity in the heat of battle. Her eyes shot from side to side as she catalogued every threat, and responded accordingly.
Two more Qi blades formed.
Tigu pressed harder. Little cuts appeared in the woman’s clothes. A strand of black, tinted blue, drifted free, only to be torn to pieces by a storm of flensing blades.
And still, the Misty Lady held. Her breathing was heavier. Tigu could feel the grin stretching at the corners of her mouth.
The mist started to gather around the Lad. Her form became instinct, and her sword wavered as it seemed to disappear and reappear.
But whatever trick it was, it couldn’t defeat Tigu’s eyes. Her fist passed through the Misty Lady’s head, a hazy mirage, continuing past the illusion as it appeared. The woman grunted as she was forced to twist unnaturally to avoid the blow.
The hazy outline disappeared.
“To—defeat the Misty Shrouded Swan is no— hmph—mean feat!” The woman shouted, trying to project her voice.
Tigu responded by slamming a kick into the woman’s side that was blocked by a gauntleted arm. The woman grimaced at the blow.
The taller woman let out a breath, and stepped into the next strike. Her sword deflected the claws made of Qi, and she tried to counter attack.
Tigu flipped away, and this time the strike hit air.
Tigu landed gently. Silently.
Her opponent was breathing heavily, but with a single huff, that ceased as well. She clicked her tongue. The woman reached behind her back and pulled on something on the contraption.
It coughed once, and hissed. The entire device squealed loudly, as the vents on it lit up from dull red to bright orange.
Tigu paused, as the air seemed to shudder, and a burst of Qi washed over her.
“I see! You will not be defeated so easily, Rou Tigu. Loath as I am to use this against you, instead of my rival, it seems I must use all of my skills!” She boomed out.
The pipe sticking above her back puffed, a great billowing cloud of steam pouring out, and instead of travelling up into the sky, lingered, completely hiding the Misty Lady from view.
“Behold the technique that will defeat the Demon Slaying Orchid!”
The Qi Blades increased from weight to ten. Tigu bounced up and down, her eyes searching the mist. Wary for the illusions, and a sudden blade in the back.
Something hissed again. Like Chun Ke, when he started to run. The steady puff puff puff as he got faster and faster, building up speed.
Tigu’s eyes widened, as she remembered one of her Master’s sayings.
Building Up Steam.
[Burning Breath, First Form]
The cloud abruptly sucked inwards. Pulled into the gauntlet the Misty Lady wore. Her skin was flushed pink, and her eyes were the same orange colour as the fires within her contraption.
She opened her mouth, and more steam vented itself.
[Heron’s Beak]
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Maybe better than the other version. Still not 100% happy with it.
Comments
Philip
The Qi Blades increased from weight to ten. Tigu bounced up and down, her eyes searching the mist. Something isn't quite right with the first sentence? from weight to ten? eight to ten?
paul Emmer
This is a hard one but i agree with moosh 7 if you choose to let Tigu loose after a close fight her compasion for the lad could give face to the situation as she realizes it isnt always about winning Good luck with this one
Bat
The fight to me has the perfect amount of serious and fun mixed together.
aj0413
Personally, I think both chapters went over well, but I think the majority of the feedback I think you should hear is: "Don't over think it too much and strive for perfectionism." Ultimately, the scene isn't like the original Yu Ren + Fox ending which had many implications on future plot points, so I feel like spending too much time on it would be overly detrimental instead of adding much to the story.
BaguaBrady
very well said
Moosh7
Seems people are pretty divided on if they like playful Tigu or tiger Tigu better. If the current serious battle version of her is true to her current character then I personally say go with that. I agree playful Tigu is more likeable, but it seems to me that part of Tigu's character arc is learning the subtleties of human interactions. Her taking the fight in a more lighthearted way to impress her opponent's injured family member could be the type more subtle behavior she grows into in time. Or maybe she learns to do that in this very battle making it a heartwarming experience for all. That sounds like something that would happen in this story.
Ace High
I desperately want a character to canonically use a technique called "Yeet" on another
Daniel Gesualdi
In a way it kinda dose belong to another novel tigas specifically.
Andrew
I liked it when she played along too. Thank you for the chapter. I found a really cool series you're 1 of my favorite authors so I thought I'd share with you. https://www.royalroad.com/profile/3091/fictions
Corrections: "The mist started to gather around the Lad. Her form became instinct, and her sword wavered as it seemed to disappear and reappear." Lad=Lady? "The Qi Blades increased from weight to ten. Tigu bounced up and down, her eyes searching the mist. Wary for the illusions, and a sudden blade in the back." weight=eight
The Lost Pages
I like this. And I preferred the Tigu who played along. Like she could both be annoyed and amused by damp pond's actions.
gugu
First part is confusing, "During breakfast Yun Ren had questioned them on their whereabouts after the meal." who them?
BRUNO ASTUR
The Tigu part is much better, but I miss the brothers interaction... maybe start with it then move to her.
Ichypa
It’s okay, but I have to say I miss the section with the Grand Ravine guy. I had been wondering what he had going on as one of the few real contenders and the guy from the “strongest sect” around, so not seeing him is a loss IMO.
Zacle
I don't remember the old version super well but this version is quite nice. It does need some editing though
Umut Numanoglu
Why not keep both? It is the same fight from two different perspectives. This chapter just needs some editing. Tigu speaks about two persons in the beginning but Gou Ren is not mentioned until the end. Also I'm very very surprised that Tigu did not throw them off the roof. I mean she is a cat, you can't leave something / someone on the edge of a cliff and not await them pushing it down it is against their nature
Demian Buckle
Thank you for the Chapter.
ericksond
I know that battles are necessary but for some reason this chapter seems off and does not belong. It felt like it came from another novel. I know because I always gauge how I felt after reading every chapter. Let me read the earlier version and I will update my comment. At the very least it seemed like a staggering jolt from the near perfection of the previous chapter. And I look back at all the other chapters with battles and they all felt more… subtle yet sublime.
Midjji
The first half of this version is better but the second half is much worse. Gou befriending the crippled kid was a good idea, forming more ins and attachment. Also Gou sitting with the crippled kid lends itself perfectly to tigu confusing which one of the two she is looking at, and her challenging misty lake lady as unworthy of Gou as well.
LurkerIV
I like this this version feel better
Carsten Bak Larsen
The following paragraph appeared twice: "For the first time in the tournament, Tigu formed a Qi Blade. Misty Lady was supposed to be strong." and the following I guess was supposed to be about a Lady, not a Lad? "The mist started to gather around the Lad."
Guessed
I liked the version with tigu showboating, this one isn't bad either but there are a couple of awkward bits in the beginning; Gou not getting mentioned by name and the Orchid's Petals being referred to as Blades of Grass
Benji
Ooh, fun chapter! Just make sure to double check before posting this, there was a good number of grammar and spelling mistakes =)
geogio13
I will admit that I personally liked the old version a bit better. Not that there is anything wrong with this one, just that I enjoyed the slightly more showy and playful tone where the two of them were hamming it up a bit, like how Tigu wanted to at the restaurant.
STORRM
Tigu bounced away, greeting {creating} some distance. The Qi Blades increased from weight {eight} to ten
Reiner Fox
agreed, and I liked the fact of the kid with crutches sitting with Gou ren
Joel Bullock
I guess it's more in character for Ti Gou to be annoyed but I preferred it when she joined in the fun boasting personally
Jeff Petkau
If it's going to end mid-fight like this, a few lines earlier at "building up steam" might be a better cut point.
Mantiqore
Damp Pond lol I love that nickname
Jeff Scott
The other version was more fun, but this was more in character. This version is better.
Will mILLER
Perhaps things will get a little steamy for Gou Ren in the coming nights.
Kara Nina
But not taking a fight seriously just wouldn't suit Tigu's character.
Damian
I think I liked the older version with how That opening bit with tigu and mist lady. Other than that is it fine to me
Scipio
I get why both versions exist, one is the predator, and the other the friendly cat. That being said, I agree, I think the friendly cat is better
taukid
I definitely love Tigu's pov for the tournament and seeing an rans fight. The main fight is great, too, but I feel the prefight dialogue lacked the fun playfulness of the previous version. And it would be a fun call back if the boy was sitting with Gou Ren and Yun Ren.
Nick
Thanks for the chapter. Certainly much better than the previous attempt.
SoulofaGremlin
Worth it. Hope Tigu has other tricks up her sleeves other than her claws.
Colby Last
The biggest problem with the previous version was the timing. The old sect finally finding Jin Rou has been an arc everyone was looking forward to for a long time and it was frustrating to suddenly have it switch to the much less anticipated tournament that Jin Rou isn't even participating in.
J B
I suspect she's a foregone loss at this point. It's the NEXT fight that might get particularly interesting, and greatly depends on how Ti Gu handles herself in her victory. Gracious, and the next battle'll probably be civil but closer. If she gets all cocky, Damp Pond will likely drown her.
RageBone
I am pretty happy with it too. You even delivered those mistakes i asked for. Thanks.
Jan Alexander
Great fight scene. I want to see Xianghua's steampunk contraption
Daniel
I really hope Tigu kicks Damp Pond's ass into next week.
Benjamin White
I don’t know how far ahead you’ve planned the arc but this one and the other one would probably be better if they’re merged with each other, for example the first half of both as one chapter and the second half of both as another. It seems that way you could get everything you want from these scenes unless of course you’ve planned for the brothers part to be the first half of the next chapter.
J B
A nice improvement, minus some minor stuff that a good editor'll fix. I like the addition of the literal steampunk. I'm glad to see Tigu still observant, still playful, still prideful. the whole 'Damp Pond' bit made me grin.
vetusanimus81
Version 1 felt more fun and light hearted
Andrew
Thank you!
Bunny Waffles
" During breakfast Yun Ren had questioned them on their whereabouts after the meal., Both had turned a shade of red, and let out frantic denials that they had done anything last night.? Is a bit confusing as to who the two are. While you mention Gou Ren a sentence or two afterwards, he isn't mentioned at all beforehand, so it seems confusing as to who the two you are referring to are at first read.
Robert Mullins
Delayed and edited is better than on time and unedited. Similarly delayed and edited is better than delayed and unedited. It's already 10pm (where I'm at), few will mind if you push it back a little longer to wait on proofreaders or wait until tomorrow morning.
Christopher Meeks
I did like how the brothers adopted mist kid in the previous version, still this is pretty good and I do prefer seeing some of tigu's fight instead of cutting it at the start
Summercat
I preferred Tigu playing along with Damp Pond's antics, seeing she was playing it up for someone.
"The qi blades increased from weight to ten" Eight to ten
The GrandMage
You repeat "For the first time in the tournament, Tigu formed a Qi Blade. Misty Lady was supposed to be strong." both before and after she looks to the announcer and he starts the match. I'm assuming it's just supposed to be one or the other.
Enochi
Ooh really enjoyed this I like your fightsm
Gavin Turlock
There is a duplicate line.For the first time in the tournament, Tigu formed a Qi Blades. Misty Lady was supposed to be strong. Tigu glanced at the announcer man, who for some reason hadn’t started the fight yet. He had a massive grin on his face, and was rubbing his hands together. “Begin!” he boomed. For the first time in the tournament, Tigu formed a Qi Blade. Misty Lady was supposed to be strong.
No Step On Snek
The phrase "For the first time in the tournament, Tigu formed a Qi Blades. Misty Lady was supposed to be strong." is repeated twice. Otherwise, feels a lot better than the first attempt
Max Thomas
"For the first time in the tournament, Tigu formed a Qi Blades. Misty Lady was supposed to be strong." appears twice
