26 Moving forward (1/2)

After returning to the practice area I once more collected my winnings from the attendant. This time I won 8 gold coins. While I was counting my winnings next to the attendant I felt a hand my shoulder.

”That was a good fight young man, I didn't think someone your age was capable of using psychological tactics in the middle of the fight.”

I turned around, it was Old Man Shui that was talking to me. He must be referring to when I pretended to go all out with my attack during the fight causing him to drop his guard. Many people would realize the importance of mental warfare it just wasn't very common at the moment.

”What martial arts family did you come from,” Old Man Shui asked.

”Oh... we had a few reclusive masters that instructed the children in my family.”

Obviously, I couldn't tell him that all my skills and battle sense are because I reincarnated from 10 years in the future. Even if I had he probably would have thought I was crazy or lying to him.

”Oh! How uncommon, no wonder you have such skills and mindset,” He looked at me with surprise.

”Thank you Old Man Shui, I must take care of a few things before my next fight so I must go.”

”You may call me Shui, hopefully, we will meet again,” He responded.

”Yes, hopefully, Shui.”

We parted ways. I had a good impression of the old man. Even after suffering a defeat against someone young like me he did not show any signs of anger and handled it with grace. I somewhat admired him and hoped we could meet again.

I had a few things to take care of before my next fight. First I went to Valerian and confirmed he submitted the correct bet and got the money. Fortunately, there were no mishaps, even if he acts foolishly sometimes he can be relied upon. The odds were 3 to 1 so we made a decent profit of ten coins. I told him to hold off betting for the next two rounds because the odds would be low and we couldn't afford to draw attention to him by betting with a large amount. As a native, he would get too much attention for having that much money in a human settlement. Best case he gets mugged by petty thugs worst case he draws Alexander Morrow's attention.

I, on the other hand, wouldn't draw so much attention and the majority of the crowd could already recognize me which decreases the chances of my bets causing problems. There were also no rules banning contenders from betting on themselves.

I made my way around to the human section. I had to exit the native section and go around the arena since there was no passage connecting the two sections. After getting to the human section I entered the gambling house and got in line at one of the booths.

After reaching the attendant I said, ”13 gold on Young Lion winning his next fight.”