"So, it's Watson. I've long admired your reputation," Zhang Fan replied nonchalantly, though inwardly on high alert. He wouldn't admit it, but this handsome youth's appearance was indeed imposing.
"I've also heard much about you, Zhang Fan. The renowned master of both gun and sword – a title not easily earned. Interestingly, I too am adept at using both," El Watson's words were clearly a provocation. Zhang Fan understood this immediately, but why was he doing this? Because of Aria?
"Since that's the case, I look forward to witnessing your skills," Zhang Fan said, gesturing for Watson to make the first move.
"I shall oblige," Watson replied, drawing a slender rapier from his belt and swiftly lunging at Zhang Fan with no intention of holding back.
In the competition, the use of cold weapons was allowed, excluding firearms. Zhang Fan wasn't surprised by Watson's rapier; he was quite familiar with its combat style, having learned several techniques from Xiao Tong.
Zhang Fan dodged Watson's thrust with ease, but Watson's attack was more than simple. As Zhang Fan evaded, Watson changed his move mid-strike, sweeping his sword horizontally at an astonishing speed.
Ducking low, Zhang Fan avoided the blade, which just grazed his hair. He was accustomed to such close calls, and now it was his turn to counter.
For the competition, Zhang Fan chose a standard Tang sword, not using his advanced Silver Maple Sword, to avoid an unfair advantage. He struck quickly at Watson's right shoulder, holding back slightly. This was not a fight to the death, after all. If it were, this pretty boy's head would have parted ways with his neck long ago.
Watson, a product of the Watson family, reacted swiftly, barely blocking Zhang Fan's strike. He was disheveled but unharmed. If the strike had connected, even protective gear wouldn't have saved him from a defeat declaration by the referees.
"You're strong, but I must say, stay away from Aria," Watson retreated a few steps, shaking slightly from the force of Zhang Fan's attack.
Zhang Fan scoffed coldly, "So you want me to back off just like that? That would be quite the loss of face."
"This isn't about pride. As Aria's betrothed, I won't allow her near you!" Watson's declaration left Zhang Fan frowning deeply. He glanced towards Aria and Bai Xue, only to find they were missing. They had agreed to leave together after the match. Something wasn't right.
Feeling a bad premonition, Zhang Fan wondered if Jeanne d'Arc had appeared. He had to find the girls.
"Are you even listening?" Watson snapped, annoyed by Zhang Fan's distraction.
"No time for your nonsense!" Zhang Fan turned to leave, prioritizing the search for Aria and Bai Xue over completing the side mission.
"You dare underestimate me!" Watson, infuriated by Zhang Fan's disregard, lunged with his rapier aimed at Zhang Fan's back. But just as it was about to strike, Zhang Fan swiftly turned and countered.
Dodging Watson's strike, Zhang Fan's fist glowed, and he delivered a powerful punch to Watson's abdomen. The impact sent Watson crashing out of the arena and into a wall, creating a massive crack.
The audience gasped at the sheer force. Watson seemed unharmed, thanks to Zhang Fan's last-moment restraint. He had intended to teach Watson a lesson but inexplicably held back, redirecting the force behind him to minimize the impact.
Watson, embedded in the wall, was equally perplexed. He had expected fatal injury but remained unscathed. Why did Zhang Fan spare him?
Zhang Fan didn't linger on these thoughts. His priority was finding Aria and Bai Xue. Without waiting for the official announcement, he swiftly left the arena.