Quan took a closer look at the young man opposite him. Qin looked to be perhaps 16 and stood just under 6’0, a couple of inches taller than Quan still. His skin was dark from hours in the sun, close-cut dark hair adorned his head. He was, of course, handsome and athletically fit as it seemed all cultivators were. He seemed confident in his stance and ridiculously happy with the little speech he’d just given.

“A rival, oh god, how melodramatic.” Quan laughed. “Am I rival to all your master’s students? How many rivals did I inherit?” Quan stretched a bit while he talked, expecting a more challenging battle.

“The others are beyond us in age and teaching, but we should make an excellent pair to form a fitting rivalry.” Qin supplied.

Quan shook his head, “I really wasn’t looking to create any issues here. Let’s all hug and be friends!”

Qin scowled and nodded to the judge, who called for the match to begin. Qin came in quickly with a series of blows aimed at Quan’s midsection. Quan was pushed back as he blocked and dodged. Qin’s form was good, though, and Quan saw no opening he could exploit. He waited for the next move, and once again, Qin came at him with only slight variations.

“Is this the best you can do?” Qin said, “I’m barely trying and almost got you, move faster. Hit me back.”

Annoyed at the teasing, Quan decided to launch his own attack. He struck fast at Qin’s left side with a couple of quick jabs that Qin blocked with ease and countered with a light kick to move Quan back.

“Faster faster, or your master will have to hide in shame.” Qin taunted and sent in another predictable set of punches at Quan. He could block them better this time without being pushed back but still had no way of turning the momentum when Qin chose to strike.

They pushed back and forth for several rounds, each striking in turn while Qin kept demanding Quan do better. After the fifth round of blows, Quan managed to land a light hit on Qin’s abdomen.

“At last, he strikes, but speed isn’t everything if your blow has no force. A mosquito strikes with more bite.” Qin laughed. “Let me show you.”

Qin came in faster than before, and this time landed three solid blows to Quan’s midsection, nearly driving Quan to his knees. “There, you see, that’s how it’s done. Come now, your turn!”

Quan came fast, this time trying to slide in some knee kicks to do equal the damage done to him, but Qin effortlessly held back his efforts. “Tell me, have you no art? Where’s your special move to make me tremble in fear?” Qin inquired as Quan tried to strike him.

“I haven’t seen you use one either.” Quan shot back with a bit of anger.

“Oh, you aren’t ready for that. Maybe, someday, if you prove worthy.” Qin said. His face lit up in realization. “Oh, you have no art. I understand now. A body cultivator. That explains how you bashed poor Fung so easily. But, I fear, it leaves you with no way of winning this match. A pity your master did not think you good enough to learn true arts.”

“Come show me your best then.” Qin moved in to strike and landed several blows on Quan’s body. Quan tried to strike back and pushed himself to his limit. He was rarely able to sneak past Qin’s defence, and when he did, it seemed to have no visible impact.

Despite being junior members, they started to draw a crowd, and Quan heard bet’s being called out for how long he’d last. They pushed against each other, Qin taunting Quan, and somehow drawing more speed, more power out of him as they fought. The crowd cheered as the two pushed back and forth against each other, drawing more attention to Quan's inaugural matchup.

“What did you mean. Not good enough to learn true arts.” Quan asked after an exchange of blows. His breathing was heavy, and blood tricked from a split lip and a slightly bloody nose.

Qin frowned then gave Quan a sad, condescending look, “Did you not know? Body arts are reserved for those that, well, lack the skills to learn more complicated arts.” Qin still looked fresh, like he'd just stepped onto the stage.

“Are you calling me stupid?” Quan asked.

“Not me, your master.” Qin grinned and launched a couple of kicks at Quan.

Quan was frustrated with the match, and now the idea that Asha might not think he was good enough to teach properly. Was her special method all bullshit? Ask later, fight now, he thought. He let out a yell as he tried to reach his faster opponent. “Almost good enough,” Qin said as Quan’s hand brushed the cloth of Qin’s Gi.

Soon, despite the taunting, Quan found himself exhilarated by the challenge. This was completely different than training with Asha, who they both knew could put him down with a single blow if she wanted to. Against Qin, he felt a competition he never had before. He wanted to beat this kid, to overcome him. The more out of reach Qin felt the more Quan pushed himself.

For nearly thirty minutes, he cycled his Ki to keep up and move faster, stronger than he ever had before. He learnt Qin’s moves and forced Qin to adapt as he tried variations Asha had been drilling into him. Several times getting blows in with sneaky moves or strikes the teenager didn’t expect. Every time Quan thought he’d caught up, was fast enough or strong enough, Qin would step back, nod, and then increase the tempo, daring Quan to reach the new level.

Until finally, Quan hit a wall, his core depleted, between one strike and the next, he was done. His body ached, pain and exhaustion hit him like a sledgehammer, and he was down on the ground at Qin’s feet. Quan flipped over onto his back, taking in great gasps of air as if he’d been drowning, and someone handed him a skin of water that Quan half drank, half showered in to try and cool his burning head and throat.

Qin stood over him. “Did you just crash your core?” Qin waved, and a couple of students helped Quan to his feet and over to a nearby seat. “Always quit before you crash your core. It’ll hurt for days now,” Qin said with a bit of concern in his voice. "You should have known better."

Quan barely heard him as he sucked in air. His body ached as the pain of various blows started to make themselves known. The adrenaline rush of the fight was wearing off. One of the older sect members came over to ensure he was okay, and he felt an aura push down and through his body.

"You'll be fine.". Said the man that hadn't introduced himself. "Go home, rest and meditate till you've recovered your core balance. Lee, make sure he gets home with no issues."

Quan stood slowly and looked at Qin. "You destroyed me out there. I really didn't think you'd be so much better since we're about the same age."

Qin quirked an eyebrow at him. "There's some arrogance in you, I see. I've been training daily for four years. I have a solid core and have nearly opened my first meridian. To imagine you might stand a chance at mist stage with a couple of months of training, even if it was directly under a master, is hubris I've never heard of." Qin held his hands out wide inviting Quan, and perhaps the crowd of girls now watching, to see just how great he was.

Once again, Quan realized he'd partially ignored the judgment around him, assuming he knew best. A flaw that was going to lead to more significant problems if not reined in.

"Well, what's a little arrogance between enemies?". Quan quipped in reply.

"Enemies? Is that what you think rivals are?". Qin shook his head. "You're a strange one with much to learn. The barbarians are our enemies. The wild spirits and creatures that invade are our enemies. The kingdoms that send fake bandits to test us are our enemies."

"Rivals challenge each other, push each to be their best. The best rivals are also the best of friends. I only hope you prove yourself worthy of being my rival.". Qin paused then added. "In one month, we shall try again and see what you have learnt."

"I will work hard to be a better challenge.". Quan answered hesitantly. Somewhat, put back by Qin's speech.

"One last thing," Qin said. "I think I see what your teacher is trying to do with your training. If your master doesn't object, you should at least work on a movement art. One that will aid you both in and out of battle. If we do end up fighting our neighbour kingdoms, you will need one well-practiced."