The Callous Way Disciples who got startled still didn’t back off; they aggressively probed the man of his intentions.
“Who the hell are you old man, back off! He's committed a grave offense to our Dojo. If you don't wish to die with him, get out of the way.”
Despite their domineering attitude it was obvious they were wary of the old man's identity and skill.
It was after all common in Martial Citadel for everyone to know at least a little Martial Arts, old men in the City were specially to be respected.
A lifetime of Martial Arts experience was nothing to scoff at.
I noticed that some of the faces of the people in the surrounding had looks of alarm and disappointment.
As if something that was within their grasps had escaped.
Suddenly the old man broke his silence.
“ Anyone that wants to harm this boy will have to deal with me. He’s officially under my supervision. Anyone who has a problem with that can step up and challenge me.”
What a ballsy Old Man!
He straight up called out the whole City!
How strong was he to be able to put out such confident words?
Everyone stayed silent, not one squeak was heard.
I could tell most people were unsure of who this Old Man was; but the fact that he could put out such a statement in front of so many Experts, some who were probably famously and amazingly skilled, without getting immediately put down definitely meant something.
It was obvious most people chose to be prudent and see how things played out.
The first to react were the Callous Way Disciples.
“ Who the hell do you think you are, you old sewer rat?
The Old Man just stared them down.
“If you were truly someone mighty we would know about you, there's no way a tramp looking old fart like you has any right in blocking the Callous Way Path, everyone forward! Show no mercy not even to old wackjobs who don't know where they’re sticking their nose in!”
Just as the Callous Way disciples were about to move forward, a gust of wind and a pressure that was hard to describe, permeated the surrounding street.
Everyone gasped in surprise or groaned in discomfort.
The Callous Way Disciples started to kneel.
They were suddenly terrified and confused at their sudden weakened state as was everyone else.
“What.. what’s this… what is this horrible feeling. It feels like there's poison all around me. Someone make it stop!”
Someone from the crowd was heard shouting.
“This feeling is nightmarish, Master of Nature’s Way Academy. Can you tell what technique this is.”
An old man in green Martial Robes, some distance away from the center responded to the question.
“ This is Inner Energy and vast amounts of it too. I've hardly ever seen anyone control this amount without hardly any effort, who in the world is this guy.”
The Old Man in green robes looked at a couple other Old Man in the street, with suspicious and inquiring eyes.
It was obvious a few of them had knowledge on who the Old Man was, but they decided to hold their tongue to the Green Robed Old Man's anger.
Suddenly a voice was heard coming from the direction of the Callous Way Disciples.
“Callous Way pupils drop your intent, do not offend that man, turn from this matter and care for Teloro. He is the only priority right now. You are but Frogs at the bottom of the well, do not make foolish actions this matter is settled!”
The Callous Way Disciples turned around, and as soon as they saw the man whom the command came from, they dropped their presumptuous attitudes and bowed their heads in unison.
“Yes, Dojo Master!” they responded in synchrony.
They hurried along and picked up their passed out fellow Disciple and hurried away to the direction where they came from.
The Callous Way Master, an intimidating looking man who looked like he was forged out of the toughest of stones, looked over at the direction to where the Old Bum was standing in front of.
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“Master Yupow, I didn't expect you, who has resided in this City for many years, without ever interfering in anyone’s matters, to make a move to protect that cursed brat.”
“I have been looking for a disciple for quite a long time, and it just so happens this boy meets all the requirements I look for in a candidate. I've taken a fancy to him so it’s better if I make things clear now. To offend him, is to offend me! I'll be taking him with me now. Anyone who tries to obstruct my way will suffer the consequences.”
Everyone stayed quiet, no one dared to oppose the Old Mysterious Master who had revealed himself.
The Old Man turned his back on the Callous Way Master as if to pay him no more mind.
He didn’t even look concerned that the Callous Way Master would try something behind his back, as if he was absolutely certain the Callous Way Master could not hurt him.
He approached me with care and concern.
“Can you move?” He asked me.
“ Just barely.” I responded
“Very well lean onto my arm. I will tend to your wounds at my place.”
Suddenly I felt a certain force help me stand up and move around.
I was unsure what it was but it was obviously the Old Mans’ doing.
Even though I could hardly move, the force helped me strudd along with the Old Man towards the direction he was heading.
Soon enough we left the street where all the Experts had gathered, and got to where there were rental rides of Autoroller Drivers.
Martial Citadel being a City had a number of Autorollers, but even so, it wasn't nearly as many as I thought I would see.
The old man paid one of the drivers and gave him the directions of his destination.
Soon we drove away towards the east part of the town, with no one to bother us.
***
Many of the Martial Artists and Experts that had witnessed the duel had stayed there looking at each other unsure of what to do.
Suddenly a group of Experts asked someone who was obviously their superior a question.
“Master should we follow? We can't just let Kemoro’s brat escape so easily; this is probably the best shot we have at revenge.”
“ Are you a fool? That's Master Yupow, without a doubt a powerful Expert in the Inner Way. Many have tried to curry favor with him in his time here, but everyone he has rejected, still no one dares to mess with him. It is rumored he is a high level Ranker. But how high? no one knows. Even the Seeier Organization has no information on him, but it is rumored he dueled the Headmaster of Unyielding Dojo and came out victorious. The Citadel Mayor has made special exceptions for this man letting him do as he pleases without any consequences. We would be fools to start trouble with him. For now our grudge has to wait, theres no point in pursuing this matter any longer, I’m sure everyone else will come to this conclusion as well, lest they be stupid. Come let's go back to Headquarters.”
The lead Expert and his followers disappeared, as did most of the other Martial Artists as soon as they heard the Old Man's background.
Those who were clueless, now knew there was another big fish in the City, other than the Unyielding Martial Will Dojo Headmaster.
Those who were unsatisfied decided to ask around and find out more about the Old Man, some even did their best to follow at a distance.
Soon there were only those with extreme displeasure evident in their eyes.
They stayed quiet for a long time.
Finally someone said something.
“The boy is the problem not the Old Man, eventually an opportunity will present itself, for now all we can do is be prudent.”
All the people left, nodded in agreement, and soon after disappeared from the scene leaving the street completely empty despite it still being the day.