The Gods' Decree 202 Dead Man Walking

When did Squad Malgrey gain such a hand? No wonder they were so quickly promoted by the sect.

Most had looked down at Malgrey's squad. Quite frankly they lacked the adequate credentials to be amongst their ranks.

All three-star ranked squads at least had three ninth stage cultivators among their ranks. Yet they had only two, obviously, this would raise eyebrows.

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After awhile all returned to normal, though s.p.a.ce was limited for the caliber of these squad, agreements were formed. One of the most scheduling of time at which each squad was able to train.

So each hour there would be tens of squads training. Of course, the previous precedent was followed whereby those of status were given prime times.

It was could then be seen how overbearing squad Darwin was with their prior actions as other squads could have remained while they trained.

"What you don't return calls?"

Malnor uttered evidently upset with Taf over his lack of proper etiquette. Over the past weeks, they have tried nonstop to get in contact with this fellow to no avail.

"I must apologize, I was a bit preoccupied with my training."

Taf awkwardly responded to Malnor's words. Neisha then too interjected,

"So you and May are one and the same? Ever since visiting you, I haven't seen her once."

Out of the group, Neisha and May were seemingly inseparable. It can be said anytime that was not spent with Taf, May spent with Niesha.

"Oh, my dearest Niesha. May told of what you truly thought of me. I was so touched as she spoke. d.a.m.n.., even I started to like me too."

With Taf's words, Niesha at that moment became the center of attention as curious gazes lingered between the two. All became puzzled as to its meaning. Maybe this was the reason as to why May hasn't been seen in a while.

Of the group, the sisters looked her up and down. They understood matters of the heart. Who wouldn't have a liking for this fellow, but still there comes a point when has to harden their heart. This was her best friend's love for crying out loud!

Pity they did not know there was another meaning in Taf's words as he laughed it up. He deliberately spun his wording to come off in such a manner. Neisha felt wronged and could not quickly come back with a reb.u.t.tal. She could just imagine the thoughts that ran through their minds.

All she did was whisper in May's ear some concerns for Luke, Lovren, and Cameron.

Speaking highly of Taf's leaders.h.i.+p ability, and how beneficial few pointers might be to the three who looked up to him as an idol. Though they in terms of age were his elders.

How did that reflect in his previously chosen wording and tone? Now she truly knew why May always nicknamed him 'Brute'. He was definitely a born trouble maker. In fact, she had a few other choice words she wouldn't mind using as replacements.

Though Taf was having his little fun he truthfully wasn't opposed to this and was willing to give them some pointer where he could.

They were his squadmates after all, so having them gain some accomplishments within the upcoming tournament would be a pleasure.

While looking at Luke, Cameron, and Lovren, Taf then uttered ready to fulfill his goal,

"So who will be first?" 

Little did he know that this was the brainchild of the three. It seems their plan has been a riveting success when whispering in the ear of Niesha. This was what they desired, imagine how many strides would be made being personally taught by a lord.

This too was to the like of Malgrey who rubbed the heads of the three. Their growth has been a real worry for him since recent, even with Lovren slight improvement.

It is only a matter of time before both May and Taf undoubtedly leave the squad. Therefore there is a need for the three to pull their weight if there is a prospect of them retaining their three-star ranking. 

?Luke����

To farthest parts of the ground, two disciples could be seen standing fifty meters apart from one another. They were spectated by their fellow compatriots who looked on with a bit of intrigue.

" Back in Starlight City, you helped in defeating a ninth stage cultivator. Yet that was with the help of your fellow squad members.

In this scenario, I am that cultivator and you have to handle me by your lonesome. Use all that is within your a.r.s.enal in order to seek a victory." Taf causally uttered to Luke encouragingly.

Hearing Taf's words the green-haired Luke was struggling to hide his excitement. Yet he hoped not to make a total fool himself. Thankful for him others ensured to give them their privacy.

 He then summoned his thin sword as he inhaled to calm himself. With seriousness in his gaze, he then ran his fingers over the thin sword's blade. Due to his actions, slight distortions could be felt around his blade and body.

Taf took note of his actions realizing this was the application of the wind element in a bid to amplify the sharpness of his blade.

'Interesting' He thought to himself.

In a bid to yield some advantage in the spar Luke vanished from Taf's view. If it was someone of equal strength this might have worked but all the ninth stages could see his every movement.

Sling!

He attempted to slash Taf from his blind spot only to see him use his bare hand grasping the blade in the center of his p.a.w.n to the disappointment of luke.

Apparently that was not the end as soon Taf saw dust particle forming on Luke's left hand, before hardening into an earthen arm smas.h.i.+ng towards Taf's ribcage.

"Earth and wind elements, not bad."

Taf uttered as he simply wove through luke's a.s.saults. He then advised, 

"Your elements are compatible, but never you try to use brute force on someone of greater strength. This only serves to expend your qi.

Which would be detrimental if the party was to escape as I did. Then you are left in a more disadvantageous position than before the battle."

The others too concurred with Taf sentiments as they saw how wasteful Luke was with his qi. Against a person of greater strength, the less qi expended the better. The less your qi, so too will your stamina within the fight diminish.

"Noteworthy is the application of wind to your thin swords, which is superb. Yet if your opponent is faster it serves little to no purpose. Now with a slight tweak, there can be significant improvements."

Hearing Taf's words Luke wondered what could possibly be these improvements. This strategy was devised by one of his elders back in his clan.

 Using his wind element for speed and attack. While earth as defense and counter-attack. Still, this elder wasn't known for his fighting prowess and in terms of strength perhaps at this point, he would be destroyed in a battle with Niesha. Therefore there might be a few things which he missed. 

"As I stated early your elements are complementary somewhat. However, with your application, this advantage is diminished.

Quite coincidentally, within the earlier scuffle, I showed how to properly use these advantages. 

By turning the earth into its lowest state 'dust' the enemy becomes blinded. Stealth is your best tactic with the a.r.s.enal at your disposal. Now that wind speed of yours can be put into full effect."

Taf words were like an eye-opener for Luke. Maybe his application was limiting the potential of what was truly possible.

With each word spoken by Taf, Luke ensured to make a mental note as his insights continued,

"Against an opponent superior in cultivation, this mitigates his previous advantage. No longer can he be confident in seeing through your attacks."

The spectating ninth stage cultivators did agree with Taf's a.n.a.lysis of Luke's techniques. Soon luke tried to follow Taf's advice to the letter.

He activated his earth element, slapping his hands on the ground creating a mini dust cloud. Using the wind to further mask his attack.

Though Taf continuously avoided, Luke did note the evident change. He felt that tactically he was in a better position. 

"That's it! let's continue." Taf urged while luke pushed himself to learn as much as possible in an hour's time.

?Lovren?

"Tell me, am I still your target, or have things changed since the events of Starlight City?"

With a cheeky smile, Taf teased Lovren who stood opposing him. Seemingly he always knew how to get under the skin of the fellow. Lovren then exclaimed angrily,

"I swear I would give one of my arms just to punch that face of yours, Jerk!" 

"Seems like an uneven exchange but I am all for it if you are truly willing," Taf uttered with an evil grin while tossing his newly acquired dagger in the air.

This somewhat frightened Lovren who recalled the state of Doan after the dust had settled. Knowing what Taf was doing he then once more shouted,

"You b.a.s.t.a.r.d! trying to scare me like that. The day will come when I lovren will to the one on all lips." 

He then unsheathed his saber as he looked determined to his opponent Taf. Yet seeing his saber Taf remembered something.

"Oh, now I know what I forgot."

He uttered as he summoned a long saber embroidered in gold to his hand before tossing it to Lovren. Taf then gave a slight introduction to the weapon.

"This was given to me by a close personal friend. Oh, the tears he shed on that day. Apparently he is no longer in need of it." 

Having subconsciously caught the saber Lovren could only shake in fear. It was with good reason as all knew the owner of that gold embroidered saber.

'Now I get it. He truly wants to see me dead!' Lovren thought to himself.

Unedited Version

To be continued.....