The fight lasted till evening, during which, Hundao couldn't land a single blow on Alaric. In the clearing, Alaric now sat quietly on the transformed ground, his posture relaxed and contemplative. In stark contrast, Hundao lay sprawled on his back, chest heaving as he stared up at the emerging stars. Exhaustion pressed down on him, and as he caught his breath, he found himself deeply re-evaluating the course of his life and the choices that had led him here.
'I lost so badly,' Hundao thought, frustration and awe mingling in his mind. 'Not only did I fail to land a single hit, but it was obvious he was holding back, holding back by an enormous margin. The gap between us is far wider than I imagined. I have a long, difficult journey ahead if I ever hope to catch up to him. What a monster of a fighter.'
