For Cloud Retainer, sparring with a younger generation was never something that could go wrong—at least, that was how she saw it.
In fact, even using one-twentieth of her strength already felt like bullying the young man in front of her.
Still, since this was her disciple's boyfriend, it was better to be merciful.
Meanwhile, Ganyu was anything but relaxed.
A faint worry lingered on her face as she watched her master gather power.
This is bad…
If the Grand Sage forgets to hold back, what happens then?
Cloud Retainer mistook that concern completely.
Thinking her disciple was worried that she might go too far, she waved her hand calmly.
"No need to worry. I know my limits."
Upon hearing this, Ganyu nearly went numb.
Left with no choice, she could only glance desperately at Idris, silently begging him to hold back.
After all, the Grand Sage's reputation was thunderous.
Even his presence alone was overwhelming—if this truly escalated, who knew what might happen?
She was genuinely afraid her master would lose all face today… yet she couldn't say the truth out loud.
Idris could only smile bitterly.
At this point, a fight was unavoidable.
"Are you ready?" Cloud Retainer warned.
"If you are, I'll make my move."
Idris motioned for Ganyu to step aside. Though still worried about her master, she obeyed—relieved when Idris gave her a reassuring look.
The moment she moved away, Cloud Retainer struck.
A violent burst of force tore through the air, rushing straight at Idris.
Idris remained calm.
Because of Ganyu's special reminder, he had no choice but to hide his true strength.
Raising one hand, he gently pushed forward—careful not to use too much force.
Their attacks collided.
Both stepped back at the same time.
Hidden nearby, Nahida covered her mouth, trying desperately not to laugh.
He's really good at acting…
A man who hadn't taken a step back even when facing an ancient Demon God—
yet here he was, retreating from an Adeptus.
As expected of Sumeru's Grand Sage.
Cloud Retainer frowned slightly.
She hadn't expected this.
Using one-twentieth of her power and still ending in a draw?
If she didn't raise her strength, wouldn't she lose face in front of her own disciple?
That simply wouldn't do.
No—this is unacceptable.
I'm an Adeptus!
With that thought, she attacked again.
"Take this!"
She shouted, her adeptal energy surging like thunder.
Idris smiled faintly and prepared his counter.
In that instant, Dendro energy surged from his palm like a roaring tide—so vast it resembled divine power itself.
Cloud Retainer's pupils shrank sharply.
"Go."
Idris struck with a clean, decisive palm.
From the sidelines, Ganyu silently prayed—please don't expose it.
After the clash, both still stood where they were.
Cloud Retainer finally sensed something wrong.
Why does it feel like… the stronger I get, the stronger he gets too?
Ganyu looked at Idris gratefully.
She could tell—he was already holding back as much as he possibly could.
Idris felt it too. Even as Cloud Retainer increased her output, he still refused to go all out.
Then came the third strike.
Cloud Retainer charged like a mountain crashing down, confident this blow would send Idris flying.
Idris raised his hand again—lightly pushing forward.
And then—
"…Wait. Why am I the one flying?"
Cloud Retainer spun through the air before slamming heavily into the ground, her face full of disbelief.
She knew her own strength.
Yet she had lost—utterly.
And worse, she understood exactly how.
That final exchange wasn't close at all.
It was a complete suppression.
Even if she used her full power, she wouldn't win.
This man had been deliberately hiding his strength the entire time.
Ganyu, standing nearby, finally let out a breath of relief—mixed with a small, secret thrill.
This was the first time she had seen Idris's true strength.
And it exceeded everything she imagined.
Cloud Retainer, noticing Ganyu's expression, suddenly felt uneasy.
Wait a moment…
This kid isn't just strong—what if he's simple-minded?
If that's the case, wouldn't my disciple be getting deceived?
"Cloud Retainer concedes," Idris said politely, clasping his hands.
After all, he was still on the job—the reward hadn't been paid yet.
Positioning mattered.
Two even exchanges, because of the deal.
One decisive victory, because he was the Grand Sage of Sumeru.
But Cloud Retainer wasn't satisfied.
Losing to a human already hurt enough—how could she let him pass so easily?
Clearing her throat, she spoke with exaggerated gravity.
"Strength alone is not enough to be my son-in-law."
"One must also possess wisdom."
"For example—knowledge of mechanical constructs and adeptal devices!"
Ganyu immediately rolled her eyes.
Master… you really know how to pick the worst comparison.
His military factories alone are bigger than hundreds of your caves.
As the Grand Sage of the Akademiya, Idris already stood at the pinnacle of human intellect.
Why did her master insist on competing in someone's strongest field?
Idris looked innocently at Ganyu and transmitted his voice.
I'm innocent here. Your master dragged me into this contest of strength and wisdom.
Ganyu smiled awkwardly and replied apologetically.
You've already done more than enough, Grand Sage. My master rarely leaves his abode—he just loves mechanisms. He's only being thorough… I'm really sorry.
Idris grinned, then turned to Cloud Retainer.
"I can try," he said modestly.
"But I'm not very knowledgeable in this area. There are many things I'm unfamiliar with."
"If you notice any mistakes, please point them out."
The humility didn't convince Cloud Retainer in the slightest.
After all—he'd said something similar earlier.
And then proceeded to send her flying without using a single technique.
Classic playing weak.
Nearby, Nahida finally broke—silently laughing with her shoulders shaking.
Sumeru's Grand Sage really is crafty…
Always showing weakness to lure the enemy—
when in truth, he's absurdly strong.
Ganyu didn't even know how to warn her master anymore.
If she spoke, Cloud Retainer would surely suffer another blow to her pride.
If she didn't… the outcome might be even worse.
After all, Idris wouldn't ask for Guizhong Ballista schematics if his understanding of mechanisms were shallow.
That weapon represented Liyue's highest level of long-range military technology.
And this man wanted it—for a reason.
To read advanced Chapters, head over to p@treon:
patreon.com/nani_kaito