As the auras of the two clashed, the coolies dredging the riverbed below also noticed the commotion.
Some, carrying baskets full of silt, walked along the dirt banks and constantly looked back. Others leaned on their shovels, craning their necks from below to get a better look.
Seeing this, several river officials hurriedly ordered them to back away. When experts at the Great Commander level exchanged blows, even a stray gust of power could cost them their lives.
Soon, the area around the two fighters was completely cleared.
This section of the river had yet to be flooded with water. The exposed riverbed was dozens of meters wide. Now that most of the silt had been excavated, piles of dirt, gravel, and rotting wooden stakes could be seen everywhere.
Rows of weeping willows lined the banks, their branches drooping low. Further away, scattered grass and wildflowers swayed gently in the wake of the two men's clashing auras.
