Morning sunlight spilled...
Outside a modest stone house built into the slope, two figures clashed repeatedly, blades humming, each strike echoing with force. Jia Kai and Chi Kai moved like storm and thunder — their energies wild but refined from weeks of sparring.
"You're too slow again!" Jia Kai shouted, parrying Chi Kai's downward slash and twisting to counter with a spinning kick.
Chi Kai barely managed to block, panting, sweat glistening on his temple. "I'm not slow — you're just getting cocky!"
Their laughter followed their clash — rare, carefree moments amidst the tension that had gripped the sect. The upcoming Elder Rank Tournament weighed heavily on everyone, but for now, they trained, chasing perfection through each swing.
