Morning light filled the sky. As clouds parted after rain, a pale, water-clear glow shone quietly through the window lattice and lit the bluestone floor.
Pfft~
The force of his palm strike subsided. Huang Tian slowly drew back into his stance, his eyes remarkably clear and bright despite a sleepless night.
"I trained all night, but I feel better than ever."
He smiled, went out to fetch a bucket of water, and washed up. Afterward, he headed to the dining hall for breakfast and medicinal soup. Though he had Blood-Condensing Pills, the soup still had its uses.
After eating, he went to the Heaven-Class No. 1 Training Ground. A dozen or so people had arrived, scattered across the grounds. When they saw him, they smiled without thinking. Huang Tian nodded back, then sat cross-legged on a cushion to wait for Chief Instructor Liu.
About fifteen minutes later, all the martial students had arrived. Liu Kuo strode steadily to the front and swept his gaze over them. Twenty-four in all—Huang Rui was still lying in bed, groaning faintly, and naturally could not come.
Liu Kuo coughed. Without wasting words, he asked, "Does anyone want to spar?"
Everyone looked toward Luo Chan in his black training clothes and the calm-faced Huang Tian.
Luo Chan stepped forward with measured strides, bowed slightly to Huang Tian, and said warmly, "Brother Huang, please show me what you can do."
"Please."
Huang Tian stood opposite Luo Chan, several yards between them. They saluted each other, then took their stances.
Luo Chan set his feet naturally apart, a little wider than his shoulders, and bent his knees slightly as if sitting on a high stool. His arms rose slowly, as though he were cradling a giant ball.
Huang Tian barely moved. He stood planted like a spear,