Peter and Harry Were in Deep Trouble!

Ta Lo Village's training ground stood on an open stretch of flat land. Some of the bluestone paving slabs had been worn smooth by years of use.

Traditional weapon racks stood around the training ground, holding unsharpened sabers, spears, swords, halberds, stone locks, wooden dummies, and other training equipment. Archery targets could be seen in the distance. The entire place had an ancient, martial spirit to it. Several rows of bamboo benches stood along the edge for people to rest on.

Quite a few villagers were already training there. Some practiced their fists and kicks alone, their movements fierce and powerful. Others sparred in pairs, their exchanges full of strength and technical beauty. Still others practiced archery or swung heavy weapons, filling the air with the scent of sweat and determination.

The moment Lin Hai and the others entered, they drew the attention of some villagers. The villagers nodded amiably at Lin Hai, then curiously glanced over Gwen, Peter, and Harry, the three unfamiliar faces who clearly carried an "outside world" air about them.

Lin Hai smiled and greeted several villagers he knew in fluent Chinese.

They found a relatively empty corner and began warming up. As Peter loosened his wrists and ankles, he secretly glanced at Lin Hai and muttered to Harry, "Hey, man, don't you think Lin's looking at us kind of... well... especially special right now?"

As Harry stretched his leg muscles, he gave Lin Hai a discreet glance and happened to catch the fleeting curve at the corner of Lin Hai's lips.

He pushed up a pair of nonexistent glasses and said quietly, "Same here. Ta Lo's climate is clearly warm and pleasant, but I'm getting this inexplicable chill down my back."

Peter nodded vigorously. "My Spider-Sense isn't going off either, so it's not danger, but