An Expensive Lesson

Spirit City's Training Ground was as hot as noon by early morning.

Yan flung his outer robe onto the Stone Steps. Crimson Soul Power rose beneath his feet, and wisps of white smoke curled from the gaps between the paving stones. He glared at the man in the middle of the ground, who was taking his sweet time unwrapping a candy. The anger Yan had bottled up all night finally broke loose.

"Senior Bai Jin, are you going to stand there and let us hit you again today?"

Bai Jin bit into his strawberry candy. "If you can make me move half a step, I'll write you a letter of praise and post it outside the Worship Hall Gate."

Hu Liena stood on the other side, a wisp of pink Soul Power winding around her fingertips. Her gaze was much calmer than it had been yesterday. Xie Yue gripped his Moon Blade, his footsteps already lost in shadow. He looked like a sliver of cold light pressed against the edge of the Training Ground.

All three had been put through the wringer by Bai Jin.

But the more he put them through it, the clearer the gap became.

An ordinary powerhouse made people afraid. Bai Jin made them furious—so furious that even knowing they couldn't beat him, they still wanted another try. It was like reaching out to touch a fire that burned far too bright.

"The rules." Bai Jin raised one finger. "Touch me before the incense burns out, and today's training is cut in half."

Yan's eyes lit up.

"Fail, and it doubles."

Yan's smile froze.

"Senior," Hu Liena said softly, "you said the same thing yesterday."

"Which proves I'm consistent." Bai Jin beamed.

Xie Yue said nothing. He only tightened his grip on the Moon Blade.

He