The rain fell on the imperial capital of Luoyang for an entire night.
At the first glimmer of dawn, the rain gradually stopped. Washed clean, Luoyang City brimmed with life. Merchants pushed their squeaking carts over the gleaming bluestone streets, while shops set out their stalls and began another busy day...
In the clearing on the Rear Mountain of the Knowledge and Practice Institute, He An finished two rounds of the Cloud-Riding Hand, heat steaming from his body. He bent his knees slightly and curved both arms as though embracing an invisible ball. Following the standing posture Cheng Zi Ya had taught him, he sank his qi into his dantian and began practicing the Primal Unity Ruyi Art.
Fan Dazhi sat listlessly on a rock, yawning now and then. He An had woken him at the crack of dawn and dragged him to this godforsaken place to train, much to his displeasure.
"Xiao An... what's the point of practicing this? You'd be better off letting me sleep a little longer!"
Fan Dazhi complained incessantly.
"The more sweat we shed now, the less blood we'll shed in battle. Once we reach the battlefield, we'll be fighting the people of Western Liang with our lives on the line!"
He An kept his gaze straight ahead and answered in a ringing voice.
"Oh! I can't take it anymore... I'm starving, Xiao An. I'm going to buy something to eat!"
Yawning nonstop, Fan Dazhi rubbed his belly and stood up.
"I'm so sleepy... I'll need another nap after breakfast. Keep practicing, Xiao An!"
Without waiting for He An's reply, Fan Dazhi took to his heels.
Watching Fan Dazhi's retreating figure, He An shook his head with a helpless, wry smile.
The Rear Mountain was overgrown with shrubs. Apart from several towering trees, there was