Han Yi lay flat on the board, arms spread out like a defeated starfish.
The wind blew gently over him, almost like it was patting his back.
Ling Qingxue stepped closer, her movements soft and quiet,
as if she floated instead of walked.
Han Yi groaned,
"…Why is the sky spinning…?"
Ling looked down at him.
"It's not spinning. You are."
Han Yi closed his eyes.
"That makes it worse…"
Tian Lei cleared his throat.
"Round Three is complete."
His voice echoed across the training ground like a final gong.
Ling stood straight, calm as a still lake,
while Han Yi curled into a ball, shaking like a leaf in a storm.
Tian Lei nodded toward Ling.
"Your balance is exceptional. Your control is clean. Well done."
Ling bowed slightly.
"Thank you, Instructor."
Han Yi raised one trembling hand.
"What about me…?"
"You survived," Tian Lei said.
Han Yi brightened a little.
"Really? So I pass?"
"No," Tian Lei replied immediately.
Han Yi collapsed again.
"…This sect hates me…"
