The First Bloom 38

The training started simple. Footwork. Dodging drills. Jianyu kept up at first, moving fast, staying light on his feet. But Zhenfeng was Zhenfeng—which meant simple never stayed simple for long.

Within minutes, the pace picked up. A flicker of movement. A strike aimed at his ribs. Jianyu twisted away, barely avoiding it, but barely wasn't good enough.

Zhenfeng's foot shot out.

Jianyu leaped back, breath sharp, narrowly dodging what would've been a very painful kick to the stomach.

From the sidelines, Qi Qi whistled. "Ooooh, close one!"

Jianyu ignored her. He had bigger problems.

Zhenfeng watched him, arms loose at his sides, stance relaxed—but Jianyu wasn't fooled. He could see it in Zhenfeng's eyes, that sharp, assessing focus. Like a predator waiting for the right moment to pounce.

Jianyu exhaled, shaking out his hands. "Okay," he muttered. "I can do this."

Zhenfeng tilted his head, amused. "Can you?"