"Hello challenger," Zuo Ruo said.
Ju Feng inclined his head. "hello champion."
The dwarf's expression darkened. "You know better than that, young one. That's going to cost you."
They were circling each other now. "You don't like being called 'champion'?" Ju Feng said. "I'd have thought you would have embraced the nickname by now. Your fans certainly have. Or are they plants by your master, to drum up support for his champion?"
He lunged, aiming a slight fist at the dwarf's face. The soft blow glanced lightly off her jaw, and Zuo Ruo was already ducking under his guard for a jab to his midsection. Ju Feng fell forward into a roll. He tried to snag Zuo Ruo's ankle as he passed, but she jumped out of the way.
