In the morning, Shi Yen had asked Yuan Shun to be her sparring partner in front of her students to demonstrate defence and offence positions. She planned not to hold back, which is why she requested Yuan Shun to spar with her instead of Master Wong.
In the middle of the floor, Shi Yen positioned herself in her guard stance, craning her neck. "Fight back," she instructed Yuan Shun. "Otherwise, you'd be insulting me."
Yuan Shun grinned, roguish and honest. "I will," he replied.
They both placed one foot ahead of the other, facing each other as they held their staffs out at a 45-degree angle.
"Start," Master Wong shouted.
Shi Yen barred her teeth, gripping her staff hard as she launched herself to collide with him.
