The valley was quieter without Bai Lu's presence.
Wang Shi sat by the lake, the moon casting long shadows across the rippling water. His mind drifted back to the moment she had left—her unreadable expression, the weight in her words.
Something was happening beyond this secluded place. Something serious.
And he was stuck here, training.
He exhaled sharply, closing his eyes. No. Bai Lu had left him instructions, and he wouldn't waste this time with restless thoughts.
He took a steady breath and focused.
The Breath of Flowing Qi. Circulate. Maintain control. He had already succeeded while stationary, but now he had to integrate it into movement.
Rising to his feet, he shifted his stance, allowing the energy within him to flow. At first, it was smooth—his steps light, his breath even. But the moment he increased his speed, the energy faltered, scattering like wind-blown embers.
He stopped, frowning.
Again.
He tried moving slower this time, concentrating on stability rather than speed. The energy held, but only barely. If Bai Lu had been here, she would have corrected him—or tested him in her own way.
But she wasn't here.
He had to figure this out himself.
Hours passed. He stumbled, adjusted, and stumbled again. The energy felt wild, like a river that refused to be contained.
But he refused to stop.
By the time dawn approached, sweat dripped from his brow, and exhaustion settled in his limbs. His progress was slow, frustratingly so, but he had made some.
And for now, that was enough.
He wiped his face and glanced toward the forest.
How long would Bai Lu be gone?
And more importantly…
Would she return alone?
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