Chapter 83: The Title Of Master
Four years ago, when the first cohort barely knew how to settle their feet, every kick thrown into the air kicked up red dirt until all four disciples were coughing. Today, the earth stayed firm under their boots.
When Lin Zhi planted her heel to anchor a sweep, the ground gave slightly and held. When Sun Hai shifted his weight to absorb a counter, his knees bent smoothly, keeping his breath steady and his core low. Cao Yan set the tempo from the left flank with light pulses of Qi, while Mu Renshu covered the outer edge of the yard before anyone had to call it out.
Bolin stood by the wooden weapons rack at the edge of the terrace and watched them.
He did not need to shout counts today. He did not need to step in and push Sun Hai’s shoulder to keep his meridian open, nor did he need to tell Lin Zhi to drop her Qi deeper into her dantian.
They had passed the stage of needing physical guidance.
They finished the third breath cycle together, four distinct currents of Qi settling smoothly into the ground beneath them.
Bolin let them finish the movement before raising his hand. "Hold."
All four froze, their chests rising and falling in steady rhythms.
"Take a seat," Bolin said.