[Story] Way of the Empty Paw

Argent Dawn
1

Huashan jabbed the padded striking post with an open-paw jab, then followed through with an elbow and a rising knee strike. He backed up and repeated the sequence. Master Bho watched approvingly.

It had been a decade and a half since Master Bho began teaching the young Pandaran, but there was only so much a student could learn while confined to their small fishing village. Both Huashan’s martial skills and his mind would benefit from traveling.

The old master snapped out of his thoughts as Huashan spoke.

“Master Bho, I’ve done the sequence twenty times,” Huashan said, panting.

Master Bho nodded, a slight smile crossing his face. “Looks like it’s time for a break.”

The two made their way to the broken Mogu statue where they usually ate their lunch. The weathered stone figure loomed over them as they sat, the remnants of a culture long gone. Master Bho had already started a fire beneath the pot, and their noodles were boiling. Huashan filled two bowls, serving his master first.

“Eat plenty,” the elder said, his voice soft but firm. “Eat plenty, rest plenty, train hard.”

“Eat plenty, rest plenty, train hard!” Huashan echoed with a grin, the motto of Master Bho’s Empty Paw school.

After a moment of peaceful slurping, Master Bho looked up. “I have three tests for you, Huashan.”

Huashan’s ears perked up. He always loved a challenge.

Master Bho paused. “And if you succeed, I will give you one item from my fishing hut.”

The thought of a reward piqued Huashan’s interest. Master Bho had traveled across the big island in his youth, training at multiple temples and gathering rare and mysterious artifacts. Among them were the twin Jade Troll blades, which Huashan had eyed ever since he began his training.

“What are the tests!?” Huashan exclaimed eagerly.

Master Bho smiled, his eyes twinkling. “Take a rest. I will prepare them.”

The first test was set up on the shore. A stack of bamboo reeds was bunched up on either side of a stone holder.

“First, I will test your strength,” Master Bho said, nodding toward the reeds.

Huashan scratched his chin. He had broken reeds before, but never this many. The pile seemed almost insurmountable.

“Focus your energy, and strike!” Master Bho instructed.

Huashan took a deep breath and made a fist. Focusing his energy, he roared a loud “Kiyaaa!” and slammed his fist through the reeds. They splintered violently. A grin spread across his face.

Master Bho nodded. “Next, you will catch a fish.”

Huashan raised an eyebrow. “That’s not much of a challenge. I caught three this morning with my trap.”

Master Bho’s lips curved upward. “No. This test is to measure your speed. You must catch one using only your paws.”

As twilight fell, Huashan stood in the cool waters off the shore. It was the perfect time to fish, but without his tools, he had caught nothing.

He scanned the water, his keen eyes searching for movement. Then, out of the corner of his eye, he spotted a fish darting by. In a flash, he plunged his paws into the water—but the fish was gone.

Another fish swam past, but again Huashan’s swift paws missed their mark again. He frowned, frustrated. What was he doing wrong? His traps had no trouble catching fish. He pondered for a moment and then remembered something Master Bho had said: “This test is about speed.” But perhaps the real challenge was not speed alone, but patience.

With newfound clarity, Huashan slowed his breathing and let his paws settle motionless in the water. He waited, perfectly still. Time passed.

Then, a glimmer of movement. A fish, curious and unsuspecting, swam closer. Huashan’s instincts screamed to grab it, but he resisted the urge. His patience paid off. Slowly, the fish swam directly into his grasp. With a triumphant cheer, Huashan closed his paws around the catch.

Master Bho had built a small fire on the beach by the time Huashan emerged from the water, fish in hand.

“Very good,” the master said, nodding in approval. “Now for your final test.”

The two stood before the fire. Master Bho removed his bamboo hat, cracked his knuckles, and raised his paws in a guard, ready to spar. Huashan shook himself dry, then assumed his own stance.

For a moment, neither of them moved. The air felt charged. Master Bho suddenly lunged forward with a series of straight punches. Huashan blocked and retreated, not sure what his master expected from him. Was this a test of his defense? Was he supposed to fight back?

Then, a sudden pain—a swift kick to his midriff. Huashan stumbled back. His master followed with a flying ax kick, and Huashan barely managed to roll out of the way. He was tired of being on the defensive.

If Master Bho wouldn’t tell him what to do, he’d decide for himself. He dropped into a low stance and threw a series of strikes: a jab, an elbow, and a rising knee—just like the sequence he had been practicing earlier.

Master Bho danced away from the attack, grinning. “You passed,” he said, bowing deeply. “You have learned all you will under my tutelage. Now it is time for you to find your own path.”

Huashan’s heart sank. “My own path? You won’t teach me anymore?” A wave of sadness washed over him. “What did I do wrong?”

Master Bho chuckled. “You did everything right, Huashan. Tomorrow, I will lend you my boat, and you will travel the big island. Make your village proud.”

Huashan stared, confused. “But… what about my reward?”

Back at the fishing hut, Huashan watched eagerly as Master Bho walked over to the wall, eyeing the twin Jade Troll blades.

Master Bho scratched his chin, glancing past them to an old Mogu-shaped half-mask. “That would be nice, but…”

His gaze drifted further to a shelf with throwing knives. Huashan’s eyes widened. Could it be the knives?

“Ah!” Master Bho said, turning around with a smile. He held up a jade teapot.

Huashan blinked, disoriented. “Master, I’d like my reward before we have tea.”

Master Bho’s grin widened. “This is your reward.”

“But… how will this make me stronger? What about the troll blades?" Huashan asked, his brow furrowing.

Master Bho glanced at the blades, then back at the teapot. "Oh, those old things? This will be more useful.”

Huashan hesitated, then realized he was being rude. He accepted the teapot, bowing deeply. “Thank you, Master.”

The next morning, Huashan stood at the edge of a small bamboo boat, his belongings packed. The teapot sat beside him. As he waved goodbye to the villagers gathered to see him off, a mix of excitement and uncertainty swelled within him.

It was time to begin his journey. But no matter what lay ahead, Huashan knew one thing: the future was in his paws.

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2

What a nice and pawsitive story!

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3

Huashan clung desperately to the bamboo boat as the storm raged around him. The waves hammered against the fragile vessel, each one threatening to tear it apart. Maybe leaving the village had been a mistake. Maybe he was foolish to set out alone, and now his adventure would end before it truly began. His mind raced with fearful thoughts, but he forced himself to focus.

He began counting his breaths—inhale for four, hold for four, exhale for four, then pause. Slowly, he regained control. The storm still raged, but panic no longer gripped him. With a clearer mind, Huashan scanned the horizon. A flash of lightning illuminated the darkened sky for just a moment.

There, in the distance—the shoreline of Pandaria.

He grabbed his paddle and began to row furiously, guiding the boat toward the shore. The sea tossed and turned, but he fought back with determination. Just as the shore was within reach, a monstrous wave surged toward him, flipping the boat with a mighty crash. Huashan was thrown into the churning water, his heart pounding as he struggled to the surface.

His boat was gone. His supplies—lost. But in the murky water, something caught his eye. The Jade Teapot his master had entrusted to him. His heart lifted as he snatched it from the waves and held it tight to his chest. With one arm wrapped around the teapot, he kicked and paddled toward the shore, the cold biting at him.

Finally, his feet touched solid ground. He stumbled, dragging himself onto the beach, his body too exhausted to go further. He collapsed in the sand, gasping for breath.

The next morning, Saosing was making her way along the shore, having sought shelter in a cave the previous night to avoid the worst of the storm. She had started a fire there, grateful to have stayed warm enough to avoid sickness before the upcoming Lower Valley Tournament.

As she walked, she spotted something unusual on the beach. Jogging toward it, she realized it was a Pandaren—unconscious, wet, and seemingly alone. “Oh no,” she whispered, kneeling beside him. She gently pushed him onto his side, rubbing his back.

The stranger stirred, blinking as he came to. “Where am I?” he asked, dazed.

Saosing tilted her head slightly, studying him. “You’re in the Southern Jade Forest. Are you alright?”

The Pandaren’s gaze drifted to the sea, his expression suddenly filled with sorrow. “My master’s boat…” he murmured, as if mourning the loss of something far more important than just a vessel.

Then, as if something had clicked, he shot up in a panic. “Wait!” His eyes darted around, and he scrambled to his feet, digging through the sand. With a triumphant shout, he pulled out the Jade Teapot, still intact. “Thank the Celestials!” he exclaimed, clutching it to his chest.

Saosing couldn’t help but smile at the sight of the teapot. It was strange, seeing someone so overjoyed at saving a simple object when his boat had been lost.

“Let me start a fire to get you dry,” she said. “You can tell me what happened.”

Later, Saosing and Huashan sat by the fire. She handed him some steamed buns, watching as he devoured them with grateful enthusiasm. As Huashan shared his tale of the storm, Saosing noted a cut on his forehead. She reached into her bag and pulled out her red scarf.

“This will help until we can find a healer,” she said, tying the scarf around his head. The fabric smelled faintly of jasmine, and Huashan’s expression softened as he looked at her.

“You didn’t have to help me like this,” he said. “But I’m very grateful.”

Saosing smiled, and glanced down. “I’m happy to help. I’m ahead of schedule anyway.”

“Schedule?” Huashan raised an eyebrow, curious.

She nodded. “I’m on my way to the Lower Valley Tournament. I’ve been training relentlessly. I’m the top student at my school, and now I want to prove that my school is the best in the valley.”

Huashan’s eyes widened. “You’re a martial artist?”

She smiled and nodded. “Yes.”

“Maybe I can compete too,” Huashan mused, his mind racing with the possibility.

Saosing’s grin widened. “I’d be eager to see your style,” she said.

Huashan stood up, stretching his arms. “I’d be happy to show you.”

Saosing drew a small circle in the sand. “The rules are simple,” she explained. “One paw stays inside the circle. If you step outside, you lose.”

Huashan wasn’t accustomed to such a confined space for fighting. Master Bho had always allowed him to move freely, using the entire training ground. Still, he was eager to try. He put stepped one paw in the circle, raising his fists. Saosing did the same.

The match was light, a playful exchange of taps. Huashan tried to keep his strikes quick and close, relying on his fists, elbows, and knees rather than his usual long-range kicks. Saosing seemed to slip around his strikes with ease, her movements swift and precise, but she never seemed to be pushing him too hard.

“Very good, Huashan,” Saosing said, grinning. “Your style is similar to mine. I can’t wait to see how you fare in the competition. Let’s travel together, and we can practice more on the way. It’ll keep us both sharp.”

Huashan smiled, grateful for her company. “I’d like that.”

The two Pandaren journeyed together for several more days. Along the way, Huashan did his best to repay Saosing’s kindness, catching fish every day and preparing them for her. She delighted in his cooking, and they shared many stories and laughs as they traveled.

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4

Love these stories. The immersion is great, and you manage to convey a lot of Huashan’s personality with very sparse words, a skill I particularly value in writing. I look forward to reading about the upcoming Tournament.

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5

The tournament grounds were situated in a large clearing on the coast, a place Huashan and Saosing had been following for days. Carts selling food and souvenirs lined the edges, the scents of grilled meats and steaming dumplings wafting through the air, making Huashan’s stomach growl. The Jade Forest around them was lush and vibrant, but they had mostly relied on the sea for sustenance during their travels. Still, some variety in their diet was definitely needed.

A man wearing a headband jogged towards them. “Is that a Hozen?” Huashan asked, squinting at the newcomer.

Saosing shook her head. “I think he’s human or elf… but he’s definitely strange.”

“Greetings!” the man exclaimed, suddenly bowing deeply. “Or, how do you say in your language—‘Om nom’?”

Saosing blinked, unsure of whether he was making fun of them. “Is he mocking us?” Huashan asked, his brow furrowed.

“Oh no!” the man said quickly, his face flushed with embarrassment. “My most humble apologies. I am Jiuhua.”

Huashan glanced past him, distracted by the nearby food carts, his stomach growling again. “Are you here to spectate or compete?” Jiuhua asked.

Before Huashan could respond, a short Pandaren suddenly pushed past both of them, standing between them in the most rude fashion. “I am here to compete,” the Pandaren said with a grin.

Both Huashan and Saosing blinked at the stranger. “So are we,” Huashan said quickly, noticing the twin sai on the Pandaren’s belt. His mind flashed to the twin troll blades in Master Bho’s room back home.

“Uh, okay,” the man muttered, a bit taken aback. “One at a time, please.” He pulled out a scroll and began scribbling. “School and name, please.”

“School of the E-” Huashan started.

“Weian. No school,” the Pandaren interrupted abruptly, walking away without further explanation.

“School of the Empty Paw, Huashan,” Huashan said. “And I am Saosing of the Whispering Bamboo School,” Saosing added.

The human nodded, still scribbling. “Got it… thank you.” Huashan’s gaze followed the rude Pandaren as he disappeared into the crowd. “I hope I face him,” Huashan muttered to Saosing, his eyes narrowing.

Huashan was happily munching on dumplings as Saosing tried to center herself, sitting cross-legged and meditating nearby. He couldn’t help but smile—he was delighted to find out that competitors could eat for free, and many vendors seemed eager to boast that their food would help them win.

Jiuhua, the man they had met earlier, was frantically reviewing scrolls next to an older Pandaren, while the rude Pandaren was nowhere to be seen. Suddenly, fireworks erupted into the sky, followed by several more in rapid succession. A large Pandaren with a drum began to play, drawing the attention of the crowd.

Huashan and Saosing quickly joined the gathering.

The elder Pandaren stepped forward. He began speaking, but his words were drowned out by the pounding of the drum. After a moment, he stopped, visibly annoyed, and shouted something that silenced the drumming instantly.

“As I was saying, welcome to the Lower Valley Tournament!” he announced with a booming voice. "I see many schools from all across the Forest have honored us with their fighters. It is my sincere pleasure to welcome you all. Our tournament, as most of you know, is sudden death—once you lose a match, you are out…” He continued with the rules, detailing the circle fight format Huashan had been practicing for the past few days. By the time he was finished, Huashan had lost interest and was already on his way back to the food carts.

“First round! Empty Paw School!” the announcer shouted. “Against Tian Monastery!” Huashan hurried back, cracking his knuckles.

Huashan squared up with his opponent in the ring, a slight disappointment gnawing at him. He had hoped to face the rude Pandaren first, but it seemed the universe had other plans. Instead, his opponent was a tall, serious-looking monk from Tian Monastery.

“Tian Monastery, Jialing,” the monk said, bowing with one fist pressed against the other palm.

“School of the Empty Paw, Huashan,” Huashan replied, mimicking the gesture.

The elder glanced between them, nodding. “Begin!” he shouted.

Jialing wasted no time, launching into a series of quick jabs aimed at Huashan’s face. Huashan was fast enough to block them, but the strikes were coming so quickly that he could barely keep up. When he attempted to counter, Jialing’s paw caught him square in the face, sending him staggering back. The force of the hit was a shock. In his training with Master Bho and Saosing, sparring had always been light and playful. But here, in the ring, the strikes were far more brutal.

“Huashan! Return your guard faster!” Saosing shouted from the sidelines.

The monk’s attacks kept coming—punch after punch aimed at Huashan’s face. He barely had time to react, his arms growing heavier as his defensive stance weakened.

“Easy, breathe! Move your head off the line!” Saosing shouted again, but Huashan was overwhelmed. A punch landed in his midriff, and he buckled to one knee, gasping for air.

He pushed himself back up, but Jialing was relentless. A powerful swing of both fists sent Huashan tumbling back.

As he hit the ground, Huashan blinked in surprise. He had already been thinking ahead to his next rounds, but now… he was out.

“Good job, Huashan,” Saosing said as she ran up, her voice filled with encouragement.

Jialing gave a respectful bow, and Huashan quickly rose to return the gesture. The elder Pandaren nodded in approval. “Well fought, both of you.”

“Next round: School of Three Plagues?” the elder said, his voice uncertain as he looked at his scroll. “Against no school? Oh heavens, what is going on here?”

He frowned at the scroll, and Jiuhua hurried up to whisper something in his ear.

“Ah, I see. Weian,” the elder said, shaking his head.

Huashan stared at the rude Pandaren now facing off against a strange, thin creature. The creature wore a mask and hood, but Huashan could see that his body was unnaturally skeletal beneath the clothes.

“I heard the human call him something—‘Forsaken,’” Saosing whispered to him. “What does that mean?”

“I have no idea,” Huashan admitted.

The creature bowed, his voice soft. “Three Plagues, Rat,” he said.

“Rat?” Huashan blinked in confusion.

“Okay, Rat,” Weian said with a grin. “Let’s make this quick.”

He raised his fist, ready to strike. But before he could, the creature ducked low and jabbed two bony fingers under Weian’s elbow, sending a shock of pain through the Pandaren.

“What’s happening?” Huashan murmured, watching in awe.

Saosing was equally puzzled. “I’ve never seen anything like this before.”

The creature, Rat, made a quick tiger fist and struck Weian in the temple. The Pandaren crumpled to the ground, unconscious before he even hit the dirt.

The elder Pandaren and a group of healers rushed onto the field, but it was clear: the match was over.

“Winner… Rat!” the elder called, stunned.

“Next up: Whispering Bamboo against Iron Ox Body!”

A massive Pandaren, easily twice the size of the average competitor, made his way into the ring. Huashan felt a knot tighten in his stomach. This tournament was not going as he’d hoped.

“Good luck,” Saosing said, her voice full of excitement as she quickly tied her hair into a bun. “Wish me luck!”

“Good luck!” Huashan said, though his heart was heavy with doubt.

Saosing faced the huge Iron Ox Body Pandaren, whose stance was low and wide, like a mountain waiting to strike. Saosing was smaller, but her movements were fluid and precise, her body weaving around the giant’s every attempt to grab hold of her.

Huashan watched in shock as Saosing avoided every one of the Pandaren’s massive arms with surprising grace. Her footwork was flawless, her timing impeccable.

“Kia!” she shouted, catching her opponent with a rising elbow to the chin. The giant Pandaren wavered but caught himself. Without hesitation, Saosing drove two quick punches into his gut, and as he lowered his guard, she landed a perfect uppercut. The Iron Ox Body Pandaren finally staggered back and his foot left the circle.

“Saosing, you did it!” Huashan cheered, his voice filled with disbelief and excitement.

Saosing smiled, bowing respectfully to her opponent. “Whispering Bamboo School wins!” the elder called out. “That concludes our first day of the tournament. Please join us tomorrow for the final rounds, where our three fierce finalists will compete for the title.”

That evening, Huashan stared up at the stars, disappointment weighing heavily on him. He had come to the tournament with high hopes, but had fallen short. He imagined Master Bho’s disapproving gaze and felt the sting of failure.

“Huashan,” Saosing called softly from behind him. “The competitors are sharing stories, won’t you join us?”

He frowned. “I’m not sure. I didn’t do very well.”

Saosing sat beside him, her expression gentle. “It’s alright, Huashan,” she said quietly. “I didn’t do well in my first tournaments either. In fact, most don’t. But you had the courage to test yourself. That’s something to be proud of.”

Huashan turned to look at her, a smile slowly forming on his face. “Okay. I guess I’ll just have to train harder,” he said, his resolve hardening.

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The giant Pandaren’s laughter echoed as the Tian Monk’s fist landed on his vast belly. “Nothing beats the Iron Ox Body!” he boasted, then spotted Saosing as she rejoined the group. “Except that girl!” He pointed at her and burst into laughter.

The monk smiled and bowed in acknowledgment. “Very impressive,” he said, before turning his attention to Huashan. “Thank you for taking it easy on me earlier.”

Huashan returned the bow. “I can still feel that double punch,” he said, smiling wryly. He glanced around the fire, noting the presence of all the combatants, including the rude Pandaren and the stoic Forsaken, though both sat with their arms crossed.

Huashan reached for his Jade Teapot from Saosing’s pack, carefully placing it above the fire. The Tian Monk’s eyes widened. “A curious pot,” he remarked, studying the serpent carvings in the jade. “Where did you find this?”

Huashan bowed again. “My master gave it to me before sending me off to explore the world.”

The monk nodded thoughtfully. “A precious gift indeed. I’ve heard stories of teapots like this, said to help balance the chi of those who drink its brew.”

Huashan blinked, considering this. He had felt unusually swift in recovering from the shipwreck. “Is that true, Huashan?” Saosing asked, noticing her own lack of fatigue after their long days of travel and training since he joined her.

“Hmp. So the brat was cheating and couldn’t even win,” Weian muttered, rolling his eyes.

Huashan’s glare met Weian’s. “I thought it was just a really nice teapot,” he said quietly. “No cheating.”

The large Pandaren chuckled. “There was no cheating,” he said. “It’s not like you were drinking it during the fight. It just helped your training.” He leaned in closer, looking Huashan directly in the eyes. “My name’s Mongken,” he said. “And I’m very interested in buying that pot.”

Huashan bowed politely. “I must decline,” he explained. “As it is a gift from my master, it is priceless to me.”

Mongken nodded sagely. “Then I’ll make do with a cup of its tea.”

Huashan smiled and served tea for everyone, even for Weian, before the Pandaren beers came out.

The next day, Huashan awoke to the sounds of fireworks and drums. Saosing was already up and practicing her movement drills. Huashan felt a twinge of nervousness. The monk was fast, and Huashan had no idea what techniques the Forsaken used. Weian had seemed utterly powerless against him.

He couldn’t sit idly by—he had to help his friend. “Saosing!” he called, scrambling to his feet. “What can I do to help?”

She smiled and nodded toward the food carts. “If you could get me breakfast, I can focus on my drills.”

Huashan hurried to obey, determined to help in any way he could.

Later, the finalists were called forward. The elder Pandaren spoke gravely. “We have an uneven number of combatants, so the matchups will be decided by fate.” He produced three long bamboo splinters. “Each person will draw; the shortest piece fights the winner of the first match.”

Saosing grinned as she drew her splinter. It was the longest. The Tian Monk drew his next, and his piece was similarly long.

From the sidelines, Huashan watched with growing anticipation. Saosing would have to fight twice if she won. But now he realized: the Jade Teapot could help her recover between bouts. “Don’t worry, Saosing! I’ll have the tea ready!” he shouted. She gave him a quick smile and a nod.

Saosing stepped into the circle with confidence, her grin wide. The tall monk before her remained calm, but she could feel the energy of the match already. This was her day.

Huashan was surprised to see Weian back at the fire. He had expected the rude Pandaren to watch the match, but instead, Weian was holding Huashan’s teapot.

“What are you doing?” Huashan asked, frowning. “I can make you tea if you want.”

Weian sneered, put the teapot behind him and drew his sai. “This is mine now,” he said, threatening with a glint of malice.

Huashan’s fists clenched in anger. “I don’t think so.”

The match began. Saosing danced around the monk’s lightning-fast strikes. She was quick, but the monk’s relentless pace made her sweat. She grinned—time for a change in tactics. When his fist came at her again, she blocked it with her elbow. The monk hesitated, and she could feel the damage done to his paw. She kept dodging and meeting his attacks with her elbows, wearing him down. Slowly, his strikes lost their conviction.

Then, surprisingly, the monk grabbed her jacket.

Huashan, meanwhile, was dealing with Weian, who lashed out with the hilt of his sai. Pain shot through Huashan’s arms, but he gritted his teeth and stood firm. He had lost yesterday, but there was no way he’d lose Master Bho’s teapot. Weian might have weapons, but Huashan had the Empty Paw training. He jabbed twice, forcing Weian’s hands up before sidestepping and landing a roundhouse kick to his gut. Weian doubled over, but before Huashan could act again, Weian spun his sai toward Huashan’s face.

Back in the ring, Saosing lowered her weight, keeping one foot firmly planted in the circle. The monk was strong, but Saosing’s resolve was unwavering. She continued to grapple, swimming in her arms and getting underhooks, trying to unbalance him.

Just then, Weian’s eyes widened as he heard Mongken’s heavy footsteps. The Pandaren was running toward him, bamboo stick slung over his shoulder. Weian turned and ran.

“What’s going on?” Mongken asked.

“He was trying to steal my teapot,” Huashan said, his voice tight with frustration. “But it doesn’t matter. We need to focus on getting Saosing ready for her next round.”

Saosing’s movements grew more laborious as the monk’s strength tested her will. But then, with a sudden shift, she grabbed his ankle, spun, and sent him sprawling out of the ring.

“Whispering Bamboo wins!” the elder announced. The crowd erupted into applause. Saosing and the monk exchanged respectful bows.

“Very impressive,” the monk said, offering a smile.

“Thank you for going easy on me,” Saosing replied politely.

Saosing turned to Huashan, who was already running toward her with a steaming cup of tea. “That was amazing!” he exclaimed. “Here, drink this before your next round.”

She cracked her neck. “Nah, I think I’m good,” she said, her eyes narrowing as she spotted Rat, weaving through the crowd.

The elder grinned. “Are you both ready?”

Saosing nodded eagerly, her stance firm. “Let’s go.”

The fight began with a flurry of strikes. Saosing’s quick reflexes kept Rat off balance, the Forsaken tried to land a paralyzing blow. But Saosing moved too quickly, her paw redirecting the attack. Then with a swift backhand, she sent Rat staggering, she used the opportunity to grab him and sweep his legs out from under him.

“Winner! Whispering Bamboo school!” the elder called.

Rat rose to his feet and bowed deeply. “Incredible,” he admitted. “Your defense left me no opening.”

Saosing returned his bow with a proud smile before raising her fists in victory. The crowd roared. Huashan ran up to her, swept her into a hug, and shouted, “That was amazing!”

She laughed. “How about that tea now?” Her exhaustion catching up to her.

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