Yan proposed a final exchange using Blood Ignition and simple footwork. The life-burning cost turned into more life and vitality before injury. Three-Step Ash Run carried him around Wei’s shifting floor line.
He did not pour more qi into every step. Instead, he watched the flags Mao had identified and waited for Wei’s feint to reveal the real opening.
Wei moved the left marker and sent a shield line toward Yan’s shoulder. Yan passed through the gap with quick footwork, then stopped short before making contact.
Wei tapped Yan’s arm with the training staff. “That’s where a real counter would have landed.”
The students leaned forward. The opening was clean and decisive, even without a larger blast.
Yan enjoyed the exchange. “Do it faster.”
Wei obliged, forcing him to adjust his line instead of following a fixed pattern. On the third pass Yan circled too wide and ended up beside the water table.
Qinghe called to them. “Drink before you start another demonstration.”
