The courtyard had barely settled from the chaos of the previous fight. Dust hung in the air, glowing faintly in the sunlight. Li Ming wiped sweat from his brow, his Pride Shatter Orbs still humming faintly.
Bai Guo perched nearby, human form this time, feathers ruffled. "Round two starts now, descendant. You thought that was hard? You're just getting warmed up."
Li Ming groaned. "I was just standing. Now I get to do it all over again?"
The Head Mentor's voice boomed across the courtyard. "Next round! All disciples, prepare yourselves. Pride must be tested again, or growth is meaningless."
Students scrambled to their positions, Pride Shatter Orbs glowing, hearts pounding. Some were trembling. Some looked confident. Li Ming exhaled slowly, centering himself.
"This is it," he muttered. "Round two. I can't rely on luck or tricks. I have to actually grow… properly."
