Their battle maintained a quick tempo, heedless of the sun that was now setting over the university’s courtyard; the smooth stones underfoot were awash in fiery hues, mirroring the fierce rivalry that blazed between two kindred flames.

Each collision of their weapons resonated through the open air, accompanied by the shuffle of footsteps and sharp gasps for breath. They remained at a stalemate, meeting each blow for blow in a masterful dance of martial prowess.

“Woah!” Wuyang’s voice was laced with flustered laughter, as he weaved out of the way of another attack. He ducked to avoid contact with the one that followed in quick succession, before adding: “You’re—ah—really fast! It’s impressive!”

The first-year remained on the defensive, making the most of the courtyard to dodge each attack thrown his way. By now, he was barely managing to parry the swings of his sparring partner’s weapon.

“Ah…” Wuyang readjusted the grip he had on his xuanwu staff, holding it out to fend off another advance; he hissed through clenched teeth, as the sharp impact reverberated up from the point of contact to his wrists, “Uh, by the way! What happened to only giving this fifty percent? Feels like a little more than that!”