Over the next four days, Neria discovered that learning swordsmanship was far less elegant than watching Jian Yue wield a sword. There was too much focus on posture, too much repetition, and an irritating number of small muscles that started aching just when she thought she had understood a movement. Jian Yue didn't move on to actual strikes. First, she taught Neria how to move her feet while holding the weapon, then how to change direction without crossing her legs, and finally how to retreat while keeping the blade between herself and an imaginary opponent. Damon watched only on the second day. On the third, Jian Yue kicked him out because he made too many comments. On the fourth, he returned hiding a cup behind his body and sat far enough away to claim he wasn't participating.
Jian Yue noticed immediately.
"You know I can see you."
Damon took a sip.
"I'm not doing anything."
"That's exactly the problem."
