The training field emptied slowly, and Lin Tian stayed where he was until the last group of disciples finally pulled away. Some pretended they were leaving for chores, some acted like they had somewhere urgent to be, and some simply stopped staring when they noticed the elders watching them. When the outer ring thinned, the cold pressure in the air eased, and the courtyard started to sound like Cloudcrest again.
Lin Tian held the practice sword at his side, and he kept his face calm. He could still feel the fight in his arms, not pain, just the faint pull of strain. His breath stayed even, and he forced himself not to look around like a hunted animal.
Bai Xueya stood across the ring, still in Azure Snow whites, still too perfect for this place, and still holding herself tight. Her posture was calm, but her fingers were curled at her sleeve, and Lin Tian noticed every small sign of restraint.
