CHAPTER 159 — WHEN A KING TRAINS
Snow melted slowly along the edges of the courtyard.
Spring had reached the mountain.
Long Hao stood at the center of the training ground, cloak resting across his shoulders like a second skin. Around him, trainees sparred in synchronized rhythm.
He did not raise his voice.
He did not bark orders.
He simply watched.
And that was enough.
Across from him, the teenage boy—fifteen now—held a dagger too tightly.
The same boy who had once stared at him with shining eyes during the crowning ceremony.
The same boy who believed Shadow King was untouchable.
"Again," Long Hao said.
The boy lunged.
Fast.
Too fast.
Predictable.
Long Hao stepped aside without effort. His palm struck the boy's wrist; the dagger fell. A foot swept beneath him. The boy hit the stone hard.
He gritted his teeth.
Stood again.
Sweat ran down his temple.
"Again," Long Hao repeated.
This time the boy feinted left.
Better.
But not enough.
