"But… I know how to reach him."
Chu Piao gave a faint nod of relief. "Please. Tell him everything. I'll be here. Waiting."
A heavy silence lingered between them before Xun Wei finally asked, "Do you really think you can stall until he gets here? The other girls on our side are stronger than me."
Chu Piao smirked faintly. "I can. Even if they all came at me at once, I wouldn't lose."
She blinked, not sure if he was boasting or telling the truth. She still knew nothing about this man other than his name—and his connection to Xiao Fang.
After a pause, she stood again, drawing her sword with quiet resolve.
"If you don't mind," she said evenly, "I'd like you to prove it."
Chu Piao raised an eyebrow. "You want to exchange pointers? You're too young and inexperienced to face me."
"I am the disciple of Master Wu Yue," she replied. "Don't look down on me."
