While Damon warmed up slightly, another soldier jumped into the ring after being given a look from the squad captain.
He was leaner than Jin Hu, with a shifty gait and a wiry, confident air. His eyes were sharp, and his hands were wrapped in thin iron bracers.
"I, Liang Fang, trained for seven years at the Golden Peak Hall and have reached small accomplishment in the Drifting Serpent Steps as well as the Seven Illusory Palms. Unlike the brute Jin Hu, I do not rely on force alone!" the man announced loudly, making sure the crowd could hear every syllable of his grand introduction.
There was a low murmur of recognition.
"Golden Peak Hall? That's one of the top martial schools in the southern provinces!"
"Seven Illusory Palms? They say each strike overlaps with six shadows!"
"Drifting Serpent Steps is known to confuse even elite officers!"
Liang Fang took a stance, one foot behind the other, arms loose and fluid.
"You're strong, foreigner," he acknowledged with a snort.
