btth: crafting even heaven

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The three of them strolled beneath the lazy gold of the setting sun, the path sloping gently out of the Xiao Clan's rear gardens and into the lightly forested valley beyond. Leaves rustled under their feet, catching fire in the amber light.

Yoru walked to Tianzun's right, arms folded casually behind her back, her eyes glinting with mischief.

"You're calm today, Master. Too calm. Makes me suspicious."

"Or maybe you're just not used to peace," Tianzun said mildly.

Xun'er, walking on his other side, glanced between the two. "Do you tease him like this often?"

Yoru smirked. "Only when he pretends to be human."

Tianzun gave a low hum of amusement, folding his hands behind his back. "You're in a mood."

Yoru slowed, stepping ahead and pivoting on her heel. She pointed a finger at him, her smile playful. "Then fight me."

Tianzun arched a brow. "Excuse me?"

"A friendly duel. No deadly strikes. You and me. Right now."

Xun'er blinked. "A duel? Here?"

Tianzun looked toward Yoru, then at the setting sun behind her. "Very well. But I won't use Dou Qi."

Xun'er looked surprised. "You'll fight her without any Qi? That seems... unfair. To you."

"Heh," Yoru snorted, tightening her gloves. "Don't take your words back later."

Tianzun glanced at her evenly. "Do I look like someone who takes his words back?"

Yoru tilted her head, then looked to Xun'er. She seemed as if she wanted to say something.

Tianzun preempted her. "No worries. She can watch."

"But what if—"

"Do I need to repeat myself?" he said calmly, but with a razor under the silk.

Yoru sighed, hiding her grin. "Alright, alright."

---

As they walked, Tianzun's fingers flicked slightly in his sleeves.

✨ Opening Yoru's Info Panel ✨

> Name: Yoru Cultivation: 5-Star Dou Zhe Strength Trait: Close-Combat Dexterity Weakness: Over-committing momentum during rush strikes Learning Rate: 8.4/10 Emotional Sync: 92%

Tianzun closed the panel.

> *"She's growing quickly. But she still over-relies on footwork and acceleration."

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They reached a clearing deep within the forest—a perfect dueling ground, with no high grass or sharp stones. The canopy let down a mild wash of light.

Tianzun rolled his shoulders.

"Are we doing this or not?"

Yoru stepped forward, twisting her wrists and loosening her stance.

"Just don't complain if I bruise that handsome face."

"Worry more about what you'll say when I bruise your pride."

Xun'er stood a few paces away, arms folded as she watched them both. Her eyes sparkled with intrigue.

"Begin," she whispered to herself.

---

Yoru vanished. Her first step was a blink-speed dash, left to right, a blur across the clearing.

Tianzun didn't move.

The instant she struck from the right with a sweeping kick, Tianzun pivoted on his heel, caught her ankle with the flat of his hand, and redirected the energy.

She tumbled through the air, flipped, landed on her palms, and launched again.

> *"Still relying on speed. Predictable."

This time she came in with a feint to the left—then a downward palm strike to the centerline.

Tianzun leaned backward, just enough, letting her hand pass before he caught her wrist and twisted. She spun, ducked, swept her leg.

He jumped.

Their rhythm sharpened. Punch, block. Kick, dodge. Parry, elbow.

Xun'er watched wide-eyed. "He's not using Qi at all. How is he so precise?"

Yoru panted, lunging again. She managed a hit—barely grazing his shoulder.

He smiled. "Good. You changed your tempo."

She narrowed her eyes. "You're holding back."

Tianzun's movements were like water. Fluid, inevitable. He parried, redirected, controlled her momentum.

Then he spoke between movements.

"Your right heel is lagging. You anchor too much weight there."

She growled, trying again.

He stepped into her guard.

"You turn your hip too far. Gives me room to enter."

She pulled back. He followed, faster than she could blink, flicked her elbow up and past his shoulder.

She gasped—her balance completely thrown.

He lowered her gently to the ground with an open palm.

Xun'er clapped once, surprised. "He... won."

Yoru lay on her back, panting. "Without a drop of Qi..."

Tianzun offered her a hand.

"Fighting without Dou Qi forces you to respect every movement. Every breath."

She took his hand, smiling ruefully. "I hate how right you are."

He helped her to her feet, dusted off her shoulder.

Then he looked at Xun'er. "Want to try?"

She blinked. "Me?"

He smiled faintly. "Perhaps next time."

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End of Chapter 23