Inside the Ji Residence.
The cold snap had passed.
Ji Xiu, wearing a single layer of robes, pressed his tongue to the roof of his mouth. His chest and organs rose and fell in rhythm. If one listened closely, they could hear a faint, trembling sound, like the roaring of tigers and wolves.
A ZZZZ sound emanated from his fascia, which were coiled as tight as steel wires.
Ji Xiu's entire Spinal Dragon was vibrating rapidly, emitting the Tiger and Leopard Thunder Sound.
He was alone in the courtyard pavilion.
Ji Xiu's knees were slightly bent, one leg extended forward in a half-stance. He practiced the Six Martial Stances, moving back and forth through the forms. One moment his palm was open, the next his fingers were pointed; then he formed a claw, clenched a fist, struck with his palm, or threw a kick...
With every form he executed, a phantasmal shadow seemed to drape itself over his broad shoulders.
