Training continued, but something had subtly changed within the group.
Wang Lei found himself increasingly distracted whenever Su Ling was nearby. During sparring, his usually sharp attacks would falter for a fraction of a second whenever she countered him with precision.
"Focus," she said, blocking his dagger strike effortlessly.
"I am," he replied, though his grin said otherwise.
Later, as they rested, Su Ling handed him a carefully refined pill.
"Take it. It'll stabilize your qi after overexertion."
Wang Lei looked at her for a moment before accepting it. "You always prepare these for me."
She turned away slightly. "Don't misunderstand. It's for team efficiency."
He laughed softly. "Sure."
Meanwhile, Lin Xue and Li Hao trained side by side more frequently. Their coordination improved even without speaking, their movements naturally aligning.
What began as companionship was slowly becoming something deeper.