Ru Fen let out a long breath as she stepped off the stone path and into the shade of one of the larger trees near the outer arena grounds.
Her robe was loose at the collar, and the wind felt nice on her face. The energy from the match was still leaving her body slowly, but the rush had passed.
Her hands had finally stopped shaking.
A soft voice came from behind.
"I knew you'd win."
Ru Fen turned slightly and gave a tired smile. "Barely."
Her friend, Lin Yueqi, walked up with two cups of warm tea and handed her one. Lin had passed her own match just an hour earlier.
Her style was more defensive, slower-paced, but solid. She won her fight with clean blocks and simple counters, wearing her opponent down with patience alone.
"Still counts," Yueqi said, sitting beside her on the low stone wall. "Whether it's by a landslide or by a hair, a win is a win."
Ru Fen sipped the tea. It wasn't very sweet, but it was hot and calming.
