maintained her composure. She refused to engage in your petty violence. Her spirit
remained unbroken despite your efforts to humiliate her."
He looked out at the six hundred silent fans. "That is true strength. The ability to control
oneself, to endure, to remain peaceful in the face of aggression. You, Julian, have no control.
You are governed by your ego."
Humiliated in front of his peers and students, Vance's anger flared. "You're a relic, old man!
The world has moved on. It's about power now."
Chen sighed, leaning heavily on his cane. "If you believe power is purely physical, then
show me. Strike me."
The gym erupted into chaotic murmurs. Master Chen was old, fragile-looking. Vance was in
his prime, a machine of muscle and speed. The referee of the event rushed forward to