Chapter Ten Summary: Sparring, Travel, and Doubt

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.

Summary

The morning after his first training, Jun’s right arm aches. The mayor’s family offers millet cereal, which Jun records in his new log. Chang announces sparring, and Ren is instructed to give Jun a “friendly beating.” Jun hesitates to fight a woman, but Ren quickly puts him on the ground with a wrist grab and ankle sweep. As they spar, Chang advises Jun to use only sixty percent of his energy and to notice when he tenses. Jun adapts his Iron Core habits, eventually countering Ren’s feints and throwing her. Chang then has Jun try to break a wooden board using Dragon’s Breath. Jun switches to his left hand, focuses on projecting Breath, and though the board does not break, Chang is thrown back and declares it “Better.”

The trio travels. Jun works as a stage assistant—loading wagon, managing supplies, keeping accounts—and earns twenty-one copper yun after one performance. They spend two nights camping; Chang hunts a rabbit. Jun observes that Chang, despite his breathmark ability, needs help with orientation and often bumps into furniture. The flutist insists on a long, winding route to Xicheng to perform often enough to fund Jun’s tournament entry fee. Jun calculates they need to perform every second night to raise the remaining copper. He learns quickly and takes on many chores, easing Ren’s burden; she begins to thaw toward him.

Twice-daily training sessions continue. Jun spars Ren, Chang, or both; practices with staff and knives; reviews his log; and works on breathing. Chang refuses to teach more combat moves, insisting that fighting is simple—what matters is doing it more efficiently. He speaks of awareness and control, deliberately pushing Jun when he is tired or frustrated to teach him to keep his energy from going “askew.” Chang’s vast network of friends includes retired soldiers, a legendary knife fighter, and others who help train Jun in exchange for bragging rights. Jun questions why he needs weapons training for an unarmed tournament, but Chang insists that training is about becoming the best fighter, not just winning.

After four weeks on the road, Jun fights a champion wrestler to a standstill; the old soldier declares him ready for the arena. Yet Jun still doubts Chang’s unconventional methods. He remains fixated on the unbroken wooden board, which Chang affectionately calls “Mr. Dented Board,” telling Jun the process matters more than the result. Jun compares himself to Yin Yue, who has the whole Iron Core school behind him, and thinks of his twin brother Sai, who was separated from him years ago. He wonders how much better he might have been with Sai as a training partner. Without his father, brother, or old school, Jun must rely on Chang, Ren, and his own stubbornness.

Key Events

Jun wakes with a sore arm and eats breakfast with the mayor’s family.
Ren and Jun spar; she quickly sweep-throws him but he later adapts and throws her.
Chang teaches the concept of Dragon’s Breath as a reservoir of energy.
Jun attempts to break a wooden board using Breath; the board shudders but does not break, though Chang is thrown backward.
The trio travels to a larger town; Jun earns twenty-one copper yun from a performance.
Jun records his observations and learns to manage camp duties.
Chang hunts a rabbit, demonstrating his breathmark ability.
Jun notices Chang’s need for help with orientation due to his limited vision.
Chang introduces Jun to numerous friends who serve as sparring partners.
Jun fights a retired champion wrestler to a draw and receives encouragement.
Jun struggles with the wooden board repeatedly; it remains unbroken.
Jun reflects on his twin brother Sai and compares his progress to Yin Yue’s.

Character Development

Jun: Grows from a reluctant stowaway into a reliable stage assistant. He learns to adapt his fighting style, gains patience with training, and confronts his insecurities about his past brother and his rival. His internal conflict between winning and becoming the best fighter begins to surface.
Ren: Initially cold and opposed to Jun’s presence, she gradually acknowledges his help with glances and nods of thanks. She still handles her own trunks and makeup but no longer tries to convince Chang to get rid of Jun.
Chang: Revealed as both a wise teacher and a man with physical limitations. He is patient with Jun’s doubts, uses humor (“Mr. Dented Board”), and leverages a wide network of allies. His philosophy prioritizes process over outcome.
Sai: Though absent, Sai’s memory haunts Jun, showing how the separation shaped Jun’s competitive drive and self-worth.

Themes, Symbols, and Motifs

Control vs. Effort: Chang teaches that fighting is about efficiency and staying calm under pressure, not just strength. He pushes Jun when he is tired to train mindful control over his energy and breath.
Process over Result: The unbroken board (“Mr. Dented Board”) symbolizes Jun’s fixation on a tangible achievement. Chang insists the process of learning to channel Breath matters more than breaking the object.
The Master-Student Relationship: Jun’s training with Chang is collaborative and holistic, involving travel, work, and introductions to other fighters. It contrasts with the rigid Iron Core method.
Loss and Inheritance: Jun’s memories of Sai and his father highlight the gap left by his family’s separation. His journey is also an attempt to reclaim that lost potential.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter deepens the story’s central conflict: Jun’s need to unlearn his old habits and trust a new, unconventional teacher. It establishes the rhythm of travel, performance, and training that will define Jun’s journey to Xicheng. The introduction of Chang’s network expands the world and shows that mastery is not solitary. Jun’s doubts about his readiness set up the tension for the tournament arc, while his flashback to Sai adds emotional weight and motivation.

Study Questions and Answers

Why does Chang insist on training Jun with weapons when the tournament is unarmed?
Chang believes that training should aim to make Jun the best fighter overall, not just a winner of the tournament. Learning weapons sharpens awareness, adaptability, and understanding of distance and timing, all of which translate into empty-hand combat.
How does Jun’s relationship with Ren change during this chapter?
At first, Ren is resistant and gives Jun a symbolic “friendly beating.” Gradually, as Jun takes over heavy chores and eases her burden, she begins to nod in thanks and no longer pressures Chang to send him away. Her thaw is shown through actions rather than words.
What does the unbroken wooden board represent for Jun’s progress?
The board represents Jun’s inability to accept Chang’s teaching about process. Jun treats it as a test to pass, while Chang sees it only as a training tool. Until Jun values the internal growth over the external result, he cannot break it—this mirrors his journey toward mastering Dragon’s Breath.