Haven [2]

Ju Feng's opponent immediately charged forward, leaping from his platform to the one floating adjacent. He swung his whip and snapped it above the water.

Shouts and wild applause erupted from the crowd.

"He's a peacock," Chang Chang said. "Strutting around like that's a waste of energy." She switched her attention to Ju Feng, but the boy still hadn't moved. He stood, his arms at his sides, watching Zao Fei with a bored expression. "Oh, that's perfect," she murmured.

"What? The guard said. Chang Chang noticed he was gripping the rail as hard as she. "What's he doing?"

"Baiting him," Chang Chang said, "drawing him in. But he can't keep it up for long. The whip has reach. The barbs will tear him open."

Zao Fei jumped again, and this time when the whip cracked, the edge of Ju Feng's platform splintered.

"That's done it. He'll have to move now," The guard said. "What's he waiting for?"