“How did she do that?” Jun asked. Magic, Rin thought. Jun stopped in front of Niang. “You. You look bewildered. How do you think she did that?” Niang blinked nervously. “Ki?” “What is ki?” Niang blushed. “Um. Inner energy. Spiritual energy?” “Spiritual energy,” Master Jun repeated. He snorted. “Village nonsense. Those who elevate ki to the level of mystery or the supernatural do a great disservice to martial arts. Ki is nothing but plain energy. The same energy that flows through your lungs and blood vessels. The same energy that moves rivers downstream and causes the wind to blow.”

