Mo's calm rejection of the offer to become the next guardian left the elders in stunned silence. The weight of his words hung in the air, thick and heavy, as each man processed the young genius's decision. Chu, the most senior among them, was the first to speak.
"Young man, you must understand the gravity of the position you've just refused," Chu began, his voice steady but carrying an edge of concern. "The role of the guardian is not just a title; it is a shield that protects the entire nation. The responsibility, the power—it's unparalleled. And yet, you've turned it down without a second thought."
Mo met Chu's gaze evenly, his expression unyielding. "I understand perfectly, Elder Chu. But my priorities are different. My family's safety comes first. I can't protect them if I'm constantly in the public eye, burdened with responsibilities that would distract me from what truly matters."
Feng, still smarting from the sting of Mo's earlier rejection, couldn't help but interject. "You're a fool if you think staying in the shadows will keep your family safe. The very fact that you're being watched means you're already a target. What you need is power—power that only we can offer you. Power that comes with being the guardian."
Mo turned to Feng, his eyes narrowing. "Power doesn't come from titles or positions. It comes from within. I don't need to be the guardian to protect those I care about. I just need to be strong enough on my own."
A murmur rippled through the group of elders, some nodding in grudging respect, others frowning in disapproval. Seth, who had remained silent for most of the conversation, finally spoke up.
"Young man, you speak with the confidence of youth, but there's wisdom in your words," Seth said, his tone thoughtful. "However, there is also a great deal of arrogance. You're underestimating the dangers that lie ahead. The forces watching you and your family—they're not to be trifled with."
Mo's expression didn't waver. "I'm not underestimating them. I'm preparing for them. But I'll do it my way."
Chu sighed, a deep, weary sound that seemed to echo through the chamber. "We've lived long enough to see many promising young men rise and fall. We've offered you a path that could ensure your survival, but it's clear you've already made up your mind. So be it. But know this, Mo—this path you've chosen is fraught with peril. If you ever find yourself in need, the offer will stand."
Mo inclined his head slightly in acknowledgment. "Thank you, Elder Chu. I appreciate your concern."
Feng, who had been simmering with frustration, suddenly stepped forward, his presence imposing. "Kid, you may think you have all the answers, but you've yet to prove yourself. You say you're strong, but strength needs to be tested. So let's see what you're really made of."
The challenge in Feng's voice was unmistakable. The other elders exchanged glances, a mixture of anticipation and unease. They all knew that Feng was not one to make idle threats. If Mo accepted, this wouldn't be just a test—it would be a battle.
Mo met Feng's gaze without flinching. "If that's what it takes to convince you, then I accept your challenge."
Feng's eyes gleamed with a fierce light. "Good. We'll see just how far your so-called strength goes. Follow me."
The group moved out of the chamber and into a large open courtyard surrounded by towering walls. The sky overhead was a deep blue, with the sun casting long shadows across the stone floor. It was a perfect setting for a test of strength.
The elders formed a loose circle around the courtyard, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern. Feng stood at one end, his stance relaxed but his eyes sharp, like a predator sizing up its prey. Mo, on the opposite side, remained calm, his face unreadable.
"This is no ordinary sparring match," Feng announced, his voice carrying across the courtyard. "This is a test of will, of endurance, of skill. If you want to prove yourself, you'll have to give it everything you've got."
Mo nodded, his gaze unwavering. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
Without another word, Feng lunged forward with surprising speed for a man of his age, his fist aimed directly at Mo's chest. The force behind the punch was immense, enough to send an ordinary man flying. But Mo wasn't ordinary.
He sidestepped at the last moment, the punch missing him by inches. As Feng's momentum carried him forward, Mo retaliated with a swift kick to Feng's side. The old man grunted, but barely flinched, spinning around to launch another attack.
The courtyard filled with the sound of clashing blows as the two engaged in a rapid exchange of punches, kicks, and counters. Mo's speed was astonishing, his movements fluid and precise, but Feng was relentless, his attacks powerful and unyielding.
For a while, it seemed they were evenly matched. Mo's agility allowed him to evade most of Feng's strikes, while his own attacks, though not as strong, were delivered with pinpoint accuracy. But as the fight wore on, it became clear that Feng's experience and raw power were beginning to overwhelm Mo's youthful energy.
Feng pressed his advantage, landing a heavy blow to Mo's shoulder that sent the younger man staggering back. "You're good, kid, but not good enough!" Feng shouted, his voice laced with the thrill of battle.
Mo gritted his teeth, feeling the sting of the hit. But instead of retreating, he straightened up, his eyes burning with determination. "I'm just getting started."
With a burst of speed, Mo closed the distance between them, launching a flurry of strikes that forced Feng to go on the defensive. The old man blocked most of the blows, but a few slipped through, landing with enough force to make him wince.
Feng's respect for Mo grew with each passing moment. The kid had talent, no doubt about it. But more than that, he had heart—a fierce, unyielding spirit that refused to back down, no matter the odds.
Yet, despite Mo's impressive display, Feng knew the outcome was inevitable. The old man had seen too many battles, faced too many foes, to be bested by raw talent alone. As Mo moved in for another attack, Feng saw his opening.
In one swift motion, Feng caught Mo's wrist, twisting it just enough to throw him off balance. Before Mo could react, Feng delivered a powerful strike to his midsection, knocking the wind out of him and sending him crashing to the ground.
Mo gasped for breath, struggling to get back on his feet, but Feng was already standing over him, his expression a mix of respect and pity. "You fought well, kid. Better than most. But you're not there yet."
For a moment, there was only the sound of Mo's labored breathing as he knelt on the ground, clutching his side. The elders watched in silence, their faces impassive, though a few showed hints of approval.
Then, slowly, Mo pushed himself to his feet, his body aching but his spirit unbroken. He met Feng's gaze, and though he was clearly exhausted, there was no trace of defeat in his eyes.
"You're strong, old man," Mo admitted, his voice hoarse but steady. "But I'll get stronger."
Feng's lips curled into a small, grudging smile. "You've got guts, kid. I'll give you that. And maybe, just maybe, you'll surpass even me one day. But until then, you've still got a long way to go."
Mo nodded, accepting the truth in Feng's words. He knew he wasn't ready yet, but he also knew he wouldn't stop until he was. The fire that drove him, that pushed him to keep going despite the odds, was far from extinguished.
The elders began to disperse, the test concluded, but Feng lingered for a moment, watching as Mo walked away, his steps slow but steady. The old man couldn't help but feel a twinge of something—was it hope?—as he watched the young man who had turned down the guardian's mantle.
Maybe Mo was right. Maybe power wasn't something that could be handed down or bestowed. Maybe it was something that had to be earned, forged through trial and struggle.
And if anyone could earn it, Feng thought, it was that kid.
---
Mo left the courtyard with a mix of emotions swirling within him. The fight with Feng had been a stark reminder of just how far he still had to go. He'd always known the path ahead would be difficult, but now he understood just how steep the climb would be.
But even as doubt threatened to creep in, Mo's resolve hardened. He couldn't afford to lose focus, not with so much at stake. His family's safety depended on him getting stronger, faster, smarter. And he would do whatever it took to ensure they were protected.
As he walked through the halls of the academy, his mind churned with plans and strategies. He needed to train harder, to push his limits even further. The guardianship might not be his path, but that didn't mean he couldn't carve out his own way—one that didn't rely on titles or positions, but on his own strength and determination.
Back in the courtyard, Feng watched Mo's retreating figure with a thoughtful expression. The old man had seen many promising young