Their success in the Trials of Loyalty had not gone unnoticed. The elders praised their resilience, but as the trials concluded, Shenlong noticed Li Jiang watching him from a distance, his expression filled with contempt. Shenlong sensed that the hostility between them was only intensifying, a storm brewing just beneath the surface.
As he and Feng exited the hall, Li Jiang approached with a sneer. "You think you can just come back from nowhere and outshine the rest of us? Just because you managed a few trials doesn't mean you're anything special."
Shenlong met his glare with calm composure, his voice steady. "I'm not here to outshine anyone, Li Jiang. I'm here to reclaim what was lost."
Li Jiang's eyes narrowed, his face twisted with anger. "Mark my words, Shenlong. You may have some people fooled, but I'll make sure everyone sees you for the fraud you really are."
With that, he turned on his heel and stalked off, leaving Shenlong and Feng standing in silence. Feng clenched his fists, anger flashing in his eyes. "He won't stop until he's made trouble for you."
Shenlong sighed, feeling the weight of Li Jiang's animosity pressing down on him. "Let him try. I have my path, and I won't let anyone stand in my way."
But deep down, he knew that as he grew stronger, so too would the obstacles before him. Li Jiang was just one of many challenges he would face, and as long as he carried the legacy of the Qin Clan, he would remain a target. Yet Shenlong's resolve was unbreakable. He would face whatever came his way with the strength of his heritage and the loyalty of those who stood by his side.