Mochi stood at the edge of the training grounds, her auburn hair glinting like fire under the mid-morning sun. The warmth of the day seemed distant, a stark contrast to the cold determination in her amber eyes. Since the fateful mission that took Shimmer from her, Mochi's life had irrevocably changed. Grief and guilt had threatened to consume her, but she had fought back. With every strike of her palm and every step forward, she embraced the promise she had made: I will become stronger.
The training grounds hummed with activity as disciples sparred under the watchful eyes of Elder Fang. His stern presence loomed like a stormcloud, his gaze a silent challenge to each of them to push past their limits. Disciples whispered among themselves, wary of his infamous endurance tests.
Mochi's closest friends—Hua Yi, Suyin, Lin Yan, Xiao Yu, and Jiang Bo—stood beside her. The bond between them had strengthened after countless shared trials. Though Hua Yi had been absent during the recent mission, she had been the first to comfort Mochi upon her return. Now, Hua Yi's calm confidence acted as an anchor for the group, steadying them as Elder Fang prepared to speak.
"Today, you will face your weaknesses," Elder Fang announced, his voice sharp as steel. "No disciple will be spared. Strength comes from perseverance, not talent alone."
His gaze lingered on Mochi for a moment, as if daring her to falter. She met his eyes with unwavering resolve.
"The first test," he continued, "is endurance. You will defend yourselves against continuous attacks. There will be no rest until I say otherwise."
The disciples tensed, but Mochi stepped forward without hesitation. Her amber eyes burned with quiet determination, and her auburn hair swayed as she assumed her stance.
The test began with Xiao Yu as her opponent. The nimble girl grinned as she twirled her staff, her light-hearted nature masking her ferocity. "Ready, Mochi? Let's see if you've gotten better."
Mochi smirked, raising her palms. "You'll see."
Xiao Yu lunged first, her staff a blur of motion. Mochi dodged the initial strike, pivoting to avoid the follow-up sweep. She countered with a sharp palm strike, forcing Xiao Yu to retreat.
"You've definitely improved," Xiao Yu muttered, repositioning herself.
Their spar continued, the sound of wood clashing against flesh echoing across the grounds. Mochi's movements were more refined now, her strikes calculated and precise. She wasn't the same girl who had hesitated during the mission.
Next was Suyin, whose fluid swordsmanship demanded Mochi's full attention. The blade in Suyin's hands seemed alive, weaving intricate patterns as it came dangerously close to Mochi. Each deflection and counterattack tested Mochi's limits, but she refused to falter.
Lin Yan's raw strength followed, his strikes like thunderclaps that shook the ground beneath their feet. Mochi found herself pushed back repeatedly, her arms trembling from the impact of his blows.
"Come on, Mochi," Lin Yan said, his voice gruff but encouraging. "You can handle more than this."
She gritted her teeth, stepping forward despite the pain, and managed to redirect his next strike with a well-timed movement.
Jiang Bo's deceptive techniques were perhaps the most challenging. He feigned weaknesses and openings, luring Mochi into traps she barely escaped. It took every ounce of focus to adapt to his unpredictable style.
Finally, Hua Yi stepped forward, her dual swords gleaming under the sun. Unlike the others, Hua Yi's movements were calm and controlled, each strike deliberate and precise.
"You're holding back," Hua Yi said, her voice steady as her blade narrowly missed Mochi's shoulder.
"I'm not," Mochi replied, her breathing labored.
"Then prove it."
Mochi adjusted her stance, focusing on the rhythm of Hua Yi's strikes. She deflected the next attack and countered with a spinning kick, forcing Hua Yi to leap back. Their exchange continued, both girls pushing each other to their limits.
When the endurance test ended, Mochi stood at the center, drenched in sweat but still standing. Elder Fang's approving nod was subtle, but she noticed it.
"Good," he said, his voice a mix of gruffness and satisfaction. "Now for the final test."
The disciples exchanged uneasy glances. Elder Fang's final tests were notorious for pushing participants to their breaking points.
"You will face me," Elder Fang declared.
Mochi's friends stepped back, their expressions a mix of concern and respect. Hua Yi gave Mochi a reassuring look, but the tension in the air was palpable.
Elder Fang moved like lightning, his first strike sending a shockwave through the training grounds. Mochi barely had time to raise her arms in defense. The impact sent her skidding backward, her feet digging into the dirt.
"You rely too much on instinct," Elder Fang said, his tone harsh. "Control your emotions, or they will control you."
Mochi steadied herself, adjusting her stance. He was right—grief and guilt still lingered at the edges of her mind, threatening to cloud her judgment. She took a deep breath, forcing herself to focus.
When Elder Fang attacked again, she was ready. Her movements became sharper, her counters more precise. For a fleeting moment, it seemed as though she was holding her own.
But Elder Fang wasn't finished. He unleashed a wave of spiritual energy, the force of it knocking her to the ground. Mochi groaned in pain, her body screaming for rest, but she forced herself to rise.
"Enough," Elder Fang said, his voice softer now. "You've proven your resolve."
Mochi blinked, unsure if she had heard correctly.
"You still have much to learn," he continued, "but you've taken the first step toward true strength. Don't let your emotions control you. Let them guide you."
Mochi bowed deeply, her gratitude evident. "Thank you, Elder Fang."
As the training concluded, her friends rushed to her side. Hua Yi was the first to speak. "You've grown stronger, Mochi. Keep it up."
Suyin patted her shoulder. "That was incredible."
Lin Yan nodded. "You've got grit, I'll give you that."
Xiao Yu grinned. "Just glad it wasn't me facing Elder Fang."
Jiang Bo chuckled. "You'd be out cold in seconds."
Mochi laughed softly, their lighthearted banter lifting her spirits. For the first time in days, she felt a glimmer of hope.
From a distance, Zhen Hai observed with quiet pride. He had watched Mochi grow, and though her journey was far from over, he knew she would become a force to be reckoned with.
Unseen by all, Jin watched from the shadows. He nodded silently, his expression unreadable. His daughter's journey was just beginning, and he would be there, silently guiding her every step of the way.
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