Duō Yī arrived at the pagoda, seeking a worthy weapon for the impending martial battle. As he entered, Guards Wang and Li eyed him with disdain.
"What brings the clan's weakest link here?" Guard Wang sneered.
Guard Li chuckled. "Maybe he's lost and can't find his way back to his nursery."
Duō Yī ignored their jabs, his expression cold and unwavering. "I'm here to see Elder Lǐ," he said, his voice firm.
Guard Wang crossed his arms. "Elder Lǐ is busy. You shouldn't waste his time."
Guard Li nodded. "Yeah, he's got more important things to attend to than entertain your whims."
Duō Yī's patience wore thin. He pulled out the letter from his mother, its seal gleaming in the sunlight.
The guards' smirks faltered, replaced by alarm.
"Y-Young Master," Guard Wang stuttered, his face pale. "We didn't know you were on a task for Madam Duō."
Guard Li bowed hastily. "Please, Young Master, forgive our ignorance. We'll escort you to Elder Lǐ's residence immediately."
Duō Yī tucked the letter away, his expression unyielding. "Lead the way."
The guards scurried ahead, their demeanor transformed from mockery to deference.
As they walked, Duō Yī pondered the sudden change. His mother's influence was more extensive than he thought.
Upon arriving at Elder Lǐ's residence, the guards announced Duō Yī's presence.
Elder Lǐ emerged, his expression neutral. "Duō Yī, what brings you here?"
Duō Yī bowed respectfully. "Elder Lǐ, I've come seeking your assistance. My mother provided this letter."
He handed over the letter, and Elder Lǐ's eyes widened as he read the contents.
"Very well," Elder Lǐ said, his tone measured. "I'll hear your request."
Duō Yī's determination solidified. "I need a weapon for the upcoming martial battle."
Elder Lǐ's gaze narrowed. "A weapon, you say? That's a tall order."
Duō Yī stood firm. "I understand, Elder Lǐ, but I require a worthy weapon for the martial battle. My mother's letter should vouch for my intentions."
Elder Lǐ's expression softened slightly, his eyes betraying a hint of fondness. "Your father and I founded this clan together, Duō Yī. I've known you since you were a child. You've...grown."
Duō Yī sensed a glimmer of understanding from Elder Lǐ, a rare commodity among the clan's elders.
"Very well," Elder Lǐ said, his tone measured. "I'll grant you access to the minor rooms of the armory. You may choose a basic weapon suitable for a descendant."
Duō Yī bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Elder Lǐ."
As Duō Yī ascended to the upper floors, Guards Wang and Li whispered to each other.
"What does the weakling think he needs a weapon for?" Guard Wang snickered.
"Yeah, maybe he wants to polish it as a decoration," Guard Li chuckled.
Their snickers ceased abruptly as Elder Lǐ appeared behind them, his eyes blazing with a deadly stare.
The guards paled, scattering hastily to avoid offending Elder Lǐ.
Duō Yī continued to the armory, unaware of the brief exchange. Upon entering the minor rooms, he scanned the shelves lined with basic weapons.
Swords, staffs, and daggers lay before him, each imbued with subtle energies.
Duō Yī's eyes narrowed as he searched for the perfect fit.
After hours of meticulous search, Duō Yī's gaze settled on a staff that resonated with him. Its pristine white hue mirrored his rare, snow-like hair, a distinguishing feature among the Duō Clan's sea of black-haired members. His striking blue eyes, a hallmark of the clan, sparkled as he grasped the staff.
The staff's simplicity belied its unique allure. Devoid of any visible qi, it could easily be mistaken for a polished stick. Yet, Duō Yī felt an inexplicable connection, as if the staff had been waiting for him.
Other, more ornate staffs had caught his eye, but this one's understated elegance resonated deeply. Its pure white color seemed to harmonize with his own unusual appearance.
Duō Yī's thoughts drifted to his clan's history. The Duō Clan's blue eyes were a symbol of strength, but his own fragile past had once made him feel like an outcast. This staff, with its unassuming beauty, felt like a kindred spirit.
With a sense of certainty, Duō Yī decided to claim the staff as his own. Its simplicity would deceive his opponents, and its unique bond with him would amplify his abilities.
He returned to Elder Lǐ to show his find. Elder Lǐ's eyes narrowed as he examined the staff.
"Are you certain this is the weapon you desire, young one?" Elder Lǐ asked, his tone laced with skepticism. "You may select another, if you wish."
Duō Yī shook his head firmly. "This staff feels right, Elder Lǐ. Thank you for your guidance."
Elder Lǐ nodded, a hint of curiosity in his gaze. "Very well. May your choice serve you well."
As Duō Yī departed, Elder Lǐ let out a thoughtful sigh. "Have I overestimated the boy? Choosing a weapon based on aesthetics rather than potency...it's a novice's mistake."
He returned to his meditation, lost in contemplation.
Meanwhile, Guards Wang and Li snickered as Duō Yī walked by.
"Ha! Look at that fancy stick," Guard Wang mocked. "What's the point of a pretty decoration?"
"Yeah, it's perfect for swatting flies," Guard Li chuckled. "Not exactly the fearsome warrior type, is he?"
Their snickers faded into the distance as Duō Yī continued to his residence, staff in hand.
With his newfound weapon, Duō Yī felt a sense of purpose. The descendant battle loomed, and his preparations were underway.
The stage was set. The outcome remained uncertain.