Morning dawned on the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda estate like a rising tide of gold. The clan towers caught the early sunlight, their tiled spires glittering as spirit beasts in the distance stirred and birds heralded a new day. Within the inner court, tension simmered beneath the ceremonial calm.
Ning Rongrong stood by the balcony of her room, brushing her long hair, which shimmered in the morning light like threads of silk. Below her, disciples began their morning routines: sparring, meditation, formation drills. She smiled faintly, reminded of the discipline she'd once found restrictive but now saw as foundation.
Behind her, Li Wei adjusted the collar of his outer robe. He's just coming to get Ning Rongrong when he knock the door, as Ning Rongrong do not finish prepare herself. She ask Li Wei to wait inside as she only need to fix her hair.
"Can you help me brushing my hair?" Ning Rongrong ask Li Wei for help when she know that Li Wei has enter her rooms.
Hearing that, Li Wei without talking too much walk toward Ning Rongrong. Taking the brush that she hold out to him to help her straighten her hair. "Are you ready for this?"
"Facing the clan council? I'm more worried about Uncle Bone tripping someone on accident rather than about their judgment." She paused. "Well, mostly. Some elders are... more traditional."
Li Wei chuckled. "I'll be polite, if that's what you're worried about."
She turned, eyes warm. "I'm not. I'm not that proud. Just please stay honest alright. We still do not tell them about your connection to Spirit Hall. When they know, I felt like all hell will break loose." She smirk thinking about what will happen when they know about Li Wei origin.
____________
The council chamber was a coliseum of words—half ceremonial hall, half political arena. Tall stone pillars held banners bearing the clan emblem, while seated in a semicircle were over a dozen elders, advisors, and powerful spirit masters, some cloaked in their status, others wrapped in silence.
At the center, Ning Fengzhi presided with Gu Rong on his right, Chen Xin on his left.
Ning Rongrong and Li Wei entered hand-in-hand.
Murmurs arose immediately.
"He's really young looking when compare to yesterday."
"He is too calm for a kid."
"Is that the Diend boy? He look different looking closely."
Ning Fengzhi raised a hand. Silence fell.
"This is Li Wei, the young man from yesterday" he announced. "And the man who fought beside my daughter during the Rift. Today is not a judgment. It is witness. Listen to his words. Let his presence speak."
Li Wei bowed, steady as stone. "Elders. I don't claim to be more than I am. I am here because Ning Rongrong chose to return home with me at her side. I seek no title. Only acknowledgment, and the honor of walking beside her."
An elder rose, his voice crisp. "You speak like a diplomat. But a clan heir does not simply marry potential. What of your lineage? Your clan?"
Li Wei did not flinch. "I was born without legacy as my martial spirit differ from others. My path I carved them myself. My strength comes from survival, training, and bonds."
Another elder scoffed. "That is not how empires are forged."
Gu Rong stirred. "And yet, he walks beside our heir. Would you have her chained to someone born only of privilege?"
Murmurs shifted.
Ning Rongrong raised her voice. "You speak of clans, but you forget the world is changing. Look at Spirit Hall moves. Power is no longer only held by birthright. Li Wei earned our trust—mine and Shrek. That should speak louder than his origin."
Chen Xin, who had remained silent until now, leaned forward slightly.
"Li Wei," he said, tone cool but not unkind. "May I ask you something directly?"
"Of course."
"What do you believe strength is?"
Li Wei considered the question carefully.
"Strength is not power. It is not force. Strength is the will to act when no one else will. It's holding your ground when the world falls. It's protecting those who need you—even when you are alone."
Chen Xin eyes narrowed slightly, not in aggression, but in thought.
"You speak like someone who has fought many battles."
Li Wei smiled faintly. "I have. And lost more than I won. But I'm still here." He still remember the early day when he still low level. That beating, he will not forget anytime soon as it also carve toward himself right now.
The room fell into thoughtful silence. Chen Xin leaned back.
Ning Fengzhi stood. "Then I believe we have heard enough for now. Dismissed."
As the crowd filed out, Chen Xin lingered.
Outside, under the cherry trees, he joined Li Wei.
"You speak well," the Sword Douluo said.
Li Wei bowed. "Thank you."
Chen Xin studied him carefully. "But words are not always enough."
A pause.
"Will you accept a test? Not just about spirit, I want to know your capability to protect Rongrong."
Li Wei met his gaze calmly. "Yes, I accept."
Chen Xin smiled. Not warmly. But with approval.
"Then meet me in this afternoon. The garden of jade pines. Bring your resolve and prepare."
He turned, walking away with the grace of a sheathed blade.
Li Wei exhaled slowly.
Rongrong appeared beside him, worried.
"You're really going to duel Uncle Sword?"
He took her hand. "I'm not afraid of his sword. Only of losing the right to stand beside you."
Her eyes shimmered. "Then don't lose."
They stood beneath the blossoms as wind carried away the last of the morning petals.
Tomorrow, steel would speak.