CHAPTER 157 — THE RISE OF SHADOW
The stronghold did not celebrate growth.
It observed it.
Years passed not with fanfare, but with precision.
The boy who had entered the Shadow Realm barefoot and starving no longer resembled that alley-born child. His shoulders broadened. His movements sharpened. His eyes—once hungry—became calculating.
He did not simply train.
He absorbed.
Sixteen
Snow fell heavy over the mountain stronghold.
Long Hao stood in the courtyard, bare arms exposed despite the cold.
Opposite him stood three senior trainees.
Older.
Stronger.
Arrogant.
Shadow King leaned against a stone pillar, silent.
Shadow Queen observed from the balcony.
"Three against one," the eldest trainee sneered.
Long Hao did not answer.
The first lunged.
Long Hao didn't retreat.
He stepped inside the strike.
Palm deflecting blade.
Elbow crushing ribs.
Knee snapping upward.
The second came from behind.
He pivoted without looking.
Heel connected with temple.
