Chapter 84
The space within the ring was quiet, bathed in the soft glow of the moonlight filtering through the ever-blooming spiritual herb garden. Mo Tianze moved swiftly through the space, his ears twitching as he followed the familiar pulse of spiritual energy. He knew where he would find Huang Jin De, near the herb bed, where the vermillion bird often cultivated in silent meditation.
As expected, Huang Jin De sat cross-legged in the midst of the thriving greenery, his crimson robes barely shifting in the faint breeze. The air around him pulsed with heat, an ever-present reminder of his fiery nature. Golden eyes flickered open, sharp and knowing, before settling on the approaching youth, seeing that it’s just him, Huang Jin De went back to cultivating.
Mo Tianze immediately bowed deeply. "Senior Huang, please train me more. I want to be stronger. Can you... please help me be stronger faster!" He kowtowed.
Huang Jin De slowly opened his eyes, their ember-like depths scrutinizing the young demibeast. A small smirk tugged at his lips. "You wish to be stronger?"
"Yes," Mo Tianze replied without hesitation.
"Then tell me, why?" Huang Jin De’s gaze sharpened. "To be strong is not merely to wield power, but to understand why you seek it. Without purpose, strength crumbles at the first sign of doubt."
Mo Tianze clenched his fists, his tail flicking slightly in agitation. He had thought about this many times. He had been weak before, powerless to change his own fate. But now...
Huang Jin De studied him for a moment, his gaze searching, weighing. "To be stronger, you must know why you seek strength, and hold on to that reason."
Mo Tianze didn’t hesitate. "I don’t want to be a burden to Sister." he admitted, his voice quiet but resolute. "She saved me. She treats me like I matter, not like a tool or a pet. I don’t want to always stand behind her, relying on her strength. I want to stand beside her and protect her, too."
A low hum of approval left Huang Jin De’s lips. He stood, his robes billowing slightly as his heat stirred the surrounding air. "Very well. We begin now."
"Wh-what?!" Mo Tianze asked at the suddeness.