A week passed in a blink.
Xu Wenwu's family departed Ta Lo.
To Wenwu, the trip had been fruitful. His wife Ying Li regained the Dragon's Heart she had once abandoned. His son, Shang-Chi, awakened his own Dragon's Heart and began to wield the Dragon's power. The only regret was that Xialing had failed to awaken hers.
As for marriage matters, Xialing had made it clear: any suitor had to defeat her in combat. That quickly disqualified most of Ta Lo's youth. Shang-Chi, however, had found a girl he could at least converse with. They decided to leave the future open for now.
The girl did not leave with them, meaning Shang-Chi would need to return to Ta Lo from time to time.
On the plane, Wenwu wrapped his arm around Ying Li.
"This trip brought us much," he said warmly.
But Ying Li frowned slightly.
"The Guardian Dragon asked me to pass a message to the Assassins' Dragon. It hopes the two might meet."
Wenwu sighed.
"That will depend on fate. The organization's dragon isn't easy to approach. Perhaps at the next Dragon Ball Tournament, if the chance arises."
Her gaze shifted to their children, both absorbed in their tablets.
"Wenwu, how will you arrange Shang-Chi and Xialing's futures?"
Before Wenwu could answer, Shang-Chi spoke without lifting his eyes.
"Father, I want to join the Seven. I'll take part in their recruitment. The Ten Rings should be left to Xialing."
"What? Why not me?" Xialing snapped.
Shang-Chi looked at her sideways.
"Look at the top candidates on the site. Do you think you can surpass them?"
Her lips pressed tight. Without the Dragon's Heart, her strength had plateaued. Though she carried the silver-scaled armor and throwing blade from Ta Lo, it was not enough. Against those candidates, she had no real advantage.
"Fine… because I don't have the Dragon's Heart."
Wenwu and Ying Li exchanged a glance. Their daughter's disappointment stung, but it was truth.
"What exactly is this Seven?" Wenwu asked.
Shang-Chi explained.
"Eddie Brock created a superhero team of seven. Four are fixed: Selene, Michael, Alexei, Wesley—all from the League of Assassins. The last three are chosen through global recruitment."
"The team will fight crime, but also build personal brands."
He pulled up the website, showing them the videos and details. Wenwu nodded slowly.
"Shang-Chi, I support this. The Red Ribbon Group and this team are clearly part of the organization's wider plan. Brock is one of us, and the fixed four are already from the League. When I joined, I had hoped for a way to bring you both in. Now, here is the chance."
"Father, I'll need your help," Shang-Chi said.
"I must record a video, show myself as a hero, state my ideals, and build a reputation online. But I'll also need media support, votes, exposure. We learned about this late compared to others."
"I'll mobilize the Ten Rings for you," Wenwu promised. "And Xialing, you'll join in too. Use your Golden Dagger Club, work with the Ten Rings, and learn its workings through this campaign."
Though reluctant, Xialing agreed. She wanted power of her own, more than to inherit an empire—but her father's order was final.
After several hours of flight, the family returned to the League of Assassins. Wenwu reported directly to Smith Dole, mentioning the Guardian Dragon's message and Shang-Chi's decision.
Smith listened, then asked,
"And Shang-Chi—can he truly win a place? This team requires battle-ready strength. I don't want to see you begging for a resurrection again at the next Dragon Ball Tournament."
Wenwu answered firmly,
"Leader, Ying Li has regained her power, and Shang-Chi has awakened the Dragon's Heart. With that, his safety is well assured."
Smith was not surprised. In the original tale, Shang-Chi had awakened in the lake after confronting the Guardian Dragon. Even without the Soul-Eaters breaking free this time, the outcome had been the same.
"Does Shang-Chi now stand equal to you?" Smith asked curiously.
Wenwu winced when Smith called his son "nephew." The leader and Shang-Chi were of similar age, yet he had to swallow the title.
"His growth isn't so exaggerated. He can borrow the Guardian Dragon's power, while nurturing his own within. But it's not limitless."
Smith studied him, eyes sharp. It was almost as if the leader knew Ta Lo's secrets far too well.
······
(End of Chapter)
[Check Out My P@treon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/euridome]
[Thank You For Your Support!]