The aftermath of the trials hung heavy in the air.
Qiao Feng limped through the training grounds, bruised but grinning like he'd just won a feast.
"Did you see that final move?" he bragged loudly to anyone who would listen. "I nearly punched a shadow out of existence!"
Han Rui rolled his eyes but smiled.
"If by punching shadows you mean punching air and tripping, then yes, you were amazing."
Qiao Feng pretended to be offended.
"I'll have you know I am a master of *accidental heroism*."
Lu Xinyi crossed her arms, smirking.
"More like master of faceplants."
"Hey! Those were tactical retreats," Qiao Feng declared dramatically.
Shen Yu leaned against a tree, watching their banter with quiet amusement.
"Some things never change," he murmured.
---
### **A Quiet Moment**
Later, under the twilight sky, the group gathered again.
Lu Xinyi broke the silence.
"We survived."
Han Rui nodded.
"Together."
Qiao Feng grinned.
"And I didn't even get killed once."
Shen Yu looked at his friends.
They were battered, but alive.
Hope lingered in the air like the scent of rain.
---
### **Old Mo's Words**
That night, Old Mo appeared again, this time near the campfire.
He sipped his wine and said quietly,
"Strength isn't just power."
Shen Yu nodded thoughtfully.
"It's knowing when to hold on and when to let go."
Old Mo smiled.
"And when to laugh in the face of chaos."
Qiao Feng snorted loudly.
Lu Xinyi laughed softly.
Even Han Rui smiled.
---
### **Looking Ahead**
for now, beneath the stars,
they found a moment of peace — and a spark of hope.
--