Chapter 12: Rebuilding Strength
The campfire crackled softly in the cool night air. The battlefield, now silent, bore the scars of the fierce battle: scorched earth, the lingering scent of burnt fur, and the faint trails of smoke rising from the remains of the wolf pack. Luo sat propped against a tree, his face pale and his breathing uneven. His body, battered and bruised, felt heavy, yet a small smirk lingered on his lips.
He had done it.
Meilin knelt beside him, her hands glowing faintly as she used a healing technique to mend the deeper cuts on his arms. Her expression was stern, but her voice softened as she spoke. "You're reckless, Luo. What were you thinking, taking on the leader alone?"
"I wasn't about to let anyone else handle it," Luo replied, his tone light despite his exhaustion. "Besides, it worked, didn't it?"
Meilin sighed, shaking her head. "You're impossible."
Sun Qing approached, his spear resting on his shoulder. "Impossible, yes. But impressive," he said with a grin. "You've come a long way, Luo. That breakthrough… it was something else."
The other guards murmured among themselves, casting glances at Luo. Some looked impressed, others skeptical.
---
**The Shadow of Doubt**
Amid the praises and quiet admiration, Sun Jian and Sun Hao stood apart, their expressions dark.
"This doesn't change anything," Jian muttered under his breath. "He's still just a loser playing hero."
Hao nodded, his voice low. "Let him have his moment. The next time, he won't be so lucky."
Their words were filled with venom, but neither dared to voice their thoughts aloud. The sheer display of strength Luo had shown was enough to keep them silent for now.
---
**The Elders' Observations**
From the edge of the camp, Sun Suo observed his son with an inscrutable expression. His sharp gaze caught every movement, every interaction. Despite his pride, his face remained stoic, his lips pressed into a thin line.
"He's reckless," one of the elders remarked, folding his arms. "That could've cost him his life."
"Perhaps," Sun Suo replied, his tone measured. "But recklessness often walks hand in hand with courage. He has the fire, but it needs tempering."
The elder raised an eyebrow. "And you plan to be the one to temper him, I assume?"
Sun Suo's eyes hardened. "He's my son. It's my duty to ensure he becomes strong enough to survive in this world."
But in his heart, Sun Suo felt the sting of his own harshness. He longed to show pride, to offer words of encouragement, but his role as the patriarch demanded otherwise. Love had to be hidden behind discipline.
---
**Healing and Reflection**
As the days passed, Luo's wounds began to heal. He spent his time meditating and refining his control over his newfound strength. The breakthrough to Body Tempering Level 3 had unlocked new potential within him, but it was clear he still had a long way to go.
One evening, as the camp rested, Luo found himself staring into the flames of the campfire. His mind drifted to his father's piercing gaze during the battle.
"He didn't even say anything," Luo muttered to himself. "No acknowledgment, no words of approval. Just silence."
Meilin, sitting nearby, glanced at him. "That's just how Father is. You know that."
Luo clenched his fists. "It's not just him being strict. It's like… no matter what I do, it's never enough."
Meilin hesitated before responding. "Father has his reasons. He's not as cold as he seems, Luo."
Luo scoffed, but he didn't press the matter. Deep down, he wanted to believe her words, but years of harsh treatment had built a wall of resentment in his heart.
---
**A New Focus**
Determined to grow stronger, Luo began training tirelessly. His body, though still recovering, moved with purpose as he practiced his techniques.
"I need to control the flames better," he muttered, striking at a wooden dummy. "That last attack was too unstable."
The system's voice chimed in.
**"New skill unlocked: Sunfire Burst. A mid-range attack that releases a wave of concentrated flames."**
Luo's eyes widened. "Another skill? Perfect."
He threw himself into mastering it, pushing his limits every day. His siblings, especially Meilin and Qing, began to notice the change in him. His determination was relentless, his focus unwavering.
---
**Ending Hook:**
One night, as Luo trained alone under the moonlight, Sun Suo watched from a distance. His expression softened for a brief moment, pride flickering in his eyes.
"Luo," he murmured, his voice barely audible, "you'll understand someday."
But Luo, lost in his training, remained unaware of his father's presence. The flames of his attacks illuminated the night, a testament to his burning desire to prove himself.
Unbeknownst to him, the trials ahead would demand far more than strength alone.