189
The Mo Family
"Have you pinpointed the location of the Holy Sanctuary?"
Agamotto shook his head. "The exact location isn't confirmed yet, but it's likely within Chinese territory."
"Then let's depart immediately," Forseti said, rising.
"You seem eager to visit China," Agamotto remarked with a smile.
Forseti patted Shilut and together they passed through the dimensional aperture, returning to the London Sanctuary.
After summoning Diops and a few mages, Agamotto opened a portal to China.
"The other side of this portal leads to the state of Qin, one of China's kingdoms. Let's proceed," Agamotto announced, stepping through, followed by the others.
They emerged to a familiar architectural style. Forseti glanced around, feeling like he had stepped from a European drama into a Chinese period setting.
In the courtyard they stood, modest in size with flowers and trees scattered about.
"This is Xianyang, the capital of Qin, among China's most prosperous cities. Stay within; I'll check in with my friends," Agamotto advised.
Soon, he returned with a middle-aged man, several young followers in tow. The man, in his forties with a robust presence and three-day beard, dressed plainly in well-worn, labor-marked clothes—clearly not an ordinary man.
"Here is a leader of China's Shield Brotherhood, Mo Belly," Agamotto introduced.
Belly greeted them warmly: "Welcome, honored guests. I am the fifth generation of the Mo family, welcoming you on behalf of our clan's children."
"Mr. Belly," they replied politely, though most present didn't understand his language, including Forseti .
Forseti greeted in Allspeak, surprising Belly.
"This is..." Belly started.
"Forseti is a God warrior from Asgard, and Diops also hails from Asgard," Agamotto introduced.
"Ah, Aesir Gods. My apologies for any disrespect," Belly replied, his tone respectful.
After exchanging pleasantries, Belly ushered them to their guest rooms.
Later, Forseti asked Agamotto, "Weren't you expelled from the Shield Brotherhood?"
Agamotto dismissed it. "The Chinese Brotherhood operates independently from Athens, with minimal interaction. It's essentially two separate organizations."
"We're only staying briefly. Even Aristotle's Shield wouldn't extend sympathy," he added.
Forseti inquired about the Brotherhood's figures in China.
"The majority are Mo family descendants, among China's most esteemed. Sun Wu, renowned for facing Apocalypse's forces head-on and repelling the Eastern Expedition of Egypt, is their most celebrated figure," Agamotto explained.
"Sun Wu's legacy weakened Apocalypse's influence in China over two centuries," he continued.
Switching topics, Agamotto confessed, "I'm concerned about the Mo family's future."
"Why's that?" Forseti asked.
"Founded on strict discipline and asceticism, the Moists are revered for crafts and scholarship. Yet, should peace unify China, few would join such an austere order," Agamotto predicted.
Forseti fell silent, then asked, "When do we set out to find the next sanctuary?"
"Wait a few days," Agamotto replied calmly.
"Why wait?" Forseti pressed.
"I don't know," Agamotto admitted.
---
Qin State, situated on China's northwest edge, bordered nomadic tribes, some of whom assimilated into Qin.
In this global age, Apocalypse's Egyptian influence was ubiquitous. Forseti, garbed as a Qin native, blended in better than his towering physique and dragon armour.
Amid Xianyang's bustling streets, the unfinished palace loomed magnificently.
Enchanted by ancient sights, Forseti was drawn to a commotion.
"Who else dares?" a voice boomed amidst the crowd.
Onlookers murmured.
"He's too arrogant."
"But unbeatable. He's taken down a dozen men."
"He's no ordinary man."
Forseti, towering above, spotted a robust figure in peculiar attire, challenging Xianyang.
"This is Tie Han from Shu, personal guard to the King. He's here to prove his strength," a bystander explained.
"He's already bested many," another noted.
Tie Han triumphed over yet another Qin challenger.
"Ha! Are all Qin so feeble? Who'll challenge me next?" Tie Han taunted, eyeing Forseti.
---