The Shadow of Ambition

The Sun family camp had settled into a routine of cautious rebuilding after the wolf attack. Though they had emerged victorious, the lingering fear of what lay ahead gnawed at everyone. Luo had become a topic of hushed conversations. His unexpected strength and breakthrough during the battle left the younger generation in awe, but his sudden collapse afterward reminded everyone of his limits.

---

**The Patriarch's Distance**

Sun Suo watched from the edge of the camp as Luo trained alone, his strikes precise but fueled by an underlying frustration. The patriarch's expression remained cold, though his eyes betrayed a flicker of something deeper.

"Let him burn off his anger," Sun Suo muttered under his breath to one of the elders standing beside him.

The elder hesitated before speaking. "His growth has been impressive, but his spirit is restless. It might become a problem if unchecked."

"It's that restlessness that will drive him forward," Sun Suo replied, his voice calm but firm. "He doesn't need coddling. He needs purpose."

---

**A Rift Among Brothers**

Sun Jian and Sun Hao lurked near the camp's outskirts, their jealousy festering. They had overheard fragments of conversations among the guards and younger family members, all praising Luo's bravery.

"Can you believe this?" Jian sneered. "Everyone's acting like he's the savior of the Sun family."

"Just wait," Hao muttered. "Father's bound to see through him eventually. There's no way someone like Luo can maintain this act for long."

Jian grinned. "Maybe we should give him a little push. Remind everyone that he's still the 'useless' one they used to know."

The brothers' whispers carried venom, but for now, their schemes remained in the shadows.

---

**Luo's Resolve**

Meanwhile, Luo threw himself into his training with a singular focus. Each strike, each movement carried the weight of his determination. His mind replayed his father's words from their recent conversation.

"Strength is not just about defeating an enemy; it's about understanding the weight of responsibility."

He gritted his teeth, striking the practice dummy with enough force to leave a scorch mark. The Sunfire Burst technique coursed through him, but he held back, wary of pushing himself too far again.

"Responsibility," he murmured. "If that's what it takes, then I'll bear it."

---

**A Test of Trust**

That evening, the family gathered for a meeting. Sun Suo stood at the head, his presence commanding respect.

"Our scouts report that more beasts have been spotted in the region," he began, his tone even. "The wolves were only the beginning. It's likely we'll face something far more dangerous soon."

Murmurs rippled through the group, but Sun Suo silenced them with a raised hand.

"We will divide into smaller units to scout and secure the surrounding area. Each group will have a leader responsible for their safety." His gaze swept across the crowd before landing on Luo. "Luo, you'll lead one of the teams."

A stunned silence followed. Luo's eyes widened slightly, but he quickly composed himself. "Yes, Father," he replied, bowing his head.

Sun Jian's lip curled in disdain, while Hao looked ready to protest, but neither dared speak out.

---

**The Mission Begins**

The next morning, Luo's group set out, consisting of Meilin, Qing, and a few younger guards. The air was thick with tension, but Luo's calm demeanor helped steady the others.

"Stay close and stay alert," he instructed, his voice firm but not harsh.

As they ventured deeper into the forest, signs of danger became evident—claw marks on trees, trampled vegetation, and faint growls in the distance.

"This isn't just one beast," Meilin said, her tone cautious. "There's a whole group nearby."

Luo nodded. "Let's keep moving. We need to find their den before they find us."

---

**An Unexpected Encounter**

As night fell, the group set up camp in a small clearing. The guards took turns on watch while Luo studied the terrain map. Meilin sat beside him, her expression thoughtful.

"You've changed," she said suddenly.

Luo glanced at her. "What do you mean?"

"You're not the same boy who used to shy away from challenges," she replied. "There's a fire in you now."

Luo chuckled softly. "I guess I got tired of being looked down on."

Before Meilin could respond, a distant roar echoed through the forest, freezing everyone in place. The guards sprang to their feet, weapons drawn.

"It's coming from the east!" Qing shouted, his spear at the ready.