Chapter 474: Chapter 474

"Ehem," Ling Li’s gaze swept across the room, her voice steady and commanding once again.

"Tomorrow, training resumes with the highest intensity. The Seven Shah will give their final recommendation for which category of competition each of you will enter."

Her words weighed on them like steel.

"But remember this — the composition of the competition is only announced three days before the actual event. It changes every time. You must be ready for anything."

The disciples exchanged glances. Tension thickened the air as their breaths quickened and hearts pounded. The Family Competition was not just a test—it was survival, honor, and destiny itself.

As the meeting ended, Shun’s hand lingered on his chest, feeling the faint burn of heavenly fire on his soul. Ren’s eyes followed him; worry lingered, but resolve shone through. While Chatty scratched his head and muttered, Fatty and Jack exchanged smirks.

Ling Li stood tall, her aura vast, her gaze piercing the horizon.

"The heavens may be jealous, but they will not break us. The Li Clan will rise."

The hall fell silent. Each disciple carried the weight of their words. Outside, the cracked bell shimmered in the night, its fractured glow whispering of trials to come.

The Knock at the Door

A firm knock broke the silence of the hall. Butler James stepped inside, bowing.

"Sorry to interrupt. There’s someone at the gate asking for Mushu. He says he’s his brother."

Mushu stirred, his usually stoic face shifting with emotion.

"Madam, that must be Sisu," he said, bowing.

Ling Li rose gracefully, her voice steady yet compassionate. She placed a reassuring hand on Mushu’s shoulder.

"Everyone, let us join Mushu to welcome his brother. Both of them just lost their father."

Gasps rippled through the room.

Ren stepped forward, her eyes soft. "Mushu, I’m so sorry. Losing a father is never easy. We stand with you."

Lily clasped her hands. "You’ve always been strong; let us be strong for you now."

Fatty, subdued, scratched his head. "Brother Mushu, my condolences. I’m here if you need me."

Jack nodded firmly, his jaw tight. "We’ll protect your family as our own."

Chatty, unusually serious, muttered, "You don’t carry this alone. We’re here."

Mushu’s chest tightened. Their words warmed him, a rare comfort breaking through his stone-like exterior. He bowed his head slightly, murmuring,

"Thank you... all of you."

The Reunion at the Gate

The group followed Mushu out to the gate. The air was cool, lanterns flickering against the night.

When Sisu saw Mushu, he dropped his bags without hesitation, sprinted forward, and leapt into his brother’s arms — just as he had when they were children.

Mushu’s eyes widened in surprise, but instinct took over. He tightened his hold, afraid he might drop Sisu despite his towering strength.

The sight was striking: Mushu, nearly seven feet tall with a body like carved stone, cradling Sisu, five-foot-ten, leaner, flushed with emotion. The audience behind them froze, breath caught in their throats.

Sisu realized too late that they had an audience. His face, already red, deepened until it glowed brighter than a ripe tomato. He scrambled down, embarrassed.

"Ah, brother, I’m sorry. I was too excited and carried away."

Mushu ruffled his hair with familiarity, his voice calm.

Then, in his usual stoic fashion, Mushu bombarded him with questions.

"Why is your face so red? Are you sick? Are you too tired from the trip? You should have called me so I could have picked you up."

He pressed his hand to Sisu’s forehead, comparing temperatures, his eyes filled with concern.

Sisu, however, looked straight into Mushu’s eyes, his hand gripping the hem of his shirt, his knees twisting nervously.

The Onlookers’ Thoughts

The onlookers exchanged knowing glances, each reacting inwardly to the heartfelt reunion before them.

Ren, arms crossed, thought silently: "Haist, this Mushu... as cold and hard as stone. He can’t even tell that his brother has feelings for him?"

Lily, tagging Fatty’s shoulder, whispered: "How can there be such a difference between the two brothers? One is hard as stone, the other soft as a persimmon." Fatty, mouth agape, could only nod in trance.

Ling Li shook her head, amusement flickering in her eyes. "If Sisu were a wolf, his pheromones would have filled the air by now. Mushu and Sisu—both dragon names. I wonder who will be on top and who will be on the bottom?"

Four Eyes, reading his wife’s thoughts, smirked. He leaned close and whispered, "I like you on top."

Ling Li froze, her face flushing crimson. “....”

She silently reminded herself: ’I forgot about my husband’s mind-reading habit.’

She was genuinely speechless.

"Pap’s... don’t you know how many single dogs are here?" Shi Min sheepishly said.

Ling Li cleared her throat, then smiled.

"Ehem. Mushu, why don’t you invite your brother in?"

She turned to Sisu, her voice warm.

The group parted, allowing the brothers to step inside. The air was thick with curiosity, amusement, and unspoken thoughts — but beneath it all, there was warmth. The clan had gained another presence, and Mushu had regained a piece of his past. inheritance?

The great hall of Peonies Castle was lively again. Family and friends lined the walls, and Ling Li presided at the chamber’s head. Mushu stood tall beside her, stoic, his eyes betraying a flicker of anticipation.

Sisu entered, his feet moving slowly but with purpose. He paused at the center, drew a steadying breath, and bowed deeply before Ling Li and the assembled clan, holding his gaze low in respect until invited to rise.

"Madam Ling Li, honored elders, family and friends... I am Sisu, the younger brother of Mushu. I come not only to greet you but to fulfill my father’s last wish."

The hall fell silent, the weight of his words pressing against every heart.

Sisu reached into his bag with careful fingers, withdrawing two small lacquered chests. He ran his thumb over its surface — polished yet showing nicks. With both hands, he set it gently before Mushu, his breath wavering.

"Before Father passed, he told me these belonged to you. He said they carry both memory and responsibility."

Mushu’s hands shook as he opened the chest. Inside lay three items:

A weathered sword hilt, its blade long gone, but the grip polished smooth by years of use. Mushu’s breath caught—this was the weapon his stepfather had once wielded to protect their family.

A jade pendant, carved with the symbol of a dragon. Mushu lifted it reverently, recognizing it as the token his stepfather wore every day, a symbol of loyalty and strength.

A scroll, sealed with wax and his stepfather’s handwriting. Mushu’s chest tightened as he opened it. The message was simple yet heavy:

"Mushu, you are my son, not by blood but by choice. Protect your brother. Guard the clan you’ve protected for years. Live with honor."