Wu Ruolan froze, stunned by Li Mo's words echoing her parents' warnings. Annoyance flickered in her chest, but she shattered the heavy silence. "Grandpa Li, what are you trying to say? Speak plainly."

  Li Mo met her gaze steadily, his voice low and unyielding. "I cannot say more, Young Miss. But heed this: Never disturb a sleeping dragon. If roused to anger, it brings only destruction."

  A chill seeped into the air. Wu Sheng and Wu Ruolan exchanged uneasy glances, confusion mingling with an unspoken dread. Wu Sheng finally ventured, "Uncle Li, we grasp your meaning—but why speak of this now?"

  Li Mo paused, the weight of their question hanging like mist. He studied them, then sighed. "You two are sharp as ever... yet blind as fools today."

  Embarrassment flushed their faces. Li Mo let the silence stretch, then softened with a gentle smile, sipping his tea to ease the sting.

  Wu Ruolan broke the quiet again, voice tentative. "Grandpa Li... do you think I'll lose the bet?"

  He paused longer this time, tea cup hovering mid-air. A heavy sigh escaped as he shook his head. "That, I cannot say. But remember these three things well Young miss. Never underestimate your foe, Young Miss. Think deeply before acting or speaking. Don’t let arrogance cloud your mind, or it will be your downfall. Understand?"

  With that, Li Mo rose and departed. Wu Sheng followed soon after. Alone, Wu Ruolan pondered his words, fists clenched. She glanced at the empty seat. "I won't lose. I'll prove to everyone—no one can decide my fate ."

  Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

  Her eyes shifted to her father's room. She bowed deeply. "Father, I know forgiveness won't come easily. But my resolve stands. I'm leaving for the Radiant Cloud Sect to cultivate. Three years remain until the Dragon Phoenix Competition. In that time, I'll forge myself stronger than ever and show you my choice was right."

  She strode to her chambers to make preparations for leaving .

  Meanwhile, Li Mo approached Wu Zhanfeng's room and waited outside. Because Lan Xuan still attending her unconscious husband . Night deepened, stars piercing the velvet sky. Li Mo knocked softly. "Madam, it's late. Rest now—I'll watch over the Patriach ."

  Lan Xuan emerged, weary but resolute. "Uncle Li , please call me as soon as he wake up." She departed.

  Li More nodded and enterd the room, settling by the window to gaze at the starry sky. Hours crawled by in vigilant silence. Deep into the night, Wu Zhanfeng's eyelids fluttered. He awoke, breath ragged, and fixed on Li Mo's silhouette.

  Li Mo sensed it instantly, turning with quiet urgency. He crossed to the bedside. "Patriarch, how do you feel? Any pain?"

  Wu Zhanfeng managed a faint smile at the old man's concern. "I'm well, Uncle Li. Forgive me for worrying you."

  Relief warmed Li Mo's features. "Silly child, don't be sorry . It's my duty to take care of you."

  Joy flickered in Wu Zhanfeng's eyes, then darkened to sorrow. Li Mo read it plainly. "Worried about the Wang family's retribution?"

  Silence stretched, thick as gathering storm clouds. At last, Wu Zhanfeng whispered, "Yes, Uncle Li. Others may be don't know, but you know the truth—the Wang family's hidden depths. You know it well, don't you?"

  Li Mo paused at Wu Zhanfeng's question. The room felt heavy. Finally, he spoke softly. "I know that, but we can't talk about it now. We can't stop Young Miss Ruolan either. I tried to warn her but I don't think she will listen."

  Silence fell again. Both men thought hard. How could they fix this? Wu Ruolan's choice was set. The old oath trapped them.

  Wu Zhanfeng spoke first. "We made a big mistake, Uncle Li. We should not have sworn that heavenly oath."

  Li Mo saw the worry on his face. He had no easy words. "We can't change it now, Patriarch. Sleep. You need rest. We'll think about that later ."

  Wu Zhanfeng agreed. He closed his eyes and slept.