The day passed uneventfully at the academy. Students spent their time practicing their techniques in the training grounds and attending lectures on history and various branches of knowledge.
Most still hadn't succeeded in performing their techniques—not yet. Only the elite few had managed any progress: the current top five students, and surprisingly, Bai Kohei. His unexpected breakthrough allowed him to surpass several others ranked above him, drawing attention from both peers and instructors alike.
On his way home, Mo Bai wasn't thinking about the trials awaiting him. His thoughts were focused elsewhere—on a different kind of threat.
"As expected, Bai Kohei is highly talented," Mo Bai thought, his gaze distant. "He was the third to grasp his technique—after me and Bai Ken. But in truth, he's faster. He even mastered a second-tier technique, unlike me. That's where his real talent shines: in understanding. I have to eliminate this threat soon."
There was a faint unease buried deep in Mo Bai's chest—something instinctive. It wasn't just recognition of a peer. No, this was the first time he had truly acknowledged someone as a genuine rival. Not even Yi Kang, whose innate talent surpassed Bai Kohei's, had sparked this level of concern in him.
"Talent isn't everything," he continued mentally. "Wits matter. And Bai Kohei's intellect is razor-sharp. I'm sure of it. We've barely interacted, yet his knowing gaze always seems to pierce right through me. Even if Yi Kang and Mo Fan are technically more talented, I'd still rather face them both together than deal with Bai Kohei alone. One's naive and a fool, the other's an arrogant brat who's yet to be tempered. Neither is a true threat—not yet."
Lost in thought, Mo Bai had already arrived home. His eyes gleamed with calm resolve as he knocked on the door.
"Since Father explained it that way yesterday," he mused, "he must have something challenging in store. I can't afford to underestimate whoever I face. He thinks I've grown arrogant from my recent achievements, but he's wrong. This is just confidence. When it comes to real battles, I've learned not to let my guard down—not even against someone ordinary."
His thoughts were cut short as the maid opened the door, allowing him to step inside.
Mo Shen sat on the couch, appearing relaxed. But that appearance couldn't hide the sharpness in his eyes—eyes that now locked onto his son. His face was unreadable, shaped by years of hardship that had forged the man he'd become.
"Mo Bai," he said flatly, voice devoid of warmth, "I've been waiting. Everything's ready. Let's go. There's no need to delay further."
He stood without waiting for a response, already moving toward the door his son had just entered from.
"Alright. Is it far?" Mo Bai asked, his voice composed, with only a hint of curiosity.
"You'll see. Just follow me," came the indifferent reply as Mo Shen pushed open the door and stepped outside, walking forward with steady, purposeful strides.
"Fine," Mo Bai said with a shrug, falling in behind him. As usual, his thoughts were running.
"He's keeping it vague on purpose, huh? Well, it's clearly somewhere nearby. The most unexpected hiding places are often the closest—right under everyone's nose. That's something I learned from you, Father. You'll definitely follow that logic too. Let's see if I've really begun to predict your moves."
Ten minutes later, they arrived under the burning midday sun at a modest, four-story inn. The lobby contained only about eight wooden tables—two of which were occupied. It was clear this wasn't a particularly prosperous establishment.
"Welcome, Master Mo Shen," the attendant said quickly, bowing with deep respect. Mo Bai noticed a faint tremble in the man's voice—a natural fear of a servant addressing a Sealed One.
"No need to notify your boss. I'll head to his office myself," Mo Shen replied calmly, unfazed by the display of reverence. He moved forward without pause, heading directly to the right-hand corner of the floor, Mo Bai in tow.
"So my guess was right—a small inn. Makes sense. With Father's resources and authority, this is the only practical way to build a proper hidden chamber without worrying about spies or prying eyes," Mo Bai thought, noting every detail around him as always.
In that corner stood a large, white-painted door, stretching nearly three meters high. It was clearly the innkeeper's office, the only such room on the first floor.
Mo Shen opened the door without knocking, face still indifferent. Inside sat a slightly overweight middle-aged man with thinning black hair, buried in a pile of documents. He looked up at the sound.
As soon as he saw Mo Shen, the man stood up straight, snapping to attention. Mo Shen closed the door behind them, and the man dropped to one knee with genuine respect gleaming in his eyes.
"Master Mo Shen, I've been awaiting your arrival since you notified me yesterday. Everything is prepared—there's no need to worry."
"So the bit about the boss not knowing was just for show," Mo Bai thought, catching on quickly. "To make it look like a routine visit, maybe to check the inn's profits or something. Father really is cautious to the tiniest detail."
Mo Shen gave a small nod, then walked forward and began moving the large wooden desk without hesitation. Despite its size, he handled it as if it weighed nothing.
Beneath the desk was a medium-sized trapdoor, about half a meter wide. He opened it, revealing a long staircase descending into darkness.
"Follow me, Mo Bai. Your trial is down there—underground."
His voice echoed faintly in the room. Mo Bai's expression grew more serious, his eyes sharpening as he gave a small nod and stepped forward, following his father into the depths of his upcoming trial and new training ground.