The joy of victory was short-lived. After the team battle, Wang Chen and his companions returned to their rest area. He could feel the gazes from the other sects growing more complex. There was curiosity and scrutiny, but even more so, wariness and hostility.
"It looks like we've become everyone's target," Li said, fiddling with his fans, a look of "just what I wanted" on his face.
Kael sat cross-legged on the ground, steady as a rock. "Power attracts fear. This is normal. What matters is how we respond."
Jian said nothing. She simply took out a clean cloth and began gently polishing her invisible blade. For her, the response was always the same: make the sword sharper.
Elder Guo approached them, his expression more serious than usual. "You fought well," he began, nodding to the four of them. Then his eyes settled on Wang Chen. "Wang Chen, a word."
Wang Chen followed him to a quieter spot.
"Your tactics, and that... unique weapon of yours, have drawn a lot of attention," Elder Guo said, his voice low. "Several elders from other sects have been asking about you. The 'Celestial Mechanism Pavilion' is particularly interested in your core."
Wang Chen felt a chill. The Celestial Mechanism Pavilion was famous for crafting artifacts and studying rare techniques. Being on their radar was not good news.
"Don't be too worried," Elder Guo reassured him, seeing his tension. "The sect will shield you from unnecessary trouble. But you need to be aware. From now on, your opponents will study you. They will target you specifically. The challenges will be greater."
"I understand, Elder," Wang Chen nodded. He had expected this from the moment he decided to stop hiding.
"Your power of 'Adaptation' is truly one of a kind," the Elder said meaningfully. "But remember, true strength isn't just about neutralizing an enemy's attack. It's about being able to protect what you want to protect. Your teammates trust you. They rely on you. That responsibility, in itself, is a form of power."
Wang Chen thought about this. He remembered the feeling during the battle, when his spiritual network connected the whole team. That sense of mutual trust and understanding felt different, more substantial, than the satisfaction of growing stronger alone.
"Thank you for your guidance, Elder. I will remember."