Hearing the Grand Elder's scolding, some lowered their heads in shame. Others clenched their fists, ashamed of their fear. Even the most arrogant Core Disciples bowed their heads in respect.
One of them whispered, "He's right… If we surrender now, we're not worthy of the sword."
Another nodded. "Even if I lose to him… I'll lose with my sword drawn."
As the echoes faded, the Grand Elder's expression softened.
He smiled.
"In this life, there will always be those stronger than you. But if you run now, you will never know if you could have stood among them."
With that, he turned and walked off the stage.
In the silence that followed, a change spread across the arena.
The despair faded.
And in its place grew something… else.
Challenge.
Resolve.
Determination.
Even if they had to face Lin Mu, they would do so with grit. With fire.
Because that, they realized, was what the sword truly meant.
