One Piece: The Strongest Asura

From the moment this affair began, trouble was inevitable. The existence of the Shadow Sect guaranteed complications. However, no one expected the victim to be someone from the Sword Continent. If it had been an individual from the Ancient Continent, the incident would have likely been dismissed. The intense scrutiny could only mean one thing: the deceased was from the Sword Continent.

"This threat could throw us entirely off balance," Zhuo Wei muttered, his face heavy with worry. "We might even be eliminated if this continues. We can't fight them—we have no choice but to send Zhuo Luo away for a while. Once the storm passes, we'll figure out the next step."

Zhuo Wei was deeply concerned about what the Shadow Sect might uncover. Their investigative methods were both thorough and terrifying, like shadows creeping into every hidden corner. It was only a matter of time before they unearthed the truth, and their efficiency left no room for cover-ups. Zhuo Wei had experienced their methods firsthand, and he knew just how fearsome they were.

"From now on, if you encounter someone like that, invite them straight to the main hall," Zhuo Wei instructed his subordinates. "These people are not to be trifled with. One wrong move, and we could all be wiped out. Their reputation for ruthlessness precedes them, so do not provoke them under any circumstances."

"Yes, sir!"

The guards were visibly shaken. It was their first time seeing Zhuo Wei so unnerved, a stark contrast to his usual composed demeanor. This realization left them stunned and on edge.

The Shadow Sect's arrival would likely haunt their family for generations. Even so, Zhuo Wei was willing to gamble—betting on Zhuo Luo's ability to break through his limits in time. Zhuo Luo was a force of nature, unsuited for confinement. To cage him was to turn a predator into prey.

Zhuo Luo, however, had no desire to remain confined. While he knew the risks of leaving, he longed to reunite with his companions and pursue his dreams. Resolving his unfinished business would come later, but for now, he was focused on his immediate challenges.

Sweat dripped down his body as Zhuo Luo struggled with his training. He had failed countless times, finding the task far more difficult than expected. No matter how hard he tried to empty his mind, something always felt missing.

"Damn it! This is way harder than I imagined," Zhuo Luo panted, wiping his brow. "How did those other guys manage it? If they can do it, then so can I."

The difficulty was far beyond anything he had anticipated, but Zhuo Luo remained determined. He refused to let his frustration overshadow his resolve. Success was merely a matter of time.

"Still," he murmured, "I just sensed something—someone stronger than Father, even if only for an instant. That must've been someone from the City Lord's mansion. It seems their influence runs deeper than I thought. I'm nowhere near their level yet, but one day, I will be."

Zhuo Luo knew he was no match for the City Lord's forces—not in his current state. His lack of combat experience only added to the disparity. Facing them now would be tantamount to suicide, a truth he reluctantly accepted.

Zhuo Wei soon approached, his expression stern yet tinged with concern. "You think you can master this in no time? If it were that easy, it'd be a miracle. It took me three months back in the day—three grueling months. You've barely scratched the surface."

Zhuo Luo's furrowed brow reflected his frustration. "I didn't think it would be this hard. It's harder than learning to unleash sword energy!"

"It's because your current level isn't sufficient," Zhuo Wei explained. "You'll need to push beyond your limits. But you're running out of time. If you don't succeed soon, disaster will strike. Someone's targeting our family, and it won't be long before they come after you directly. The enemy's strength far surpasses ours, and there's no running from this. You need to learn quickly and leave. Once you've grown stronger, you can return. If we're gone by then, don't rush into revenge. The only one capable of killing us would be the City Lord himself. Wait until you reach Level Ten—only then can you avenge us."

Zhuo Wei's voice carried a tone of finality, as if he were leaving behind his last words. It was a will, not just a strategy.

Zhuo Luo clenched his fists, feeling the weight of his father's words. Though his determination burned brightly, the reality of his situation pressed heavily on him. The road ahead would be fraught with peril, but he vowed to persevere, no matter the cost.

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