The room fell silent, everyone waiting for Master Chen’s response. He knew that whatever he decided, it would shape the future of both families and the respect they held in the martial arts community.Seeing her grandfather in a tough position, Anna felt uneasy. Gabriel, watching her keenly, sensed what she was about to do.Master Chen tried to maintain his composure. "I'm not afraid of losing, Duon."Master Duon smirked, raising the stakes. "Then what’s holding you back, Chen? Are you worried your family’s honor isn’t strong enough?"Anna stepped forward with a big smile. "My father and grandfather have always upheld our family's honor.” She took a brief pause and glanced at her grandfather. “So, I accept the challenge on behalf of my grandfather."She exchanged silent words with her father and Master Chen, who then nodded. "The duel will go on," Master Chen declared.As Anna returned to Gabriel's side, she masked her anxiety with a smile. Zendaya approached, teasing her, "Feignin
Master Duon, eager to know if his offer was accepted, demanded, “So, what do you say about my offer to you, Chen, in reward if you win this duel?"Master Chen, knowing Gabriel's true identity, smiled smartly. "Duon, I appreciate your generous offer, but I must decline. I don't wish to accept anything that would undermine Greenovation Gardens. They are an important asset to our community and their owner is a man I hold in high regard."Master Duon’s eyes widened in surprise. "Why would you refuse such an advantageous deal, Chen? Surely there’s more to this."Master Chen gave a measured response. "Greenovation Gardens has been instrumental in many local developments. Undermining them for short-term gain would be counterproductive in the long run."Master Duon, sensing there was more to the story but unable to pinpoint what, accepted the explanation reluctantly. "Very well, Chen. I understand your point even though I don't buy it."Mr. Mac, seizing the opportunity to counter Master Duo
Gabriel looked at her, admiring her loyalty and faith in her family. "I hope you’re right. But just in case, it might be wise to have a backup plan."Anna softened slightly, appreciating his concern despite her confidence. "Thank you for your advice, Gabriel. I will keep that in mind. But know this, the Springfield family doesn’t back down from a challenge."Staring at her with a half smile, Gabriel could only hope that Anna's faith would be enough to carry them through the impending duel. She caught him staring and nudged him, causing him to chuckle. He could see how tense she was, even though she was trying her hardest not to reveal it."What's so funny?" she asked, narrowing her eyes playfully."Nothing," he replied, still smiling. "Just thinking about how confident you are.""Well, we have to be, don’t we?" she said, her voice firm but betraying a hint of anxiety.He teased, "You know, if you really don’t want to marry Addison, you could always ask me for help."She looked confuse
Anna sighed, her confidence wavering. "I know. But I still have to trust in my grandfather's disciples."Gabriel nodded. "Just remember, I'm here if you need me."Anna gave him a weak smile. "Thanks, Gabriel. We will see how this plays out."As the crowd buzzed with excitement and anticipation for the next round, the gravity of the situation settled heavily on the Springfield family. They knew the next moves would be critical, and they needed to step up their game to stand a chance against Sung Do's formidable prowess.Master Chen then called out his second disciple, Michael. A proud smile showed on Anna's face, which Gabriel noticed. She leaned in to give him a brief introduction."Michael's been training with my grandfather since he was a child. He's incredibly fast and his techniques are almost flawless," Anna said, her voice filled with confidence.When Michael stepped up, Addison couldn't resist teasing his stature. "Is this the best you've got, Master Chen? He doesn't look like
Gabriel glanced at Anna and noticed her almost stumbling as her expression turned sour upon gazing at Addison. Master Duon ridiculed Master Chen. "Is this the legacy you’ve built, Chen? Disciples who can't stand up to a real challenge?"Addison loudly stated, "Now I believe I’ve won a great bride."Anna's face flushed with anger and frustration. Gabriel, sensing her turmoil, remained calm, knowing that the battle wasn't truly over yet.Anna managed to reach her grandfather, her voice trembling. "Grandfather, I really don't want to marry Addison."Master Chen comforted Anna, his tone gentle but firm. "Don't worry, Anna. I won’t agree to marry you off to him."Recalling Gabriel’s words, Anna suggested, "Why not let Gabriel fight? I believe he can win."Master Chen looked taken aback, glancing in Gabriel's direction. "Gabriel? He is our guest, Anna. What if he is defeated?"She insisted, "Sung Do will defeat me in a minute, judging by how he took down the others. But my instinct tells m
As Gabriel prepared to face Sung Do, Anna stood by, her anxiety evident but mixed with newfound hope. The tension in the room was palpable as everyone awaited the outcome of this decisive battle.Anna then went closer to Gabriel and reluctantly whispered, "Are you sure you don’t want to reconsider?"He chuckled. "Why are you fretting so much?""I just... I don’t want you to get hurt," she admitted, her concern and lingering doubt clear."Don’t worry," he assured her. "I will be fine."Gabriel turned to Mr. Mac and Master Chen, noticing the worry on their faces.Anna began giving him tips on how to weaken Sung Do. "Aim for his legs. He’s fast, but if you can—""That won't be necessary," Gabriel interrupted, smiling. "I can defeat Sung Do with just one punch."She eyed him skeptically. "You’re joking, right?""I’m serious," he repeated, making her huff in disbelief.Master Chen and Mr. Mac exchanged uneasy glances. "He's being arrogant," Master Chen muttered. "I thought he might have a
Gabriel’s eyes narrowed, his expression turning serious. "Alright, let us end this."With a swift, powerful punch, Gabriel struck Sung Do, sending him staggering backward. The crowd gasped, unable to believe what they had just witnessed. Anna’s face lit up with hope, while Master Chen and Mr. Mac exchanged looks of astonishment and relief.Chris and Jackson, however, were left in stunned silence, their hopes for Gabriel’s failure shattered. Zendaya’s face twisted in disbelief, her earlier confidence replaced with shock.Gabriel stood tall, his gaze unwavering as he faced the fallen Sung Do. The room buzzed with a mix of shock, admiration, and respect for the young man who had just proven his strength.The referee checked Sung Do and declared loudly, "Sung Do has passed out! Gabriel is the winner!" Joyous chants and screams of praise erupted from the crowd. Anna’s face lit up with relief and pride.Unable to digest the sudden defeat, Master Duon stepped forward, shaking his head. "Th
Anna overheard them and felt a surge of pride. She turned to Gabriel, "Looks like you've got quite a few admirers now."Gabriel chuckled, "I suppose so. But right now, I'm just happy I could help your family."As the crowd slowly headed for their seats, whispers of Gabriel's prowess filled the room. He had not only restored the honor of Master Chen's household but had also won the admiration and respect of everyone present. Anna felt a deep sense of gratitude and newfound respect for Gabriel, knowing that his intervention had changed everything.Master Duon, crafty as ever, began appraising Gabriel. "Your fighting skill is truly impressive. Quite different from what your appearance suggests."Gabriel responded coolly, "I don't talk much like some big mouths." He glanced pointedly at Addison, who glared back at him.Anna jumped in, her tone supportive but cutting, "Yes, Gabriel lets his actions speak for him. Unlike others who rely on empty boasts."Master Chen, sensing the moment, tu