"But even with the strongest armies, our ancestors were no match for them—until Ta Lo's Guardian joined the war and turned the tide."
Following Ying Nan's gaze, everyone looked up. At the very top of the mural, a lifelike azure dragon appeared. It clutched a monstrous creature in its jaws while tearing others apart with its claws. Beneath it, soldiers stood with bows drawn, aiming skyward.
"Together, the soldiers and the Guardian sealed the dark creatures within the Dark Gate, suppressing them with the power of dragon scales."
The final section of the mural depicted a circular gate made entirely of densely layered scales. The dark creatures shrank back behind it.
"Since then, our people have guarded this gate. The Guardian granted us power—and weapons capable of resisting those creatures."
"You mean those glowing red weapons?"
Tony asked, curiosity burning. As both a genius and someone perpetually driven by knowledge, he couldn't resist poking at anything mysterious.
"That's right. Come with me."
---
Ying Nan led them to a building emitting thick smoke.
Up close, they realized it was a forge. Inside, people were hard at work crafting weapons—blades, staffs, shields—all emitting that same mysterious red glow.
One man testing a weapon held a long staff, both ends glowing red.
With a single strike, he smashed it against a stone pillar.
The pillar split cleanly in two.
The cut was so smooth it looked polished—like a mirror. And this was a blunt staff, not even a blade. The result was almost unbelievable.
Tony was instantly captivated. His eyes darted around the forge before settling on the source—
The glowing red material embedded in every weapon.
"That—what is it?"
He couldn't hold back anymore.
"Dragon scales."
Ying Nan answered plainly.
"Dragon scales?!"
Everyone except Carl stared in shock. They had assumed the earlier story about dragons was just legend—but now it was real.
"Correct. Dragon scales."
Ying Nan nodded.
"They allow us to forge weapons strong enough to resist those creatures."
She picked up a blade that glowed entirely red—clearly forged from a whole scale.
"Before your father, many have come here, trying to open the Dark Gate. For centuries, they tried—and every one of them died here. They all shared one thing in common: they heard a voice."
"A voice that speaks directly to the deepest desires of their hearts."
"So you think those creatures are talking to my father?"
Shang-Chi asked. He didn't fully believe it—but he'd rather accept that than believe his mother was calling from beyond death.
"Yes. And they know the Ten Rings can break the seal and free them."
Ying Nan understood the power of the Ten Rings—it wasn't surprising they could pierce a dragon-scale seal.
---
"You all head to the training grounds. Shang-Chi and Xia Ling, come with me."
Ying Nan glanced at Carl and the others.
They understood immediately and followed a guide toward the training area.
---
The training ground was a clearing carved out of the surrounding bamboo forest. Many villagers were practicing martial arts and archery.
There were no firearms—only bows and crossbows. Primitive, yes—but enhanced with dragon scales, their power rivaled bullets, even artillery.
At the center stood Guang Bo, leaning on his staff, instructing others. When he saw Carl's group, he approached with a stern expression.
"Come with me."
He said only that before turning away. The group followed him to an archery range.
"Try it."
His tone left no room for refusal.
"Should've brought Barton."
Natasha joked. Hawkeye would've loved this.
She stepped forward first, picking up a bow. It was a traditional design, with arrows made from ash wood and bamboo—not modern materials.
She drew it easily—around fifty pounds, she estimated. For a trained agent like her, it was nothing.
Nocking an arrow, she noticed the glowing red tip—dragon scale again.
She aimed and released.
Whoosh—
The arrow shot out like a red meteor, leaving a visible trail of energy.
Silently, it pierced straight through the target, leaving behind a bowl-sized, diamond-shaped hole. The edges were charred black.
Guang Bo said nothing—but gave a subtle nod of approval.
Natasha's skill was impressive. She had clearly brought out the weapon's full potential.
"Not bad—you know archery too?"
Carl said, a bit surprised.
"Spend enough time watching Barton, you pick things up."
Natasha snorted, tossing the bow to Sam.
"My turn?"
Sam looked confused.
Guang Bo didn't answer—but his stare said everything.
Sam drew the bow, aimed, and fired.
The arrow pierced the edge of the target.
Not a miss—but close enough.
Sam looked embarrassed. He had aimed for the center, even adjusted for drop—and still only grazed it.
Guang Bo shook his head, clearly unimpressed.
"You look strong, but you're useless."
Sam's expression immediately darkened. He could accept criticism of his skill—but "useless"? That crossed a line.
He stepped forward, ready to argue.
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