A narrow dirt path stretched ahead, bordered by tall grass swaying gently in the wind. The dense forest had long faded behind them, and before them lay an open, sun-drenched plain. Master Suo Jing and Hei Shu Yi walked side by side upon that unpaved road, though their destinations were entirely different. To the world, Master Suo Jing was nothing more than an eccentric old man, and Hei Shu Yi merely a wandering physician. But their true identities were far more complicated than the world could ever imagine.
Though Suo Jing had once been part of that great tragedy, the bond between Gu Zong and Han Wuang Shi had remained hidden... unseen by every eye that tried to look. They continued walking in silence. Yet a thousand questions churned in their hearts and minds, disturbing the fragile peace that clung to the air.
Finally, Hei Shu Yi broke the silence. “Master,” she asked, “are you certain this plan will work?” The old man did not stop. His steps were steady, deliberate. Hei Shu Yi kept pace beside him; her robe brushed against the tall grass.
After a long moment, Suo Jing replied quietly: “Hmmm. I have spent years... decades... researching this. And yet… I was never truly sure that its first stage would succeed so flawlessly. But perhaps… there is still a chance that the moment we have awaited might finally come.” They walked on until Hei Shu Yi suddenly halted. Seeing her pause, the old master stopped as well. Her face reflected both hope and worry as she asked one last question: “Master… do you think it’s truly possible?”
Suo Jing’s expression grew grave.
After a brief silence, his voice deepened... low and certain. “Hei Shu Yi, time never tells us what it holds. It simply reveals. From everything that has happened, and everything that is yet unfolding, one truth stands clear... time is preparing to repeat history. But whose victory that history will favor… only time itself can decide.” Then his tone grew heavier, colder. “Hei Shu Yi, Xian Yong Ming must never discover that Gu Zong has returned. This matter ends here. And remember one thing, my child... when the world stands against you, you can still defeat the world. But when those you love stand against you… it is no longer a battle. It becomes a tragedy... one that time will never erase.” With that, Master Suo Jing turned and walked ahead, leaving his words to echo in the wind. Hei Shu Yi stood there, his voice reverberating in her thoughts. A shadow of sorrow crossed her eyes.
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She murmured to herself: “What a strange world this is, where the wise must hide their wisdom, and fools have seized power.” She bowed deeply toward the figure of Suo Jing fading in the distance. “You are right, Master Suo Jing. It is always the ones we trust most who betray us in the end.” Then she turned and began walking in the opposite direction... toward Mount Taylin, seeking Master Xian Yong Ming, who was even now making his way through the wilderness. Behind her, Zao Yun kept straying from the line of disciples, his steps growing uneven. They had been traveling for far too long. Ying Xia, noticing how exhausted everyone had become, approached Han Wuang Shi with a respectful bow. “Master Xian Yong Ming,” he said, “my companions are weary. Shall we rest for a while? The sun is nearly set... night will fall soon.”
Han Wuang Shi turned to look behind him. All his disciples were visibly exhausted; some could barely stand without leaning on their swords. He studied them in silence for a moment, then spoke calmly: “You will all rest here for the night. At dawn, search this forest for the grass described in the scroll. Once you find it, proceed directly to Mount Taylin. I will meet you there.”
He pulled out a small scroll from within his robes... containing every detail about the rare herb they were seeking. His disciples looked at one another, stunned. There was no doubt their master himself was weary... and yet, he intended to continue the journey alone. Before Ying Xia could suggest sending a carriage or escort with him, Han Wuang Shi had already begun walking away. They could only watch his fading figure as twilight deepened. Zao Yun blinked and muttered under his breath: “I just can’t understand. What is it about that desolate place that keeps drawing him back, again and again?” Before he could say more, Ying Xia smacked him lightly on the head, scolding: “How many times have I told you? Never question the master’s affairs. Whatever he does, it is not our place to ask why. Understood?” Zao Yun fell silent, nodding quickly... but inside, even Ying Xia felt uneasy. A restless curiosity gnawed at him. He, too, wanted to know what secret bound their master to that ruined land, and why, every time he returned here, he carried with him nothing but lotus seeds.
