act23side

Even within an inch there lies right and wrong; focus elsewhere only negates effort.

Oh?

The day has barely begun to break. The inn's workers wipe down the tables and prepare food for the day in the kitchen.

Lee rises to the call of fowlbeast in the backyard—and the sound of fists cutting through the air.

Like father, like daughter.

Nice.

Uncle Lee...

It's been a while since I've seen you practice this form. I thought maybe you had some sort of divine inspiration that helped you rise above forms and moves.

Don't tease me like that.

The only way to get better at martial arts is to practice. There are no magical secrets.

You're right.

I remember how you got on the wrong side of a gang the first time you went out on an errand for the company.

When I arrived, all I saw was Triads lying unconscious on the ground, while you stood there like nothing had happened.

You were only sixteen...

I started learning kung fu before I learned to talk.

You remember?

He told me...

At least he taught you well in that regard.

Like they say, your teacher can show you the door, but you have be the one to walk through it.

Well, I suppose being shown the door is important too.

Maybe this was the only thing that he felt he could do as a father.

I'm not trying to defend him. He wasn't a good father, but you shouldn't let that stop you from living the life that you want.

Consider your kung fu a gift. You can always tuck it away if you don't like it.

Pursuit of kung fu mastery was his path, but it doesn't have to be yours.

I have nothing against kung fu, and of course I have my own life.

I graduated magna cum laude with a degree in mechanical engineering from the Lungmen University of Science and Technology. I'm an employee of Lee's Detective Agency, and field operator for Rhodes Island.

But not the first hero of justice to graduate from LMUST.

I could be, if needed!

Then tell him the next time you see him.

Uncle Lee, you...

You wouldn't just pick up a form that you haven't practiced for a long time for no reason.

Considering his irresponsible behavior all these years, it would be more than understandable if you wanted to pick a fight with him.

It's okay if you lose. I doubt he was any better at your age.

Zuo Le is young for a Candleholder, but he has seen his share of cases.

However, there has never been one where he could not fight back, nor has he ever been taught what to do in such a situation.

Does he have a guilty conscience? Or just not willing to take advantage of an injured girl?

All Zuo Le does is block the attacks as they fall on him.

They both fall to the ground, their faces covered in dirt, but the girl continues to strike with all that she has.

It looks like a fight between children.

(Shakes head and sighs)

Stop.

The girl wins.

Catch.

Go and repay your debt, then come back and pay your medical bill.

...Alright.

Here's your sword, boy.

You didn't fight back because you knew she was hurt. No shame in that.

No need to give me that look.

The girl promised me she'll come back. I trust her.

If she goes back on her word, I'll catch her for you.

You can go now.

Why are you looking at me like that?

Looks like you're unharmed.

Surprised? Or disappointed?

I didn't want anything to happen to you.

There was a misunderstanding. Sorry to get you into trouble.

I've explained it to them. Everything is fine.

Hold on.

A soldier told me that the armband, the one you gave me, was evidence retrieved from outside the city the day before.

Are you going to explain it to me or not?

Why should I, if you already know the story?

Du Yaoye's fist stops in midair. Lin Yühsia makes no motion to block or dodge.

We've only just met. I can understand if you don't trust me.

You wanted someone to help you check out the Sword Forge, that's fine.

But you shouldn't have used my friend as a pretext.

Sorry...

Stop.

You don't get to apologize to me. I won't forgive you.

Fine.

Is this how Lungmenites do things?

It's how I do things.

Well, I'm not going to come away empty-handed from this. What did you find?

Tell me everything you know.

I became certain of what I had only suspected.

Starting with the attack on the Messenger, something was off about everything we've seen.

It wasn't a coincidence that you ran into the Shanhaizhong at the Sword Forge. It's proof that Meng was in league with them.

So it was him?

He is the only one with both the motivation and the means to plan all this.

I don't understand why he would do it...

What else do you know about my friend's whereabouts?!

Not much. I sent someone to look into it.

In the worst case scenario, all of Yumen could be in great danger.

I hope this is not his goal, or that he has a plan...

All these years, Meng Tieyi has rarely stood outside his workshop to gaze upon it.

Inside, the yard has always felt cramped. The walls and door look more impressive when one looks on them from outside.

There are only a few days left of the month-long market. The streets are busy as ever, making the lonely Sword Forge feel conspicuous in comparison.

The 'Closed' sign has fallen to the ground, replaced by red and white sealing tape.

A rivet has fallen from the door. He has never noticed, nor has anyone told him.

*sigh*...

Am I getting senile? I couldn't even get this one last thing done properly...