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Don't think you can fool me. In all these years, Yan has always kept a few pairs of eyes on you.

Are you lot still thinking about that thing under Baizao...?

Uncle Lee...

Are we... gonna find Dad here?

This was the only place I got after asking around.

*sigh*... After so many years apart, it's the first time I was hoping news about him would turn out to be false.

But I can't think of anyone else who'd fit the bill: Someone so obsessed with martial arts that they've fought everyone worth fighting and even intentionally injured others on multiple occasions...

How did he end up like this...?

No clue...

His obsession is unmatched. Although... the stronger the obsession is, the harder it usually is for the mind to break.

What was that?!

Waai Fu... we'll find him soon, but be careful.

You might be the only one who can wake him from his madness.

Mm...

Let's go, Uncle Lee.

*sigh*...

(Was the blade falling into his hands truly a sleight of fate...?)

(Liang Xun, oh, Liang Xun... If something were to happen to Huai Tianpei, it'd be on your head.)

From a distance, a burly body can be vaguely seen in the depths of the cave.

Heavy fists repeatedly pound the rock walls, leaving blood stains that resemble plum blossoms. Every punch shakes the entire cave.

Only now do the visitors realize this 'cave' has been carved out by the punches.

Forty years... The First Under Heaven... when did I...

The blade... I can't give it away... throw... I better throw it away!

My daughter... I won't let you harm her!

Dad...?

Dad... wake up...

Dad!

You can almost see Baizao from here.

Visiting this posthouse has unexpectedly turned into a trip down memory lane.

What, you lot insisted on following me, so why the silence now?

All who died here are our brothers.

All for 'loyalty'...

Lord Wei. Someone's following us.

Mm...

Watch out—

Impressive swordplay...

In the many years since we last met, your swordplay has turned incomparable.

Lady Ch'en.

Long time no see... Wei Yenwu... Uncle.

Hui-chieh...

I thought what you did in Lungmen was the stupidest decision you could make...

You, and these men... what are your plans now, even?

You shouldn't be here.

Could it be Fumizuki...? She told you?

I made this decision myself. Nothing to do with anyone else.

This affair likewise has nothing to do with you—

...True.

I've never asked about your past. I considered it your private business, and felt I had no right to pry.

I've been to many places these past few years and seen many things I never saw or even thought of before.

I think I've come to understand that despite all the contradictions in this land, 'righteousness' still exists.

What happened to my mother... and my sister... You can't say they have nothing to do with your past.

So I want to see for myself how you plan to unravel this past you've been entangled in your entire life.

I seem to suddenly remember many things.

Things I saw within an enormous body, through eyes that can see through the mist.

You are a part of this consciousness, so it is only natural you possess the same memories.

But... the mortal realm I saw is different from what you described.

So what did you see?

A fire.

At the very beginning, people congregated to fend off ferocious wildbeasts, and started a fire to light up the cold nights.

They gathered around the flames, forged all sorts of tools, and cooked all kinds of dishes. Their faces bore many expressions I cannot comprehend...

I really want to know, what those feelings are.

Such a thought, is very dangerous...

Dangerous?

Your kin, the proxies who are already roaming about the mortal realm, entered it with similar thoughts. But the only thing awaiting them was endless torture.

Did they all... want to become human?

Before I become one, first I want to know...

'What is humanity?'

Where should I go to look for my answer...?

Heh... just go.

Take a walk in the 'mortal realm'.

A cacophony of emotions and desires will bring endless suffering. Give a thought form, and it will resemble the dawn of chaos. Fall into its fetters, and you will never break free.

...You're not afraid?

I...

Ahhhh!!!!!

Huff... Oh, just a dream...

I guess it's not so strange to dream about It...

Where's everyone...

The young chef leaps off the couch, stretches himself, and rubs his eyes hard.

The kitchen before him remains the same, pots and pans all in place.

He seems to suddenly think of something, and hurriedly opens a cupboard, taking out bottles of oil, salt, soy sauce, and vinegar.

Carefully, he drips a drop from each bottle into his mouth one by one, his brows tightly knit, deep in thought.

Only after a long time does a smile appear on his face.

Phew... Thank goodness...

Still tastes the same...

Whether as man or beast, whether I remember or not... it doesn't seem to make much difference.

The flavors of the land are endless, and I've discovered all the ones I've been seeking. As for what comes next... Aiya, let's not think about that right now!

Enjoy the flavors of today and leave tomorrow's worries for tomorrow... That's all there is to it.

Let's get cooking.