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The martial artists do not respond.

They stand up, place down their bowls, then walk away as they kick up dust. They do not look back.

Jieyun watches them as they walk off. Their gait is steady, as though they were not drinking just now. As though they were never drunk. As though all that just happened had not.

Why 'very last'?

...Hey, what's the big idea? Just walking off after they're done fighting?

And why'd you let them walk away anyway? Not scared they're going to cause more of a ruckus after drinking?

Didn't you see the luggage they had by the doorway? I know those two. They're not from Yumen. Seems like they're leaving the city to head back to their hometown.

It's the last time they're leaving, too. They just wanted to come here for a match, and that was their last match ever.

Can't nail down what doesn't belong.

But... They really put their all into that fight today.

Oh...

So that's what that meant.

Can't nail down what doesn't belong.

One day later

About the Sword Forge, Jieyun...

I don't think what I said was wrong, but that day at the Forge, I was too hard on you...

*sigh* Would you like to stay in Yumen?

I've got a fair few friends here. No matter what you're thinking of doing, I can help find a place willing to take you in.

No need.

Shifu's content now, and I managed to have a real fight here. I rather enjoyed it.

I'll be heading off soon myself.

Where're you headed?

Jieyun does not answer. She walks out of Yumen's gates, slowly singing a song.

The sun goes down, east next morn, it rises up again ♪

The moon comes up, west next morn, we'll see it sink below ♪

The cracks fill out arid rock and through the soil, next year's raindrops will wet them as they land ♪

The shrubs deep in the sands are dried and die, and springs below will bring them back to life ♪

A gale blows past, carrying along the surging sands rushing out of the sand channels, covering up Jieyun's figure as it fades into the distance.

I...

I've seen Jiangnan, and tried some water chestnuts, and also met the people of the jianghu that Shifu talked about.

I think... I'll do some wandering of my own. See what's around.

See things that can really make me like Shifu, with lots and lots of memorable people and things to talk about.

We're here for our punishment, General Zuo.

While on duty yesterday, we drank without leave. According to military law, we are to be caned for our transgression.

The seal has already been written, General. The one for the Sword Forge...?

You don't need to ask me about that matter again.

Since you drank that wine yourselves that day, you can decide for yourselves as well.