"Master, please teach me martial arts and how to use the energy core!"
After hearing that, the Master smiled and said,
"You're not fully recovered yet. It's better if you rest first.
Then… if I feel like it, I'll teach you.
Where's the food!? I'm starving to death over here—bring it already!"
Rio smiled after hearing his Master's words.
"They'll bring it soon, Master."
---
A few hours later
Night had fallen, and Rio was asleep.
Master stepped outside when he noticed Rio resting.
A gentle breeze shook the leaves of the trees, and the moon shone brighter than usual.
Master let out a quiet breath.
"So, you came… Zhang?"
Old Zhang, who had been standing quietly in the corner watching him, bowed and said,
"Yes, Master."
He slowly approached.
"Ever since you left and disappeared… a lot has changed.
The current Sun probably only knows about your existence."
"Yeah. Roger promised he wouldn't tell anyone I'm still around.
Besides, he's my best friend."
Old Zhang nodded.
"Yes… You and him shared many memories together.
All those tournaments you joined, and the countless battles you went through…
When you left, it felt like the world lost something huge."
Master replied,
"After all those battles, I just wanted to taste freedom.
That's why I became a wanderer—traveling around like a normal person."
Staring at the moon, Master said to Zhang,
"Anyway, forget that. It's been a long time since I last saw you.
Looks like you picked a good place to settle down."
"Yes, Master. Because of you—and the understanding I gained after our fight—
I decided to build a peaceful place for myself and train a few disciples.
Unlike you."
"Heh, I never wanted disciples…"
"Speaking of disciples… why did you accept that kid as one?
Sure, he seemed special, but a lot of people much stronger and older than him asked to become your students, and you refused.
If it doesn't trouble you… could you tell this old man your reason?"
Master said:
"You know… I've traveled everywhere, looking for peace.
But that kid is different.
It's like he's punishment for my past… or maybe a key to freedom.
Or maybe he just reminds me of an old friend."
"Whatever the reason, I'm sure you made the right choice, Master."
After a moment of silence, Zhang said,
"Master… please stay here. My disciples and I will treat you with the best hospitality.
We won't even let you lift a finger.
So please… stay."
Master smiled.
"Thanks, Zhang. But you know I want to keep traveling the world… and train my disciple."
"So you are going to train him?
He might become someone great."
Master chuckled.
"We'll see what happens."
Zhang asked,
"Master, do you know where you're heading next?
Maybe I can guide you.
This dojo is well-known—I have students from many towns."
"Hmm… not sure.
We'll probably leave through the west gate and head toward the Western Desert."
Zhang frowned.
"If I remember correctly, the nearest western settlement is a small town that could be attacked by monsters at any moment.
Beyond that is the large city of Nian.
They hold martial tournaments there.
If your disciple is anything like you, he'll definitely join. Hahaha!"
Master laughed.
"I hope he doesn't end up like me."
"Anyway, Zhang… I'm going to sleep. Good night."
"Good night, Master."
---
A few days later
After several days, Rio finally recovered enough to walk and regained his strength.
"Master! I'm finally better—I can walk again!"
"Yeah, I saw. Took you long enough."
"Can you teach me martial arts now?"
"Not yet. Your body still needs more rest.
You're not fully ready."
"Aaah… but I want to learn!"
"I said no."
Rio sulked in a corner.
Meanwhile, Master was thinking to himself:
If we stay longer, we get free food, a free house… we could keep freeloading for a while.
He glared at Rio.
Why'd you recover so fast!? You should've been sick for at least a month.
Useless brat.
Master sighed.
"Well… it's about time we leave this warm, comfy dojo that gave us delicious food and a nice room.
sigh…"
Rio replied angrily,
"Fine, we'll leave! But you MUST teach me on the way."
They gathered their things and stepped outside.
Old Zhang was sitting in his room when one of his disciples rushed in.
"Master Zhang! Your guests—they're leaving!"
Zhang quickly stood up and hurried toward them.
"Are you leaving already?
Master, please stay a bit longer.
Your presence here has truly made me happy."
Master said,
"Thank you for your hospitality these past few days—and for taking care of my disciple.
But we have to go."
Rio added,
"Master Zhang is right. Thank you so much for taking care of me and providing everything we needed."
Zhang smiled.
"Hoh-hoh… though we had many shortcomings, I'm glad you were satisfied with this old man.
And kid—your name was Rio, right?"
"Yes."
"Treasure your Master.
He's the best teacher you could ever hope for.
There's no one else like him."
"I will."
After thanking and saying their farewells to Master Zhang and the dojo's students,
Master and Rio headed toward the western gate.
"Alright, let's continue our journey," Master said.
"Yes, Master!"
They left the city…
but what awaited them in the next town was something far greater—and far more terrifying—than anything they had imagined.
End of Chapter