Woniu Village.
At sunset, a child returned home, playing a flute sideways atop an ox's back.
After the sun dipped below the western hills and twilight fell, the grass and trees were plated with a layer of gold. A gentle breeze drifted by, and foxtail grass swayed out a ballad of the setting sun. Laborers carried their farm tools across the ridges between fields on their way home. Smoke rose from every household, children ran about, and behind them, a cheerful Big Yellow Dog wagged his tail as he followed.
A carriage stopped at the entrance to Woniu Village.
The elderly man in splendid robes gazed at the tranquil, comfortable village and shook his head with a bitter smile.
"Fertile fields and tiled houses, chickens and dogs within earshot. Yet alas, chaos rises on every side, and heroes are no ordinary men."
"Let's go. Into the village."
Inside the village, Si Tieyou, who had been teaching Zhang Qi martial arts, suddenly felt something and looked up. He shook his head and sighed. Retiring to his hometown to enjoy his remaining years had only been a wishful dream. With turmoil and disaster everywhere, where could anyone find a place to settle? So be it. He only hoped this broken body of his could still be of use to the world.
"Zhang Qi."
"Master."
Zhang Qi had grown even sturdier. Holding an iron spear, he looked imposing and majestic.
"Go home and tell your family that tomorrow, you will leave the village with your master. Bring more luggage. The Northern Lands are bitterly cold, so make preparations."
Hearing that he was going far away, Zhang Qi cried out excitedly and ran home in a puff of smoke. The village was too peaceful for him to get used to. Ever since he had