Time flew by, and the end of September arrived. In one more day, the Da Shun Delegation would set out.
At first light, Chen Chuan came to Yangzhi City alone. Following its rundown streets into the old quarter of West City, he made his way toward the place where he had first studied martial arts under Teacher Yu.
The place looked much the same as when he had left. Makeshift extensions and sheds were everywhere, the ground was still full of potholes, and tangled wires and clotheslines stretched overhead.
The old quarter was due to be demolished and rebuilt, and most residents had moved away. Along the way, he saw only a handful of homes still occupied, and a tabby cat standing on the eaves, watching him.
When he reached the entrance to the alley, he saw that the Fist Home sign was still on the wooden utility pole. Though slightly faded, its lettering remained clearly legible.
After a glance at it, he walked into the alley. Moving through the narrow passage, he could not help remembering how he had entered it just like this all those years ago.
For an instant, he felt as though he had become one with his former self. Back then, carrying his innocence and curiosity, his determination and dreams, he had followed this crooked little path and plunged headlong into this world.
Several years had passed in a flash, but that conviction had never changed.
Seemingly in no time at all, he emerged from the alley into the open training yard.
It had changed little since he last left.
The thuds of fists striking punching bags came from the concrete building ahead, just like the sounds he had heard on his first visit.
He walked inside. In the room, Lu Ke was striking a