Tu Gou had thought the martial world was a place for settling grudges with a quick blade, where no one cared about human ties. He knew he would never be able to live that way, but he still yearned for it. So, even at the risk of being expelled from his sect and disgraced beyond repair, he had followed the Dragon King to make his way in the Western Regions.
After several months, Tu Gou searched his heart and found himself disappointed. He had traded his crutch for a single saber and taken part in several operations, personally killing a number of nameless swordsmen, yet he had found none of that unrestrained, carefree thrill. And after wave upon wave of Central Plains people entered Jade City, the restraints had grown increasingly obvious.
He had told his sister everything he had done over the past few months—every last detail, without leaving anything out. Her response had been a frown and several disapproving clicks of the tongue, followed by a lecture. "How could you do such a thing? The Kongtong Sect is a righteous and prestigious sect. You didn't give your sect's name, did you? Good, good. People in the Western Regions are skilled at disguises, aren't they? You might as well put one on, too. At least dye your hair black. No one will recognize you, and you'll look younger."
Tu Gou's enthusiasm for roaming the martial world had dwindled little by little. At last, he said the words Tu Pianpian had been waiting to hear: "Senior Sister, once the Dragon King takes Jade City, I'll go back to Kongtong Mountain with you."
"What happened to your dream of the martial world?" Tu Pianpian pretended to be calm.
"Alas, once the Dragon King becomes lord of Jade City and his King's