Xuandu lowered his eyes and looked at Shun.
Deep within those calm, ancient-well-like eyes, a trace of relief flickered.
"Rise."
The three words fell like a spring breeze brushing across his face.
Shun's entire body trembled.
He raised his head and looked at That Green Clad Figure.
At that young yet steady face.
His eyes reddened.
"Master."
The two words carried the weight of a burden finally lifted.
He set down his plow, dropped to his knees, and kowtowed heavily.
Xuandu raised a hand and gave it a gentle wave.
A soft force lifted Shun to his feet.
"No need for formalities."
The four words rang out like an evening drum and morning bell.
Shun stood up amidst the fields.
Bare feet in the mud, dressed in coarse linen.
He looked at Xuandu, at That Green Clad Figure.
An indescribable emotion surged within him.
His master had come.
When he needed him most.
When he was most helpless.
When he was most desperate.
"Master."
Shun spoke in a low voice:
"My family..."
Xuandu raised his hand, cutting him off.
"I know."
The three words fell like Eternal Ice.
Shun's entire body shook.
His master knew?
He knew his father, mother, and brother wanted him dead?
He knew someone had tampered with them?
He knew this was a Sage's scheme?
Xuandu looked at him, his gaze calm.
"You need not worry."
"I will handle it."
Shun nodded and said no more.
He merely stood amid the fields, looking at That Green Clad Figure.
His gaze held gratitude and reverence.
And a sense of security he had never known in countless epochs.
Xuandu turned around.
He raised his eyes toward the thatched hut.
Toward the three furtive figures.
His gaze was as calm as water.
Yet beneath that calm lay a chilling