Masato, having ended Tian Dou's life, hovered in midair and gazed at the shattered island. Beneath the curtain of rushing river water lay an indescribable gloom and confusion.
Memories from childhood surfaced in his mind.
"Big brother, I want to join the Hard Fist Style too, and devote my life to the clan!"
"Leave that sort of thing to me. You can just be a carefree little salted fish, standing at the foot of Mount Hiba every day and admiring the scenery of Watatsumi Village~"
Masato tilted his little head.
"Why stand at the foot of Mount Hiba? Why not stand on the mountain?"
Back then, Masato had been unable to understand the bitterness at the corner of Tiansha Dou's lips.
Beyond Mount Hiba stretched the boundless Awaki Plain, territory of the Head Family. Watatsumi Village, where the Branch Family lived, was merely a tiny corner of Takamagahara.
Tiansha Dou rubbed Masato's little head. "You'll understand when you're older."
"Big brother, Elder Xuan Mo came to see me today. He said my natural physique is exceptional and that I'm perfect for cultivating the Eight Inner Gates. If I achieve something in the future, I might even become stronger than you!"
Tiansha Dou clenched his fists, silently rose to his feet, and walked outside.
"Big brother...?"
Masato was terrified. He had never seen his brother wear such an expression.
When Tiansha Dou returned, he had some injuries.
"Big brother, did you get into a fight?"
Tiansha Dou stroked Masato's head and smiled. "I'm fine. I just used a little too much force while training."
But from that day onward, Elder Xuan Mo never again mentioned having Masato cultivate the Eight Gates.
"Big brother, are you going out again today?"
"Yeah. I met a pretty good little guy. Like you,