The old man's phantom chuckled softly and said, "Back then, I merely borrowed your shelter to escape the rain, young friend, and repaid you with a vegetarian meal. Taking a master is no trifling matter. You should leave."
"I have nowhere else to go. Everyone says you're happy to teach. Please, please take me as your disciple!"
"Young friend... tell me why you insist."
"I want to live. I want to learn to control my power, to become stronger... I want to do my part to welcome an age of peace and prosperity!"
"This is... severing flame? Ah, very well. Born from fire, its appearance heralds peace throughout the land. I shall take you as my disciple and teach you to control your power..."
Changli walked slowly along the stone-paved path.
She reached the doorway, where the old man's final phantom stood with his hands behind his back.
"Master, are you truly leaving?"
"Hahaha, my time is almost up. I cannot accompany you to the end of this road. Changli, you are gifted and bright. One day, you will achieve great things. With you to carry on my legacy, I can rest easy..."
"I understand, Master. But I still have no clues about the person you asked me to find..."
"No matter, no matter... you will meet someday. The game left unfinished back then will eventually reach its conclusion. The time has not yet come. This old man has left a game for that old friend, you see. Hahaha..."
The voice faded, and Changli pushed open the door.
Another dark space lay before her.
She looked up. Above her, an unfinished game on a chessboard served as the sky.
The instant she stepped into the space, a white stone landed firmly on the board.
Her lips curved into a faint