Xuen

"Look at what you've done."

"You... killed him."

"This place will never recover."

The main entrance to the Temple of the White Tiger's great hall faced south. It was an open area, ventilated on all sides, with no seats—only four stone pillars supporting the entire structure. The only things that could be called decorations were the strange carved murals of all kinds.

The hall was lit by bright lamps hanging from the ceiling, along with moonlight spilling in through the open doors.

Directly opposite the entrance, at the innermost end, stood a raised platform where the temple's master usually watched the monks train.

A figure appeared before the main entrance, blocking the light streaming in from outside.

He wore black leather armor. A large hat and a strip of red cloth covering his nose and mouth concealed his face. Moving stiffly, he walked to the center of the hall, bowed toward the platform, then dropped to his knees on the cold floor. With his head lowered and eyes closed, he meditated, trying to clear away the terrible memories that lingered in his mind.

For now, he was alone. The surroundings were so quiet that he could hear dripping water.

Dripping water could wear through stone. That was one truth he had learned on this continent. The sound was like time itself, flowing onward, each drop revealing a hint of wisdom.

Before long, a whirlwind blew in with a howl. The wind made him feel the emptiness of his left arm, while drowning out the sounds by his ear.

Nathanos raised his head. A spirit beast glowing with a faint white light stood before him. "I am about to depart for the Terrace of the Endless Spring, yet you wished to see me."

"We need to talk."

"So it seems,