The Overseas Archipelago.
Outside the archipelago, Chen Shi wore black robes as he met with the others in black robes.
The Rounded Man was among them.
Everyone silently looked Chen Shi over and waited quietly.
Facing them all, Chen Shi said calmly, "The Immortal Spirit is awakening. This is a good thing, and something the Envoy has been looking forward to." Everyone remained silent.
Chen Shi continued, "The Envoy's light still shines. He has never thought of letting it go out, nor has he ever understood defeat.
"He has always been here, and has always walked ahead of us.
"His stance is clear."
Everyone listened quietly.
Looking at the gathered black-robed figures, Chen Shi's voice softened, turning reflective, as though he were recalling the past. "I imagine you all understand. We are all people who were abandoned, all among those who were eliminated.
"No one cleared a path ahead for us, no one answered our questions, and no one taught us any methods.
"They even thought we had little value to exploit. Even when they used us, they had to bind us and hold us down.
"Now everything has changed.
"But the time has come for us to give something back. If you are afraid, you can still turn back now."
Everyone remained silent.
And so Chen Shi continued, "The Envoy agreed to the Immortal Spirit's awakening. He has his purpose, and his confidence.
"Once the Immortal Spirit awakens, a conflict with the Envoy is inevitable, and we will be summoned there too.
"What we must do is simple: respond immediately and arrive immediately.
"Crowd out those who harbor other intentions."
Facing everyone, Chen Shi spoke with a hint of excitement. "The time has come to show our worth. Besides, it is time for certain people to face the Envoy's