"Ugh, my head hurts. What happened to me?"
"You're awake, honored guest!"
"Waiter, what happened just now?"
"You must have had too much to drink, honored guest. You fell asleep at the table, and the proprietor told me not to disturb you."
"Waiter, the bill."
"Right away, honored guest. You gave me too much. It doesn't cost this much!"
"Keep the change."
"Oh, thank you, honored guest! Thank you! Take care on your way out!"
The smiling waiter bowed as he watched the white-haired gentleman in a fox-fur coat turn to leave. He weighed the heavy purse in his hand, and his smile grew even broader.
At the tavern's thick padded curtain, the white-haired gentleman seemed to pause for a moment. Then, without hesitation, he reached out, pushed the curtain aside, and stepped into the blizzard outside.
No one could have imagined what that single step would bring to this world, buffeted by storms and overrun by demons...
Theme: Countless predecessors risked their lives and shed their blood to ensure humanity's survival.
