Riding Toward the River Crossing

Ten years ago, Xie Jiang was hailed by countless people as a legend of the martial world. Then the meridians in his right hand were destroyed, and he fell from his pedestal, vanishing without a trace. It was all for a sudden, fleeting act of kindness, for a boy named Qiu Ce.

Two years ago, that disciple abandoned his master and left. When he turned back and tried to return, he could no longer find any trace of his master.

That day, a sharp blade sliced through his clothes, and blood stained the ancient road. Eight years of recuperation had gone to waste.

Xie Jiang remembered his master's parting words: "Xie Jiang... Great kindness has no allies; the solitary path has no one to lend a hand."

Xie Jiang had never believed it. But now, with his former disciple kneeling behind him, he was silent for a long time before offering a quiet maxim:

"A Ce..."

"Great kindness does not depend on allies, and walking the Way does not rely on aid."

The mistake has been made; not even a raging fire can forge it anew.

Theme: Great kindness does not depend on allies, and walking the Way does not rely on aid.