The Otherworld's First Flower Soldier

Beside the muddy Qin River, songbirds sing and dancers perform.

Fewer cargo boats lie along the banks, and fewer entertainers draw in guests.

It should have been another ordinary, unremarkable noon. The busy merchants and boats had already scattered to escape the scorching heat.

The blazing sun beat down, dappling the water with light and shadow. Suddenly, a massive, imposing dragon boat burst through the swift current, swung around, and forced its way into the empty harbor.

Waves crashed against the riverbank, scattering iridescent light.

Just then, a wandering swordsman in a straw rain cape appeared from nowhere. Holding his sword, he muttered, "That year, I told someone: I was wrong. Yes, I truly was wrong. I should never have placed all my hopes in someone else!"

His voice was dry yet resonant, deep as thunder. It was soon swallowed by the still-crashing waves, fading until it was barely audible. Yet his overwhelming killing intent sent chills down the backs of everyone aboard the sampan.

"Shi Liang!" someone cried in astonishment. A distinguished guest slowly emerged from the cabin, dressed in brocade and furs, as though everyone around him were stars gathered around the moon. Seeing the man on the riverbank, he looked ashamed. "I can apologize, and I can bow my head, but I will never do something I don't want to do!"

"Back then, I hated that man with all my heart. Now, I hate myself even more!" The man ignored the shouts from the boat and continued muttering to himself. "You're formidable. You managed to shatter all my pride. But in the end, you still couldn't defeat me!"

As his voice faded, a flash of silver appeared. A towering golden battle-beast armor rose from the ground, vast enough to support heaven and earth. From inside the mecha, the man's voice remained hoarse, like ice being sifted: "Now, I'm taking back what's mine!"