Planet Suzaku, outside of Phoenix City in Chu, in a mortal village.
It was a morning in spring. There was smoke coming out from the various houses and there were sounds of dogs barking along with children playing.
The fifth house to the east of the village was a humble house. A slightly older woman was squatting in the kitchen, lighting the stove to prepare to cook.
Her figure was slightly bent and filled with age. Smoke came from the firewood, causing her to cough, so she quickly picked up the bamboo fan. After fanning it a bit, the smoke finally scattered.
“Ru’s mom…” A voice called to her from the room next to the kitchen.
The woman put down the fan and wiped her hand on her dress. She quickly left the kitchen and arrived at the room where the voice came from.
After opening the door and entering the room, she saw an old man sitting on the bed. His eyes were sunken in and deep wrinkles covered his face.