Kapitel 91: Keiko - 八
Teaching someone to transfer laws was not merely a technical exercise.
"To transfer the laws," I began.
Li Tian's spirit listened intently, his eyes filled with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation. I could see the struggle within him—the fear of losing control, the fear of being vulnerable.
"Begin by focusing on your own qi," I instructed.
Li Tian closed his eyes, his form shimmering with concentrated energy. I could sense the immense power within him, a force that had shaped the world around him for centuries. He understood the full technique with but an overview and the smallest of beginnings of instruction forward.
His form pulsed with light as he delved deeper within himself. I could feel the intensity of his focus, the depth of his understanding. A stream of light began to flow from Li Tian's chest, ethereal and radiant. It moved toward me, slow and steady, a tangible connection between us.
"I am ready," I whispered, feeling the energy touch my own core.
Ready to have the means to an end- to overturn the common sense of this land. Ready to repay the debt of my people against the crass and spiteful people here.
The light intensified, and I felt a surge of energy as Li Tian's essence merged with mine. I could feel the weight of his experiences, the lessons he had learned, the sacrifices he had made, but those were unimportant. I skimmed through his life and discarded everything not useful to me. The memories of a dead man are best left resting with him. They are best used to not cloud the judgement of the future.
The connection between us grew stronger, and I could sense the completion of the transfer nearing. The laws he imparted settled within me, becoming a part of my own essence.
Finally, with a last surge of energy, the transfer was complete. Li Tian's form flickered, the strain of the transfer evident, but there was also a profound peace in his eyes.
"Thank you, Keiko," he said, his voice filled with quiet strength. "You allowed me to die with one last memory with her. Guard my legacy well, and use it to guide and protect those who in need."
With those final words, Li Tian's spirit dissipated, merging fully with my own. The chamber grew quiet.
"I will honor your legacy, Grandmaster," I vowed, my voice steady. "I will sunder this land."
I stepped onto the central platform. It began to rise, carrying me back up to the chamber of statues. The platform halted with a soft thud. The statues seemed to watch me with a knowing gaze, as if acknowledging the transformation I had undergone. I stepped off the platform and moved to the center of the room, waiting for Master Xiong.
The final day passed in contemplative silence. I meditated, practiced the techniques I had mastered, and felt the subtle shifts within myself. Master Xiong entered, his presence as calm and commanding as ever. His eyes met mine, and I saw a flicker of recognition in his gaze. He knew something had changed.
"Keiko," he greeted, his voice warm and steady. "I see that your time here has been transformative."
I bowed deeply, honoring the man who had guided me through so much. "Yes, Master Xiong. I have learned- experienced more than I could have ever imagined."
He approached me, his hands reaching out to brush off the dust and grime from my shoulders. His touch was gentle, almost fatherly. "Change is a natural part of life," he said, his tone reflective. "It's through change that we grow, through growth become who we are meant to be. Embrace it, Keiko, and let it guide you on your path."
I nodded, absorbing his words. He stepped back, his eyes taking in the subtle differences in my stance, my aura.
"I will Master." I replied.
"Come," he said with a smile. "Let us leave this place. It is time for you to share in a proper meal. You have earned it."
We walked together out of the chamber, the door closing behind us with a sense of finality. The cool evening air was refreshing after the confined space of the ritual chamber. Master Xiong led me to a nearby pagoda, its architecture elegant and timeless.
Inside, the pagoda was warm and inviting. The scent of freshly prepared food filled the air, and a table was set with a variety of dishes. Master Xiong motioned for me to sit, and I did so gratefully, feeling the hunger of days spent in intense focus and exertion.
As we ate, Master Xiong spoke of the importance of balance—of nurturing both the body and the spirit. His words were simple yet profound, a reminder that even in the pursuit of great power and wisdom, we must never lose sight of the small, everyday moments that sustain us.
The meal was a celebration of life and growth, a moment of peace after the trials I had endured. Master Xiong's presence was comforting, his wisdom a steady guide as I adjusted to the changes within myself. As the night wore on and the stars began to appear in the sky, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the journey I had undertaken and for the path that lay ahead.
The meal was delicious, and the company of Master Xiong was comforting, yet there was an unease within me that I could not ignore.
"Master Xiong," I began cautiously, setting my chopsticks down. "There is something I must ask you, something that has troubled me for a long time."
He looked at me with his usual calm demeanor, but there was a flicker of curiosity in his eyes. "Ask, Keiko. I will answer as best I can."
I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the conversation ahead. "What can you tell me about the assault on Wokou?"
Master Xiong's expression grew somber, the weight of history settling between us. "Ah, the Wokou. A dark chapter in our history, indeed. The Grand Heavens Alliance... They saw it as a necessity to defend our lands and protect our people."
"There were many lives lost," I pressed, my voice firm. "Innocent lives."
He nodded slowly, acknowledging the truth in my words. "Yes, many lives were lost. War is a terrible thing."
Master Xiong's eyes narrowed slightly, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "There was a prophecy, spoken of by Elder Hao. A nonsense reason for a nonsense campaign."
I leaned forward, my gaze intense. "And have we learned, Master Xiong? Have we learned enough to ensure such atrocities do not happen again?"
He sighed deeply, his shoulders heavy with the burden of his knowledge. "Keiko, the world is complex. The decisions made influenced by their circumstances, their fears, and their hopes. We strive to learn, to grow, but the future is never certain."
His words, though wise, did not satisfy the burning question within me. "Master Xiong, I need to know—would the alliance do such a thing again?"
Master Xiong looked at me, his eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and understanding. "Keiko, the world is ever-changing. We strive for peace, always, but I cannot promise, for the future is uncertain."
I pressed further, my voice rising with determination. "I need a clear answer, Master Xiong. Yes or no—would the sect alliance do such a thing again?"
There was a long pause as he considered my words. Finally, he looked me directly in the eyes and spoke with a heavy heart. "Yes, Keiko. If circumstances were dire enough, if the perceived threat was great enough, the sect alliance might resort to such measures again."
I had hoped for a different answer.
"I understand, Xiong."
Master Xiong reached out, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Keiko, remember that the power to change the future lies within each of us. The knowledge and strength you have gained can guide us towards a better path. Do not lose hope."
As we finished our meal, I knew the path I must take, but it would be a great challenge.
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein