The Reticent Blade

Outside the bamboo house, Granny Xi found Xue Niang standing on the rooftop terrace.

A gentle breeze stirred the bamboo groves, rustling the leaves with a crisp, whispering sound.

Granny Xi walked over quietly and draped a light robe over Xue Niang’s shoulders.

Xue Niang’s shoulders trembled slightly. Her gaze remained fixed on the distant bamboo forest as she murmured softly, "Has he abandoned me?"

Granny Xi sighed. "He... killed your parents. He is your enemy."

"I know." Xue Niang’s voice was faint. "But I wouldn’t have made it back without me. He fed me, clothed me, watched over me, protected me... and even taught me martial arts. He was a good master..."

Granny Xi gently squeezed Xue Niang’s shoulder. "He did that out of his guilt."

"That is up to me." Xue Niang shook her head. "That’s why I had to learn martial arts... I will avenge them."

"But..." Xue Niang hesitated, lowering her head. Her long hair fell forward, veiling her eyes. Her voice grew choked with emotion. "But now he’s just left... abandoned me... Who am I supposed to take revenge on now?"

"There’s no need." Granny Xi wrapped her arms gently around the girl. "He doesn’t have long left..."

Xue Niang’s head snapped up. "What do you mean?"

Granny Xi smoothed the girl’s bangs from her forehead. "You’ve been with him for so long—haven’t you noticed that he’s been drinking more and more often? That every time he channels his inner strength, he grows irritable, even violent?"