A New Identity and a Final Farewell

“Secondly, your assertion that you can no longer return to Tianwu University for your studies is rather misguided. While it’s true that your appearance, physique, and even gender have undergone such profound changes that returning as your former male self is impossible…

…surely, if your old identity is no longer viable, you could simply assume a new one?” He paused, then continued his soft discourse.

I hadn’t anticipated a second point, and his words left me momentarily bewildered. As he spoke of a ‘new identity,’ I couldn’t help but ask, my voice laced with suspicion:

“ ‘Your disciple is dull-witted, Master. I fail to grasp the meaning of your words.’ ”

“ ‘My foolish disciple, your entire being has been transformed. You are, in essence, reborn. Is it not then entirely logical to re-enter the world under a new guise?’ ”

In the enveloping darkness, he seemed to shake his head ever so slightly.

“ ‘But… what kind of new identity could this disciple possibly assume?’ ”

Even though I had broadly understood his intention, a haze of confusion still clouded my mind.

“ ‘Did I not tell you before, disciple, that in inheriting my legacy, you must also inherit my name? From this moment forth, you are the Thirteenth Generation Dongfang Bubai!’ ”

A distinct note of gratification, subtle yet profound, infused his aged voice as he uttered the final words.

“ ‘I am… Dongfang Bubai… the Thirteenth Generation… Dongfang Bubai?’ ”

I repeated the name, my voice distant and hollow, a sudden wave of bewilderment washing over me.

“ ‘Precisely! From this day forward, Dongfang Bubai is you, and you are Dongfang Bubai! Conveniently, the character ‘fang’ was also present in your former name, so this doesn’t necessitate a complete abandonment of your past identity, hahaha…’ ”

He concluded with a prolonged peal of laughter, which then gave way to a ragged, breathless fit of coughing.

His words had left me feeling genuinely disoriented, almost ‘squared’ with confusion. However, hearing his violent coughing, I instantly pushed aside all thoughts of names and identities.

“ ‘Master, are you… are you alright?’ ”

I fumbled through the darkness, intending to reach his side and gently pat his back.

“ ‘Cough, cough, it’s nothing. Anyway… anyway, it’s almost the end…’ ”

He waved a dismissive hand, still coughing, indicating that I should remain where I stood.

His words, hinting at his imminent end, evoked a profound sense of desolation within me. I hesitated, then could only utter, my voice thick with concern, “ ‘Master…’ ”

“ ‘Hmm, my good disciple, cough, cough, compose yourself for a moment. Allow your Master to finish speaking.’ ”

He hummed a soft acknowledgment, then endured another bout of coughing before slowly resuming his discourse.

A profound sorrow swelled within my heart, yet I couldn’t bring myself to defy his wishes. Suppressing the bleak despair, I slowly nodded and replied, “ ‘Your disciple obeys your command, Master. Please, instruct me.’ ”

“ ‘My good disciple… you, take this bundle and keep it safe. Here, it’s this one…’ ”

In the oppressive darkness, I heard him fumbling for a moment, and then a shadowy form, neither too large nor too small, was slowly extended towards me.

His outstretched hand trembled noticeably as I quickly moved forward, carefully receiving the object. It felt soft and smooth against my skin, undeniably a silk-wrapped bundle.

Though my curiosity burned for the bundle’s contents, my concern for Master’s recent, decrepit movements was far greater. For the moment, I held my tongue, silently awaiting his next words.

“ ‘Within this bundle lies the secret manual of the Sunflower Manual, a tome considered the paramount treasure under heaven. Take it, study it meticulously, and cultivate diligently. I believe all your questions will find their answers within its pages.’ ”

“ ‘There is also an admission letter to Tianwu University, which I acquired from that old Dugu fellow when I departed the institution all those years ago… hehe… The intention was to provide a temporary haven at Tianwu University for my successor, before their martial arts reached full mastery. To think I only found you, my good disciple, now! Haha, such is fate, such is destiny…’ ”

His voice trailed off into another burst of laughter, which, to my relief, was somewhat tempered this time, sparing him from another coughing fit. My heart ached as I listened.

“ ‘Await the dawn, then depart this cave. With this admission letter in hand, return to Tianwu University and proceed directly to the principal’s office to seek out that old Dugu fellow. Upon seeing this, he will immediately discern your identity and make all necessary arrangements for you!’ ”

He paused for a breath after his laughter subsided, then continued, “ ‘Alas, your Master is but a flickering candle in the wind, with precious little time remaining. I am unable to impart further wisdom to you, my dear disciple. Your future path must be forged by your own hands… Though, I imagine that old Dugu fellow will extend his care to you, out of respect for me.’ ”

At this juncture, I could no longer restrain myself. I interjected, “ ‘Master, I… I won’t leave. I want to stay with you; I cannot abandon you. Let’s devise a plan, a way to heal your wounds, alright? Or I’ll implore my father, plead with him to use the Heavenly King Life-Saving Pill to save you!’ ”

“ ‘My foolish child, have I not already told you that my injuries are beyond the reach of any medicine? I have now lost ninety percent of my cultivation, and I am at death’s door. To return to the earth is but a matter of moments. If you do not leave, will you then remain with your Master’s corpse?’ ”

He spoke with an unsettling tranquility, his words imbued with the serene acceptance of one who had transcended the fear of life and death.

“ ‘No, I won’t! I don’t want you to die!’ ” I cried out, my voice laced with a desperate sob. Though, I noted, it had already transformed into the slightly frail, somewhat husky timbre of a young girl.

“ ‘Birth, old age, sickness, and death are but the cycle of the heavens, a grand, empty dream. All is destiny, all is fate. It was preordained that our master-disciple bond would span but these two days and three nights. Cherish the coming of fate, but do not lament its passing. It cannot be forced!’ ”

His voice remained remarkably subdued.

“ ‘But I… I…’ ”

For some inexplicable reason, I felt an profound sense of intimacy with this Master, whom I had known for barely two days. Despite spending most of that time in a coma, this inexplicable bond made it unbearable to truly witness his death.

“ ‘My foolish child, my foolish child… Dawn is about to break. Go well now. Your Master is willing, but powerless, and thus cannot see you off. After all, even a journey of a thousand miles must ultimately end in parting.’ ”

He shook his head, his tone still remarkably faint.

I struggled to hold back my tears, yet I noticed a subtle glimmer of light filtering through the inclined upward entrance behind me. Though incredibly faint, it was undeniable: the sky had indeed begun to whiten.

It felt as though time itself had been pilfered. Moments ago, we spoke of parting; now, the moment of farewell was truly upon us. I dared not turn my head to gaze upon the delicate, almost tender sunlight, nor did I dare use its meager illumination to look at my Master, who sat silently in the near distance…

I dared not. I truly dared not look at him.

In truth, we had barely even seen each other’s faces, perpetually shrouded as we were in this hazy, indistinct darkness. Lacking my Master’s ability to perceive in the gloom, I had never imagined that my first true glimpse of him would also be my last.

To have never truly known a person in life, only for the first encounter to mark an eternal parting.