A Dragon's Homecoming

Zhang once again found his hands entwined with Calypso's as she stared into his eyes. Countless hypotheticals escaped her lips, each grislier than the last. Each scenario was a detestable outcome more damning than the current hand of cards fate had dealt him.

Her gaze was resolute, with passionate yellow eyes that bore into his soul. Indeed, his life could've gone in a terrible direction from which he could never return. For one to be considered a Kuei was a great insult to the Wulin. They were malicious cultivators who lost themselves to the jaws of madness, an abyss Zhang had never dared to enter. He was no saint - far from it - but there were certain realms of brutality Zhang would never step across.

She had even presented him with the possibility of a proverbial peak. The state when one reaches such grand heights that mighty duels, strenuous challenges, and harrowing obstacles no longer present the same joy they once did. If he reached that peak, would he be any happier? Would he be satisfied? Ruminating on his thoughts for a minute second, he clicked his tongue as he gripped his hands around her own. She was overwhelmingly correct.

There was no use in ruminating on a "what-if" scenario. The present is all that mattered. Zhang praised the heavens that he had been allowed to meet Calypso during his return home. Her reassuring advice filled him with a sense of strength, encouraging him to move forward, to take hold of his destiny.


Redemption was not yet out of reach - hope had not yet abandoned him. His path to living the ideal life he envision for himself among his fellow cultivators was at his fingertips.

Redeeming himself in the eyes of the Queen was a great step towards that path. Excused of his transgressions, he would be able to achieve his dream - to surpass his father, to make his sister proud, and claim what was rightfully his.

"That's the second time you've encouraged me, Calypso. There is no use ruminating on what could have been. I should look only towards the present and future before me. Why didn't I realize that sooner?"

He warmly embraced his fellow cultivator before he let go; respecting her personal space as not everyone was always accepting of a hug. Even so, it was the only way he could show her the true essence of his appreciation.


"I'm thankful for meeting you today, Calypso. Most men or women will claim they are thankful but never truly show their gratitude. Your advice so far has been better than the roadmap I was gonna use, I'll say that much," he said with a hearty chuckle.