Chi Feng found himself drifting gently within thegreen river currents.
He felt weightless, almost as if he were floating in a dream, the sensation a stark contrast to the violent crash he vaguely remembered. As he opened his eyes, the world around him slowly came into focus, revealing a serene landscape bathed in the soft glow of dawn. The river's surface shimmered with an ethereal light, reflecting the lush greenery that lined its banks.
Behind, his Gladiator MK-II Sagittarius lay partially submerged in the water, its once-mighty frame now resting quietly in the shallows. The impact had not been as catastrophic as he feared; the soft and yielding embrace of the waters had cushioned its fall, preventing the complete destruction that would have occurred on solid ground. Its crimson and white armor glinted faintly beneath the surface, a testament to the resilience of the Dai technology.
His mind reeled with questions. How had he been separated from the cockpit? What strange force had plucked him from the mecha and deposited him safely into the water? The thought of being ejected during the crash seemed implausible, yet there he was, alive and relatively unscathed, floating downriver.
He felt the cool water lapping gently against his body, a soothing balm to his bruised and battered form. The gentle currents carried him downstream, away from the site of the crash, and deeper into the unknown. The sounds of the flowing water was calming, almost hypnotic, providing a stark contrast to the chaos and noise of the battle he had just survived. With a determined effort, he swam towards the riverbank. His limbs felt heavy and sluggish, but his resolve was strong.
As he reached the edge of the river, he grasped the tall reeds and pulled himself onto solid ground. Water streamed from his clothes and hair as he stood. It was at that point he felt something missing. The sensation gnawed at him, a vague yet persistent awareness that something essential had been lost. He took stock of his surroundings and his condition.
No, it was not his life; he was still living and breathing, each breath steady and rhythmic in the calm of the morning air. He examined his limbs, flexing each one to confirm their functionality. His belongings were intact, his clothing clung to him, damp from the river, and his beam saber handle was still affixed to his belt, a reassuring weight at his side. His voice was unaffected for he recently rediscovered his ability to speak again, testing it with a series of murmurs and louder declarations that echoed softly in the stillness.
Yet, something fundamental was undeniably absent. He looked around, seeking answers in the unfamiliar landscape, but the clarity he sought eluded him. The realization dawned on him with a cold, sinking feeling.
It was his memory. No matter how hard he tried to recall, the details of this place, the circumstances that led him here, and the very essence of his identity were shrouded in an impenetrable fog. Panic began to creep in as he struggled to remember anything about his past or his mission.
"What is this place? How and why did I end up here?" He kept asking himself, his voice tinged with desperation as he walked further along the plains. His steps carried him into the nearby surrounding woods, the trees casting long shadows in the early light. The landscape offered no clues, each step only deepening his confusion.
"How come I can't remember anything at all? Who am I? Who am I!" He continued yelling subconsciously, his frustration mounting with each unanswered question. His voice rose in volume and intensity, echoing through the woods as everything around him became unfamiliar and did not make any sense to him at all.
"I must find answers." He resolved, his voice now a low, determined growl. "I must know who I am and what happened to me."
With renewed purpose, he continued deeper into the woods, hoping that somewhere, somehow, he would find the key to unlocking his lost memories.
Now wandering through the streets of Shibeibu Capital, Chi Feng found himself in an unfamiliar and bustling environment.
He had learned this city name from his new friend and companion, a man whose name he had not yet discovered or even asked about. Despite the chaos around him, he was singularly focused on finding any medicine shop or stall vendor selling medicinal oil for his friend's leg injuries.
Not wanting to attract any attention, he kept his eyes peeled for anything that might help him blend into the crowd. His gaze fell upon a straw hat discarded atop a nearby rubbish bin. Without hesitation, he grabbed it, quickly brushing off the dirt before placing it on his head. The hat's wide brim cast a shadow over his face, providing a measure of anonymity that he hoped would keep prying eyes at bay.
With his makeshift disguise in place, he continued his walk through Shibeibu Capital Square. It was his first time exploring the area on his own, and he was struck by the vibrant energy that pulsed through the heart of the city. As he moved through the crowd, he kept his head down, using the straw hat to shield his face. He was acutely aware of dark and red armoured guards stationed around the square, their red visor eyes scanning the crowd for any signs of trouble.
Determined and focused, his urgency grew with each step. As he continued his search, his mind stayed sharp, constantly evaluating his surroundings and planning his next move, hoping that he would find what he needed before it was too late.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I have not eaten for days. Can you please take pity on me and give me a small sum to buy food?"
The voice was weak and desperate, cutting through the noise of the bustling street. Hearing this, Chi Feng narrowed his gaze beneath the brim of his straw hat, searching for the source of the plea. His eyes settled on a bald man with shades covering his eyes, a clear sign of blindness. The man was dressed in worn grey robes, sitting with a wooden bowl stretched out in front of him. He was begging before a small pier bridge where a river branched away from the main town area.
Casting his sight over the river, he noticed a rundown boat close to the bridge. It looked neglected, but from his current vantage point, he could not be sure of its condition. It was a stark contrast to the lively town area, hinting at a part of the city that was perhaps forgotten or ignored. This scene made him realize that the place he was in was not just a town or city but also a boat quay. The presence of only one boat on the river puzzled him. It was unusual for a quay to be so sparsely populated with vessels, especially in a city as vibrant as Capital Square.
However, his immediate concern was the blind man before him. It was clear the man was in urgent need of help. Despite his pressing need to buy medicinal oil to treat his friend's injuries, he felt a pang of empathy. The man could be genuinely starving or a fraud trying to cheat passersby of their money.
Yet, he decided that the risk of not helping someone in genuine need outweighed the possibility of being deceived. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a small sum of money. As he approached the blind beggar, he felt the weight of his own conscience. Even in his own desperate situation, he could not ignore the suffering of another. Kneeling, he placed the coins into the man's wooden bowl, hoping that his act of kindness would bring some relief to the beggar's plight.
"Thank you, thank you!" The beggar expressed his gratitude upon hearing the coins clinking in his bowl. The relief in his voice was palpable.
He made his way to the medicine store, carefully selecting what seemed to be an appropriate and affordable medicine oil. He handed over the money to the owner and took the small vial, feeling a sense of accomplishment.
As he turned to leave, he heard a distressed voice cry out: "Please let me go! I mean you no harm and am just begging for money to buy food!"
Turning around, he saw the same beggar - he had just helped - being seized and dragged by two armoured guards. The sight angered him. Without hesitation, he accelerated his pace, and before the guards could react, he leapt before them, delivering a powerful roundhouse kick that sent them tumbling to the ground. But in the process of doing so, he dropped his straw hat, exposing his face.
"So you are Li Neng Yuan, who killed our Major and Law Enforcer Heigan!" One of the fallen guards recognized him from the ground before letting out a high-pitched whistle through his neck amplifier.
Within seconds, six more guards appeared, rushing in with their glowing crimson saber blades, ready to confront him. Not wanting to take any more lives and attract more attention, he decided to rely on his martial skills. With a series of precise punches and kicks, he quickly disarmed and incapacitated all six guards, leaving them sprawled on the ground. Terrified, they scrambled away, unwilling to face him again.
At this moment, the beggar approached him and asked: "Are you Li Neng Yuan?"
"Yes." He answered, though still unable to remember his true name at this time. He helped the blind beggar to his feet, grateful that his intervention had not resulted in unnecessary bloodshed.
"You better come with me. All the Shibeibu guards are after you for killing their major and law enforcement commander." The blind beggar said, tugging at his sleeve.
Together, they made their way to the pier and the rundown boat, hoping to find refuge and avoid further pursuit from the relentless guards.
Inside the boat, Chi Feng, his friend and the beggars could feel the boat groan and strain against the relentless pull of the grappling hooks.
The earlier sense of momentary reprieve vanished, replaced by a surge of panic and the realization that their window for escape was rapidly closing. His mind raced as he assessed their dire situation from behind entrance, the gravity of their predicament sinking in.
The watercraft riders, now only a short distance away, readied their weapons and prepared to board the boat. As the first three crafts approached, their riders fired their grapple hooks mounted turret guns into the boat hull while the other two simply circled and surrounded the boat. Then the riders leap aboard, their boots thudding heavily on the deck. The sound of metal against wood echoed ominously, a prelude to the imminent confrontation.
Chi Feng knew they had to act now or face capture. He exchanged a determined look with his companion, the beggar leader and his brothers, bracing themselves for what was to come. After contemplating their dire situation, he made up his mind. The decision weighed heavily on him, but he felt it was the only viable option before declaring: "Under these circumstances, it is best for me to surrender to them."
"No! How can you even think that?" His friend protested vehemently, supported by the nodding beggar brothers. "If you do, they will kill you on sight! Since I am the one they are after, let me go instead!"
He raised his arm, blocking his friend's path with a firm gesture and replied: "No! I am the one who killed their major and his men. So I should be the one to surrender."
Without waiting for further protests, he turned and walked out of the cabin. The tension was palpable as he stepped onto the deck, facing the commander and his marine guards who were now forcibly boarding the boat. The soldiers, clad in their dark, formidable armor, moved with purpose and aggression, their weapons at the ready. As the commander approached, he stood his ground, his expression calm and unyielding. The soldiers encircled him, their eyes cold and unforgiving.
Chi Feng knew the risk he was taking, but he was determined to face the consequences of his actions, hoping that by surrendering, he might somehow protect his friend and the beggar brothers from the wrath of Shibeibu forces.
"Are you Young Master Li Neng Yuan?" The commander asked, removing his helmet mask to reveal the face of a man with brown hair and a beard, clad in aqua blue and dark armor.
Still unable to recall his real name but persuaded to adopt that name by his new friend, Chi Feng confirmed, "Yes, I am. If you want to arrest me, go ahead but leave my friends alone."
The commander's expression softened as he held up his hand. "Young Master Li, I think you misunderstood our intentions. We are here to escort you to castle upon both the orders of Second Highness. But since you and your friends are offshore, this is our best way to approach you."
Chi Feng nodded with relief and apprehension. Turned to his friends, he assured them: "It's okay. I go with them."
With that said, he accompanied the commander and his soldiers, boarding one of the sleek watercrafts.
As the marine watercrafts approached the Shibeibu Castle, Chi Feng found himself heading towards what appeared to be a vast docking bay down under.
Even from afar, he could see a hive of activity with rows of parked sleek watercraft and ski bikes especially designed for both marine and naval battle and combat. While still in a distance away with the marine police commander and his squadron of four watercrafts, he could smell saltwater which seemed to be mixed with the faint aroma of engine oil, creating a unique scent that spoke of both the sea and the machinery that traversed it.
The bay itself was fortified with high stone walls and watchtowers, their imposing presence a clear reminder of the castle's strategic importance and its need for vigilant defense even underwater. Disembarking, he, along with the commander and his riders escorting him, was immediately greeted and saluted by other guards and maintenance crew.
Their armour and uniforms were immaculate, their movements synchronized and efficient. As they escorted him through the base, he took in the surroundings: arrays of other parked black and blue watercrafts and skie bikes, meticulously maintained pathways, and the rhythmic sound of waves lapping against the docks. The base was a seamless blend of historical reverence and modern functionality, a testament to the enduring strength of Shibeibu Castle.
They soon reached the royal elevators, grand structures made of polished brass and adorned with intricate carvings that depicted scenes from the kingdom's storied past. Along with the commander and guards escorting him, he stepped into the elevator, feeling a slight jolt as it began its ascent. The interior was luxurious, with walls lined in dark velvet and soft, ambient lighting from ornate fixtures.
The smooth vertical ride enabled him to collect his thoughts, aware that he was being taken to meet some of the most powerful figures in the realm. As the elevator doors opened, he was led into the main hallway. The sheer size and grandeur took his breath away. The floor was a magnificent mosaic of black marble and precious stones. Tall, arched windows allowed sunlight to flood the hall, casting a natural glow that highlighted the rich tapestries adorning the walls.
Walking further, he could not help being awed by the castle's architecture. The hallways were expansive, with high ceilings supported by ornately carved pillars. Every detail, from the elegant chandeliers to the finely crafted wooden doors, spoke of opulence and meticulous craftsmanship. The dark armoured guards escorting him moved in disciplined unison, their armor producing a soft, rhythmic clink with each step. The atmosphere was both majestic and imposing, underscoring the power and authority that resided within these ancient walls.
Finally, they arrived at the private chamber of King Monarch Zengis as the commander told him on the way. The massive doors swung open to reveal an opulent room filled with fine furniture and luxurious decor. The Shibeibu king sat in what looked like podium throne, exuding an aura of command and authority. Another commander was also present and standing, his expression a mix of curiosity and scrutiny.
As Chi Feng entered the chamber, he took a deep breath, preparing himself for the significant audience with the king and his trusted commander.
Upon seeing his face, General Tetsuban recognized him.
For he was Chi Feng, disciple of his arch-nemesis, Master Zhang Hui whom he encountered them both while in the Dai Dynasty, on a mission to find and bring back Second Highness Sumeijian at her father's orders.
The first was at the Dai Feng Food Paradise Inn, where Tetsuban had revealed part of his encounter to his men, Ankelan and Hongshimu. He had them test Chi Feng's martial arts skills, but Chi Feng deliberately allowed them to beat him in the presence of his pragmatic master.
The second was at the funeral of Li Teng Yuan, father of Li Neng Yuan. There, Tetsuban engaged in a mental duel with Master Zhang over the stability of the deceased's altar stand. Though Master Zhang won the duel, Tetsuban injured Neng Yuan, who tried to prevent him from forcibly taking Sumeijian back.
Speaking of Neng Yuan, Tetsuban knew exactly where he was. Upon being informed by Dai Grand Chancellor Premier Hu, he agreed to inform and convince Commander-In-Chief Haimingkan to secretly deploy his navy contingent to find and destroy the Living Oasis beneath Northeastern Haofeng province from under the sea. If his predictions were correct, Neng Yuan and all the Living Oasis females should have been dead by now.
To avoid antagonizing Second Highness and further perplexing King Monarch Zengis, he pretended to cooperate and allowed his men to search for someone as young and skilled as Neng Yuan to appease them. However, the unexpected murder of Law Enforcer Major Heigan now revealed Chi Feng to be the culprit. Despite knowing that the intelligent Second Highness Sumeijian would expose Chi Feng as impostor, he could not care less.
After all, he was here to serve King Monarch Zengis and not his willful daughter.
Before King Monarch Zengis, seated on his throne and podium, the Shibeibu marine police commander knelt and paid his respects, motioning for Chi Feng to do the same.
"Greetings, my King," He said while Chi Feng remained silent.
"You may both rise," The King obliged.
They both got to their feet.
"Well done, Inspector Lanjinghai, you may leave now." The King complimented and dismissed him.
"Thank you, my King." Inspector Lanjinghai made a formal bow before turning to leave. However, before exiting, he casted a disdainful look towards Chi Feng for not greeting the King even while on his knees.
After Lanjinghai's departure from the chamber, King Monarch Zengis turned to Chi Feng and asked, "Are you Young Master Li Neng Yuan?"
"Yes, I am." Chi Feng answered. At this point, he still could not remember his actual name. However, convinced by a recent friend to adopt the name from a handwritten note he could not recall the origin of, he decided it was the best course of action for now.
"Has my pampered daughter made things difficult for you?" The King asked again.
"Father! What bad things are you saying behind my back again?" A blond-haired woman - probably his daughter, dressed in dark robes with red tunic - suddenly appeared from behind the wall and her father's throne.
King Monarch Zengis began laughing but not his daughter. Upon looking at Chi Feng, her expression turned from joy to suspicion. Turning to the commander standing next to the King, she asked, "Where is Big Brother Yuan?"
At this moment, the King also appeared doubtful. Pointing his finger at Chi Feng while still looking at his daughter, he asked, "Isn't he the one you are looking for?"
Chi Feng was confused as well, not knowing what else to say. At this point, the King's daughter descended the steps from the throne podium and examined him, her doubt and suspicion growing as she circled him, her eyes narrowing with each step.
Suddenly, she dashed to the wall where various weapons hung from tapestries. With swift precision, she drew one of the swords - the one with red handle and a dark saw-like blade - leapt forth and quickly aimed it at his throat.
"Who are you?" The Shibeibu princess questioned him with a glare. "How dare you impersonate yourself as Li Neng Yuan?"
Angered by the accusation, Chi Feng could only respond: "How can you all be so unreasonable? You invited me here and now you accuse me of impersonating someone else?"
His words only infuriated the Highness further. She thrust the dark blade closer to his throat, almost drawing a thin line of blood and shouted: "At this point, you still dare to deny? From what I see and think, you obviously killed him before taking over his identity, right?"
"No, I didn't!" Chi Feng exclaimed. "My name is Li Neng Yuan. If you don't believe me, you can look at this handwritten note. Besides, why would I kill someone and take over his identity?"
He drew a piece of paper from his pocket, extending it towards her. But the princess ignored it and continued to threaten him as she pressed the blade almost to the point of silting his throat: "You are lying! Either you tell me the truth, or I execute you on the spot!"
"Since you don't believe me or even look at my note, you might as well kill me!" Chi Feng declared defiantly.
"Please hold on!" The commander beside the king suddenly halted the scene. Running down the podium stairs, he approached Chi Feng with a shocked look and exclaimed with his eyes wide open: "Nezhi! It indeed is you!"
Casting aside the blade from the still doubtful and enraged Highness, he gripped Chi Feng's shoulders tightly and continued: "After searching for many years, I have finally found you! Don't you recognize me? I am your uncle!"
"You are my uncle? Do I know you?" It was Chi Feng's turn to narrow his gaze at the commander, whom he did not recall meeting before now. "Do I have an uncle?"
"Nezhi, you may not recognize me, but I do! The last time we met, you were just a boy! During the war against our Dai enemies, we got separated, but I never gave up hope of finding you!" The commander proclaimed with a look of relief and delight. "Your parents died, and I am the only legal guardian entrusted to look after you. Seeing you now, alive and well, makes me so happy!"
Immediately, the commander embraced Chi Feng tightly and began to cry.
"Father, why didn't you tell me that he is General Tetsuban's long-lost nephew instead of Li Neng Yuan?" The Shibeibu princess turned back to her father king, visibly upset.
"You are really my uncle? How come I can't remember?" Chi Feng asked again, bewildered and confused even more.
Pulling away from Chi Feng and seemingly wiping away his tears, he said: "Of course you can't! That's because you were just a child. Now that we are reunited, I will never leave you again. Guards!"
At this moment, two black and red armoured guards entered the room and asked, "Yes, General?"
"He's my long-lost nephew. Get him a room to rest!" he commanded.
"As you ordered, General!" They obliged, bowing slightly before turning to Chi Feng.
Turning back to Chi Feng, the commander said, "You must be very tired and disoriented after being out in the wilderness for so long. I want you to rest and recover first. When you recover, I explain everything to you."
Still confused and unable to comprehend what he saw and heard so far, Chi Feng could only nod. He followed the guards, who gently but firmly escorted him out of the King's private chamber, leading him down the grand hallways of Shibeibu Castle to a room prepared for his rest.
With just General Tetsuban remaining in the chamber, King Monarch Zengis turned to him and asked, "Tetsuban, what's going on? I don't recall you having any nephew!"
His aide laughed before answering, "Yes, it's true I don't. In fact, I have a good reason for reacting that way just now."
"Oh really? Why?" The King asked, curious.
"The fact that he defeated Law Enforcer Major Heigan and his men, as well as my own men, with ease back in Dai Capital while looking for your daughter, spoke volumes about his fighting skills. His real name is Chi Feng. He is the disciple of Master Zhang Hui, one of the Dai Academy instructors whom I crossed paths with.
Now that his master is dead and he has lost his memory, I intend to make good use of him by grooming him first and then turning him into our valuable ally and weapon against Dai Dynasty." Tetsuban explained.
With that said, he and King Monarch Zengis laughed.
After his meeting with the King, General Tetsuban exited the royal chamber, his mind focused on the task ahead.
He navigated through the intricately decorated corridors of the castle, each step echoing off the polished marble floors. His expression was stern and contemplative as he approached the chamber where Chi Feng was resting. The castle maidens, recognizing his authority and urgency, quickly stepped aside to allow him passage. He finally arrived at a large, ornately carved metal door guarded by two armoured sentinels. With a curt nod, the guards stepped aside and opened the door, revealing the dimly lit room beyond.
Inside, Chi Feng lay on a plush bed, his features relaxed in sleep. The room was modest yet comfortable, with heavy drapes drawn to block out the afternoon sun and a few pieces of elegantly simple furniture arranged neatly. A faint scent of medicinal herbs lingered in the air, indicating that healers had attended to Chi Feng's needs.
Satisfied that he was now in a deep and restful sleep, Tetsuban rose from the chair and quietly exited the room, careful not to disturb the slumbering young man. He stepped out into the small, serene garden just outside the chamber, a tranquil space designed for contemplation and relaxation. The garden was a picturesque haven, with meticulously pruned shrubs, blooming flowers of various hues, and a small koi pond that reflected the delicate branches of cherry blossom trees swaying gently in the breeze.
He paused for a moment, breathing in the fresh, fragrant air. His mind, however, was far from serene. He needed to devise a strategy to transform Chi Feng into a loyal subordinate, an asset in his broader schemes. His sharp eyes scanned the peaceful surroundings as he walked along the stone path winding through the garden, his thoughts racing.
He considered Chi Feng's potential, and the steps required to mold him into a formidable ally. Training, indoctrination, and perhaps subtle manipulation would be necessary. As he pondered these thoughts, he reached a secluded corner of the garden, where a small intricately carved bench awaited. Sitting down, he began to mentally outline his plan, weighing the advantages and potential pitfalls of each move. Lost in his thoughts, he did not immediately notice one of his men coming to him until he heard his voice.
"General Tetsuban." He said, clasping his hands and bowed formally.
Tetsuban looked up, his piercing gaze meeting Ankelan's and said: "Speak."
"Our reconnaissance party discovered a red and white Dai Gladiator stranded in the southern Guanghuamo River. We have now retrieved it with our Gerwalkers and placed it in the Hangar Bay." Ankelan reported.
"Excellent!" General Tetsuban complimented with joy. "See to it being well-maintained along with the rest of our mecha."
Ankelan continued, "Another thing is that the servants noticed a scar on his left leg while bathing and changing him into new clothes. It looks to be inflicted by a blade."
"Is that all you have for me?" Tetsuban asked, his attention momentarily shifting to the ripples in the fishpond.
"Also, just a while ago, he kept crying out the name Er Fen in his sleep." Ankelan added, his tone indicating the significance of this detail.
"Er Fen?" Tetsuban felt confused and turned back to Ankelan, asking: "Who is she and what is his relationship with her?"
"I have no idea," Ankelan admitted, shaking his head.
"Er Fen?" Tetsuban repeated, the name rolling over his tongue as he pondered its significance. "Er Feng…Nezhi."
As he mulled over the names, a sudden realization dawned on him, and a smile slowly spread across his face. The connection between Er Fen and Chi Feng, or perhaps Nezhi, could be a crucial piece of the puzzle in turning Chi Feng into a loyal subordinate. This update opened new avenues for manipulation and control.
With a new plan formulating in his mind, he dismissed Ankelan with a nod, his thoughts already leaping ahead to how he could use this newfound knowledge to his advantage.
Two days later, Chi Feng found himself in the heart of the Shibeibu Institute Of Combat's forest facility.
Instead of his white clothing, he now wore black attire paired with dark crimson tunic given to him by his uncle as new outfit to replace his old.
The dense forest of Xiake province, with its towering trees and vibrant red leaves, created a striking contrast against the perpetually dark skies. The crimson clouds swirled above, casting an eerie, yet beautiful, glow over the landscape. The air was cool and crisp, filled with the subtle rustle of leaves and the distant call of nocturnal creatures, all adding to the mystical aura of this secluded training ground.
He moved through the forest floor, which was blanketed in a thick layer of red leaves that crunched softly beneath his feet. His blue beam saber blade hummed with a radiant energy as he practiced the intricate forms of Zhang Feng Jian Fa swordplay. Despite his memory loss, his reflexes remained razor-sharp, his body instinctively performing the complex maneuvers as if they were second nature.
The training was intense, with him pushing himself to his physical limits. He leapt and spun, his blade cutting through the air in a series of dazzling arcs. His movements were a harmonious blend of speed, agility, and strength, each form flowing seamlessly into the next. It was clear that the essence of his martial arts skills was deeply embedded within him, undiminished by his amnesia. This innate proficiency in combat was a testament to the years of rigorous training he had undergone, now manifesting as an unshakeable part of his identity.
As he continued his training, the forest seemed to come alive with his energy. The red leaves fluttered and swirled around him, caught in the wake of his movements. The dark skies above deepened in hue, as if mirroring the intensity of his practice.
Chi Feng felt a sense of clarity and purpose in his swordplay, a connection to the warrior he once was, despite the gaps in his memory.
General Tetsuban watched from a concealed vantage point, hidden among the thick foliage.
He observed his new apprentice with a keen eye, noting his exceptional skill and unwavering dedication. He was thoroughly impressed by how effortlessly he wielded his blue beam saber, his mastery of what his nemesis taught him evident in every strike and block. It was remarkable to see such talent even in his current condition. He was convinced that, with his guidance and motivation, his apprentice could become an unstoppable force within the Shibeibu ranks.
Having seen enough, Tetsuban decided it was time to approach and share more with his young protégé. Clapping his hands, he stepped forward, a broad smile on his face as he complimented his outstanding swordplay exhibition.
"Impressive. Very impressive!" Tetsuban laughed heartily, continuing to approach and praise him. "Your sword fighting skills have improved by leaps and bounds. As your uncle, I am proud of you as my nephew."
"Are you referring to me?" Chi Feng asked, still looking confused while he stopped practising and put down his beam saber.
"Of course I am referring to you! There are only two of us here now, and I have booked the entire facility just for you." Tetsuban replied with a reassuring smile.
"Am I… really… your nephew and are you… my uncle?" Chi Feng asked again, his brow furrowed as he struggled to comprehend the situation. "But how… come the more I think, the more I still can't remember?"
Tetsuban shook his head, deciding to adopt an empathetic demeanour as best he could and said softly: "I can't blame you for not remembering. As I told you the day before, you were still a little boy and how can you remember everything? Your parents loved you and died, trying to protect you from our Dai enemies. I was entrusted to look after you. But fate was cruel, and during the war, we got separated. I have been searching for you since. Now, fate has been kind enough to reunite us as uncle and nephew."
Then, folding up his right sleeve, he revealed his arm tattoo of a red-winged dragon within a ring - the Shibeibu Empire insignia and asked: "I have this tattoo on my right arm. Do you have that too?"
Chi Feng did likewise and to his surprise, he saw the same red dragon with outstretched wings encircled by the red ring emblem on his right arm.
Problem was seeing that only made him even more confused as he could not recall when he had his right arm tattooed and by who.
"Besides us, your parents had the same tattoo on their arms." The Shibeibu commander related. "This is not our birth but national mark as people of Shibeibu Empire."
"But I don't recall having my arm or any part of my body tattooed at all." Chi Feng looked bewildered as he said those.
Seeing no point in wasting any more time jogging his protégé's memory, General Tetsuban decided to switch to another topic.
Taking the beam saber handle from his protégé, Tetsuban pretended to admire the shimmering blue blade, saying: "Your swordsmanship is outstanding. But with this, you will be lethal."
He deactivated the blue blade and withdrew another saber handle from his wrist belt before calling his protégé by another name: "Er Feng!"
The young man, still looking perplexed, turned to him: "Er Feng? Why did you suddenly call me Er Feng? Didn't you say my name is Nezhi the other day?"
"Yes, Nezhi is your original name and will always be, as it was given by your parents. But to protect you and hope that one day you can avenge your parents, I decided to rename you Er Feng, which happens to be a Dai name. Still whether Nezhi or Er Feng, does it make any difference? In the end, you are still my nephew, and I am still your uncle. And I am the only one left to look after and train you."
Activating the red glowing plasma blade from his own saber handle, he presented it to his protégé and continued, "Nezhi, from now on, I want you to practice and use this Honglong Mojian beam saber. With your skill and this weapon combined, you will not just be among the most formidable but the deadliest of all warriors in the Yuexin System.
Your parents were brutally killed by Dai Dynasty soldiers. I want you to remember this and use this weapon to avenge them. Now that we are both relatives, everyone around you here - including our King Monarch Zengis - are your family and friends.
On the contrary, all Dais - soldiers and civilians alike - are our enemies. When you see them, whether on the battlefield or anywhere else, think of your parents and reclaim justice for them and our people."
Upon saying those words, he thrusted the saber handle into his protégé's right hand firmly, ensuring that the weight of his words and the significance of the weapon were fully understood.
"I understand you may not comprehend or even believe all that I have just told you, but it is true. You also have an inflicted wound from Dai soldiers on your left leg from when you were trying to escape. If you don't believe me, you can see for yourself."
Putting aside the glowing red saber, Chi Feng sat down and unfolded his left pant leg. Upon doing so, he indeed found a scar on his lower left leg.
"Your parents did their best to buy you time to escape by distracting the Dai soldiers, only to sacrifice their lives. Because of this, I want you to remember and avenge them. With my gift, you will not only bring justice for them but also for our Empire."
Kneeling, Tetsuban took his Honglong Mojian or Red Dragon Demon beam saber and again thrust the handle into Chi Feng's hands. "As your uncle and teacher, this will be my only yet most meaningful gift for you. For neglecting you for so long since you went missing, I will now look after you and train you to be even better than me and my men. But if you still don't acknowledge me, I will regret it for the rest of my life."
"No, this is not your fault! This is the fault of the Dai soldiers." His young protégé said. "For my parents and you, I will now do everything you said."
Hearing that, General Tetsuban nodded and smiled, feeling the satisfaction of his plan starting to take root. This was just the beginning of their relationship and training.
Following that, he trained Chi Feng in marksmanship with all military firearms and in piloting the red and white Dai Gladiator MK-II within the Shibeibu Institute Of Combat's Firing Range Hall and Hangar Bay. At the beginning and end of every training session, he reminded Chi Feng to repeat after him:
That everyone around them, including King Monarch Zengis, were now his family and friends, while the Dais - soldiers and civilians alike - were now his sworn enemies and deserved to be dealt with accordingly due to his parents' tragedy and according to Shibeibu culture. Each repetition of these words solidified Chi Feng's resolve and loyalty, aligning him further with Tetsuban's cause and Shibeibu Empire.
"Nezhi? Er Feng?"
Chi Feng muttered to himself, his thoughts swirling in confusion as he examined the flickering candles on the stand on the circular table near his bed. Both names echoed in his mind, and despite his alleged uncle's explanations, he could not piece together the puzzle of his identity. For he now had two different names, yet neither felt familiar to him.
His mind remained a blank slate regarding his past and how he ended up in Shibeibu Empire castle. His only memories were of recent events, coupled with the instincts, martial arts reflexes, and swordsmanship skills that seemed ingrained in him. These skills were second nature, yet they provided no clues to his origins.
As he grappled with his fragmented thoughts, the faint sounds of a disturbance reached his ears from outside his chamber door. Curiosity and a sense of foreboding compelled him to investigate. Opening the door, he was shocked to find both sentry guards lying unconscious on the ground. His eyes widened as he took in the scene, and then a masked figure standing right before him, emanating a sense of urgency and purpose.
"Chi Feng! It's me, Li Neng Yuan! I am here to get you out!" The masked assassin spoke suddenly, removing his mask to reveal the face of a blue raven-haired young man. The familiarity of that face struck him, yet the confusion on his mind only deepened.
For a moment, he stared in disbelief, the name Li Neng Yuan ringing a distant bell in his clouded memory. He struggled to process the situation, the unexpected appearance of an ally from a past he could not fully recall. However, what lay before him now was an undeniable reality. The two sentry guards - who were supposed to protect him - were now lying unconscious at his feet and -an assassin standing right before him.
The gravity of the situation was clear. He had to defend himself against this unexpected threat. Without hesitation, his instincts took over. He reached for and withdrew his beam saber handle from his wrist belt, With a practiced motion, he activated his Honglong Mojian given by his general uncle.
The room illuminated and seemed to pulsate with the red blade, casting ominous shadows on the walls. For the assassin's presence triggered a deeply ingrained response within him Despite his fragmented memories, his training and combat reflexes were as sharp as ever.
"I don't know you! All I can remember is you trying to assassinate my King and his men!" Chi Feng roared with primal rage before launching his attack.
"Nezhi? Er Feng? Chi Feng?"
The name Chi Feng now became the third name Chi Feng began to wander in mind and become even more confused now with three instead of two names lingering in his mind.
He tried to make sense of these names, but the more he thought about them, the more confused he became. The name Chi Feng, now introduced by the masked intruder claiming to be a friend, added another layer to his bewilderment.
As he stood there, trying to piece together the fragments of his memory, he still could not recall anything about his past or origin before ending up in Shibeibu Empire and now castle. The fog in his mind was impenetrable, and despite his best efforts, he could not dredge up any details about his life before arriving here. The only thing that felt real and tangible were the recent events and the instincts that had guided him through countless battles.
Meanwhile, the guards began to pursue the assassin who had claimed to be his friend. The sounds of their hurried footsteps echoed through the hallways, blending with the shouts and commands of their superior officers. He watched them go, feeling a mixture of frustration and helplessness. He wanted to understand who he was and why this stranger seemed to know him so well, but the answers eluded him.
As the chaos unfolded around him, he remained rooted to the spot, his mind a whirlwind of confusion. The names Nezhi, Er Feng, and now Chi Feng swirled together, creating a tangled web of identity that he could not untangle.
He knew he needed to focus, to regain his composure and fulfil his duties, but the uncertainty gnawed at him, making it difficult to concentrate. With a deep breath, he pushed the thoughts aside, determined to protect his King and the Shibeibu Empire. But as he turned to join the pursuit of the intruder, a nagging doubt lingered in the back of his mind.
What if the assassin was telling the truth? What if there was more to his past than he could remember? The questions remained unanswered, casting a shadow over his every move.