Beijing, China.
In the heart of Beijing, within the grounds of a martial arts school, a vast training area hosted practitioners involved in various forms of martial arts. Masters guided their groups, teaching with wooden swords, daggers, and fists. Amid the lively training, some participants sat in quiet meditation, seeking a balance between physical strength and inner calm.
Adjacent to this lively scene stood an ancient Chinese structure, its aged walls steeped in tradition. A man, appearing to be in his mid-thirties, wore a solemn expression as he lingered outside a room. Patiently, he waited for someone important to emerge. Moments later, an elderly man stepped out, and the concerned individual approached him with furrowed brows.
"How's the master doing now?" he asked, his face reflecting genuine concern.
"Sigh... He doesn't have much time left," the old man responded with a heavy sigh.
Upon hearing this disheartening news, the concerned man hurriedly entered the room. Inside, he approached a bed where a man lay, his face pale and his eyes closed as if in deep slumber. The man on the bed, aged around 45, had long black hair cascading to his shoulders, with streaks of white due to age, and a face adorned with wrinkles. Medical experts would quickly identify signs of poisoning, evident in the dark purple hue of his lips.
"Master, are you awake?" The man asked, his voice a mix of sadness and deep respect, tears welling in his eyes.
"Little Hua, don't be sad. I've lived long enough," the man in the bed replied with a weak voice, his half-open eyes revealing a weary gaze.
'Thud'
"No... please, Master, don't leave me alone. You are my only family," Hua pleaded, sinking to his knees as tears streamed down his face.
"Stop crying like little children. If you wish to bear the responsibility for this martial arts school and safeguard the future of those who rely on us, those who have placed their trust in our protection against the unjust, you must find strength within yourself. Be strong for both your sake and theirs," the master advised, his tone firm and resolute even in the face of his impending departure.
"You have a large family, have you forgotten what I taught you?"
"Sorry, Master. I didn't forget. I spoke out of emotion, thinking about your imminent departure," Hua replied, now standing and addressing his master with the utmost respect.
"You must shoulder all the responsibilities of this school, the disciples, and extend your care to the weak, poor, and kind people beyond these walls. Remember to continue honing your martial arts skills diligently. The library holds all my martial arts records; make good use of them," the master conveyed, his words carrying the weight of imparting his legacy to his devoted disciple.
For the next 15 minutes, he shared every insight, wisdom, and instruction he deemed crucial for Hua's future leadership. Once the discourse concluded, he urged Hua to go forth.
"Now, go and check on the other elders and disciples," he directed.
"Understood, Master," Hua responded respectfully, taking his leave from the room.
As Hua exited, the master closed his eyes, appearing to slip into slumber. However, a few tears betrayed the facade. He wasn't merely resting; his mind was actively engaged, reflecting on his life as the final moments approached.
In the quiet of that room, a vivid montage of old memories cascaded through his consciousness, each recollection playing out like a poignant scene from the film of his life.
Amidst the echoes of his past, the master's mind danced through the chapters of his life.
"I didn't accept your marriage with that girl from a poor family. Our family is in the top 3 richest families in Beijing, and you are my son and the next head of the 'Dai' family. If you want to be the next head of the family, you have to leave this poor girl and marry the 'Su' family's daughter," a stern and uncompromising voice replayed in his recollections.
Contrastingly, another memory emerged, painted with simplicity and love, as he recalled a conversation with his beloved.
"We live a simple life together. I love you more than anything in this world. We don't need your family's money. We both do some jobs and live a simple and happy life on our own."
Then, a moment of shared joy filled his thoughts.
"I'm so happy today; I'll become a father soon."
But joy turned to tragedy, and the painful cry for help echoed in his mind.
"NO NO… SOMEBODY HELP… HELP!"
As the memories unfolded, he remembered a tender exchange.
"Shi Rong, give them; I'll buy a new one for you."
And in the face of loss, a poignant farewell.
"Don't cry... I'm happy that I'm dying in your embrace, and don't forget... I'm in your heart... always."
The final recollection spoke of revenge and closure.
"Shi Rong, I got your revenge. Rest in peace, my love."
Each memory etched a different expression on his face, sadness, happiness, anger, relief, and finally, regret. As the scenes of his life played out in his mind, the master confronted the myriad emotions that defined his journey.
"Sigh... I wasted all my hard work because of that poison," he ruminated, lying on his bed during the waning moments of his life.
Regret weighed heavily on him, particularly for not detecting and defending against the sneak attack from the sniper during his last battle. The missed opportunity haunted his final thoughts.
With a regretful expression, he summoned the strength to open his eyes one last time. Casting a gaze around the room, he absorbed the familiar surroundings. Closing his eyes once more, he drew a final, long breath, and as it escaped, his soul departed, marking the end of his earthly journey. In that quiet room, the master's spirit found its release, leaving behind the memories of a life shaped by martial arts, love, and the weight of choices made and unmade.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
His past story, in short:
Dai Tao, once part of a wealthy family, chose love over affluence when he left his privileged life to be with Shi Rong, a girl from a humble background. Their decision led to a blissfully simple life, filled with love and contentment.
After a year of marriage, Shi Rong's pregnancy brought even more joy to their modest home, and Dai Tao couldn't contain his happiness at the prospect of becoming a father.
However, the tranquility of their daily routine was shattered when, on their way home from work, they encountered a group of thugs brandishing knives. Threatened and fearing for their safety, Dai Tao and Shi Rong found themselves in a perilous situation, forced to confront the harsh realities that life had unexpectedly thrown their way.
Faced with a dire situation, Dai Tao, prioritizing Shi Rong's safety, complied with the thugs' demands, relinquishing all their belongings. However, the situation took a more distressing turn when the assailants targeted the ring adorning Shi Rong's hand, a symbol of their love and commitment.
Shi Rong clutched the precious token, refusing to part with it, sparking the anger of the thugs. Dai Tao, lacking any martial arts skills, bravely stepped in to shield his wife from harm. However, his lack of combat experience left him vulnerable, and two of the thugs turned their aggression towards him, delivering a brutal beating.
The clash unfolded in a chaotic dance of violence, leaving Dai Tao battered and bruised as he valiantly defended the love and life he shared with Shi Rong against the ruthless attackers.
After the brutal attack, the thugs heartlessly snatched the ring from Shi Rong's hand and quickly fled, leaving behind a heartbroken Dai Tao and his seriously injured wife. Dai Tao, crawling towards Shi Rong, who lay bleeding on the road with tears streaming down his face, tried desperately to tend to her wounds. His attempts to lift her, however, were hindered by his weakened state.
Frantically, Dai Tao called out for help, but the desolate street offered no saviors. Minutes passed, each one agonizingly ticking by, and in his arms, Shi Rong succumbed to her injuries. Dai Tao's tears continued to flow, marking the painful farewell to the love of his life.
Months passed, and Dai Tao's mind gradually found stability, but a burning desire for justice smoldered within him. Fueled by grief and the need for vengeance, he set out on a journey to learn martial arts and avenge Shi Rong's tragic death at the hands of heartless thugs. After meticulous research, he discovered a martial arts school that would become the crucible for his quest for justice and redemption.
In a remarkable display of dedication, Dai Tao accelerated his martial arts learning, achieving in three years what typically took others six to eight. His mastery earned him the esteemed position of a disciple under the school's head, a testament to his exceptional skills.
The martial arts school Dai Tao chose was unconventional, welcoming individuals from vulnerable backgrounds and offering three distinct martial arts disciplines tailored to each disciple's aptitude and learning capacity.
During those three years, Dai Tao not only honed his skills but also executed his revenge, closing the chapter on the tragic events that had shattered his life.
Taking a brief respite from the school to recuperate, fate intervened. Witnessing a familiar scene of thugs threatening an innocent couple, Dai Tao didn't hesitate. He sprang into action, swiftly dispatching the assailants and saving the endangered pair.
For a month after the incident, Dai Tao patrolled the streets, vigilant and ready to intervene, becoming a guardian against wrongdoing. With a swift, punishing hand, he meted out justice, breaking the limbs of those who aimed to harm the innocent, ensuring they would never repeat their malevolent deeds. In his quest to bring peace to the world, Dai Tao became a silent guardian, standing against the darkness that threatened the lives of the vulnerable.
Dai Tao's journey continued as he returned to the martial arts school, sharing his experiences with his master. Impressed by his dedication and sense of justice, his master applauded him. Intrigued by other martial arts disciplines, Dai Tao delved into two more styles, completing his training after a total of eight years and mastering three distinct forms.
Building on his expertise, Dai Tao, with his master's support, formed a team of elite martial arts experts. This team took on various roles, including recruiting new talent, patrolling the streets to prevent crime, investigating and solving criminal activities, and aiding law enforcement with their unique skills. The collaboration gained support from the police department, solidifying their role as a force for justice.
Upon his master's passing, Dai Tao assumed leadership of the school, dedicating himself tirelessly to its mission. Haunted by the memories of his wife and unborn child, he worked to prevent others from enduring a similar fate.
In the relentless pursuit of justice, Dai Tao confronted a formidable challenge—an intense battle against a gang leader involved in the heinous crime of human trafficking. However, the pursuit took a perilous turn when Dai Tao faced a sniper's ambush. Despite the sneak attack and a bullet lodged in his back, his indomitable spirit prevailed. With the assistance of his elite team, Dai Tao emerged victorious, marking another chapter in his unwavering quest for justice and a safer world.
Yet a new threat emerged as poison took hold of Dai Tao's body. The elders of the school rallied to find an antidote, driven by a sense of urgency. Exhaustive efforts revealed the grim truth that the poison, identified as 'Pnalax poison,' had no known antidote. This slow-killing venom, a concoction of various lethal toxins, lasted only two to three months before claiming its victim.
Desperate to defy his impending fate, Dai Tao mobilized every connection at his disposal, delving into the depths of information about poisons and antidotes. Tirelessly, he combed through countless descriptions and recipes, seeking a solution to neutralize the insidious Pnalax poison coursing through his veins. Despite his relentless pursuit of knowledge, the cruel truth loomed large, there was no escape from the impending, inevitable demise.
As Dai Tao faced the inevitable, he grappled with the harsh reality that his journey, marked by revenge and justice, would conclude with an inescapable and untimely end. The once-indomitable warrior, who had overcome numerous challenges, now found himself at the mercy of a poison that defied even the most determined efforts to counteract its deadly effects.