[Tai Lungs's POV]
"So, you finally came back." Shifu said with his eyes closed and his back facing me.
He was sitting in a meditative position on top of a single rock while the surroundings were covered with a shallow puddle of water. There was a dragon-shaped statue on the roof of the cave which was covered in a thin layer of green algae.
The constant crashing of waterfalls brought a sense of comfort and the sound was oddly pleasing to the ears.
This was the Dragon Grotto, a large cavern located at the top of a waterfall beside the Jade Palace. Oogway often used it as a place to meditate and now it was used by Shifu.
"Yes. But not for long." I said.
The day after tomorrow, we were going to set out for our battle and I thought I should meet my father one last time before heading to battle. Although I was confident in my abilities, anything could happen in a war.
"How did the journey treat you, my son?" Shifu asked me as he stayed in his place.
I cracked a smile at his question, "It was far from the journey I expected. It was short and eventful, but it was also eye-opening."
"Is it now?" Shifu said, I could feel the smile in his voice, "I heard you were quite rough with your old acquaintances."
"Can't say I didn't warn them."
Shifu chuckled for a short while before he stood up and turned to me. His eyes looked at me with the love of a father and his serene smile put me at ease.
"I am sure you did." He said and walked towards me. He used Hing Kung and his chi to walk on top of the water as he came by my side.
"So.." He drawled and gestured with his hands to follow me. "...I heard you became the Supreme General for Lord Shen and his army."
I followed him as we walked towards the edge of the cavern and we stood there to gaze at the beauty of the green valley below.
"I did." I said and shook my head, "Although I did not see it coming either, Shen really has a way with words to convince me."
Shifu laughs, "Yes, I do remember little Shen to be quite the orator while also being charismatic. His father was always so proud and we would have a friendly competition on who has the more accomplished son."
I smiled at that and recalled the past. The past when things were so much simpler and easier.
"So, a war that will be the end of all wars huh." Shifu asked me, "Tell me, son, how much of that is true?"
I stayed silent for a few seconds before I opened my mouth to answer, "All of it is true and more."
Although it was only a part of my plan, my desire to unite China and get it under one rule was very real. The greater good might not be my first priority but it was definitely one of the reasons why I am doing this.
"More?" Shifu raised an eyebrow.
"Yes. Like I said before, I have had an eye-opening experience." I said and paused, "I think I know where I will be going from now on. I have found my own path."
Shifu turned towards me and the most heartfelt smile appeared on his face, "I am proud of you son. I wish you luck in whatever you are trying to achieve. After all, it is a dream that came from your own heart and not inspired by the selfish wish of some red panda."
I was thrown in for a loop as I got lost in his smile. I felt a tightness in my heart and there was no longer a doubt or hesitation in my heart.
I was afraid of how Shifu would react towards what I was planning and my goal to unify China but in the end, I was only met with a father who was happy to see his son chase after his ambition.
"And I am glad that you are putting an end to this whole thing and give a much-needed conclusion for China. I know you have the power and in my opinion, it is a good thing." Shifu said.
"If it must happen, I am happy knowing you will do it."
My lips thinned as I took in his words, " I'm afraid the reason behind it comes not from a righteous heart nor good intention. Although you can deduce that by now with how I am working with Shen."
Shifu chuckled, "Does it matter? Sometimes, we do the right things for the wrong reasons and the wrong things for the right reasons."
"And there is nothing wrong with Shen. You know, he was the only one that was banished from Gongmen city and the wolves and the Gorillas follow him by their own free will. Even though they knew Shen would not be able to reward them nor bring them glory, they decided to follow and serve him with their life. That should at least tell you that he is more than just a cruel ruler." Shifu said.
"I suppose that is one way you look at it."
"As long as you follow the Codes of War, you will have my blessing in your conquest." Shfiu said and waited for my reply.
"The Codes of War will be respected," I said with a nod.
The Codes of War was something made by Oogway a long time ago and date back as far as a thousand years. It was a list of codes Oogway had carefully created after he learned that conflict and wars were a part of nature.
Death was what gave meaning to life.
The Codes of War were signed by the Five Dynasties which were the direct forebearers of the Ten Kingdoms.
The Codes of War were exactly like the name suggests, something which should be respected in war times. This was not new as even in my past life, something similar had always existed in history.
Some of the codes include showing mercy when either side surrenders to the victor, planting trees on the battleground one year after it took place, sparing the soldiers that surrender, and not doing things like not involving civilians in the war, not poisoning or messing with food sources of other kingdoms, not forcing your own citizens into war-related matters, the prohibition of more than half of the kingdom to participate in one war etc.
It was basically a list of codes that should be respected during wars. They were what brought a sense of order into a chaotic event such as war.
And all the kingdoms respected it most of the time as they did not want those things to happen to them even if it meant not being able to do it to others.
"You know, speaking about the Codes of war, I remember there was a time Oogway used to be a war general as well. He had seen first-hand how bloody a war without order could get and it was what motivated him to create it in the first place."
I hummed in acknowledgement and Shifu and I shared each other company for a few hours, Sometimes we talked about the students, we talked about the past and most of the time, we just enjoyed the peace and the silence.
But as the sun got closer to sinking into the horizon, I knew my time with my father was up.
"I will be going now." I said.
"Of course, we can't let the Supreme General be absent for long," Shifu said.
I walked away from the place and right as I was about to use Flashsteps to fly, I heard Shifu's voice.
"Stay safe son."
"And if you ever need any help, know that I will always be here." Shifu said and I turned back to look at him with wide eyes.
How could I not? The Jade Palace had been a neutral party for as long as it had existed. But what he just said defied the very foundation of the Jade Palace.
He was basically telling me that if I ever needed help, no matter who was after me, he will be there to shelter and help me.
He was the master of the Jade Palace. He had a heavy responsibility and duty on his shoulders. But a father's love triumphs over that.
I let out a genuine hearty laugh and cracked a smile, "Love has made you soft, father."
Then I shot towards the sky and by propelling myself everytime I was about to fall, I flew towards Gongment City and covered the distance which would've taken five days to cover in five hours.
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[WHOLESOME IMAGE]
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Author : Next chapter will be out after a few hours.