Chapter 23: The Northern Frontier

General Summary

Escaping the jungle surrounding the Gate, Luanshi arrived at the great plains of the Northern Frontier. With flatlands and grass as far as the eye can see, this relatively unremarkable region is home to a single settlement, also home to people who have as little to do with the rest of society as medianly possible.
Luanshi's first order of business on arrival was to get himself some sustenance, homing in on the local teashop for a drink and meal.
His second order of business was to go to a fortune teller to get his future read out. The fortunes predicted:

• A fortune to be found within the woods.
• A long lost twin to be met, accompanied by a revelation.
• A cycle of vengeance coming to haunt his life.

With his fates looking as grim as ever, Luanshi continued upstream to find the waterfall and the hermit living atop it.
He succesfully delivered his package to the scarred hermit: a drinking gourd containing particularly expensive liquor. Leaving the Hermit behind, the place would soon become host to a battle to settle the matter of the Acting Guardian's death. The Hermit stands accused for that crime, and defended his innocence by slaying his assailant in cold blood, taking his belongings in the process.
Luanshi was able to make his way back home, pondering the striking likeness of the hermit to the recently deceased General, though the identity didn't seem to fit the evidence at hand. Though he didn't have long to ponder before the Gate on the horizon began to light up. Aiming to find the fortune he was promised, he sprinted off to witness the opening first hand. He encountered Master Zu Mi, the scholar foretold to be studying a gate years ago.
From the Gate would step the likely new Guardian.

Report Date

25 Apr 2021