The setting sun painted the sky in brilliant oranges and purples as Jin carefully lifted Tian Bao's unconscious form. Without a word, he departed from the ruins of White Crane Pavilion, carrying his burden toward the imperial city.
Inside the mountain cave, Tian Hong's weathered face reflected the dying light. His audience - Mei Lan, Mei Ling, Tian Wei, and Tian Shi - listened intently as he revealed the truth of his seclusion.
"After Tian Bao vanished, I came here." His voice carried the weight of years of solitude. "This cave overlooks what remains of our home. I thought meditation would bring peace to my troubled heart."
The white crane perched beside him, now barely larger than a common bird. Its ethereal presence seemed to comfort the old master as he continued.
