The Warrior's Ambition

Yo, why aren't you with Mi Fu this time?

I thought you'd backed out. Most people would've. Everyone knows if Grand Master makes a move, it's either death or a crippling injury.

Tch. Just get on the raft.

What? Inside info?! Can you fill me in...

A courtesy from the Masters. Hmph. Wonder what they see in you.

The return of the Three Masters is a huge event for the Stockade. As the chief, of course I have to oversee things!

Hmmm... Not really. Wait, let me think...

Darkmask, keep your eyes sharp and find that mad woman! I need this match to happen!

Hey, buddy, buddy, you gotta line up in the back! If you've got a number, that line's over there!

Oh, Darkmask! You're here! I've heard all about your heroic deeds!

Plus, almost everyone is here to watch the competition, so it's a perfect chance to make some extra money!

Nyahaha, Darkmask, you gotta give Mi Fu a push for this!

Oh! Whenever she gets nervous before a match, she hides in a corner by the arena. She's probably there now, ten to one.

And remember to find me before the match. I'll personally announce the beginning!

Let's go. I'm ready ... to fight!

That little kitty... Of course she'd know about this spot.

Mind steady. Strength true. Fist as one with heaven and earth.

Just a pre-battle chant Grand Master taught me.

It's you ... this place isn't easy to find. Who told you I was here?

Nervous? You can call it that. I needed to clear my mind for the fight. This is the most peaceful place.

*Qingbo Stockade expletive*! Nothing about this feels right. It stinks.

My boss got nabbed without putting up a fight. And nobody in the city looks worried.

My masters left the Stockade for a decade. How could they know the place better than me? Where are they hiding her?

My tipster snooped everywhere. I made my rounds as well.

I found nothing at all.

Ugh. I usually let the boss do the decision-making. I'm just the muscle throwing the punches.

Hur. Thanks, Endmin.

Your support is enough. I feel I can solo the entire Yinglung Special Task Force right now.

If it were some other problem, I'd really count on you to make the call.

But this is about Wuling and Qingbo Stockade. I cannot force anyone else to decide.

I'll fight. I'll face my Grand Master, and even if I were to lose, my boss will be safe.

Last chance, last glance! The match is near, riches are here! Place your bets and take your stance!

Most people are backing Grand Master, but some have bet on this mad woman.

Of course I'm rooting for my friends! That includes you, mad woman. You'd better not lose!

Tch! I'm just saying ... technically you shouldn't be betting since you're about to fight, but you can let me bet for you!

Ah, today's stars have arrived! Darkmask, mad woman, you two ready?

Endmin, why are you getting pulled into her nonsense too...

Hey, hey, this isn't nonsense! Are you ready or not? If you want to fight, say the word. If not, we'll wait.

I can't believe you're taking bets on Boss and Wuling's safety?!

Whoa, whoa, whoa, relax! Want me to spot you a bet? Looks like a no for you, mad woman. Darkmask, how about you?

Nya hia hia, Darkmask. GOOD JOB!

What are you two talking about?

To settle this score, you must get past them first. Only then will you earn the right to challenge me.

Man! Guess so much for a fair fight! Mi Fu is now out-numbered! Let's see how she fights back!

No need for Grand Master to step in!

Let us handle her for the Stockade!

Oi! What are you playing!

You came here after all.

Because I had to. Grand Master — our fists know no regret!

Good!

Mind steady. Strength true...

My fist is for those I must protect!

Today, we have the head of the Three Masters. He is the "River-Tamer", aka the "Grand Master" — Luo Cang!

*Cheering*

And his opponent — a Wuling watchguard, also our old acquaintance ... Mi Fu!

And beside her — a true friend of ours, Darkmask!

*Cheering*

Will the old legend undo all wrongs, or will the young fighter start a new era? Let the duel BEGIN!

Impressive. You've even developed a style of your own. In talent, resolve, and insight — you remain the disciple most worthy of the Stockade's legacy.

Before I make my move, this is your last chance to choose.

Threats, compromise, begging and apologizing against my will... As long as I can still raise my fists, I will never submit.

I was right about you. As stubborn and unyielding as I am. Then make your move!

Tianshi Zhuang, you were right. Mi Fu has chosen her own way, alongside worthy allies and guided by unwavering resolve. We can only offer our respect and sincere acknowledgment.

What is this all about?

I never saved you expecting anything in return. Yet you joined Wuling and stood in our defense with your own fists. Through all these years, your actions have said more than any thanks ever could.

You've been through a lot these past few days, Mi Fu.

Let me recall how you were when we first met. You strode from the Stragglers Grove, fearless as the wind, and issued your challenge to me with a shout.

If I'm honest... I have long awaited this opportunity. I will stand for Wuling, and you for Qingbo Stockade. We shall settle everything in a fair fight — not with hate, but with honor.

Mi Fu...

Will you concede and come with us? Or will you stake Zhuang's life on this reckless, hopeless gamble you've clung to for so long?

Grand Master, you know what I can't stand...

For Boss, and for myself — I must challenge you today!

Forgive me, Grand Master!

Boss...? It's really you?!

Endmin, thank you for your help. Esteemed masters — now do you see Mi Fu's resolve?

As for the old grudges between us and Wuling ... let them be settled here and now. If the young ones can move past this, what fools we would be to cling to bitterness. Let's not let old quarrels dictate our lives.

But do not forget your promise to me. I'm trusting you to follow through.

Mi Fu, our fists know no regret!

But ... E-n-d-min-is-tra-tor!

Good thing I got to throw hands with every one of those old stubborn heads, and Boss. Worked out most of the anger.

But even that little kitty was in on it. She played me for a fool and took the chance to pull some sneaky stunts.

Heh ... serves that little furball right.

So you already knew everything that night but you still chose to lie to me with the rest of them?

Hope you've been training ... because I'm challenging you next!

Hoo. Haven't had so much fun in ages.

Boss's Lei Fa is really something. I admit defeat to her Thunder Arts.

And I was worried that this stupid feud will keep messing with our generation.

This conclusion seems like a smart way to end it.

However, thinking back...

No wonder this entire incident stank from the start. Turns out everyone's here.

Oh yeah. Boss might look well-behaved and friendly, but she's got a devilish mind. She probably sold the setup to my masters.

*Qingbo Stockade expletive*. Kept me in the dark, like I'm some outsider.

Oh. So why wouldn't they tell me? 'Cos I'm too dense to play along? How does everyone see me? A mad woman?

I'm okay. Girl's gotta complain. And they're still Fam and boss. What can I say?

Yo, mad woman, Darkmask — ready to start?

Hehe, great! Bring your A-game later! Show everyone what you're capable of!

Then come find me when you're ready — and remember to warm up!

I do. Thank you, Master.

My child, have you really thought this through? You know that stubborn old man's temper. Once he loses it, he doesn't pull his punches...

If you get hurt, or if anything goes wrong, then...

I'll try to do my best. Thank you for worrying about me, Senior Master.

*Sigh* You're just as stubborn as him... It's impossible to talk you out of it...

Big Sister, are you really going to fight Grand Master?

A lot of us are worried about you... Are there no other options?

...Sorry.

Maybe one day ... I'll show you all around Wuling City.

Why are you here too?

I came to watch the match.

If something happens to me ... pass all the intel to the Endmin afterward.

Nah, I only report to you. Now go fight well.

You've got this, Darkmask! Give them a show!

Chief's orders. We're here to witness this big moment between Qingbo Stockade and Wuling — and to cheer you on, of course.

But why're you siding with her against our own masters...?

Zip it! Chief's orders are to support Darkmask. She must have her reasons. Just do what she says!

Alright, point is, today we're rooting for you!

Unless you've lost your nerve, you'd better get on the raft now.