Chapter 9: Going back

Later in the day, Arthur looked inside of himself using meditation to uncover the things he received from the memory.

He was having doubts about all of this matter, since he didn't believe in reincarnation, until today. In the vision he saw, what appeared to be him speaking about reincarnation. And those visions were very convincing, so he trusted them.

Now he was doubting, was he actually Arthur, or is he someone else? There is nobody that could answer those questions for him, other than him.

One thing he understood clearly. Those memories and this power are a reward. Or is it actually a reward? Maybe it is just a small fraction of the real power that he possessed in his previous life.

But it was hard for him to believe in this since he believed in God, and now seeing in these visions that he was one himself, he felt conflicted.

Gods should be immortal, so why did his previous self reincarnate? He should have been killed! So that means there is someone that is above the gods, someone who is stronger than the god of life and the goddess of death.

That led him to the conclusion that he was weaker than whoever he should stand against.

And so his logical side of mind kept on convincing him that it is better to abandon this idea, and don't search for answers. While the other side pushed him to the side of this god or him in his past life.

He felt really conflicted since he had no idea what to do now. But good luck there are other things that he had to do other than fighting gods right now.

And the first goal on his list is to get back to his sister. He still had no idea if she was alive or not, but he had to at least try to search for her.

One more important thing that he gained from memories, is a tiny bit of power.

This time he became stronger in body and mind, and his control over Life's energy rose to another level allowing him to heal almost any wound if it is not fatal.

Other than this he gained some knowledge on the control of light energy. Light energy is the sub-affinity of life.

For now, he has only knowledge of this energy and magic, but he still has to figure out what this magic does and what uses it has.

It was soon the time when he will leave, so he started to pack the stuff that he had collected over the years in the K'unLun.

The last few weeks passed pretty fast with Arthur almost spending all of his time with his friends, because now they were not his master, but friends.

Over the years he found a lot of people that supported him: Toshi, Lei Kung, Tuan, Yo-Ti, Priya, Chodak,Juop and Ming.

Ming was one of his favourite friends, he was the man that had an Apothecary and mainly focused on healing people, with Ming Arthur created a lot of different mixtures that could cure various diseases and patch people up.

People might ask, why K'un Lun didn't utilize weapons in their martial arts, in fact, they did, but most of the people didn't do that. The one weapon that was used by monks outside of their Martial arts was a stick.

Arthur learned how to wield a stick, but it was not even close to his proficiency and the amount of damage he could do using his fists. Still, it was useful in some situations so he did learn it as extra.

Like that last days passed and tomorrow gates will open. Arthur got ready to leave.

It was a warm evening that provided a pleasant atmosphere around.

A lot of people walked towards the entrance of the village, where the gates will open and where the path of Arthur will begin.

When they were close and only a few hours left before the next day comes and the gates opened people started to tell their last words to Arthur.

The first one was Tuan, he walked to Arthur and smiled with a warm smile "It's a tragedy that you are not Iron First."

In response, Arthur chuckled and replied "You wish!"

They shared a small laugh since this was one of the topics that Tuan kept pestering Arthur over the years because he was the one that could be a guard of the gates.

Tuan took something covered in cloth in his arms and handed it to Arthur saying "This is a weapon, I know this is unusual for us to wield something like that, but this weapon comes from fine masters from here. It is made from firewood that grew on dragon blood, it is very durable and will serve you good."

Arthur looked at the stick covered in cloth, he smiled "Thank you, Lord Tuan"

Tuan frowned and said "Stop calling me that, I might be old, but you defeated me in the fair battle. We are no students and masters now. You are capable young man, while I will just be your old friend, just don't forget to visit me sometime in the future before I die"

This got Arthur a bit emotional, despite Tuan being serious most of the time, he never treated Arthur badly, he helped him achieve the level he is on now.

Arthur quickly went for a hug, despite the fact that Tuan didn't like this stuff since he was just a serious monk. But Arthur was faster and so he tackled Tuan in a tight hug with no way to escape.

Tuan started to punch his back demanding "Release me brat, I didn't agree on that"

While all of that was happening people around had smiles on their faces, while Ming, Toshi and Chodak were laughing quietly not to be noticed.

When Arthur released Tuan old man cleared his throat and said in a serious tone "Never do this again!"

In response, Arthur just shrugged it off, without actually replying.

Arthur walked towards his masters that taught him how to fight and how to control Chi Lei-Kung and Yo-Ti.

He came closer to both of them and did a deep bow stating "Thank you, you were the one that showed me the path I can take, and for that, I'm grateful to both of you from the bottom of my heart."

Both of them looked around only to see how everyone was looking at them with amusement.

Yo-Ti scratched the back of his head and said "You did well, I never dreamed that you would reach these heights in Martial Arts, however you did. You exceed all of my expectations that I had, even the wildest ones."

Lei-Kung was embarrassed because he learned more from Arthur than he actually taught him. With help of Arthur, he improved himself by leaps, so he should be the one grateful. He muttered "It was a pleasure having someone like you as my student, It allowed me to improve myself" he bowed back to Arthur and finished "I hope what you strive for in the world outside will be found by you."

Arthur looked at both of his teachers and replied "It was a pleasure, I'm grateful for both of you. But I want to say my special thank you Master Yo-Ti, you always pushed me further and further. Because of you, I'm the man I'm."

Ming came close to Arthur and with a handshake, he said "It was a pleasure friend, I will miss our time when we created new cures and things that we could use to help and heal."

Arthur chuckled "I will do as well, I will. But it was a nice time with you Ming, I'm pleased to have a friend like you"

They bid their final goodbyes to others. Some had a bit of joke to lighten up the mood. It is not a funeral, but people will miss always friendly Arthur that never denied to offer help or support. He was an example for other monks and a figure that pushes himself to absolute limits with sheer determination."

They spend time speaking and remembering funny things they experienced together.

Some people brought gifts that they won't find in the outside world.

Ming gave a box with various seeds of plants that is almost impossible to find in the outside world. Arthur has thanked him for such a present.

Others gifted Arthur some clothes that they made themself. Some gifted him with gifts that had little value in terms of money but held importance only for Arthur.

All of that is just objects that serve little uses, but the most important things will forever be with him, memories, memories of them having fun, training together and teachings they passed.

*Small earthquake*

The ground started to shake a bit and gates started to open and Arthur made his way there. When he stood in front of the gates, he turned around and looked at the people he spend 15 years with.

He looked to his left and right, at the place surrounded by mountains, a place with no sounds that could interrupt you, a peaceful and nice place to be.

He spared one more glance at his friends, that was almost like his family in the past years and with a shout "Bye everyone! I will always remember you all!"

He walked through the gates going back to earth.

////

Liked the chapter?

Consider adding to your library and throwing some power stones.