2 The Full Moon and Gratitude

I lit up my kiseru pipe and took a whiff.

Before my reincarnation, I was a founder of a large martial art school that practices Zekka style also know as Light Vanquishing Fist.

Ah, even now it sounds silly. I know it is a funny sounding name but don't blame this old man but blame my teacher. He is one who gave that name just cause it sounds cool. Despite scary-sounding name its style just a mix of many martial art techniques with the forms of prayer.

I have begun to practice on Zekka style from at my ten years. Flame of young age combined with beginners luck. I quickly received the title of genius in my teenage year. I can't say it was a mistake because, in the end, I became a teacher of thousands of students.

Then because one scene made me thought maybe, I lived my life wrong. I saw a normal old man at the same age as me. But he had a loving family and good wife that spent time with him. As seeing he laughing along with his sons, daughters. Then playing along with his grandchildren despite his weak and frail body.

I envied what he possessed.

Then I thought about what would happen if I didn't choose to not study under my master. Maybe I would lead an ordinary life. Learning things in school, having friends, falling in love and having children.

Well to erase that thought I left to a mountain for training and turned into hermit then at my age 82, I closed my eyes for sleep. I met with the goddess Gracefeal.

She had an appearance of European lady with crystal-like eyes and blonde hair cleanly braided into a crown shape. Dressed in a simple white gown. She could only be described as the epitome of pure, feminine beauty.

Then she said she will reincarnate me after hearing my wish. Just like that I told my desire and reincarnated on this beautiful island with my house. But too bad I forgot to tell her my gender which is how I became a female. Also, I definitely not human as well.

I have big messy long black hair tied in a ponytail and hanging down my back. A quite tall stature along with a big chest that becomes quite heavy sometimes. The weird mark on my forehead looks like a peach that sliced in half.

Even the weirdest part is I received the praise from Xuelian that my mark on my forehead was the most beautiful thing he ever saw.

"Heh."

Quite ironic isn't it, In my previous life I wanted a wife now in future I will become one.

"What is it, master."

When did you enter my room anyway?

" I wanted to tell meal is ready then I saw master Zeku smile."

"I just thought of something for the moment there."

"May I know what is it ?"

"Just a self-mockery, nothing else. Also, Xueliang when will you drop your honorifics? you lived with me quite long now you become something like a friend to me."

I stared at Xueliang. He still lowered his head not making eye contact.

Maybe one day he will leave this island chasing after his own life and goal but doesn't mean memory just disappear. It will be still there.

"I don't dare to forget. What master has done to me."

What I did was a thing that anyone would do if they faced the same situation or is he telling me I should kill or eat you or something?

Oh, what kind of thing I was thinking.

I decided to drop our conversation at that moment case there is no stopping when Xueliang, continues his praise.

"Let's eat our meal shall we."

"Yes, Master Zeku."

I gently tap the head of my kiseru pipe on my palm dropping ash in my ashtray and leaves the room with Xueliang.

While walking in the hallway with steady steps. I thought Xuelang has quite a frail appearance, but he just has a lean body type that doesn't show much through clothes.

Then we reached the room. Opening the sliding door I saw room lightened by a faint glow of the full moon hanging on a clear sky. Somehow, I felt relaxed, so I asked Xuelang to take out one bottle of sake from the chest.

"Master Zeku I warn you, this is your last bottle of sake."

"Too bad, but I think it would be quite waste to not drink under this beautiful moon."

"Wanna drink with me."

"Sorry, but I am not fond of a drink called sake."

Since he said so, I excused myself.

After we finished our meal in peace, I went grass plain to train. At first, I trained to prevent from getting dull from this peaceful life. At this moment I don't know what stage I reached but, I don't care.

Feeling the cold wind on the face, I immediately took the stance placing my palms together I closed my eyes. For me, this is the stance that has been perfected in my many years. I have repeated this process thousands of times.

Me, my body and surroundings. Gathering them all into oneself.

"Fuu~"

Letting out a breath and I thrown my punch. Followed by elbow and palm at the end. Placing my palms together I repeated move again.

Again and again.

This is also my form of prayer and gratitude to the goddess who gave me a second chance.

Thank you.