Chapter 8 Years of Waiting and Hiding

"Battles are what that drain us, constantly fighting and tremendously failing most of the times. But does it bring you anything good to you? Does it bring happiness? Does it bring back lives that died? Does it help you stop bleeding? Does it cure your nightmares? But yet we do it! The universe still cannot seem control it. And we in the name of great causes, we keep choosing, again and again, until we stop breathing, in the hope to be reborn into a better world, as a better person, knowing well how sinned."

This was the first lesson Master Bo Hai recalled he as a teacher taught his students. Putting lights into the head of his students as the future leaders who shouldn't follow the wrong foot steps and conclude everything with war for their welfare. But now thinking about the lesson he taught, he could no longer find it purposeful.

Master Bo Hai has been in seclusion ever since his favourite students faded from the surface of the universe. It was horrendous, everytime he gave a thought to the past. He would feel his heart breaking, to think that his foster son is no more being him himself. And the two other best students he had, one just died while the other was the murderer and reason for the battles.

Bo Hai ever since then, hated his immortality, to have failed in teaching his students, failed to lead them to good, and regretted taking in the demon students believing them blindly. But the reason why he is wanted by the Emperor is different. The reason behind the disappearing and reappearing of souls. He is the key to the truth of what happened to the two, everything that happened between them and what happened in the battlefield because of someone misleading everyone. The reason why they used their rare powers and harm each other, or if it really was harming, the universe needed his confirmation, from his insights.

People have been searching for him everywhere like mad, to question him, to kill him. But he didn't let himself be caught. He could not afford to get caught. He has been waiting for the two to return back to their original self. It is been too long. But he couldn't tell how much longer that would take. Waiting was the only option he had in his hands. And mediation helped him calm his anxious heart.

He had known Huo, Aqua and Volca since they were only kids. But he did not see the danger coming, the twisted fate that awaited them. He remained silent when they were in conflict with each other, but he did not expect the love in between to kill them all, tear them apart and leave like that.

He regretted everyday since the tragedy. Master Bo Hai wished to see his students coming back calling him shifu, walking around cultivating with him. But he knew deep in his heart what a distant dream it is. He heard that both had come back to the world, one as a Demon King and the other as a lowly human with no memory of their past. He was sure they would need help with their unique cultivation from him. He has been waiting for that day.

On top of the mountains, nobody dared to come disturb him. Living alone, pretending to be dead, staying away from all the politics, he tried his best to get enlightened and attain inner peace that he hasn't been able to get since that year the accident occured.

Master Bo Hai sat under the willow tree, slowly gulping down the cherry wine he made himself. He rested for the day after collecting few medicinal plants that he needed to cure his illnesses he often gets living in the dark and cold woods. He felt like he has become a caveman at his old age.

Suddenly he noticed the constellation of Aquarius shining bright as ever. Master Bo Hai's eyes filled with tears.

"Some sacrifices are worth doing, and you will surely be rewarded, God will never leave you, welcome back child," he said as two drops tears ran down his face. He stood up and decided to go back to his hut built near the cliff that had a waterfall close by. He wondered whether to go back and meet his students or wait for them to find him, like he did for years.

Even though he is the most powerful cultivator , he still didn't wish to cross paths with Volca ever again, a student he is ashamed of and regret he taught. Trying his best to teach her and bring her back to herself when the battles ended, yet choosing the wrong advices, she arrested him and exiled him, banishing to never enter the lands with death threats while she acted as a regent queen of Demon clan with the support from her mother during the absence of Huo'er.

In the end he decided to leave to the mountain, after a quick visit to the Water Palace. He was sure how nobody else would be able cure Aqua if she has returned. He let her father know about his plans and disappeared.

Couple of days later, unable to resist anymore, With his heart full of hopes and expectations, Master Bo Hai packed his bags, and climbed on the wild horse he tamed living in the woods for years. He rode back for few days and he reached the Heaven. The constellation still shined bright and he went straight to the palace without thinking twice. He felt strangely safe, brave and a spirit to fight.

He was welcomed by Grand Prince Aiden and taken to meet the Queen mother instantly.

"Thank you so much for coming back," she thanked him with tears in her eyes.

"How can I not?"

"I know," she wiped her tears quickly. "We thought you are.." she paused quickly.

"Passed away? no I didn't exactly, did I not let you and Kimg Aenon know and leave?" he laughed loud. "Take me to Aqua, I have to see her condition," he requested and followed Queen mother. The door to the Sea Palace were opened and the sight shocked him.

"Aqua," he gasped. He didn't expect to his student in such a state. It broke his heart. "Aqua," he called her.