Deep within the Heavenly Yin Cliff, two men sat across from each other, a quiet game of chess between them.
"The Yang half is too cautious," Shin Xuan said, frowning at the board.
"Isn't that supposed to be a good thing?" Yong Zhi replied with a light chuckle, moving a piece forward.
"You've met him before—and even helped him. Of course you'd say that." Shin Xuan cast him a sideways glance.
Yong Zhi shrugged. "Only by treading carefully and avoiding calamity can one reach the peak. Isn't that what the path to Immortality demands?"
Shin Xuan's frown deepened. "I disagree. Cultivation is a rebellion against the heavens. Playing it safe leads only to stagnation. Opportunities are forged in risk."
"Opportunities?" Yong Zhi's gaze sharpened. "You were planning to help him?"
Shin Xuan's eyes narrowed in contemplation. "I was. But he missed the opportunity. Or perhaps... he refused it."
"Why him?" Yong Zhi asked quietly. "Why not the other one?"
"Aren't they the same person?"
