Marvelous Journey : A Transmigrator Journey

Arvin's eyes swept across the crowded lobby, quickly finding his master's familiar silhouette. The elderly man sat on a bench, eyes closed in quiet meditation.

Shuffle

The elderly man's eyes opened slowly, fixing on Arvin with characteristic sharpness. Arvin presented the ticket for his master's inspection.

(Chinese) "East Nation Dragon airline," the elderly man murmured, studying the ticket. (Chinese) "Flight number 600D 13Y." His keen eyes noted the large 'E' watermark near the '13Y' that styled like a dragon claw, and the date stamp reading May 5, 2005. He nodded with approval.

(Chinese) "The flight is in two hours," Arvin informed him. (Chinese) "If you don't mind, I'd like to perform my daily routine."

The elderly man nodded. (Chinese) "Go ahead. I'll wait for you here."

Arvin bowed slightly before walking away, leaving his master to his thoughts.

***

Tap Tap

Some time later, Arvin returned to the lobby, his hair slightly damp and face freshly washed. His master remained on the bench, maintaining the same dignified posture. After a quick bow, Arvin took his seat beside the elderly man.

(Chinese) "Feeling better, I see," the elderly man observed, glancing at his disciple.

(Chinese) "Yes, Master. Thanks for waiting."

They sat in comfortable silence as travelers bustled past, dragging luggage and chattering in various languages. Overhead announcements echoed through the terminal - first in Chinese, then in another language Arvin couldn't understand.

(Chinese) "Both Zhao and your grandpa would be proud of your dedication to your routine, even while traveling," the elderly man broke the silence.

Arvin's eyes widened slightly at the mention of both men. (Chinese) "I hope so, Master. They always made it clear how important discipline was."

(Chinese) "Indeed," the elderly man said. (Chinese) "Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment."

Arvin nodded, absorbing his master's words. His gaze drifted to the large clock mounted on the opposite wall. (Chinese) "We still have about an hour before boarding begins."

The elderly man followed his gaze. (Chinese) "Perhaps enough time for a quick meal. It's been hours since lunch."

(Chinese) "That's a good idea," Arvin said, standing. Out of respect, he offered his hand to his master, though well aware the older man needed no assistance.

(Chinese) "I may be old, but I'm not decrepit yet, young one," the elderly man waved off the offered hand and rose smoothly.

Click Clack

They made their way to a small café near their gate. Arvin ordered a simple chicken sandwich and green tea, while his master chose a bowl of hot soup and jasmine tea. As they waited, Arvin noticed his master's eyes scanning the room, expression thoughtful.

(Chinese) "Is something wrong, Master?" Arvin asked, concerned.

The elderly man shook his head. (Chinese) "No, it's nothing. It's just been a while since I've been in a place with so many people. The mountain is... quieter."

Arvin nodded in understanding. He knew his master preferred solitude and nature's peace. This bustling airport must feel jarring after so many years of mountain isolation.

Clink Clink

They ate in comfortable silence. Arvin observed his master's movements - each spoonful of soup taken with precise grace, no motion wasted.

(Chinese) "Arvin," the elderly man spoke as they finished their meal, (Chinese) "tell me, how do you feel about going back home?"

Arvin paused, considering. (Chinese) "I... I'm excited, I guess. But also a little nervous. I haven't seen my parents and the others in a long time."

The elderly man nodded. (Chinese) "I understand. It's only natural. Just remember, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. This is your first step on the road home."

Arvin smiled, gathering their belongings as they returned to the bench near the check-in gate to continue their wait.

***

Beep Beep

An hour later, Arvin stood in the lengthy security screening queue, his master beside him. The area buzzed with chatter and intermittent metal detector alerts.

The elderly man's expression grew serious as they approached the checkpoint. His voice dropped to barely above a whisper, but his tone remained firm. (Chinese) "Arvin, do you remember what I told you about the responsibility of teaching our art? You still remember what I said to your grandfather Zhao, don't you?"

Arvin straightened his posture, showing his full attention, and nodded as he recalled the story of his master's conversation with Zhao, his grandfather from his mother side.

(Chinese) "While I don't mind sharing our art with others, I personally don't share our art completely with them. I think you understand why now that you've learned it these last few years." The elderly man's gaze bore into Arvin. (Chinese) "The art we practice is powerful, even if they learned just a fraction of it. In the wrong hands, it can be misused to spread chaos and commit massacre. Not everyone deserves to learn it, and not everyone can handle its power responsibly. So if at some point you want to teach the art, be very careful who you teach it to. And remember, that goes for your own family as well. That's why your mother didn't know the full extent of the art. I know from a glance when she used the knife to cook our meal back when you arrived. Although I don't know the full reason for that, I'm sure Zhao didn't teach her all of it. Perhaps because of the oath he himself took for leaving the mainland back then."

Arvin nodded solemnly. (Chinese) "I understand, Master. I promise to keep your advice close to my heart."

(Chinese) "Good. Remember, our art is not just about physical strength, but also about moral integrity." The elderly man's expression hardened. (Chinese) "So, never forget. The moment you use this to save lives, you have to follow it through properly. Never shed unnecessary blood but never cower to shed one when it needs to happen. Lastly, never feel you're the most powerful person as you learn both your grandpa's and our art, becoming drunk on power then misusing it. As I, myself will be the one who hunts you down if that ever happens. And one last thing remember to never become the people that I always mention during our training, unless you can wholeheartedly accept the risk."

A chill ran down Arvin's spine as he gulped and nodded seriously. His master's words always carried weight, and he took them to heart without question.

Beep Beep

After their conversation ended, they waited quietly until Arvin's turn came. As he stepped forward to be checked by the security guard, the elderly man hung back, keeping a watchful eye on his last disciple and great-grandson through the process.

After clearing security, Arvin glanced back, spotting his master's solitary figure in the waiting line. He made a traditional palm salute - right fist pressed against left palm - and lowering his head for a brief moment as a final gesture of respect. Several nearby travelers paused to observe this unusual farewell.

A rare smile graced the elderly man's usually stern face. He stood alone amidst the bustling crowd, watching until Arvin's figure disappeared through the boarding gate.