【Beginning】
Since the first Sage of the South brought Zhuque back to the realm of Humans, it consumed every generation of these sages. Each was able to prognosticate their fate upon seeing their predecessor’s demise at the mouth of the mythological beast. Throughout the generations, the Sages of the South were unwilling to have unrelated peoples beare the title; yet, they mercilessly passed it on to those closest to them.
To ensure they maximize their time, each Sage of the South would channel the blazing powers of Zhuque, at the price of their own life, to cleanse the evils of the earth with infernos.
Time sailed quickly by in the realm of mankind and there had been myriad generations of Sages of the South when one of them rescued a little girl abandoned by villagers in the ranges of a mountain. His apprentice and the girl bonded despite hardship and experienced many journeys together. However, the path was becoming increasingly difficult and Zhuque’s rage was one difficult to contain. Thus, the Sage decided to entrust the little girl to a village home. The Sage and his apprentice would come to the village often to visit the little girl.
The Last Sage of the South: Lotus, the Master would punish the villagers who abandoned you.
The Last Sage of the South: Lotus, I will ride the fire bird tomorrow in search of fire elements.
Faith Pursuer: I will return to see you.
The Last Sage of the South: Lotus, look!
Faith Pursuer: The bird’s feathers are brightening. This is thanks to the fire elements.
Everytime the Sage of the South’s apprentice returned to the village, he would bring different news. He told the girl everything about his experiences with Zhuque. The two children grew up together but things around them changed with the boy’s every visit to the village.
The Last Sage of the South: Lotus, Zhuque has become increasingly frightening over the past few days.
The Last Sage of the South: Lotus, Zhuque was calmed down but my master...
Faith Pursuer: ...he said he had sworn to protect Zhuque forever.
The Last Sage of the South: Lotus, I have succeeded the title of Sage of the South.
As they grew into young adults, the boy would still visit her on the back of Zhuque every winter. Together, they watched the passing of time.
Lotus: You should leave Zhuque. Your hair is graying. Your life is being drained.
The Last Sage of the South: But look, Zhuque’s appearance is increasingly gorgeous.
Although the young man did not want to, he still asked a question of the young woman.
The Last Sage of the South: Lotus, looks like I would need you to come with us.
Faith Pursuer: Zhuque’s appetite is getting larger and larger.
Lotus: Stop calling me by my pet name of Lotus.
Lotus: I am not that much younger than you.
【Before Battles】
The Last Sage of the South: With the raging inferno around, any carelessness in flight...
The Last Sage of the South: ...would result in a fiery demise in the depths of the flames.
【Enemy Dialog】
The Last Sage of the South: This three-headed dog relies upon the flaming stones of the mountain.
Faith Pursuer: It will not give them up easily.
【After Battles】
Lotus: We did it! Quick, swallow this rock of inferno.
The Last Sage of the South: No, Zhuque needs it more than I.
Lotus: You would die.
The Last Sage of the South: Who wouldn’t?
【End】
Returning from the burning lands, the young woman carried the rock of inferno in her arms — the heat from the rock scolding her skin. After this day, the rapidly aging Sage was exhausted and left lying on the bed.
The Last Sage of the South: Feed the fiery rock to Zhuque. He is almost manic with hunger.
Faith Pursuer: As for me, you need not worry.
Lotus: Fine, I will do it now.
The Last Sage of the South: Have you gone yet? I am falling asleep.
Lotus: I am going now. Just go to sleep.
The Sage of the South could no longer hold back the floodgates of drowsiness. But the moment he closed his eyes, he felt a wave of heat passing through his body — he found the rock, no longer glowing with fire, sitting on his chest. His dried skin had rehydrated and his muscles had rejuvenated. He hopped out of bed with ease like a young man.
From outside the window, a beam of red light shot from Zhuque’s head. Images of old punishments reverberated away from Zhuque along with its exalted cry. Only the sages of days past would have recognized that those were the memories of the immortal God. Focusing his eyes upon Zhuque’s fiery body, he immediately knew where Lotus went.
The Last Sage of the South: Lotus, wait for me!
The sage approached Zhuque —