Set down those destiny and chains, and live for the path you choose for yourself.
Wen Ruzhi stepped out of the courtyard, replaying in her mind the words that annoying boy had once said to her.
She pushed open the gate and found herself once again on the bustling street of the Northern Alley of the Imperial Capital, surrounded by the press of passing people.
For a moment Wen Ruzhi felt strangely emptied out, her shoulders lighter than they had ever been. And yet deep inside there was still only hollowness and loneliness.
"But… what is my dao?"
"Now that I'm free of the clan's hold, what am I supposed to do..."
The girl stood in the middle of the street, dazzled by the bright lanterns lining the way.
She pulled up the hood of her black robe and walked on without aim, drifting along with the flow of people.
At some point near the end of the street, Wen Ruzhi's gaze caught on a familiar young man's back.
