The Overseas Islands.
Just outside the islands, Chen Shi, dressed in a black robe, met with other black-robed figures.
The portly man was among them.
Everyone silently watched Chen Shi and waited quietly.
Facing them all, Chen Shi said calmly, "The Immortal Spirit is awakening. This is a good thing, and it is what the Lord Envoy has been waiting for."
The crowd remained silent, not a single person speaking.
Chen Shi continued, "The Lord Envoy's light still shines. He has never considered being extinguished, nor has he ever understood failure.
"He has always been here, always walking ahead of us.
"His stance is clear."
The crowd listened in silence.
Looking at the black-robed figures, Chen Shi's voice softened with emotion, as if reminiscing about the past. "I'm sure you all understand. We are the abandoned, the ones who were cast aside.
"No one paved the way for us, no one answered our questions, no one passed on their techniques.
