Wang Qing can still recall the argument he once had with his junior, Jiang Yuan, over what it truly meant to b…
Wang Qing can still recall the argument he once had with his junior, Jiang Yuan, over what it truly meant to be a great hero. Jiang Yuan, taken in by the sect as an orphan, believed that mastering martial arts came with the duty to support fellow disciples and serve the sect with loyalty. But to Wang Qing, that view was far too narrow. In his eyes, a real hero stood for something greater, serving the nation, protecting the people, and striving for peace and stability. They were both young then, too young to see the world through each other's eyes. Their disagreement grew heated, and when words failed, fists followed. The clash ended with both of them being punished and ordered to spend three days in quiet reflection.
In the years that follow, Wang Qing stays true to his convictions, heading to the front lines to battle the Khitan. And Jiang Yuan also keeps his vow, dedicating himself to the affairs of the sect. But fate does not let their paths remain apart for long. In one brutal campaign, Wang Qing finds himself surrounded by the enemy. At the critical moment, it is Jiang Yuan who comes, leading a group of disciples into the heart of battle to save him. The fighting is fierce, and amid the chaos, Jiang Yuan takes an arrow to the chest. As he lies dying, he turns to Wang Qing and entrusts his young son to him with his final breath. Kneeling beside his fallen brother-in-arms, Wang Qing still hears the echo of words once spoken long ago, "A great hero helps his fellow disciples." Only then does he fully grasp what Jiang Yuan's idea of a great hero truly means.