From Cradle to ...

[foresightis2020]

It is most certainly a cloudy and rainy day upon the Xianzhou Luofu. There is a man walking in the midst of such a torrential downpour, with a contingent of soldiers. But even as he is ushered somewhere towards where there is shelter, this man, who is clearly Jing Yuan seems to spot something.

A bundle lying in the streets. It's unclear as to whether or not this was done deliberately or simply in a hurry. Anything could have been the cause.

But, despite any protests from the nearby soldiers, Jing Yuan picks the bundle up, to reveal a young baby with golden eyes.

Jing Yuan smiles softly, and then decides to take this young one home with him.

The settings contort still to somewhere else and a few brief flashes give a little more context based upon flickering images of others. Soldiers, generals, other individuals, and Jing Yuan himself.

The boy's name is named Yanqing by Jing Yuan, who raises him by his lonesome, and eventually the young boy begins to follow in Jing Yuan's footsteps as a soldier. The unknown origins and the fact that Jing Yuan is raising a child by himself, as a respectable man and General gets sideglances, and there are times where some advise him to think twice, but...especially when Yanqing joins the Cloud Knights.

Jing Yuan merely shoos them away, or at worst, falls asleep when it comes to anyone attempting to lecture him.

Then, finally, one last flash of a memory is upon them. More coherent, more clear.

A place still on the Xianzhou Alliance, where the sky is radiant, not cloudy. Where lights shine down on two in the midst of a training session...involving a blond-haired boy with golden eyes and Jing Yuan.

It is not much of a surprise that the blond is not gaining much ground, if any. He even shouts, "General, let's call it a day! I'm exhausted..."

Jing Yuan smiles. Then, he replies, "Didn't you say you have the confidence to remain undefeated as long as you hold a sword? Why are you acting so weak?"

That's right, even he can be very critical in his responses. The blond-haired boy looks reluctant, though, protesting, "What kind of retainer would take up arms against the person they vowed to protect? What if I accidentally hurt..."

Jing Yuan seems to definitely not like that, tsking as his eyes take on an unsettling glow as he shouts, "If your sword is half as quick as your mouth, I'd already have lost. I'll keep one hand behind my back. Now, be quick!"

"No no, two hands please! Or maybe you can consider not using the Lightning-Lord, general?"

Another clash between them results, and in a second, the blond-haired boy is already on the backfoot, unsurprisingly. The glow dims, but Jing Yuan's glaive is merciless as he pursues the other. He huffs, "Do you believe this is like the Sky-Faring Commission's business, where you can barter your way out? Hmm, let me see..."

But then Yanqing decides to try to strike, thinking he has Jing Yuan in the midst of his thoughts, blade swinging wildly. "Aha — a weakness! Watch this!"

Jing Yuan strikes back in time, shouting, "I knew you'd do that. Counter!"

The force sends his trainee tumbling to the ground, grumbling, "Ow-ow-ow, darn it! I'd been waiting for ages for my shot."

Looking self-satisfied, Jing Yuan can only smile as he states, "All's equal in war, and sneak attacks are a good idea. It's too bad your sword is so focused on the flourish and can't conceal its form. Is this what they call youthful vigor?"

But, even so, despite everything, it appears that his opponent isn't ready to concede. Not yet, given that Yanqing stands to his feet, pointing his sword at Jing Yuan.

"General, let's go again! This time I'll try to be as inconspicuous as possible..."

And just like that, the memory fades, swiftly, but certainly.