Were you looking for these papers, Doctor? And here is a pen. You may also dictate to me, if you're tired—Oh, I'm sorry, did I spook you? I see. You're not yet used to having me around. Rest assured, I'm always by your desk, and you need only speak what you need.

I understand that everyone is curious about the Grandmaster's life, but I was only his record keeper, not his aide. Even when he was busy, he never asked me to help him with everyday tasks. Indeed, he kept reminding me to take my medicine on time. When I share this with others, they look simultaneously interested and disappointed.

Good morning, Doctor. You're up early. Me? Hmm... One develops certain habits after spending a decade with the army. I feel strange if I fail to take my daily trip to the Training Room. These records, you say? Please rest assured, they are a matter of personal interest, or shall I say learning? I won't share them.

When traveling with the Grandmaster, we would often encounter challengers. Sometimes, he instructs me to engage them first. I can only speak plainly, asking whether they would concede if I could indicate their vulnerabilities. Most readily agree. And so, I've somehow claimed a slate of victories to my name, without throwing a single punch.

Zuo Le and I have always been somewhat frightened of Qiubai, even though she's never put on airs. People say she was lucky to have a great master, but it is the path she walked on her own that was the true cultivation. Now that I've left the nest myself, I think of her whenever there is doubt in my heart.

Is there any meaning to one who is unable to practice martial arts pouring his entire heart and soul into martial studies? Or is there any meaning to martial arts at all, you ask? Life is like drifting pond weeds; one can find true anchorage only by deeply nurturing something. Why do I care? I suppose it's because I've found an anchor that is precious.

Zuo Le was not always as he is. When we were little, and my poor health shut me away in my boring room, he tried to take me outside. He could leap over Yumen's walls on the way out with his Qinggong, but could not get back in. After we got scolded together, he slipped me some buckthorn fruits from his pocket. They were green and very sour.

The Grandmaster had many students. He took them in from all walks of life, teaching what he knew to anyone who would learn the martial arts. Sometimes, I wonder if I might have become his greatest student, were it not for my poor health... keep this between you and I, won't you?

Want to hear a story from the Jianghu? There was a generous and altruistic family that fell victim to villainy. The only survivor was a boy, saved by a wandering hero. The hero asked the boy whether he wanted revenge, but the boy said all he wanted was to prevent such tragedies from ever happening again... just a story. Of course.

Am I bothering you? This is a breathing exercise that the Grandmaster taught me, which concentrates your qi to strengthen the body. I perform it whenever I have free time. I'll try to be quiet and avoid disturbing you.

I am Yun Qingping, here to assist with the Sui Regulator's work. I'm not a Candleholder, merely accompanying Zuo Le to broaden my horizons. Wherever I might be of assistance, I shall certainly do my utmost.

Advance or retreat, offence or defense; there exists a rhythm of ebb and flow much like with kung fu.

A promotion? I never thought of such things when I served as record keeper. Same goes for my predecessors, who usually stayed in the role for their entire careers. The greatest reward is for our records to help refine the martial skills of our soldiers.

The Grandmaster often says that the most precious relationships are the ones built on the brink of life and death. I suppose that makes us the best of friends.

When to perceive with the eyes; when to see with the mind's eye—

Observations of live combat are invaluable. I'll do my best.

Is violence the only option?

Rest assured, their fear is as easy to read as their moves.

This report is ready for your comment.

I only record... it is not my place to give suggestions.

We've reached the observation point.

Ahh... So this is what the soldiers see.

That which is overly hard becomes brittle. Stay still; I have medicine.

Impressive. You are like the cloudbeast darting from tree to tree, disturbing neither branch nor leaf.

Amazing. You are like the evergreen pine by the bottomless lake, eternally steadfast against the storm.

Thought precedes form. Do not let yourself be bound to specific moves.

With enough patience, even dripping water can bore through a rock; with subtle strength, a minute force can shred steel. You have reached a new level of understanding in the art of war, Doctor.

To derive trend from trivia; to foresee consequence from causation. Ah... No wonder the Grandmaster asked me to study your methods.

You see the forest rather than just the trees. I have much to learn from you.

There is no such thing as a move that cannot be countered. Perhaps we could review the battle, for the possibility of victory must lie within.

Allow me to pay respect to the Grandmaster first.

Repeating the same move dooms one to predictability, Doctor. Of course, it would suffice against me.

The war drums are quiet. There is only the sound of the wind. The wormwood upon the sand is green again.

Arknights.

I looked forward to those few days of celebration during my Yumen days too. The people would bring wine and food to camp for the soldiers, and everyone partook in competitions of kung fu and drinking. It's a time to, shall we say, 'let our hair down'. Whatever you plan on doing today, I won't tell Amiya.

Forgive me, Doctor! Just can't shake the habit of writing as I walk.

My first taste of alcohol was on a birthday. I just couldn't turn the soldiers down... I know they were worried that I would be lonely, with no family to join in celebration. We all got a good talking-to from the Grandmaster afterwards. In any case, nothing warms the heart like good spirits, and I just happen to have some Yumen Liedaozi here. Would you like a quaff?

Kazimierzian knightsports, Leithanian Originium Arts... I've seen many new things here at Rhodes Island. I hope you'll bear with me and provide your kind instruction going forward. Ravioli? They're like Siracusan dumplings? Well, that sounds a bit... you say the Grandmaster likes them? I suppose I should try some, then.