The house had a simple, rustic charm. A black brazier glowed with red-hot coals, its warmth encircling a bench and single chair. Xu Wenwu and Yingli sat side by side on the bench, their hands clasped tight. When their eyes met, lightning seemed to crackle between them. Hong Fei occupied the lone chair, peeling a freshly roasted potato.
Two children peeked around the doorframe, clinging to the wood. This marked Hong Fei's fifth day here. The first three had been for Yingli's recovery. On the fourth, the reunited couple had celebrated with their family while Big Head made his exit. Only today had Hong Fei finally spoken with Yingli properly.
"Mr. Hong," she began, "thank you for your help. You saved my life."
"You're too kind, Mrs. Xu."
Yingli glanced at her husband before continuing, "You want to recruit Wenwu?"
"That's right. He's perfectly suited."
"I'm generally in favor," she admitted, "but there are points I'd like to discuss."
"Of course. Speak freely."
Xu Wenwu chose that moment to release Yingli's hand and rise.
"I'll check on the children," he said before leaving.
The moment the door closed, Yingli exhaled sharply.
"Truthfully, I'm reluctant."
Hong Fei took a bite of potato and nodded.
"I know. Your thinking leans traditional. But have you considered that hiding in the mountains solves nothing? You couldn't even guarantee basic survival."
Yingli, who'd already died once, had no rebuttal. Still, she clung to her stance.
"We were careless, that's all."
"You could say that. But the real issue is your idealism. I don't know why Xu Wenwu made his choice, but if it were me? I'd never have agreed."
"Why?"
Her eyes widened.
"Simple. If I hold a blade in one hand and gold in the other, I'm secure. But if I put down the blade to grab more gold, thieves will come. They'll know I can't resist anymore."
Yingli's brow furrowed.
Hong Fei leaned forward.
"For Xu Wenwu, the Ten Rings were his blade. Everything else—his wealth, his power—was the gold. He lived carefree, growing stronger each day. Then you appeared. You became the second treasure he refused to abandon. So he sheathed his blade... and invited thieves."
Realization dawned on Yingli's face. Her lips parted slightly, emotions warring in her eyes.
Hong Fei finally met her gaze directly.
"He could've kept it all. I would have. So why did he remove the Ten Rings for you?"
"I—"
"To stop expanding? To stop hurting others? For love, willing to fade quietly into old age?"
"Yes."
"But even if you don't harm the tiger, the tiger still hungers."
Hong Fei's voice softened.
"You thought laying down the Ten Rings meant washing his hands of the past. That the world's grudges would leave him be. A beautiful idea—but you've seen the result."
He set down the potato.
"Whether for a person, a group, even a nation—peaceful growth is noble. But you think putting down the Ten Rings is equivalent to washing your hands of the past, so that from then on, the grievances and troubles of the world have nothing to do with him. The idea is beautiful, but you have seen the result."
"In this world, every creature must use every advantage to forge its own protection. That's simply how survival works."
Yingli nodded.
"I understand what you're saying, but—"
"No 'buts.'" Hong Fei cut her off.
"If you're saying 'but,' you didn't truly grasp my meaning."
He leaned forward.
"Xu Wenwu made countless enemies even before obtaining the Ten Rings. Power like that? It always draws challengers. Myself included."
His finger tapped his own chest without hesitation.
"There's nothing wrong with wanting peace—with craving an ordinary life. But here's where you're mistaken."
"What you hope to gain by removing the Ten Rings, you could achieve tenfold by mastering them. Trouble doesn't avoid you just because you avoid it. Security begins with the strength to repel all threats. Without that?"
His voice hardened.
"You're failing everyone who depends on you—including yourself."
Yingli sat silent for a long moment before bowing her head.
"You're right. I was wrong."
Hong Fei's stern expression melted into a chuckle.
"You're alive. That means we can fix this. Though your perspective needs work—Ta Lo's isolation didn't prepare you for reality, did it?"
Yingli's head snapped up.
"How do you know about Ta Lo?"
Though startled, she kept her voice level—perhaps because the man who'd resurrected her had already earned some trust.
"I know many things."
Hong Fei stretched lazily.
"In fact, Ta Lo's my next destination."
Yingli blinked rapidly.
"Ta Lo doesn't welcome outsiders."
"Which is why I'd like you as my guide."
Her fingers dug into her knees.
"Why do you want to go there?"
"To see the White Dragon. And that Soul-Eater you've got locked away."
Yingli's smile turned brittle. Her voice wavered.
"What are you planning?"
Hong Fei tilted his head.
"Honestly? I'm not entirely sure. But if pressed?"
He shrugged.
"I'll probably free them from that prison you call home."
"Free them? You mean unleash them?"
"Such dramatic language. I merely think it's time for fresh air after millennia of stagnation."
"We've thrived that way for five thousand years!"
"Surviving isn't thriving."
"We reject outside interference!"
"Except when it suits you?"
"You—!"
Yingli's composure shattered. Anything touching her homeland struck a nerve. The pleasant atmosphere evaporated in an instant. Hong Fei, either oblivious or indifferent, continued: "I'll find Ta Lo with or without you. But arriving unannounced? Let's just say your isolationist friends might receive me... poorly."
Yingli's gaze turned flinty.
"You brought me back to life. For that, I'll always be grateful—it let me return to Wenwu and our children. But if you think that debt buys my help in harming my people, you're mistaken."
"Who said anything about harming them?"
Looking into Yingli's eyes, Hong Fei simply changed his phrasing: "I'm fascinated by Ta Lo's pocket dimension. To be blunt? I want it for myself."
"You—that's theft!"
Yingli shot to her feet. Outside the door, the two children froze at the sound. They tensed, ready to burst in, but Xu Wenwu stopped them with a firm hand on each shoulder. His calm gaze held no trace of panic. Inside, Hong Fei leaned back, unbothered.
"Enough with the theatrics," he drawled.
"I don't believe Xu Wenwu would keep something this crucial from his beloved wife."
Hong Fei's tone shifted, blunt and unapologetic.
"Let's cut to the chase. I'm not here to visit family or play hero. I'm here to take what I want. I've already taken Xu Wenwu's life back. What's stopping me from taking Ta Lo too?"
His candor was startling, but Yingli didn't flinch. The initial shock on her face melted into a resigned smile.
"You're very clever, Mr. Hong," she said softly.
"I know."
"And quite domineering."
"Occasionally."
Yingli sank back into her seat, exhaling deeply.
"I'd like to discuss a few things with you."
"Of course," Hong Fei replied smoothly. "That's why I'm here. And out of respect for your husband."
For the next half hour, they talked in hushed tones. The charcoal in the brazier dimmed, and the room grew colder. Hong Fei popped the last cold bite of potato into his mouth, chewed briskly, and swallowed. He stood, brushing his hands together.
"Mrs. Xu, missing your homeland is natural. Your request is reasonable, and I see no reason to refuse. This meeting has been… pleasant. Thank you for your cooperation."
He paused, his tone turning serious.
"One last thing. The world is unpredictable. When chaos comes, what's more important than survival?"
Without waiting for a reply, he turned and strode out. Xu Wenwu stood waiting a short distance away. He offered a faint smile as Hong Fei approached. Hong Fei clapped him on the shoulder.
"It's settled. Rest up, and meet me in Sokovia after the Spring Festival. Honestly, this place of yours won't do. I've got a bigger house waiting for you in Blackwater Town—plenty of space for your work. Bring your family along. It's not as quiet as here, but it's safe. Guaranteed."
"I will," Xu Wenwu agreed, his voice steady. After their last ordeal, he wouldn't risk leaving his family in this remote place again.
"Good. The security there is beyond anything you've seen. I'm off. See you after the New Year!"
"I'll see you out."
"No need. Stay."
With that, Hong Fei launched into the air. In moments, he soared dozens of meters high, his speed surging with a thunderous roar. He vanished over the mountains, leaving only the echo of his departure. Xu Wenwu turned and strode back into the room. Yingli rose immediately, crossing the space in quick steps to throw herself into his arms. He held her gently, his voice low.
"How did it go?"
"Just as you said it would."
"It doesn't matter. He's overbearing, but he keeps his word."
"I know. I just… can't help worrying."
Yingli nodded, then suddenly asked, "Do you know what I thought of before I died?"
Xu Wenwu took her hands, shaking his head slightly, silently urging her to let it go. But she pressed on.
"I thought of when we first met. I thought of leaving Ta Lo with you. Our wedding. Our children. Raising them together."
The memories felt utterly real—every second of them. Hong was right after all. When death comes knocking, nothing matters except survival. Across the world, Hong Fei raced back to Sokovia on Christmas Eve, determined not to ruin Dr. Cho's carefully planned surprise. She'd gone to great lengths preparing that festive outfit, and he wouldn't let her down. The church bells rang clear that night—too clear, chiming far longer than usual. By dawn, Hong Fei slipped away from the exhausted doctor, rising early to board the Sky Base. There, he rolled up his sleeve and began drawing his own blood. According to the description in Orange Card Note 2, the "small amount of blood" required to forge the Ten Rings wouldn't be small at all. Better safe than sorry—he'd stockpile three vials before beginning. Steady hands. No mistakes.