Chang Hong

Thunder splits the sky as man and horse descend from above. Chang Hong is a master of the spear, highly accomplished within the Order, calm and steady in manner, and guided by a strong sense of justice. He is also an old friend who once fought side by side with Soul.

As a youth, Chang Hong learned the spear from an elderly escort and mastered his techniques within a month. He continued training tirelessly, practicing his spear against the ripples of water, until his skill advanced to the point where he could gather lightning and call down thunder.

After witnessing brutal conflicts beyond the Wulin, Chang Hong came to value peace and stability within both the Wulin and the Order. He keeps a low profile and rarely uses his true name. Even when he married and had a child, he invited only a handful of close friends to celebrate. In quieter moments, he can often be found sitting in a corner of the Pavilion of Knowledge, drinking alone.

Now that he and Soul meet again, has he come to settle a personal matter, or to carry out the Order's command?

The entanglements of the Wulin should be settled in the way of the Wulin. If you do not give it your all, how can you know what truly lies in your opponent’s heart?

Chang Hong calls forth his beloved horse. With a flick of his spear, wind and clouds stir, and lightning answers. Rider and mount move as one. Hooves thunder forward as his spear cleaves downward, driving lightning into the earth. Bolts coil across the ground like silver serpents, leaving the enemy little room to evade.

As they trade blows, lightning and blade shadows collide again and again, until Soul’s dagger comes to rest at Chang Hong’s neck. Though defeated, Chang Hong feels a weight lift from his heart. This is still the Soul he knows, his spirit undiminished. Through this fight, Soul has proven his resolve to shoulder everything alone.

There is nothing more to say. Chang Hong bids his old friend farewell, slings his spear across his back, and mounts his horse. With a neigh and the rumble of thunder, he rides away, the heaviness in his heart gone.

Chang Hong fights on foot, then calls his horse, until Soul’s dagger stops at his neck. He takes the loss lightly: had Soul lost, he says, he would have run him through without hesitation. Soul asks after his wife and child, and Chang Hong answers that his home is the safest place in the world right now.

He says he was right about Soul after all, says goodbye, and rides off with his spear across his back, lighter than he came. Soul is left wondering whether the fight was a test, and whether Chang Hong serves something more than the Order.