Although Kahn had declined invitations from others earlier, this time was different — he needed information.
But after returning to Noren's home, Kahn didn't even have time to ask a single question before he was drowned in the family's overwhelming hospitality.
They prepared hot water for him to bathe, served him a steaming hot meal, and even took care of his Bird-Camel Beast.
Their enthusiasm left him flustered, and all he could do was reluctantly accept because refusing would have been rude.
After removing his straw hat and taking the long-awaited bath, Kahn felt completely refreshed.
His handsome yet slightly youthful face was finally revealed, and Noren's entire family was stunned.
Noren's young daughter, Kiyi, clapped her tiny hands in excitement.
"What a handsome big brother!"
Noren and his wife, Noriko, were equally surprised.
They hadn't expected the disheveled stranger they initially met to actually be such a clean-looking, sunny young man.
Kahn smiled helplessly — this definitely hadn't been part of the plan.
Still, thanks to his appearance, their friendliness increased.
Noren, as the current leader of the troupe, did indeed know more about the two former members than anyone else.
But before Kahn could ask about Ursa's location, Noren spoke first.
"At your age, why would you come here alone to inquire about Ursa? You know she's been gone for a long time."
Kahn paused, then decided honesty was best.
"I was entrusted by a friend. I apologize, but I can't tell you the reason. I also hope you won't tell anyone about me — it could bring trouble."
"It may sound suspicious, but I can only say that I'm not a bad person. Please don't worry."
"If you can provide information about Ursa, that would be great. If not, I understand."
Noren and Noriko exchanged surprised looks, but after a moment, Noren smiled.
"The fact that you said all that is enough to show you mean no harm… especially since you brought this item."
He picked up the mask Kahn had placed on the table. His thumb gently traced a scratch on its surface, his eyes filled with complicated emotions.
"This is the mask Ursa took when she left. I never thought I'd see it again."
From the side, Noriko asked curiously, "If she left with the Dragon King Mask, she must have been a very popular actress before."
Kahn soon learned that Noriko had married into the area and had only lived here for a short time, so she didn't know much about old matters.
Noren continued, "Yes, she was almost the most famous actress in the troupe — but not because of her acting skills."
What Noren knew was far more detailed than anything the others had told Kahn earlier.
Ursa and Ikem had been childhood sweethearts with very deep feelings for one another.
Everyone in the troupe knew they were essentially confirmed lovers and had even begun discussing marriage.
They practiced tirelessly to play the male and female leads in The Dragon King and Love, and eventually secured the roles.
Ikem had even planned to propose to her on the day of the performance.
It should have been inspirational and romantic.
But a few days before the performance, Ursa suddenly decided to marry into the imperial family and left without hesitation.
Her departure not only shattered Ikem's heart but also ruined the troupe's biggest upcoming show. Everyone remembered this incident clearly.
Kahn fell silent.
Partly because Ursa's story was absurdly dramatic… and partly because none of this helped him find her.
I need clues, not gossip!
As if sensing Kahn's internal complaints, Noren finally continued.
Unfortunately, the information he gave next was almost identical to the rumors Kahn had already heard — vague and speculative.
However, Kahn did learn one new thing: a local legend about Forget-Sorrow Valley.
The valley was a canyon not far from town, and it was said that the forest at its base had mysterious power — those who went there after heartbreak would forget everything and begin a new life.
Just then, Noriko chimed in, "Oh, right! I remember hearing someone say they saw Ikem and Ursa together a year or two ago. They said the two went to Forget-Sorrow Valley."
Noren immediately shook his head.
"Impossible. No one has seen them since Ursa left."
"Well, if it were true, it'd be a very romantic story."
"Romantic? Forget-Sorrow Valley is extremely dangerous. No one who enters ever comes back…"
They continued bickering, though clearly not seriously. It was more the playful banter of a loving couple than an argument.
Kahn, however, didn't have the energy to enjoy the show — because the trail had reached its end.
Only one place remained.
Forget-Sorrow Valley.
Did he really have to go there?
Just hearing people describe it told him how dangerous it was. And the mysterious legend only made him more cautious.
Based on experience from his previous life reading fantasy novels:
When in a fantasy world, treat every ancient legend as if it's absolutely true.
Night had fallen and the wilderness was even more dangerous, so Kahn decided to rest here first.
He would ask Iroh in the Spirit World about the valley, then set out the next morning.
Kiyi seemed to like him very much, so with nothing else to do, Kahn played with her for a while.
She was lively, cute, and well-behaved — the kind of child Kahn actually liked.
In a good mood, he casually taught her a few basics of Firebending, without telling her what it was.
She hadn't reached the age to awaken Firebending yet, but it would happen within a few years.
Kahn wished her luck. In this world, Benders had far more control over their destinies than regular people.
If she awakened, she'd have a head start. If not, she wouldn't be devastated.
When night deepened, Kahn returned to his room and entered the Spirit World.
Since this was an unfamiliar place and not entirely safe, he didn't waste time chatting. He went straight to the point.
He described Forget-Sorrow Valley in detail to Iroh.
After thinking for a moment, Iroh replied with words that startled him.
"The situation there may be related to spirits."
Kahn froze.
I knew it… I totally worked it out! (Hands on hips.)
...
Author's Note:
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Part 2 Coming Soon...