Synopsis

The chapter opens with an old man explaining the concept of 'the flow' using the life cycle of nature as an example, connecting it to harmony and the Dao. He engages the main character in a conversation, using a praying mantis as a talking point and revealing his profound knowledge of the character's past. They then walk to a waterfall where the old man uses the imagery of water ripples to explain the concept of Taiji, the balance of opposites, as well as referencing a previous conflict and the character's masters. He also emphasizes the consequences of going against the flow.