From the Diary of the Slayer Xiaoqin: late 1856 (From Tales of the Slayer Volume 3 "Ch'ing Shih")

We returned to Shanghai and slew the rest of the Blue Tigers over the span of a few nights. Then I began writing this journal. There are other journals written by past slayers, each of them detailing aspects of her life, private fears, and things she has learned. Each of them-as I feel Master Wang would have pointed out to me- gardens in ther own right. But each of those gardens as does my own, springs from the First Slayer. As yet, no one seems to know much about her. I wish that I might learn more at some future date, that I might know how she dealt with the powers and the responsibilites she was given to fight the monsters. Until then, I will pass on my journals of the places I go and the monsters I fight. I have agreed with Connelly that we will next go to Gold Mountain, that I might see California for myself. Something draws me there, but I know not what it is. That place, I am certain, has been a special place in slayer lore. Or perhaps it will yet be. To you readers who are slayers, know that it is right to feel angry and scared as you are called. Your emotions are justified. This life was not asked for, and no quarter will be given you by the enemies you will face. But remember that you are the light in the darkness that keeps the monsters at bay. You are my sister. Someday, the gods willing, perhaps we all shall meet