When Han Liang and the Second Commander returned to the inn that evening, they went to their rooms at once.
The past few days had been filled with repairs, cleaning, purchases, and preparations. Though neither of them complained, the work had left them exhausted.
Han Liang lay down on the bed and let out a long breath.
House repairs and preparations… sometimes they feel more exhausting than fighting.
A faint smile touched his lips.
Outside the window, the sounds of the inn gradually quieted. A cool summer breeze drifted into the room.
For a while, he simply rested.
Before long, sleep claimed him.
The night passed quietly. When morning light filled the room, Han Liang opened his eyes. Today was the day.
They would finally move into the house.
After gathering his belongings, he headed downstairs and found the Second Commander already waiting in the dining hall.
They shared a simple breakfast before carrying their belongings to the innkeeper.
Han Liang smiled warmly.
"We're leaving now. We have a new shop and a new house. One day, I'd like to invite you as our guest."
The innkeeper laughed.
"Then I'll look forward to it."
After settling their account, they thanked him and bid him farewell.
Their belongings were loaded onto a cart, and together they set off toward their new home.
A faint excitement stirred within Han Liang. Not because he had purchased a house. But because things were finally beginning to take shape.
The shop was nearly ready.
The house had been prepared.
Soon, they would return to their homeland.
And if everything went well, this city would become an important foothold for the future.
When the garden gates opened, the fragrance of flowers and trees greeted them.
The garden felt peaceful beneath the morning sun.
As Han Liang stepped inside, he immediately noticed the scent of soap, clean wood, and fresh air lingering throughout the house.
He walked slowly through each room, inspecting everything one last time.
The bedding had been arranged. The storage chests were in place. The kitchen was stocked with the necessities.
Everything was simple. His gaze lingered on the courtyard. There was still much to do.
If the business expanded, additional storage would be needed. More goods would have to be transported from their homeland.
The house was more than a place to sleep.
It was a beginning.
A place from which something larger could be built.
"This will do," he said quietly.
The Second Commander nodded in agreement.
The rest of the day passed in a steady rhythm of work.
They arranged supplies, organized furniture, and handled countless small tasks that came with settling into a new place.
By afternoon, the house finally felt lived in.
As Han Liang moved through the courtyard, his thoughts drifted elsewhere.
The peach tree. The drifting petals. The faint smile hidden behind the veil.
Would Yuan Yu truly visit next week?
Far away, Yuan Yu carried on with his daily duties within the sect.
He sat quietly near the training grounds, watching younger disciples spar beneath the afternoon sun.
His injuries had almost healed.
Yet his thoughts never seemed to settle.
Han Liang should be settling into the house by now.
Is he satisfied with it?
A quiet sigh escaped him.
What a free man he is… living as he pleases.
For a moment, Yuan Yu lowered his gaze.
The responsibilities placed upon him had followed him for as long as he could remember.
By evening, Han Liang and the Second Commander finally allowed themselves a moment of rest.
They sat beneath a tree in the courtyard, sipping a drink while the heat of the day gradually faded.
Han Liang looked toward the sky.
"In just a week, we'll return to our homeland."
A trace of nostalgia entered his voice.
"I miss my family."
The Second Commander nodded.
After a brief pause, Han Liang continued.
"But I think this city will become important to us."
The Second Commander understood immediately.
The connections they were building.
As the sun dipped lower, new whispers began circulating throughout the city.
When Han Liang went to the market to purchase a few remaining supplies, he overheard several shopkeepers speaking quietly among themselves.
"Have you heard? A strange newcomer arrived in the city yesterday."
"The one carrying those unusual weapons?"
"Yes. They say the newcomer is skilled in martial arts as well."
"I just hope they don't bring trouble."
"The Jewel Sect won't allow unrest. They value peace too much."
Han Liang slowed slightly.
Unusual weapons.
A martial artist.
Interesting.
He listened a little longer but learned nothing more.
Whoever the newcomer was, their identity would become known soon enough.
For now, there was no reason to concern himself.
After making his purchases, he returned home. The Second Commander had already retired to his room.
The house was quiet.
Han Liang lit a lamp and stepped into his chamber.
The warm light illuminated the room.
Yet everything had been placed there through his own efforts.
He sat on the edge of the bed for a moment.
Looking around, he found himself imagining the future.
If things continued to progress smoothly, this house would one day become far busier than it was now.
The thought brought him quiet satisfaction.
Eventually, he lay down and pulled the quilt over himself.
A cool breeze drifted through the window.
"The trees really do make this place cooler than the inn," he murmured.
The leaves rustled softly outside. Han Liang closed his eyes.
And before long, he drifted into a deep, steady sleep.
The first night of a new beginning.