Fang Yuan had barely stepped through the side gate of the Martial Arts School, still carrying the chill from outside, when the school's heavy front gate was knocked upon.
Outside, Ji Kun stood there in black clothes, snow gathered on his shoulders, his face stern and his gaze sharp as an eagle's.
Deep within the Martial Arts School, in the small courtyard arranged for Fang Yuan's family to stay in temporarily.
The oil lamp burned like a bean, its dim yellow halo barely driving away the darkness in one corner of the room.
The Martial Arts School grounds were fairly spacious, and this separate little courtyard had been set aside for them, making it quiet enough.
Hearing the familiar footsteps outside, Liu Wanwan, who had been sitting uneasily by the table all along, abruptly raised her head.
Only when she saw Fang Yuan push open the door did her hand, which had been tightly clutching the corner of her clothes, slowly loosen, and she let out a long breath.
On the bed, Little Bean Sprout slept soundly, her little face rosy, occasionally smacking her lips.
Little Purple Sable was curled up at the foot of the bed, its fluffy tail giving an occasional gentle flick.
Seeing the worry still lingering in Liu Wanwan's eyes, as well as the lamp before her that seemed to have had oil added to it several times, Fang Yuan knew she had been waiting for him.
Only at this moment, returning to this temporarily safe haven and seeing his waiting wife and the sleeping Little Bean Sprout,
did Fang Yuan's mind, which had been taut as a bowstring, finally relax somewhat.
Outside lay flashing blades and drawn swords, murderous intent amid wind and snow. Only here could he catch his breath for a moment.
"Husband,