Xing San stood before the Xing Residence's gates for a long time.
The plaque above the entrance was unchanged. The characters "Xing Residence" were written in the same bold strokes he remembered.
Two stone lions flanked the gates, claws bared and teeth exposed, looking every bit as imposing as ever.
He remembered climbing onto them to play when he was little. His father had scolded him every time.
Then, because he drank himself senseless every day, his father had driven him from the family home. He had thought he would never return.
"Off with you! Where did this drunk come from? Don't block the gate!"
A rough voice pulled him from his memories.
The gate guard recognized him. Disgust filled his face as he waved Xing San away like a fly.
"Xing San, why aren't you outside town drinking your wine? What are you doing back here? Haven't you embarrassed yourself enough?"
Another guard came over and sneered. "Well, look at that. You haven't been drinking today? That's a surprise. But someone like you reeks of wine even when you're sober. Don't dirty the Xing Lineage's gate."
The two moved in from either side and reached out to shove him.
Passersby stopped at the commotion and began pointing and whispering.
"Isn't that the Xing Lineage's third young master? Why has he come back?"
"What third young master? He was kicked out ages ago. Drinks all day. He's worthless."
"Tsk, tsk. How did the Xing Lineage end up with someone like him..."
Their words stabbed into Xing San's ears like knives.
He had heard them too often over the years. Long ago, he had gone numb to them.
But today was different.
He was a Grandmaster now.
"Move."
Xing San spoke calmly, but his voice carried an authority that brooked no