Life

The night wind gently brushed against the window paper.

Gu Chang'an walked through the dimly lit alley and returned to the simple yet warm courtyard.

He was in a good mood. Today he had obtained a Body Tempering Pill, and after the medicinal bath, his strength had improved significantly. He was almost touching the realm of an Eighth Rank martial artist, and his future looked promising.

He pushed the door open and stepped inside. The room was pitch black, not even the usual faint oil lamp was lit.

Gu Chang'an paused, his brow furrowing slightly. He walked silently to the table, gently struck a fire starter, and lit the wick.

In the flickering lamplight, a frail figure came into view—Wang Xiaojuan was asleep on the table, her cheek pressed against the cold, hard wood, covered by a thin cloth.

She slept restlessly, tear tracks still visible on the corners of her eyes.

Gu Chang'an's heart ached.

This child, only ten years old, had suffered so much hardship, yet she always endured it silently.

Wang Xiaojuan was stimulated by the bright light and slowly opened her eyes.

After a moment of confusion, she saw Gu Chang'an, and her eyes immediately lit up.

"Brother Gu... you're back..."

Gu Chang'an leaned down and asked gently, "Why didn't you light the lamp?"

Wang Xiaojuan rubbed her eyes and said softly, "The oil lamp... costs money. I didn't want to waste it..."

Gu Chang'an's chest tightened slightly. His gaze fell on the nearly empty oil bottle in the corner, and he immediately understood.

He looked at Wang Xiaojuan and noticed how thin she looked, her lips pale. He asked, "Did you not eat today?"

Wang Xiaojuan was taken aback by his gaze. Her lips moved, and she said quietly, "I... I ate something... in the morning."

"What about noon and evening?"

She lowered her head and whispered, "...Nothing."

Gu Chang'an sighed and said no more, directly heading to the kitchen.

Wang Xiaojuan was stunned for a moment, then quickly got up and chased after him.

"Brother Gu, let me, let me do it!"

Gu Chang'an turned back and smiled, saying gently, "You go rest. I'll cook today."

His tone was warm but carried an unyielding firmness.

Wang Xiaojuan stood in place, watching Gu Chang'an's tall, straight back with complex emotions as he skillfully started the fire, washed rice, and cut vegetables in the kitchen.

Soon, the aroma of rice and meat wafted from the pot, warming the room and dispelling the night's chill.

Before long, the food was on the table—meat, vegetables, and a bowl of hot soup. Gu Chang'an personally placed the bowls and chopsticks in front of Wang Xiaojuan and said softly, "Eat. I made it all for you."

Wang Xiaojuan looked at the steaming hot food on the table and, for a moment, didn't dare to pick up her chopsticks. Her eyes suddenly turned red, and she whispered, "I... I never thought that one day... someone would treat me like this."

Gu Chang'an sat down, picked up a piece of chicken, and placed it in her bowl. He said earnestly, "Xiaojuan, I took you in not to treat you as a servant."

"You and I are the same. We have no family left in this world."

"I hope that from now on—we will be family."

"My taking care of you is not an act of charity, but because we are family."

These were Gu Chang'an's true thoughts.

He had been in this world for several months now and understood that he could not go back.

Since that was the case, he should no longer reject this world and see himself as an outsider.

Instead, he should integrate into this world and live his life earnestly.

Wang Xiaojuan could no longer hold back. Tears streamed down her face as she threw herself into Gu Chang'an's arms, sobbing, "Brother Gu—!"

Gu Chang'an gently hugged her and said softly, "Silly girl, don't cry. Eat quickly, and get some rest after you finish. I have a few days off, and tomorrow I'll take you to the market to buy new clothes."

Wang Xiaojuan nodded tearfully, feeling for the first time what it was like to be safe, warm, and cherished.

If you can't find the book by its title, you can try searching for the author. Perhaps the name has changed!

That night, the lights were bright, and the cold was gone.

The next morning, sunlight streamed down, and a gentle breeze blew.

Gu Chang'an walked through the streets with Wang Xiaojuan, carrying hot buns just bought from a steamed bun shop, eating as they walked.

Wang Xiaojuan was wearing a clean, light green outfit today. Her small face was washed clean. Although still thin, her eyes now held a bit more life.

"Today, we'll buy you a few clothes first, then I'll take you somewhere," Gu Chang'an said with a smile.

Wang Xiaojuan was startled and asked softly, "Where?"

"Sky Wind Martial Hall," Gu Chang'an replied.

"A place to practice martial arts?" Her eyes brightened a little.

Gu Chang'an nodded.

Wang Xiaojuan bit her lip and said in a low voice, "Brother Gu... can I learn martial arts too?"

Gu Chang'an turned to look at her, seeing that her eyes were no longer filled with the timidity of the past, but with a rare determination.

Then he said softly, "Of course."

He didn't try to persuade her further or pour cold water on her aspirations.

In this world, the strong reigned supreme.

Though she was young, if she had such ambition, she might be able to forge her own path.

Soon, they went to a clothing store and picked out several fitting dresses for Wang Xiaojuan. There were simple practice outfits and a few small skirts in youthful colors. Though simple, they were the first time the little girl had ever worn such neat and presentable clothes in her life.

Looking at her own reflection in the mirror – her clear features and bright eyes – the young girl almost didn't recognize herself.

Inside Sky Wind Martial Hall, Li Tianfeng had just finished brewing tea when he saw Gu Chang'an enter with Wang Xiaojuan.

"Master," Gu Chang'an bowed.

Li Tianfeng put down his teacup and looked at Wang Xiaojuan with a smile. "Is this the little girl you took in?"

Gu Chang'an nodded. "She said she wants to learn martial arts, so I brought her here."

Li Tianfeng sized up Wang Xiaojuan and nodded slightly. "Such a young age, yet you have some backbone."

He walked over and placed a hand on her wrist.

A moment later, he raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

Xie Lanzhi happened to be coming from the backyard and asked curiously, "What is it?"

Li Tianfeng withdrew his hand and smiled. "This girl has good Constitution. Although she hasn't practiced martial arts, her muscles and bones are smooth, and her breath flows freely. She's a good prospect. If cultivated from a young age, she might not fail to become accomplished."

Gu Chang'an was surprised and looked down at Wang Xiaojuan, seeing that her eyes were wide, as if she couldn't believe it.

Xie Lanzhi smiled. "Then let her stay and practice. Our martial hall can afford to feed one more child."

Wang Xiaojuan hurriedly bowed. "Thank you, Master, Mistress!"

Gu Chang'an patted her head, remaining silent but with a smile in his eyes.

The days passed peacefully like this for three days.

Every morning, Wang Xiaojuan would go to Sky Wind Martial Hall with Gu Chang'an and practice the most basic horse stance and breathing exercises with Xie Lanzhi and the other disciples.

She was diligent and persistent. Although it was hard work, she never complained of being tired.

Her complexion became rosy, and she grew more cheerful.

Gu Chang'an would sometimes smile, sometimes just listen, and more often, he watched her gradually emerge from the shadow of losing her family.

As for himself, he did not slacken.

He practiced martial arts and sparred during the day, and meditated, cultivated, and honed his saber techniques at night.

Occasionally, he would spar with Li Hongye, or share drinks and laughter under a tree.

They talked about constable duties, gang activities, and also some less serious, amusing anecdotes.

Although Li Hongye's words were sharp, her eyes grew increasingly gentle.

Looking at her smile, Gu Chang'an felt an inexplicable sense of belonging.

That feeling of no longer being alone.

He knew that such days might not last long, but he also knew—

He was willing to become stronger to protect it.