The clamor and trials of a semester came to a temporary close with the end of finals.
Situ Xuan finally returned to the small coastal city of Aalai City.
As he stepped onto that familiar old street, the air was thick with the salty, fishy scent unique to the sea breeze, mingled with the faint mustiness accumulated in the old houses over the years. It was not a pleasant smell, yet strangely, it carried a sense of belonging that soothed the heart.
He pushed open the wooden door of the old house he had not returned to in a long time. Dust danced in the sunlight streaming through the gaps in the door. The furnishings inside remained unchanged, though they were now covered in a thin layer of dust, making the place seem somewhat deserted.
Unexpectedly, Situ Xuan did not immediately throw himself into training as usual. Rarely, he set aside all his plans concerning cultivation, power, and the future. Rolling up his sleeves, he fetched water and began cleaning in silence.
He wiped the furniture, swept the corners, and made the bed... His movements were neither hurried nor slow, his expression focused, as though he were carrying out some sort of ritual. When the last floorboard had been wiped clean and the last item returned to its place, the old house was still simple, but it now exuded a neat, warm atmosphere.
After finishing everything, he slowly dragged out an old rattan recliner and placed it on the small rooftop balcony, where he could see the distant horizon.
It was already dusk. The setting sun dyed the sky a warm orange-red, and the sea glittered like it had been scattered with broken gold.
Situ Xuan quietly lay down, and the rattan chair let out a soft creak. He closed