As he walked through the bustling streets, Uchiha Xin could not help slowing down. He gazed at the imposing clan grounds in the distance, an indescribable emotion rising within him. That was his home, the place where he had grown up, and the sacred place in his heart.
A dense bamboo grove surrounded the clan grounds. Its leaves swayed gently in the breeze, rustling softly. Sunlight filtered through the gaps between the leaves, scattering mottled patches of light across the ground. Uchiha Xin passed through the grove and arrived before the gates of the clan grounds.
The gates were tightly shut, carved with the intricate Uchiha clan crest and emanating an air of authority and mystery. Uchiha Xin took a deep breath and gently pushed them open. As the gates slowly swung apart, a familiar scent washed over him—the scent of home, the scent of family.
The clan grounds were spacious and tidy, with rows of exquisite houses arranged neatly along both sides. Few pedestrians walked the streets, though he occasionally saw clan members hurrying about their business. Uchiha Xin followed the familiar path ahead, and his emotions gradually calmed.
Uchiha Xin stood in his empty home and looked around, an inexplicable bitterness rising in his heart. He had not returned for more than half a year, and the once-tidy house was now covered in dust, as though time itself had stopped here. He frowned and decided to hire some civilians to clean it.
He left his home and headed to the market near the clan grounds. The market was crowded and bustling. Uchiha Xin pushed through the throng and stopped at a small stall in a corner. The stall owner was an elderly man, sitting leisurely behind his stall and gently fanning himself.
"Sir, I'd like to hire some