Creak!
The courtyard gate swung open, and Zhong Cai walked in with Xiao Bai, returning to the little courtyard after a year away.
Taking in the familiar sights, Zhong Cai gave a stiff smile.
"Nothing beats being home."
As he spoke, Zhong Cai took Xiao Bai's hand and headed farther inside. The courtyard spring breeze formation was still working, but Zhong Cai could no longer feel the effects of the feng shui formation.
Just as his spirits began to sink, he felt a squeeze on his hand.
He turned to Xiao Bai beside him, and that stiff smile appeared again.
So what if I can't feel it anymore? How could that little loss compare to seeing Xiao Bai again?
"Master, I'm hungry."
Xiao Bai looked at Zhong Cai as he spoke.
"All right. Go buy some groceries. I'll clean up the kitchen and make you something good."
"Okay!"
Xiao Bai smiled, let go of Zhong Cai's hand, and jogged outside.
Watching his cheerful figure retreat, Zhong Cai couldn't help remembering the sight that had greeted him upon awakening: Xiao Bai standing in midair, surrounded by a ring of kneeling Curse Cult followers.
He felt both proud and a little heartsick.
Putting those emotions aside, Zhong Cai turned toward the kitchen.
His body was somewhat stiff, but handling pots and the stove posed no real problem.
What Zhong Cai hadn't expected was that another group would enter through the gate while he was washing the cookware in the courtyard.
When they met Zhong Cai's gaze, both sides froze.
"Who are you?"
Ren Xiang frowned deeply as he entered the courtyard with his friend and a married couple who had come to view the property.
Zhong Cai set down what he was holding, wiped his hands, and stood.
"You come into my