Chapter 4: New Beginning

The first rays of dawn crept through the window, gently brushing against Xuen Ye's face as he stirred from his meditative state. Though he had spent the night training in his bed rather than sleeping, his body and mind felt refreshed, attuned to the subtle energies of the world around him. Slowly, he opened his eyes, the soft light of morning greeting him.

"Ah, it's already morning," he murmured to himself, stretching lightly. "Time to start the day."

As he made his way to the dining hall, his thoughts wandered. Since returning to the city, much had happened—events that had reshaped the lives of those around him. The Song family's business had crumbled, and the balance of power in the city had shifted. Yet, for Xuen, the question remained: what was his purpose here now? He decided to seek guidance from Old Lin Hao, the patriarch of the Lin family, who had always been a source of wisdom.

Entering the dining hall, he was greeted by Lin Quirong, her voice polite yet carrying a hint of warmth. "Good morning, Xuen. You're late today. Come, join me for breakfast."

Xuen nodded and took his seat at the table. The meal was a quiet affair, the clinking of utensils against porcelain the only sound breaking the silence. It was Lin Hao who eventually spoke, his tone respectful yet firm. "Master Xuen, it must be uncomfortable for you to stay here indefinitely. You've done so much for our family since your return—saved us from ruin, even healed Quirong's father when he was on the brink of death. As a token of our gratitude, I would like to offer you the Quirong Villa. It's located on the east coast of the city, a place of tranquility, perfect for a martial artist like you to cultivate in peace."

Xuen considered the offer. While he appreciated the hospitality of the Lin family, he had indeed begun to feel the weight of living under someone else's roof. The villa, with its serene environment, seemed like an ideal retreat. "Thank you, Old Lin," he said, accepting the gesture with a nod. "I will accept your generous gift."

However, Quirong's voice cut through the air, her tone a mix of surprise and protest. "Grandpa, that villa was named after me. You always said it belonged to me." Her words were polite, but the underlying emotion was clear—she didn't want Xuen to leave. Though she didn't fully understand the depth of Xuen's abilities or the life he had led as a disciple of a heavenly master, she had grown attached to his presence.

Lin Hao sighed, his expression softening as he addressed his granddaughter. "Quirong, how can you say that? Master Xuen has done so much for us. He saved your father's life. It's just one villa—you can have others. This is a small token of our gratitude."

Quirong opened her mouth to argue further, but Xuen gently interrupted her. "It's alright," he said, his voice calm and reassuring. "I only need a peaceful place to cultivate. You're welcome to visit and stay whenever you like. I don't mind."

Her eyes lit up at his words, a smile spreading across her face. "Really? Then I'll be your guest," she said, her earlier disappointment replaced by excitement.

With the matter settled, Lin Hao handed Xuen the deed and keys to the Quirong Villa. The weight of the keys in his hand felt symbolic, a new chapter beginning in his life. The villa, perched on the east coast, promised solitude and a connection to nature—a perfect sanctuary for a martial artist seeking to deepen his cultivation.

 The engine hummed softly as Xuen leaned back in the passenger seat, his gaze drifting out the window. The cityscape blurred past, a mosaic of lights and shadows. Quirong's fingers tapped rhythmically on the steering wheel, her expression calm but her eyes sharp, always calculating. 

"I'll go get my car, and then we'll head to your new villa," Xuen had said earlier, his tone casual, as if the villa were just another stop on their endless journey. Quirong had nodded, already one step ahead. She had brought her own car, sleek and efficient, just like her. Now, they were on the road, the silence between them comfortable but charged with unspoken words.

As they drove, Quirong's voice broke the quiet. "By the way, Xuen," she began, her tone light but with a hint of something deeper, "you never changed the name of the villa, did you?" Her lips curved into a faint pout, a playful gesture that masked her curiosity.

Xuen shrugged, his expression indifferent. "Don't worry. I never cared about things like that."

Quirong's eyes flicked toward him, studying his face for a moment. "Is there anything you *do* care about?" she asked, her voice softer now, almost probing.

The question hung in the air, and for a moment, Xuen's mind drifted. He thought of the party last night, the woman he had met—his sister. The memory was sharp, vivid. He hadn't told her who he was, couldn't bring himself to do it. But now, the weight of that unspoken truth pressed on him. He needed to know more about her, to understand her life, her world.

His face grew serious, the playful banter fading. "Hey," he said, turning to Quirong, "can you send someone to investigate my sister? Find out where she's living, how she's doing… things like that."

Quirong didn't hesitate. "Okay," she replied smoothly. "I'll tell Brother Tiger to handle it."

Xuen raised an eyebrow, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "Brother Tiger? Who's that?"

Quirong's lips twitched into a small smile. "He's one of our family's men. Works underground. A bit dumb, but he's got a big gang and runs some bars and karaoke places. Reliable, in his own way."

Xuen nodded, absorbing the information. His mind was already elsewhere, though, the monotony of the car ride beginning to wear on him. "How far is the villa?" he asked, his tone bored.

"Almost there," Quirong replied, her eyes fixed on the road ahead. The city was fading now, giving way to quieter streets and the promise of something new. The villa awaited, a silent witness to the unfolding drama of their lives.

The car came to a smooth halt, the tires crunching lightly against the gravel driveway. Xuen stepped out, stretching his limbs after the nearly hour-long drive. The air here was different—cleaner, quieter, carrying a faint scent of pine and earth. He took a deep breath, feeling a sense of relief wash over him.

"Here we are," Quirong announced, her voice tinged with satisfaction as she joined him outside. "Finally reached."

Xuen's eyes swept over the property before him. The villa stood elegantly, its architecture a blend of modern luxury and timeless tradition. The surroundings were serene, the kind of peace that money couldn't easily buy. "So this is Quirong Villa," he murmured, a hint of admiration in his tone. "Peaceful, beautifully decorated… not too big, not too small. Perfect for me."

Quirong smiled faintly, her pride evident. "Glad you like it," she said. "It cost 150 million yuan, you know. The most expensive in Shenzhen. Even in a provincial capital, it would be considered top tier."

Xuen shrugged, his expression indifferent. Money had never been something he concerned himself with. "Well, okay then," he said, shifting the topic. "Let's head inside."

Together, they stepped into the villa. The interior was nothing short of breathtaking. The living room was spacious, adorned with ancient antiques and rare treasures that spoke of a rich, storied history. The decor was tasteful, every piece carefully chosen to exude both opulence and refinement. The villa boasted seven bedrooms, each designed with comfort and luxury in mind, and a kitchen that could rival those of five-star restaurants.

Out back, the yard was a haven of relaxation. A barbecue area stood ready for gatherings, and a cozy spot for evening drinks under the stars. But the true gem lay hidden beneath the surface—an underground bar, sleek and intimate, perfect for unwinding in style. The villa itself was nestled in the heart of a hill, its location imbued with a natural energy that seemed almost palpable, an ideal setting for cultivation.

As Xuen took it all in, he couldn't help but feel a sense of belonging. This place, with its perfect balance of luxury and tranquility, felt like it had been waiting for him. Quirong watched him quietly, her gaze knowing. She had chosen this place with care, and now, seeing his reaction, she knew it had been worth every penny.