As the sun dipped toward the west, Han Liang left the quiet of the inn behind and stepped into the bustling streets. Though the Tiger Sect had departed, the city still carried a hidden tension.
Only one thought lingered in Han Liang's mind: Who was Yuan Yu—the heir of the Jewel Sect? What kind of person was he? And if he could reach him… what advantage would it bring to his sect?
He made his way to the market, weaving silently through the crowd, his eyes scanning every corner. Finally, he arrived at the stall where the young man—Gu Feng—had chosen the bracelet. The vendor was carefully arranging colorful stones.
Han Liang approached like a shadow. The vendor noticed him and offered a polite smile.
"Are you looking for something?" he asked.
Han Liang's gaze fell on the jade bracelets displayed among the other trinkets. He reached out, lightly brushing one with his fingers.
"A young man came here the other day. I bought a bracelet here and gave it to him… Do you remember?"
He lowered his voice.
"He called himself Gu Feng. Which family is he from? I'd like to visit him… perhaps share a meal," Han Liang said.
The vendor's hands paused for the briefest moment.
Gu Feng…?
So the young master chose to hide his name.
As expected.
He must not want outsiders to know who he is.
The vendor quickly composed himself, his expression returning to normal.
"I only remember a slender, refined young man," he said carefully. "He didn't seem like a local… more like someone passing through."
Han Liang felt a flicker of frustration. How could he find him if he remained nothing more than a passing stranger?
The vendor studied him for a moment, then added,
"You might see him around again. If you're looking for him, keep your eyes open."
Hope stirred again within Han Liang. If he came here once, he would come again.
With that thought, Han Liang stepped back and merged into the crowd once more, alert and watchful.
After arranging to meet with the Second Commander, Han Liang set off toward the nearby town for a two-day mission. Even so, his thoughts remained fixed on the same name.
Gu Feng.
He would find him.
Driven by a growing need to understand who this mysterious young man truly was, Han Liang made a silent promise to himself—when he returned, he would see him again.