Cultivation is Creation

The Han family compound looked exactly like you'd expect for a once-prosperous merchant clan trying desperately to maintain appearances.

The main courtyard was still meticulously swept, but I could see patches where expensive stone tiles had been replaced with cheaper alternatives. The decorative plants were well-tended but sparse, probably sold off one by one as finances dwindled. Even the wooden pillars supporting the entrance showed signs of careful repair rather than proper replacement.

It was like looking at a proud old warrior trying to maintain his dignity while wearing increasingly patched armor. You had to admire the effort, even if the results were a bit depressing.

"Young Master!" A servant hurried toward us through the rain, his expression a mix of relief and concern. "We were so worried when—" He broke off, eyes widening as he took in Han Zhongwei's disheveled state. "Master Han! Are you...?"

"I'm fine," Han Zhongwei waved off the concern, though I could feel Han Renyi's worry at how his father was favoring his left side. Those roots hadn't been gentle. "Please gather the family in the main hall. And send someone to fetch Qingyi from her hiding place."

The servant hesitated for just a moment, glancing between father and son, probably trying to piece together what had happened. Han family's situation wasn't exactly a secret – everyone knew Zhou had been pressuring them. Seeing the patriarch return in such a state, accompanied by his son who looked... well, I probably should have done something about the blood spatter on our robes before walking in. Finally, he bowed and hurried off to carry out his instructions.

I took the opportunity to really study our surroundings through Han Renyi's eyes. The compound's layout was actually quite clever from a defensive standpoint – multiple courtyards connected by covered walkways, with clear sightlines to all the major approaches. In its prime, with proper guards and maybe some defensive formations, it would have been a respectable stronghold.

Now though... I counted exactly three guards trying to look like they were casually patrolling rather than huddling under the eaves to stay dry. Their weapons were well-maintained but dated, and their stances showed basic training but nothing special. Not that I could blame them – proper combat training required resources the family clearly didn't have anymore.

"A merchant family shouldn't need this kind of defensive architecture," I thought to Han Renyi. "Unless..."