The night sky had settled calmly by the time they arrived at the Jian family home. The air carried the scent of damp earth and spices drifting from the kitchen. Without a word, Tang Wu headed straight to the kitchen to prepare dinner, while Mo Tian and Leon were guided into the main room.
"Master, this is Uncle Jian... and that's Daji," Leon said, pointing to two figures sitting casually inside the modest but clean home.
Mo Tian observed Jian Mo with cautious eyes. Though the man appeared relaxed, with messy hair and loose clothes, Mo Tian sensed something unusual. His instincts—sharpened through years of being an observer and teacher—screamed silently. Behind Jian Mo's calmness was a wild aura, like a wounded beast lying in wait, silent but far from tamed.
Mo Tian respectfully bowed.
"Greetings, Mister Jian. I am Mo Tian, master of the Tianyin Pavilion and Leon's teacher. Thank you for taking such good care of my student."
Jian Mo narrowed his eyes, studying the young man. He could tell Mo Tian was no ordinary person. His gaze was sharp, his words carefully chosen, and his presence quietly intense.
'This man is dangerous,' Jian Mo thought to himself. But outwardly, he only gave a slight nod.
"It's nothing. Since Leon arrived, Daji's been more cheerful. This house feels a bit more alive."
Daji, who had been listening with sparkling eyes, chimed in with a cheerful laugh.
"That's true! Leon and Brother Tang Wu always argue about food, but it's fun!"
The mood warmed even more when Tang Wu shouted from the kitchen,
"Be patient! The sambal's not done yet!"
Soon, the dining table filled with the inviting aroma of homecooked dishes. Steaming rice, stir-fried vegetables, and bamboo shoot soup were served alongside freshly roasted chicken. Everyone gathered around the round table, smiles lighting up their faces.
Daji looked at Mo Tian, resting her chin in her hands.
"So, Uncle, you're Leon's teacher?"
Mo Tian smiled softly.
"Yes, I taught him. Leon is a bright child. He's already mastered calligraphy, literature, painting, and even ancient history."
"Whoa, that's so cool!" Daji exclaimed in awe. "I want to learn those things too!"
Mo Tian looked at her kindly.
"In that case... would you be interested in joining the Tianyin Academy?"
Daji immediately turned to her father.
"Daddy, can I? Please?" she pleaded, her eyes sparkling with hope.
Jian Mo fell silent for a moment, then looked at Mo Tian seriously.
"Can she really enroll? She doesn't come from a major sect or clan."
Mo Tian nodded with confidence.
"Our academy accepts anyone. Even children as young as five can join. Leon was that age when he enrolled. And for Daji, I can place her in the elite class—with special supervision, of course."
Jian Mo looked at his daughter, who now stared back at him with pure anticipation. He sighed softly, then gave a small nod.
"Alright. We'll leave in two weeks."
The moment he said that, Daji jumped from her seat and spun around the dining table with both arms raised high.
"Study! Study! Yay, I get to study!"
Laughter filled the dining room. Tang Wu, now stepping out with the sambal, chuckled at Daji's excitement.
"Wow, the sambal hasn't even been tasted yet, and you're already fired up!"
That night ended with warm food and rising hope. For the first time since tragedy struck, the Jian household was once again filled with laughter and dreams of the future.