Yeeming smiled warmly and said, "It's alright, Leeming. This is your home. You're free to bring anyone you want here." Then he turned to Zihang and asked, "What's your name?"
Zihang chuckled lightly and replied, "My name is Zihang." He offered no further explanation, and Yeeming didn't press him.
Leeming quickly arranged a room for Zihang and led him there. Zihang was taken aback by its beauty—the room was elegant, with intricate designs and a serene atmosphere.
"This is your room," Leeming said with a smile. "Take a bath and freshen up. I'll see you at dinner."
After Leeming left, Zihang took his advice and cleaned himself up. When he joined everyone for dinner later, he was dressed in a light blue outfit that made him look strikingly different. However, as the evening progressed, he began to shiver slightly, his discomfort visible.
Fang, one of the Jiang clan members, noticed this and asked, "Who are you? Why are you shivering so much? Are you feeling cold?"
Zihang nodded, offering a simple explanation. "Yes, I'm not used to living in such a snowy place. I come from a warmer village, so this cold is unfamiliar to me."
Though everyone accepted his explanation, Fang remained slightly suspicious. However, he said nothing further.
Over time, Zihang grew closer to Leeming. The two became good friends, often practicing swordsmanship together and spending hours in the clan's library. Zihang had an insatiable appetite for knowledge. Once he started reading a book, he wouldn't stop until he had finished it.
Leeming was curious about Zihang's dedication. Why does someone who calls himself 'ordinary' have such a hunger for knowledge about cultivation? he wondered. Regardless, Zihang's efforts didn't go unnoticed, and his knowledge about cultivation grew rapidly.
---
As days passed, preparations for the impending war began. The Shin clan arrived at the Jiang clan's territory, bringing Hua Shin among them. Leeming greeted Hua Shin warmly and introduced him to Zihang, who was sitting nearby.
When Hua Shin saw Zihang, his expression changed. There was something familiar about him. Extending his hand, Hua Shin asked, "What is your name?"
Zihang hesitated for a moment before replying, "My name is Zihang."
Hua Shin's eyes narrowed slightly as he observed Zihang more closely. "Your eyes and your voice… they remind me of my brother, Xiao."
Zihang's heart skipped a beat, but he kept his composure. "I'm sorry, but I don't know your brother. I'm from a small village. My parents were common people, and I've spent most of my time practicing swordsmanship."
Hua Shin looked at him for a long moment before nodding. Perhaps I was mistaken.
The three of them—Leeming, Hua Shin, and Zihang—talked for a while, getting to know one another. Despite the lingering doubts in Hua Shin's mind, the three formed a tentative bond of friendship.
---
The day of the war finally arrived. The allied forces of the Jiang, Shin, and other clans prepared to march toward the Shi clan. Zihang joined the ranks alongside Leeming and Hua Shin, their army gathered behind them.
However, just as they were about to leave, Yeeming's father stopped him. "The king does not go to war," he said sternly. "If you fall in battle, we may lose everything."
Reluctantly, Yeeming stayed behind to command from afar. Fang, however, stepped forward, determined to lead the charge alongside his comrades.
The allied army set out, their resolve strong and their mission clear: the Shi clan's tyranny would end, and peace would be restored.