Especially in the forest, using the cover of the trees and the Concealing Breath Technique, Zhao Ya transformed into a grim reaper in the darkness, mercilessly reaping the lives of anyone daring to be alone.
This was also the key to him being able to face many alone and ultimately wipe out the Hong Family squad.
Therefore, Zhao Ya decided to practice this Concealing Breath Technique more diligently in the future, striving to hone it to the level of Refined Skill as soon as possible.
After finishing his studies, Zhao Ya returned to the house, only to see Zui’Er sorting through her clothes.
She couldn’t bear to part with one thing, nor could she let go of another, and ended up packing two big bundles full.
As for other pots, bowls, and pans, they were no exception. If the house couldn’t be moved, Zui’Er would have loved to pack these two rooms as well.
Zhao Ya couldn’t help but laugh, stopping Zui’Er as she prepared to put the wok into the bundle.
"Alright, alright, let’s not take these things. Just take some change of clothes and valuables. Leave the rest here."
"But these things are still usable!"
"I know they’re still usable, which is why we’re leaving them behind."
Zhao Ya gently held Zui’Er’s hand and said softly, "We’re not leaving the Inner City for good this time. This is still our home, so leaving these things here might come in handy in the future."
Upon hearing this, Zui’Er’s eyes lit up, and she nodded emphatically, "Uh-huh, I see now!"
Then she happily returned the already-packed items.
Zhao Ya smiled helplessly.
He could see that Zui’Er was very attached to this little courtyard.
In fact, how could he not feel the same way?
After all, this was the first place he settled into since coming into this world!
The night passed without words.
The next morning, Tan Dong came early and told Zhao Ya that all matters had been taken care of on his father’s side, and they could move over anytime.
Zhao Ya didn’t delay, and taking Zui’Er with their luggage, he locked the door and followed Tan Dong into the Inner City.
The Inner City is located in the northeast corner of Wuxiang City. Initially, it was a market block, but later a tall wall was built around it, turning it into a small city independent of Wuxiang City.
The gate had stringent security, and everyone coming and going had to verify their identity; those without proper documentation were strictly prohibited from entering.
Fortunately, Tan Ziwang had already prepared identities for Zhao Ya and Zui’Er. After entering the city smoothly, Zui’Er’s eyes lit up.
A wide street came into view, lined with green trees and shops. Importantly, all the pedestrians were neatly dressed. There was not even a beggar in sight, let alone any vagrants, forming a stark contrast to the dirt and chaos of the Outer City.
This naturally caused a strong impact on Zui’Er, who had lived in the Outer City since she was a child.
In contrast, Zhao Ya was much calmer.
To Zhao Ya, who had seen a truly large metropolis, the Inner City was just a slightly tidier small town.
Following Tan Dong all the way to the Song Family’s front door, Zhao Ya looked up to see a large mansion.
The red-painted large gates were tightly closed, but the corner gate was open. Standing at the door were several burly, fully-armed manor guards.
The eyes of these guards were sharp, and their Qi Blood surged like tides; they were peak First Realm Martial Artists.
Unlike the Hong Family’s pseudo-enhanced martial artists, these guards had an imposing aura, clearly the result of real combat.
To think that such Martial Artists were merely gatekeepers gave Zhao Ya a more direct impression of the power of Inner City’s family clans.
Tan Dong stepped forward and said a few words to these guards, the leader of whom glanced twice at Zhao Ya.
Zhao Ya met his gaze calmly, without a trace of panic.
The guard showed a hint of surprise on his face, then nodded at Tan Dong, indicating they could pass.
Tan Dong cupped his hands and led Zhao Ya and Zui’Er through the corner gate into the Song Family.
After entering, Zhao Ya more profoundly appreciated the vastness of this manor.
The courtyards adjoined one another, and the paths were complex. Without someone to lead, one could easily get lost.
Tan Dong didn’t dare wander around and stood waiting in place.
Fortunately, it wasn’t long before his elder brother Tan Bin arrived.
"Ya, my father is reporting to the Patriarch, so he sent me to welcome you. Come with me!"
Zhao Ya nodded, "Thanks, big brother!"
Tan Bin smiled and then led Zhao Ya through numerous turns before arriving at a small courtyard.
"This is the residence arranged for the two of you. See if there’s anything you need, and I’ll have it prepared!"
The courtyard wasn’t large but was pleasantly quiet.
There was a large tree planted in the courtyard, and although it was already autumn, the branches and leaves were still lush, casting a large shade over the yard.
Zui’Er happily walked into the house and found that even the bedding was prepared, which made her feel much more at ease.
To be honest, following Zhao Ya into the Inner City this time, she was very anxious.
Having heard since childhood that the people in the Inner City were either rich or powerful and all were of great ability, she worried about what would happen if she was ostracized after entering.
But the allocation of this small courtyard gave Zui’Er a complete sense of security.
She quickly grew fond of this place.
Zhao Ya thanked Tan Bin for his thoughtfulness, and Tan Bin smiled in response.
"No need to thank me; my father prepared all of this in advance. Besides, we’re family, no need to be so formal. Take a rest first; my father should be coming to see you in the afternoon."
After saying this, Tan Bin left with Tan Dong.
At noon, a young maid brought lunch, which was quite sumptuous, with both wine and meat, and portions were ample. Zhao Ya ate until he was content and full.
Just after finishing the meal, Tan Ziwang arrived.
"Uncle!" Zhao Ya rose to greet him.
Tan Ziwang waved with a smile, "How is it? Are you satisfied?"
"Yes, it’s better than I expected!"
"Haha, it’ll only get better in the future. Your joining has made the Patriarch very happy. He originally wanted to meet you in person, but unfortunately, he’s too busy, so he asked me to pass on a message: don’t hesitate, just focus on your cultivation."
Zhao Ya naturally understood that the excuse of being too busy was just a cover.
Basically, it meant his current strength wasn’t enough to warrant an audience.
Zhao Ya didn’t mind at all since he hadn’t planned on meeting the Song Family’s Patriarch.
The main reason he came to the Song Family was largely due to the Tan Family, especially the care from Tan Ziwang.
Tan Ziwang actually understood this point as well. Knowing Zhao Ya’s character well, he laughed heartily, and let the matter pass.
"Ya, this time you’ve joined the Song Family, I’ve secured a guard position for you. This role is relatively laid-back, without the daily roll call like other servants, just accompanying the Patriarch or important people when they travel. It should suit you well."
"Thank you, Uncle!"
"No need for such courtesy. If you encounter any problems in the future, feel free to come to me. In the Song Family, I can still speak a few words."
"Alright!"