Arrival at Hanhai City
On the second day, accompanied by the village chief of Jiangrong Village, Leo sat quietly in a carriage bound for Hanhai City.
The journey wasn't long, but the silence between them made it feel stretched. The village chief didn't say much, and Leo didn't feel like talking. He stared out at the open road, clutching the strap of his bag without thinking.
By midmorning, the carriage rolled through the city gates after a simple inspection and made its way to the academy.
"This is it," the village chief said as the carriage stopped in front of the academy gate. "I've got things to handle, so I'll leave you here. If you ever need something, write to the village. We'll help however we can."
Leo nodded. The chief gave him a final pat on the shoulder, then left.
He didn't look back.
Leo picked up his bags and walked through the academy gate without trouble. No one stopped him. No one questioned him. The guards gave him a glance but didn't say a word—just another early arrival among many.
He followed the signs through the spacious campus, its buildings quiet and nearly empty, until he reached the Academic Affairs Office.
Inside, a familiar figure was speaking with an older man behind the desk. The younger one turned around at the sound of footsteps.
"Leo?" the man said, blinking. "You came early."
"Uncle Mo Hen," Leo greeted him with a faint smile. "I wanted to start training as soon as possible."
Mo Hen stepped over, taking in the sight of the bags in Leo's hands. His expression softened. "You should've told me you were coming today. I would've come to meet you."
"It's okay. I didn't want to trouble you."
The older man at the desk—Director Su—looked between them and smiled faintly. "So this is your nephew?"
Mo Hen nodded. "Leo, say hello to Director Su."
"Hello, Director Su," Leo said politely.
Director Su didn't ask any more questions. With a quick exchange between the adults, Leo's early registration was approved.
Afterward, Mo Hen led Leo across the campus toward the dormitory. Their footsteps echoed down the empty walkways.
"You'll stay in the work-study dorm for now," Mo Hen said. "When the semester begins, we can move you into the regular student program if you want."
Leo shook his head. "I'll stay in the work-study program. I don't need to pay tuition that way."
Mo Hen glanced over but didn't argue. "Alright. But don't worry about chores. You focus on cultivation. Let the rest be handled."
"Thank you, Uncle."
They reached the dorm. It was quiet—no one inside. Leo set down his bags and sat on the edge of the bed.
He didn't say much more, and neither did Mo Hen.
After a moment, his uncle gave him a few words of encouragement and left, saying he'd check in again soon.
Leo lay back slowly, staring at the ceiling. The room was still. The city was vast. He was here.
Alone, but not entirely.