Inside the Thatched Hut:
The thick wooden door muffled the outside world, leaving only the faint scent of herbs and the crackle of a small brazier.
Fang Yuan sat cross-legged directly on the well-swept packed earth floor while his expression was a mixture of exasperation and weary patience.
Before him, was Fang Lian, prostrated so low that her forehead literally just touched the ground.
Her short, practical hair fanned out slightly, and her shoulders trembled with the fervor of her apology.
"Master! This unworthy disciple begs forgiveness! To raise a hand, to throw weapons at you... it's utterly unforgivable! Please punish this foolish, impulsive disciple of yours!" Her voice was thick with remorse.
Fang Yuan sighed, the sound soft in the quiet hut. He waved a dismissive hand.
"Get up, Lian. Enough groveling. It was my fault barging in without warning. Anyone would react poorly to an intruder during a middle of taking a bath."
