One week later, Shadow Rest looked almost normal.
Almost.
Three hundred twenty refugees had become one hundred eight permanent residents through mathematics of departure and desperation. Most fled toward rebuilt villages or distant family once demon threat ended. Elder Feng's purification team spent two days cleansing harvested zones, neutralizing death qi contamination that would have cursed land for decades without treatment. Villages could be resettled. Lives could continue. Scars would remain but wouldn't fester.
Fifty-three refugees chose to stay. Nowhere else to go. Homes destroyed. Families dead. Starting over in settlement that had saved their lives through warning system they'd never forget. Zhang Wei joined Qiu's merchant operations with grateful efficiency. Scholar Chen assisted Teacher Bai's library organization. Others integrated into community tasks with gratitude that manifested as hard work and quiet determination to earn their place.
