Han Liang and the Second Commander carefully observed Simon's movements in the town. They had now arrived at Ying Town, and after seven days in Feng Town, Han Liang could finally breathe a little easier. Somewhere in this town, Gu Feng might still be—he thought of him constantly, wanting to find him, wondering what he had been doing in his absence.
Every detail about the blond man, Simon—his steps, his conversations—was noted carefully.
As noon approached, Simon slipped into a narrow alley, walking for quite a distance until he reached a forest path. After several hundred meters, he stopped in front of a wide, single-story building hidden among the trees. It resembled a hall, almost like an inn, though neither Han Liang nor the Second Commander had ever noticed it before.
They wanted to enter, but two large guards stopped them at the door.
"We've never seen you around here," one of the men barked. He was tall, broad-shouldered, well over a hundred kilograms.
"Who are you here to see?"
Han Liang couldn't say Simon's name—that would expose their trail. So instead, he replied calmly,
"Isn't this a hall? We came to eat."
"Not everyone can enter," the guard snapped. "Only familiar faces."
Han Liang glanced at the Second Commander.
"Let's go. We're at the wrong place."
They retreated into the trees and found a place to observe from a distance.
Just then, another man appeared—his steps silent, his presence heavy. For a moment, Han Liang's heart raced; from afar, the man's height and posture reminded him of Gu Feng. But as he looked closer, he realized it wasn't him.
The stranger wore a cloak and a mask, covering most of his face. He seemed older, carrying an air of quiet mystery.
A flicker of relief passed through Han Liang. Still, something about the place—and Simon's connection to it—left an uneasy weight in his chest.
The masked man entered without question.
Could he be from the Jewel Sect? Han Liang wondered.
They needed answers.
Not long after, Simon emerged, carrying a box in his hands, walking with the same calm confidence. Han Liang quickly ordered the Second Commander to remain hidden and continue watching the masked man inside.
He would follow Simon himself.
Simon returned along the forest path and stepped back into the crowded streets. He moved through narrow alleys and into the marketplace as if nothing mattered.
And then—
Han Liang froze.
Among the stalls, moving with quiet grace, was Yuan Yu—under the name Gu Feng.
He was shopping again, calm and composed.
Han Liang's gaze lingered on him. Something stirred in his chest—
but when he turned back, Simon was gone.
Vanished without a trace.
What should I do?
Chase Simon… or go to Gu Feng?
The answer came instantly.
Han Liang stepped forward and appeared beside Gu Feng. Leaning close, his voice dropped into a low whisper.
"It's been a long time… since I last saw you."