Renjia Town slowly awakened beneath the early morning light.
On the bluestone-paved streets, breakfast stalls had already been set up. Shop assistants removed wooden door panels, preparing for the day's business.
Jiu Shu walked side by side with Uchiha Mo.
Dressed in a simple long gown, his expression stern and steps steady—
He carried the quiet dignity of someone long respected.
As for Uchiha Mo—
Though clad in coarse cloth—
His upright posture, refined features, and calm, restrained aura still drew frequent glances from passing townsfolk.
—
"Morning, Jiu Shu!"
"Jiu Shu, have you eaten?"
"Jiu Shu, these buns just came out—take a couple!"
—
Along the way—
People greeted him warmly.
Without hesitation.
Without distance.
—
"Good morning, Shopkeeper Li."
"I've already eaten, thank you."
"Aunt Wang, there's no need."
"Boss Zhang, wishing you prosperous business."
—
Jiu Shu responded to each greeting with a nod—
Polite.
Measured.
Maintaining just the right balance.
—
Uchiha Mo observed quietly.
Jiu Shu was deeply rooted here.
Familiar with everyone—
And respected in return.
This kind of connection…
Was something the Uchiha Military Police could never achieve.
—
"Jiu Shu is quite respected in this town," Mo said.
Their relationship had gradually relaxed over the past few days.
Conversation flowed more naturally now.
—
Jiu Shu smiled faintly.
"We're all neighbors."
"We help one another."
"Those who walk the Dao should aid the world and protect the people."
—
Then—
He glanced at Mo.
"You, on the other hand, must hold a high position in your clan."
"Do you often interact with the outside world?"
—
Mo answered calmly.
"There are many rules within the clan."
"We rarely interact with outsiders."
"Most matters remain internal."
—
"Understandable."
Jiu Shu nodded.
"But it's still good to step outside."
"To see the world."
—
They passed a breakfast stall.
The owner called out with a grin—
"Jiu Shu, is this handsome young man your new disciple?"
—
"He's a guest at the mortuary."
Jiu Shu waved it off lightly.
Then turned to Mo.
"This stall has the best soy milk in town."
"Want to try some?"
—
Mo understood immediately.
He smiled.
"Then we'll have two bowls."
—
As they waited—
Jiu Shu casually gestured toward the street.
Listing shops one by one.
"Old Li at the pharmacy—skilled, but stubborn."
"Old Zhang at the blacksmith—bad temper, but unmatched craftsmanship."
—
These simple words—
Revealed familiarity.
History.
A life lived among ordinary people.
—
After taking a sip of soy milk—
Jiu Shu spoke again.
"A cultivator cannot truly separate from the mortal world."
"If you can't integrate…"
"How can you protect it?"
—
Mo lowered his gaze slightly.
"Every family has its burdens."
"Some things… cannot be set aside so easily."
—
He understood.
But—
His path—
Was different.
—
Jiu Shu had earned respect through protection.
Through presence.
Through time.
—
But the Uchiha?
—
One of Konoha's founding clans.
They had bled for the village.
Fought for it.
Built it.
—
And yet—
They were distrusted.
Watched.
Restricted.
—
The Military Police seemed powerful.
But in truth—
They were bound.
Every move—
Observed by ANBU.
—
A trace of coldness flickered in Mo's eyes.
—
He was not Jiu Shu.
He could not remain detached.
—
Yes—
The Uchiha had flaws.
Arrogant.
Extreme.
Quick to rely on the Sharingan.
—
But—
He had lived two lives.
Twenty years in one world.
Eighteen in another.
—
Those memories—
Merged.
Blended.
—
Like two rivers becoming one—
Impossible to separate.
—
So—
He could criticize the Uchiha.
—
But he would never allow outsiders—
To belittle them.
—
If Konoha could not tolerate the Uchiha—
Then…
Since it was founded by Uchiha and Senju—
—
He wouldn't mind—
Letting it end by their hands.
—
"…Sigh."
—
Jiu Shu glanced at him quietly.
As if sensing something deeper beneath those words.
But he said nothing.
—
Every family—
Had its own troubles.
—
Before they realized—
They had arrived.
—
The teahouse.
—
Despite the name—
It resembled a Western-style restaurant.
A white two-story building.
Attendants in white shirts and red vests stood neatly by.
—
The moment they entered—
A manager in a black suit approached.
"Do you have a reservation?"
—
Jiu Shu hesitated slightly.
Unfamiliar with such places.
"…No."
—
Mo stepped forward smoothly.
"We were invited by Ren Fa."
—
The manager's expression changed instantly.
"Ah—guests of Master Ren. Please follow me."
—
They were led upstairs.
—
Unlike the lively first floor—
The second floor was quiet.
Refined.
—
Guests spoke softly.
Or simply sipped tea in silence.
—
By the window—
A middle-aged man sat.
Silk jacket.
Ruddy complexion.
—
The moment he saw them—
He stood.
Smile perfectly measured.
—
"Jiu Shu, I've been waiting."
—
Then—
His gaze shifted.
To Mo.
—
"And this gentleman is…?"
—
"This is young brother Mo," Jiu Shu introduced.
"A guest at the mortuary."
—
"And this—"
"Is Master Ren Fa."
—
Mo gave a slight nod.
—
Ren Fa's eyes flickered briefly.
Not entirely satisfied with the casual response.
But with Jiu Shu present—
He maintained his composure.
—
"So, young brother Mo."
"Please—have a seat."
—
They sat.
Polite conversation followed.
Measured.
—
Not yet touching the main topic.
—
Then—
A voice rang out.
"Father!"
—
Clear.
Bright.
—
All eyes turned.
—
A young woman stepped upstairs.
Dressed in a Western-style dress.
A delicate hat resting lightly atop her head.
—
"Tingting!"
Ren Fa's expression softened instantly.
"Come—greet Jiu Shu."
—
"Greetings, Jiu Shu."
—
Ren Tingting bowed politely.
—
But her gaze—
Couldn't help drifting toward Uchiha Mo.
—
"This is young brother Mo."
"A guest of Jiu Shu."
—
Ren Tingting studied him briefly.
Curiosity flickering in her eyes.
Then—
She bowed lightly.
—
"Hello, Mr. Mo."
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