Chapter 40: An Eye Opener

The Lin Courtyard, though simple, exuded a quiet sense of promise. Its vast expanse, with sturdy walls and open spaces, was a stark contrast to the cramped confines of the village they had left behind. For the villagers, it was more than just shelter—it was a new beginning. Children ran freely across the courtyard, their laughter echoing off the stone walls. The older men and women, who had grown accustomed to years of struggle, found comfort in the solidity of their surroundings. For the first time in a long while, the air was filled with something other than tension, it was hope.

Jiang Feng stood near the entrance, watching as families worked together to unload carts and organize their belongings. The sight warmed him in an unexpected way. Despite the hardships they had endured, the villagers moved with purpose, their expressions lighter than he had seen in last fifteen or so days since he'd shown up at the village.

Even the weary warriors, who had stood as the village's protectors, seemed to carry themselves with a bit more pride as they helped secure the new home. The Lin Courtyard might have been unfamiliar, but it was already becoming theirs.

Lin Rou stood at the heart of the activity, directing the villagers with a firm yet encouraging tone. "Spread out the supplies evenly. Make sure the elders have the first choice of rooms that a little further to the back for safety" he instructed, his voice carrying a note of authority. But as he watched an elderly couple settle into a corner with a grateful nod, the hardness in his expression softened.

"We've got enough space here to make this work. Don't hold back—this is our place now." His words seemed to carry weight, and the villagers moved with renewed determination.

Jiang Feng approached Lin Rou, his footsteps light as he scanned the courtyard. "It's... bigger than I thought it would be" he said, his voice filled with quiet wonder. "I didn't expect to feel this... safe." He gestured toward the children playing nearby, their shrill laughter rising above the activity. "I don't think I've heard them laugh like that in days."

Lin Rou gave a short laugh, his lips curling into a rare smile. "That's what we fought for," he said, crossing his arms as he surveyed the bustling courtyard. "This isn't just a place to survive—it's a chance to thrive. But don't get too comfortable yet. Northern Moon's walls can protect us, but they can't fight our battles for us and at times we may even need to protect ourselves from even them."

He placed a hand on Jiang Feng's shoulder, his expression growing serious. "If we're going to keep this hope alive, we need to be ready for what's ahead. This is just the beginning." Lin Rou patted his shoulder and walked off before suddenly stopping again, "Take one of the rooms in the main hall, I'll come back with all the information about this place that may be of use to us".

-

Jiang Feng nodded thoughtfully after hearing what Lin Rou said. The truth was sobering—he was all alone in this vast world teeming with experts and monsters. Without the protection of Lin Moyi and Lin Rou, he would have long since met a grim end. The realization filled him with deep gratitude toward the two of them.

The Lin Courtyard's main hall was a two-story pagoda situated at the heart of the estate. Surrounded by tall, ancient trees and tranquil ponds, the scene was a harmonious blend of elegance and serenity, pleasing to the eye and soothing to the spirit.

Standing outside the main hall, Jiang Feng took a moment to absorb his surroundings. The courtyard was expansive, dotted with dozens of houses that seemed to have every modern convenience imaginable. It was worlds apart from the modest blacksmith shop where he had grown up. The gap between his father's humble life and the mysterious world these people inhabited struck him anew, making him feel small but determined.

"If this courtyard is already so vast," Jiang Feng muttered to himself with a faint smile, "I can only imagine the size of the estates owned by the major families and powers of Northern Moon." He shook his head, a touch of weariness in his expression. "This world is truly too big."

With a deep breath to steady himself, he pushed open the grand doors of the main hall. The interior was tidy, furnished in a traditional style that exuded understated luxury. The furniture was well-kept, with soft cushions and gleaming wooden surfaces. Here and there, vibrant green plants added a touch of life to the space, while the faintly glowing walls provided a sturdy and otherworldly ambiance. The light they emitted was soft yet firm, casting intricate shadows that danced with a subtle rhythm.

"Strange," Jiang Feng murmured, stepping closer to one of the walls. His eyes narrowed as he examined it intently. The glowing surface was inlaid with crisscrossing lines that appeared random at first glance but hinted at an elusive pattern the longer he stared.

"These lines..." he muttered, brushing his fingers across the wall. "They remind me of the ones I found in that cave. But these are far more refined, and they don't carry that ominous, murderous aura."

For a long while, Jiang Feng stood there, tracing the lines with his fingertips, trying to compare them to the crude, foreboding markings he had encountered in the cave. The memory of those lines surfaced in his mind—their chaotic, jagged appearance and the suffocating feeling they had exuded.

Yet, despite his efforts, he couldn't make sense of the patterns on the wall before him.

"The meaning I grasped in the cave—'Reality is but a shell'—it doesn't seem to connect to these lines," Jiang Feng admitted to himself with a sigh. His understanding of the markings from the cave was still shallow at best, and without a solid grasp of their purpose, he couldn't hope to interpret these either. Shaking his head, he decided to set it aside for now.

"I should really try to figure some things out when I get the chance," he thought, clenching his fists lightly. "Not just these lines, but everything else too. The people of Northern Moon are incredibly powerful—it's like stepping into a different world. I can't afford to lag behind. I won't let my father's expectations down."

Determined, Jiang Feng resumed his exploration of the main hall. Ascending the staircase, he arrived at the second floor, where he found a long corridor lined with ten large rooms. Walking past the doors, he stopped at the one at the end of the left side. A card hung on the door, catching his attention.

Curious, he plucked the card from its holder. As soon as he did, the door responded, glowing faintly before sliding open with a soft hum.

"Now, this is interesting," Jiang Feng remarked, inspecting the card. His sharp eyes caught the familiar lines etched onto its surface—the same intricate patterns that adorned the walls downstairs.

Stepping inside, he was greeted by a spacious, well-lit room. The design was simple but comfortable. A cozy seating area sat to one side, with a kitchen tucked neatly into a corner. A door led to a pristine bathroom, while a medium-sized bed with crisp white sheets occupied the bedroom.

The atmosphere was tranquil, but Jiang Feng's attention was drawn to another door within the room. Approaching it, he noticed the same faint glow emanating from its edges as the card he held responded once more. The door slid open to reveal an entirely different space—a small, empty room save for a single mat neatly placed in the center.

"The lines are denser here," Jiang Feng muttered, stepping inside. The walls glowed more brightly, the patterns weaving an intricate and mesmerizing tapestry of light. His heart quickened. "This looks like... a cultivation room!"

His lips curled into a smile after realizing that fact. Closing the door behind him, Jiang Feng sat cross-legged on the mat, steadying his breathing and mind. He took a deep breath, the faint hum of the glowing walls surrounding him like a protective cocoon. Here, he would begin his journey—a step closer to bridging the gap between himself and the powerful forces of Northern Moon. 'Let's start with draconic Resilience'