Courtyard House: Starting in 1938, kill enemies and loot equipment.

As night deepened, the cold wind of Beiping swept through the alleyways, carrying withered leaves, but the courtyards of the steel mill's residential compound were warm and cozy.

As Zhou Ye led Qin Huairu through the courtyard gate, Zhou Xiaocao, who had been waiting at the entrance, immediately came to greet them. The little girl's eyes crinkled as she reached out and took Qin Huairu's other hand, speaking in a tender and affectionate tone: "Huairu, we've been waiting for you to come back. Come inside quickly, I've boiled some water and kept some spirit wheat cakes warm."

Qin Huairu timidly looked up at Zhou Ye, then glanced at the kind-smiling Zhou Xiaocao. Her tense body gradually relaxed, and she whispered, "Sister Xiaocao."

She grew up in the countryside and had never been to such a well-organized courtyard before, nor had she ever seen an older sister like Zhou Xiaocao with such a clean temperament and gentle eyes. But for some reason, she felt close to her at first sight, and most of the awkwardness in her heart dissipated.

Xiao An stood with his hands at his sides under the corridor, his posture much more upright than before. Since being rescued by Zhou Ye and taught the Qi Refining Technique, he had been diligently cultivating every day. His old injuries were gradually healing under the nourishment of spiritual spring grass and spiritual energy. His eyes were filled with unwavering loyalty as he looked at Zhou Ye.

"Sir." Xiao An bowed respectfully, his gaze sweeping over Qin Huairu. Though curious, he asked no questions, simply keeping to his duty.

Under the eaves, the deaf old lady sat on a small stool, holding a pipe, her eyes half-closed, seemingly resting, but actually taking in everything happening in the courtyard. Having lived most of her life, she was extremely perceptive, and with just one glance, she saw that Qin Huairu was a dutiful and sensible girl with a troubled past, and she could also see the girl's dependence on and sincerity towards Zhou Ye. Seeing Zhou Ye look over, the old lady nodded slightly, a smile of approval on her lips, and without saying a word, she had already accepted this newly arrived young girl.

Not far away, Yi Zhonghai and Xiulan also came out after hearing the noise. Xiulan, being a warm-hearted person, quickly stepped forward and pulled Qin Huairu over, looking her up and down, and said with heartache, "Look at this child, she's so thin it breaks my heart. Come inside and warm up, Auntie will cook you a bowl of hot soup noodles."

Yi Zhonghai stood to the side and smiled憨厚ly: "Xiao Zhou, it'll be more lively with another person in the backyard. If you need any help, just let me know."

At this moment, He Yuzhu was just a teenager, peeking out from the door frame. When he saw Zhou Ye bring back a pretty young girl, he scratched his head and didn't say anything, only thinking that this Brother Zhou was capable and kind-hearted. Jia Fugui and his son huddled inside the house, secretly glancing through the window, not daring to say anything—ever since Zhou Ye moved into the courtyard, he had openly and secretly protected the neighbors and punished the unruly ones, and no one in the entire courtyard dared to provoke this seemingly gentle but extremely confident young man.

Zhou Ye led Qin Huairu into his room, which was spotless thanks to Zhou Xiaocao's tidying up. The stove in the corner was burning brightly, radiating warmth.

"Xiao Cao, find Huai Ru a couple of sets of clothes that fit her, and get her some food," Zhou Ye instructed, then turned to Qin Huai Ru and softened his tone, "From now on, this is your home. Don't be afraid, no one will dare to bully you anymore."

Qin Huairu clutched his clothes, nodded vigorously, her eyes slightly red, but she held back her tears. She had suffered terribly in the countryside, bullied by local bullies, and nearly fallen into despair. Now, she finally had a place to shelter from the wind and rain, and people to protect her. This was a life she never dared to dream of.

Zhou Xiaocao responded and went to prepare. Soon she returned with a clean set of clothes, as well as steaming hot spirit wheat cakes and soup. The spirit wheat came from the system's farm and contained a faint spiritual energy. It was mild and smooth to the taste. Qin Huairu had been hungry for a long time. She ate it in small bites, and warmth gradually appeared in her eyes.

After Qin Huairu was settled, Zhou Ye went to the outer room. Xiao An immediately stepped forward and whispered a report on the recent developments in Beiping.

"Sir, everything is fine with the Shou'an Society. No one has approached the secret passage to the artifacts in the South City warehouse. Captains Zhao Hu, Old Ma, and Scarface Qiang are on guard day and night as you instructed, without daring to slack off in the slightest." Xiao An paused, his tone becoming a bit somber, "But... something is not right."

Zhou Ye's eyes darkened slightly: "Speak."

"Zhang Huai'an has been frequently visiting the Military Intelligence Bureau's office in Beiping recently, and he's been leading an inspection team around the southern part of the city. They seem to be inspecting merchants, but in reality, they've been inquiring about the area near the warehouse. Several times they've come close to the outer edge of the secret passage," Xiao An whispered. "From what I can tell, he's still up to no good and is still eyeing those national treasures."

Zhou Ye tapped the table lightly with his fingertips, his golden core in his dantian spun slightly, and a wisp of coldness flashed in his eyes.

Zhang Huai'an, a cunning merchant who made his fortune by colluding with government officials and oppressing merchants, had previously coveted the secret passage to cultural relics. After he easily thwarted his scheme, Zhang Huai'an not only failed to restrain himself but also got involved with Kuomintang secret agents.

In 1947, the situation in Beiping was already turbulent and unpredictable. Military intelligence agents were rampant, searching for underground party members and inspecting supplies everywhere. Now, Zhang Huai'an took the initiative to approach them, undoubtedly hoping to use the agents to pry open the secret passage, steal national treasures, and exchange them for wealth and glory.

"Keep a close eye on him, but don't alert him." Zhou Ye spoke calmly, his tone carrying an undeniable authority. "Write down everything about when, where, and who he contacted with the Military Intelligence Bureau. Also, have Zhao Hu strengthen the security of the secret passage. The spiritual energy barrier I've set up will prevent ordinary people from even finding the entrance."

"Yes!" Xiao An bowed and accepted the order, then turned and left.

Inside the house, Zhou Xiaocao settled Qin Huairu in and came out, saying softly, "Brother, Huairu is asleep. The child is pitiful. I will take better care of her from now on."

Zhou Ye nodded, looking at his only younger sister with a much gentler gaze: "You've worked hard. She's young and has suffered in these chaotic times; give her more peace and stability."

"I know." Zhou Xiaocao smiled, then suddenly remembered something. "By the way, brother, Comrade Xu sent a message today saying that a batch of important supplies needs to be transferred soon, and he wants our Shou'an Association to help escort them to avoid the Military Intelligence Bureau's search."

Zhou Ye's eyes narrowed slightly.

The underground party's supplies were crucial to the safety of soldiers on the front lines and underground workers in Beiping, and could not afford the slightest mistake. Furthermore, Zhang Huai'an's collusion with the Military Intelligence Bureau would inevitably lead to disaster if discovered.

"Report back to Lao Xu, once the time and place for the handover of supplies are set, let me know immediately," Zhou Ye said in a deep voice. "I will personally arrange this escort."

In chaotic times, protecting treasures, protecting family, and protecting the country are all intertwined. The remnants of the Japanese invaders have been eliminated, but the undercurrents within Beiping City are only just beginning to stir.

Outside the window, the cold wind was even stronger, but inside the courtyard, the lights were warm.

Qin Huairu lay on the warm kang (heated brick bed), clutching the small rag doll Zhou Xiaocao had given her tightly by her pillow, a faint smile on her lips. She knew that from this day forward, she was no longer a helpless orphan from the countryside; she had a home, and she had Zhou Ye, her brother, to protect her.

In the shadows of the corner of the courtyard, a dark figure silently swept past, heading swiftly towards Zhang Huai'an's residence.

A covert battle involving national treasures, underground Communist Party members, and Kuomintang secret agents is about to quietly unfold in the night of Beiping.