Chapter 66: Hidden Quest Completed
Leaving the reception hall, the group stepped out into the cool evening air where Lin Laifu’s personal luxury carriage was already waiting in the main courtyard. The large, polished mahogany carriage was pulled by four sleek black spirit-horses, their hooves stamping softly against the paving stones.
Lin Laifu bowed politely, offering an apologetic smile as he gestured toward the open carriage door.
"Young Master Lu, please make full use of my carriage," Lin Laifu said smoothly, smoothing down his silk robes. "I deeply apologize that I cannot accompany you to inspect the estate personally this evening. A delegation of foreign business guests from the northern trade routes has just arrived in the city, and I must host them at my main pavilion tonight. However, Master Wei knows every inch of the property and will guide your driver directly to the gates."
"It is no problem," Lu Feng replied, nodding slightly. "Business comes first, Master Lin. We appreciate the transport."
"Then I wish you a pleasant viewing, Young Master," Lin Laifu bowed once more before turning to walk back toward his private quarters.
With Lin Laifu occupied, Lu Feng, Han Lin, and Ye Chenxue boarded the spacious carriage. Master Wei climbed up to sit beside the driver on the front bench, calling out directions to guide the horses out of the estate compound and onto the quiet, elevated avenues leading toward the Upper Eastern District.
The ride was smooth and peaceful. As they climbed higher toward the foot of the eastern hills, the noisy chatter of the lower markets faded away, replaced by the tranquil rustle of pine trees and the faint, sweet scent of mountain blossoms.
After twenty minutes of travel, the carriage came to a gentle stop before a massive set of double gates constructed from heavy, iron-bound spirit-wood.
Master Wei quickly stepped down, pulling a heavy brass key from his sleeve to unlock the iron latch. The wooden gates swung open with a deep, echoing groan, revealing the hidden sanctuary within.
Stepping through the threshold, Lu Feng’s eyes widened slightly in quiet appreciation.
The estate was entirely enclosed by towering, ten-foot-tall stone perimeter walls topped with dark slate tiles, completely cutting off the outside world. Nestled near the center of the spacious courtyard was a serene, crystalline lotus pond.
Glowing white and blue lotus flowers floated gracefully on the water’s surface, casting a soft, soothing light over the surrounding stone pathways and manicured gardens.
True to Master Wei’s word, the layout featured three distinct, beautifully crafted buildings built from dark timber and reinforced slate. The main residential building stood proudly at the center, flanked by two sturdy, solid-stone training halls on either side.
As Lu Feng walked further into the courtyard, he felt a subtle, rhythmic vibration pulsing through the air. His sharp senses immediately picked up on the presence of two distinct array formations embedded directly into the estate’s foundation stones.
The first was a solid, middle-grade Protective Array, designed to form a translucent barrier over the entire perimeter in the event of an attack, effortlessly blocking prying senses and physical intruders alike.
The second formation was far more intriguing—a specialized Qi Absorption Array centered directly around the two training halls. The moment Lu Feng stepped into the array’s zone, he felt the natural spiritual energy of the surrounding hills being drawn continuously into the courtyard, making the air thick, crisp, and extraordinarily rich in Qi. Anyone sitting within the formation to meditate would absorb Qi at nearly double their normal speed.
Master Wei walked beside them, watching Lu Feng’s subtle nods of approval with a hopeful, eager smile.
"As you can see, Young Master Lu, this property is a rare gem," Master Wei explained, wiping a bead of sweat from his forehead. "The previous owner was a retired grandmaster who spared no expense on the array foundations. Because of its size, privacy, and built-in formations, the asking price is quite steep... It sits at 9,000 Gold Coins."
Master Wei braced himself, expecting the young man to negotiate or complain about the staggering price tag. Nine thousand gold coins was a fortune capable of buying entire commercial streets in the lower districts.
Instead, Lu Feng didn’t even blink. After a brief moment of consideration, he reached into his robes, accessed his dimensional storage, and produced nine heavy, leather pouches bulging with bright, pure gold coins. He handed them directly to the stunned broker without bargaining for a single copper down.
"9,000 gold coins," Lu Feng said calmly. "The estate is worth the price. We will take it right now."
Master Wei’s hands trembled as he accepted the heavy pouches, his jaw nearly dropping to the floor. To meet a client who paid nine thousand gold coins upfront without a single moment of hesitation or haggling was a miracle in his line of work. And shocking of all, the pouches had come out from Lu Feng’s robes.
How?!
He had no idea but he also didn’t ask. He couldn’t.
"Th-Thank you, Young Master Lu! You are truly magnificently generous!" Master Wei stammered, bowing repeatedly until his back was practically parallel to the ground. "Allow me to hand over the title deed and property seals immediately!"
After quickly handing over the official wooden deed and brass key set, Master Wei took a step forward, eager to offer further service.
"Young Master Lu, an estate of this grand scale requires proper maintenance," Master Wei offered eagerly. "If you wish, I can personally arrange a team of highly trained maids, skilled private cooks, and a squad of elite security guards to staff the premises by tomorrow morning!"
Before Lu Feng could even open his mouth to decline, Han Lin stepped forward, placing her hands on her hips as she gave the old broker a warm, amused smile.
"There is no need for all of that, Master Wei," Han Lin said smoothly, her voice light yet decisive. "I am more than capable of managing our daily household and preparing our meals myself. And as for security..."
She paused, turning her head to offer a playful glance toward Ye Chenxue, who stood silently beside the lotus pond, her hand resting naturally on her sword hilt while her cold, sharp gaze scanned the night shadows.
"...I am quite certain that no security guard you could hire in this entire city could possibly compare to Lady Ye," Han Lin finished with a soft chuckle.
Master Wei looked at Ye Chenxue, feeling a sudden, involuntary shiver run down his spine as he caught the subtle, razor-sharp edge of her lingering killing intent. He swallowed hard, quickly nodding his head in agreement. "Ah... yes! Of course! Lady Ye’s strength is obvious! Forgive my overstepping!"
With the transaction fully settled and no further business left to discuss, Master Wei offered a final, deeply respectful bow before taking his leave, closing the heavy wooden gates behind him as he departed into the night.
The moment the grand gates clicked shut, leaving the three of them in absolute, tranquil privacy, a familiar, crisp chime resonated sharply directly inside Lu Feng’s mind.
Ding!
His familiar interface panel flickered to life before his vision, illuminating the dim courtyard with glowing system text.
[Hidden Quest Completed: "Private Space"]
[Requirement Met: Secure an independent, high-grade personal estate without relying on external faction ownership.]
[Reward Granted: Earth Rank Martial Technique - "The Forgotten Palm of Destruction"]