Courtyards of Their Own

Ning Rongrong cheered, grabbed Shenghua's hand, and ran toward the Winter Garden. "Come on, let's pick our courtyards!"

Dugu Yan watched them disappear, a faint smile on her lips. Instead of following, she turned to Xiao Yun. "Teacher Xiao, this formation..."

"What about it?"

Dugu Yan hesitated, then asked, "With a commotion that big, are you sure no one noticed?"

Xiao Yun smiled. "The Spirit Gathering Array made a lot of noise when it activated because it was drawing energy from heaven and earth. This formation only protects the estate. It keeps the spiritual energy and Soul Power from escaping, so naturally it's much quieter. Even if someone notices the Soul Power here has grown denser, they'll just assume it's the Spirit Gathering Array."

Dugu Yan nodded and asked no more.

Liu Erlong stepped forward and linked her arm through Xiao Yun's. "Tired?" she asked softly.

Xiao Yun shook his head. "No."

She looked at him with concern. He had barely rested these past few days, spending his time setting up formations and building houses. The Imperial Object Technique made the physical work easier, but the mental strain was real.

"Go get some rest," she said. "Leave the rest to them."

Xiao Yun glanced at the young women running between the four gardens, then at Liu Erlong beside him. He nodded. "All right."

They descended the artificial hill and headed for the main house in the Central Main Courtyard.

Behind them, the View Mountain Pavilion stood in silence, overlooking the entire estate.

Peach blossoms drifted through the Spring Garden.

Lotus buds were beginning to bloom in the Summer Garden.

Maple leaves were turning red in the Autumn Garden.

Plum blossoms filled the Winter Garden.

A pale blue barrier covered it all, holding Soul Power so dense it was nearly tangible