Secluded Garden

"It seems the price of repaying the Sky-Rending Shadow Flight Technique is even greater than I imagined. Even the gift from the Chaos Divine Order couldn't elevate me to the heavens in one step."

But he didn't feel disappointed; instead, he felt an unprecedented sense of fulfillment.

He could clearly feel his blood and qi were more vigorous than ever, the sound of air breaking as his True Qi circulated was sharper, and his physical body's strength had also increased, as if every inch of his bones, flesh, and meridians had been reforged.

"Although I haven't reached Upper Ninth Rank, this combat power is enough to crush an ordinary Ninth Rank peak."

He raised his hand and clenched it gently. The air froze at his fingertips. Involuntarily, he felt his power moving with ease as it tore through the air.

Chu Ning's fingertips brushed against the frost flowers on the window lattice, and a sharp sting of cold exploded beneath his skin.

The dawn light sliced through the clouds, but the golden rays couldn't penetrate the ancient well in the center of the courtyard. Moss was mottled on the well's edge, a thin layer of ice floated on the water's surface, and beneath the ice, distorted figures were faintly reflected, like vengeful spirits who had drowned years ago, still struggling.

He suddenly curled his lips. Frost Lightning silently spread from his palm. The reflection in the well shattered with a "crack," and the sound of splashing ice shards startled a cold crow on the eaves. Its hoarse cry tore through the fabricated tranquility.

Footsteps sounded outside the door again.

"Young Master Chu, the meal is ready."

The servant's voice held a hint of hesitation.

The door was slowly pushed open at this moment, and Chu Ning stepped out, his robes billowing in the wind.

He glanced quietly at the food box still placed by the door; the meal had long gone cold.

The servant was slightly startled and was about to speak when Chu Ning suddenly reached out and patted his shoulder, chuckling, "Thank you for your hard work. I'll go get today's meal myself."

The servant's eyes widened.

This Young Master Chu's demeanor... it was completely different from a few days ago!

He stood there, like a drawn steel knife, radiating sharpness yet keeping his edge contained.

Chu Ning exhaled a long breath of stale air.

He slowly clenched his fist, feeling the transformation brought by the Ninth Rank realm. As his True Qi flowed, his blood and qi surged, and every muscle felt as if it had been re-forged, brimming with explosive power.

After two days of seclusion, he had undergone a complete metamorphosis.

He stepped forward, his footsteps solid and steady, preparing to go to the main hall of the estate to ask Xie Mingli how to register for the Azure Cloud Arena.

As soon as he stepped over the threshold of the side courtyard, he saw someone rushing towards him.

Qin Henian, the steward of Marquis Wu's Estate.

Unlike his arrogant and indifferent demeanor from a few days prior, Qin Henian had completely changed his ways. His steps were quick and steady, his face wore a look of humility, and his gaze even carried a hint of probing and reverence.

He stood still, his back slightly stiff, a few beads of cold sweat appearing on his forehead, and a forced smile on his face.

"Young Master Chu..." His voice was slightly strained, as if his throat were being choked by something.

Chu Ning stopped and looked up at him slightly.

This steward was the one who had made things difficult for him, both openly and subtly, just a few days ago.

Back then, Qin Henian had put on airs, his words filled with disdain and indifference. But now, he was proactively coming forward, his attitude completely different.

He sneered inwardly but remained outwardly unfazed. He nodded slightly and asked, "Steward Qin, is there something?"

Qin Henian gave a dry laugh, "Young Master Chu, I was quite negligent a few days ago..."

Chu Ning smiled faintly, his gaze chilling, "Negligent?"

Qin Henian's back stiffened. "You are magnanimous, I hope you can forgive me!"

Chu Ning said no more, only walking forward step by step. Qin Henian involuntarily took half a step back, his heart skipping a beat.

If this apology had come a few days ago, he would never have believed it. But now that the Marquis Wu's Estate's attitude had suddenly changed, there must be some deeper meaning behind it.

He didn't rush to speak, but quietly watched Qin Henian.

Seeing this, the steward's forehead began to bead with sweat. He quickly stepped forward, his tone becoming even more respectful, "Young Master Chu, His Lordship specifically instructed me to come and arrange new living quarters for you."

"Oh?" Chu Ning's tone was indifferent.

Qin Henian sensed his noncommittal attitude and secretly lamented. He quickly added, "These past few days, the estate has prepared a separate villa for you, with elegant surroundings and excellent scenery. His Lordship said that Young Master Chu is an honored guest, how could you possibly be relegated to a side courtyard? This was truly the estate's oversight."

Chu Ning let out a light chuckle.

Chu Ning looked at Qin Henian quietly, not speaking immediately.

The air seemed to freeze. Qin Henian stood there, his back soaked with cold sweat.

"Oversight?" Chu Ning finally spoke, his voice light but making one feel as if they had fallen into an ice cave.

"Steward Qin," Chu Ning walked forward slowly, his imposing aura gradually releasing, "I still clearly remember what you said to me a few days ago."

"This side courtyard, wasn't it 'kindly arranged' specifically for me?"

Qin Henian's expression changed slightly, his heart tightening.

"Y-Young Master, you misunderstand..."

"Misunderstand?" Chu Ning stared at him, slowly uttering those two words.

Qin Henian's heart gave a sharp lurch.

He finally realized that the Chu Ning before him was no longer the young man he could casually manipulate.

For a moment, the two faced each other. Qin Henian finally lowered his stance, bowed with cupped hands, and said sincerely, "It was my folly, sir, that I was disrespectful. Now that the estate knows of your exceptional talent, the Marquis himself has ordered me to ensure all your needs are properly met."

Chu Ning gave a cold smile, his mind already clear.

Exceptional talent?

It seemed the news of him defeating Feng Li, an Upper Ninth Rank cultivator, had reached the higher echelons of Marquis Wu's Estate.

He suspected that while he was in seclusion these past two days, quite a stir had already been caused within the estate.

But he didn't rush to respond.

He looked directly at Qin Henian, and after a moment, said indifferently, "Since that's the case, lead the way."

Qin Henian acted as if he had received a great pardon, immediately bowing respectfully. "Yes! Please follow me, sir."

Along the way, Chu Ning walked steadily with a calm demeanor, while Qin Henian carefully led the way beside him.

After passing several corridors and winding around two small gardens, the view suddenly opened up.

Unlike the cold and dilapidated separate courtyards and side rooms, this particular courtyard was a meticulously crafted, luxurious garden.

There were small bridges, flowing water, pavilions, and winding corridors. In the center of the courtyard, an ancient pine tree spiraled upwards, exuding a vigorous aura.

In front of the main hall, several maids were already waiting. Upon seeing Chu Ning arrive, they all curtsied and bowed.

"Young Master Chu."

Qin Henian, with a face full of smiles, said respectfully, "This is the residence specially arranged for you, sir. If you require anything at all, please do not hesitate to ask."

Chu Ning slowly scanned his surroundings, his gaze deep.

This treatment was no different from that of a true distinguished guest of the estate.

Chu Ning sneered inwardly.

The changes in Marquis Wu's Estate were too rapid, so fast that it made one wonder if there were greater calculations hidden behind it all.

He did not respond immediately. Instead, he slowly swept his gaze across Qin Henian's face, contemplating the Marquis's true intentions.

"Steward Qin."

Qin Henian immediately lowered his head. "Please instruct me, sir."

Chu Ning slightly raised his chin, a cold smile playing on his lips, his eyes sweeping over Qin Henian with a meaningful look.

"I killed Feng Li, a direct disciple of the Li Fire Palace. Aren't you afraid of causing trouble for Marquis Wu's Estate, yet you treat me so generously?"

His tone was calm and steady, as if he were casually mentioning a trivial matter, but in Qin Henian's ears, it sounded like a thunderclap.

Qin Henian's smile stiffened for a moment. In less than an instant, he quickly adjusted, smiling subserviently. "You jest, sir. A heavenly talent like yourself deserves noble treatment. Even an entire estate would not be worthy of your presence."

As Qin Henian bowed, a fresh whip mark was visible on the back of his neck, with blood beads still seeping from the scab.

The smile on his face was like a piece of gold foil that had been crumpled and then smoothed out. His voice was as viscous as honey. "The Marquis often says, 'A phoenix does not perch on anything but a Wutong tree.'"

As he spoke, a crimson jade token slid out from his sleeve. The words "Town Martial" were carved onto it as if by a knife. "If you are willing to perch on Marquis Wu's Estate, this 'Wutong tree,' then the snow of the Great Gan Dynasty will never fall upon your Elder Sister's roof."

Chu Ning glanced at him indifferently, a glint of coldness flashing in his eyes.

"Tell me the truth," he said slowly, his tone carrying a hint of laziness, yet subtly exuding an oppressive aura. "After Feng Li's death, the Li Fire Palace couldn't hold back, could they?"

Qin Henian's heart tightened, but he maintained his smile. "As expected of you, sir. Your foresight is truly divine."

He took half a step forward and lowered his voice. "The day after Feng Li died, the Qingzhou Prefecture yamen sent people to Marquis Wu's Estate. Ostensibly to request the Marquis hand over the person, but in reality, they came to test our bottom line. Unfortunately, they couldn't even step through the gates before being suppressed by the Marquis's orders."