After bypassing two corridors, he arrived at his quarters.
It was a south-facing room, bathed in clear and bright light. The interior was furnished with an air of grandeur and order, with a decor that looked quite expensive at a glance. Pushing open the window, the courtyard was a lush carpet of green grass and flowers, and a wisp of light, elegant fragrance drifted in with the wind. It was a scent similar to the Moon-Gazing Begonia, capable of calming the mind and spirit. The insects he had imagined were non-existent, likely thanks to the care of dedicated staff.
"How is this room?" Ye Wenxi, a Soul Emperor, had personally led the way, showing him a great deal of respect.
Zhao Liuyun surveyed his surroundings and replied, "Excellent. Compared to where I used to live, this place makes my old home look like a doghouse."
It was an objective description; such was the reality. "But because of that, I feel I don't deserve this." He took a deep breath, feeling almost as if he didn't know where to step.
"What do you need me to do?" Zhao Liuyun raised his eyes and asked.
Ye Wenxi sensed his wariness. This was a common trait among low-level soul masters from the bottom rungs of society—narrow horizons and a cautious step. But they couldn't be blamed; the path of a soul master was overgrown with thorns, where a single misstep could lead to eternal perdition. In all fairness, if a stranger suddenly offered such lavish treatment, anyone would harbor a few suspicions.
Having lived seventy years, Ye Wenxi had long since seen through the human heart. Seeing Zhao Liuyun's tense expression, he simply offered a calm smile.
"I don't need you to do anything. Practice your cultivation as you should every day, and take your medicinal baths when it's time."
"Your freedom isn't restricted either; you can go wherever you wish..."
Zhao Liuyun took a step back. That's even scarier, alright?
"You only need to cultivate diligently, become a powerful soul master, and do not forget the Ye family."
"That goes without saying..." Zhao Liuyun responded verbally, though hesitation remained between his brows.
Seeing that he had not yet relaxed, Ye Wenxi's tone softened, and he spoke as if sinking into a memory. "You are that fellow Huang Xin's grand-disciple. I am merely looking after the descendant of an old friend out of sentiment for the past."
At the same time, it was a test. If he failed the test, it was merely an investment lost; if he passed, he could be won over. The Ye family was far from being as "rich as a country" like the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, but this level of expenditure was nothing to them.
"I understand... Thank you, Grandpa Ye." Zhao Liuyun remained silent for a moment before choosing to accept the arrangement in its entirety.
"Mhm." Ye Wenxi turned and walked away slowly. "You have come from afar; rest well first."
"Any needs you have can be raised with the maids."
"If they cannot make the decision, then come find me."
The maids were also a test—using beauty to tempt him to observe his willpower.
Zhao Liuyun watched the retreating figure, his heart still unable to settle. His [Hypnosis] was truly insufficient to read the thoughts of a Soul Emperor. He could only perceive a few things through the stray emotions radiating from Ye Wenxi—the nostalgia didn't seem faked.
Was it truly as simple as looking after an old friend's grand-disciple?
"Young Master Liuyun, this servant is named Yuanhong. If you have any orders, please just call for Xiao Hong." A good-looking maid stepped in gracefully and performed a refined bow.
Zhao Liuyun's gaze swept over her pretty face and the slight rise and fall of her bodice, and a sense of bewilderment rose in his heart.
"..."
He composed himself and said in a deep voice, "I have no needs for the moment. Go and do what you are supposed to do."
"Then this servant will wait in the outer room. If the Young Master has any needs, you may call me at any time." Xiao Hong's voice was soft and warm, like spring water.
I'm still a kid, what are you guys trying to do?
Feeling a sense of vigilance, Zhao Liuyun's gaze remained calm. "I am tired and wish to rest. You should go rest as well."
"Let me help you change your clothes," Xiao Hong said, stepping forward.
Zhao Liuyun quickly reached out to stop her. "No need! I haven't reached such a pampered state yet."
They even sent a maid? There's something fishy going on...
After sending her away, Zhao Liuyun couldn't figure it out, but he was certain there was no ill intent. Since that was the case, he might as well set aside his doubts for now.
"I'm meditating. Don't disturb me unless it's important," Zhao Liuyun called out to Xiao Hong, who had just left.
"Understood, Young Master," a submissive reply came from outside the door.
"And don't call me Young Master... Sister Xiao Hong, just call me Liuyun."
"This servant wouldn't dare."
Ignoring her, Zhao Liuyun closed his eyes. Since obtaining his soul ring, this was his first formal meditation. He had rented a high-grade carriage for the journey, but there had still been unavoidable bumps. One could meditate, but complete focus was impossible. Now that he had settled down, he needed to test how much his cultivation speed had improved.
Concentrating his mind and clearing all stray thoughts, Zhao Liuyun quickly entered a state of cultivation.
Xiao Hong turned and left, reporting everything from the conversation faithfully to Ye Wenxi, who was waiting silently.
"He's started meditating already...?" Ye Wenxi chuckled after hearing the report, his fingertips tapping lightly on the desk. "That is how a bitter cultivator from the bottom should behave."
Thinking of his granddaughter, who was mischievous and troublesome all day long, he felt gratified but also felt a flash of disappointment in her. She simply lacked the tempering of hardship!
As for Zhao Liuyun— "You can't see much in a day or two. Let's look again over a longer period."
The twilight deepened, and in the blink of an eye, it was evening.
Waking from his meditation, Zhao Liuyun couldn't wait to inspect the changes in his soul power.
[Soul Power: Level 21 (4103/7400)]
It was 3940 after absorbing the second soul ring. Although he had meditated in the carriage on the way, he couldn't maintain full concentration due to external interference, only managing to rise to 4067 points. Now, after meditating for only three hours, his soul power had actually increased by 36 points in one go!
12 points per hour!
7 points originated from his own basic talent, 1 point was gained from the circulation of the Mysterious Heaven Skill, and the remaining 4 points were credited to the bonus brought by [Focus].
Within his basic talent, the Dream Demon only contributed 2 points of growth, while the Demon-Eyed Dragon Spider contributed 3 points. The Dream Demon was most compatible with him, yet the increase was only 2 points. The Demon-Eyed Dragon Spider gave 3? Zhao Liuyun guessed it was likely the combined influence of the Dragon bloodline, the age of the ring, and the external soul bone.
The external soul bone, the Demon Dragon Silver Pupil, primarily acted upon the Sea of Consciousness. However, the condensation of mental power also provided significant assistance to soul power cultivation, though it wasn't as prominent as the improvement to mental cultivation.
Back to the point, the experience from a full night of meditation should be around 60 points. This was truly an exciting number. A bright glint flashed in Zhao Liuyun's eyes. Feeling his stomach empty, he called out:
"Xiao Hong, is it time for dinner?"
Yuanhong, the maid waiting in the outer room, immediately responded softly upon hearing him:
"Young Master Liuyun, the Old Master has already ordered a banquet to be prepared. He is waiting to welcome you."
I just called out tentatively, and you really were waiting!
Zhao Liuyun narrowed his eyes. A banquet... A "Hongmen Banquet"? No, no, it wasn't. Ye Wenxi was a Soul Emperor; a support-type Soul Emperor would certainly have other Soul Emperors as guards. There was no need to play games with a mere Soul Grandmaster like him.
Thinking of this, the bit of doubt in Zhao Liuyun's heart vanished instantly. It would be for the best if they were interested in his potential. He had no thoughts of building his own faction; the road to godhood was long, and all external forces could be utilized. Even the Spirit Hall was the same.
He didn't join during his Spirit Awakening because he had no "United Front" value then. He wasn't joining now for the sake of Dugu Bo—that clear-cut, repay-favors-without-fail backbone—and even more so for the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.
As for the future... he would take it one step at a time.
Zhao Liuyun straightened his robes, a composed smile appearing on his face, and he said loudly, "The senior invites me, how could I dare refuse? I shall head there now."
-----------------------------------------------
I handpick only the finest and most captivating novels for you. Don't forget to check out my other novels!
p@treon HongMengZi