Chapter 148: I Want to Seize a Manor
(This novel is translated and hosted on Bcatranslation)
“I am Cao Jin Song, an instructor of the Heavenly Script Academy.”
The matter of why Falling Moon Villa relocated was of no concern to him. Cao Jin Song’s only goal was Xiang Fu, and so he put on an enigmatic expression and directly stated his identity.
However, just as he had anticipated before arriving, Xiang Fu had spent many years living in Falling Moon Immortal Manor, where she had heard countless stories about the Mystic Origin Immortal Palace. The marvels of cultivation, the mystical wonders of immortal techniques, all had been deeply ingrained in her mind since childhood.
Thus, Xiang Fu had a clear aversion to joining the Heavenly Script Academy.
Moreover, though the Xiang family was a household of government officials in the mortal realm, she had grown up pampered and accustomed to a life of luxury. She would not easily be swayed.
“Governor Xiang, you must be aware that our Heavenly Script Academy stands as the foremost sect in the world, the Divine Sect of Great Xia, ranked at the pinnacle among the Seven Great Immortal Sects.”
“For years, the number of cultivators in the Upper Five Realms within our academy has far exceeded that of other sects. Xiang Fu is still young, and there are some things she may not yet fully grasp, but as her father, I am certain you understand them well.”
Hearing these words, Governor Xiang Xuan fell into silence.
In truth, he supported his daughter’s desire to join the Mystic Origin Immortal Palace. Located at the border of You Prefecture and Yun Prefecture, it was far closer to Dan Shui Prefecture, whereas the Heavenly Script Academy was much farther away.
In the realm of Azure Clouds Dominion, even holding an official position did not change one’s status as a mere mortal. Thus, many sought to align themselves with powerful sects, and the closer their influence, the stronger their deterrence.
This was precisely why half of the affiliated Immortal Manors in Feng Prefecture had ties to the Mystic Origin Immortal Palace.
The world was divided into Nine Provinces, and though the Heavenly Script Academy held sway over Central Prefecture, its influence was weaker in the north, where the Mystic Origin Immortal Palace was more renowned.
“I will respect my daughter’s decision, Celestial Master Cao. I ask for your understanding.”
“You…”
Cao Jin Song was silent for a long moment before finally flicking his sleeves and leaving the hall.
At that moment, from the rear hall of the main chamber, Madam Xiang stepped forward with graceful steps. “Why refuse to let Fu’er join the Heavenly Script Academy? It is the Divine Sect of Great Xia.”
“In Feng Prefecture, the Mystic Origin Immortal Palace holds the greater influence. Even if Fu’er does not reach the Upper Five Realms, upon her return, she can still form strong ties with the Immortal Manors under the sect’s banner. This will allow our Xiang family to remain unshakable in Feng Prefecture. On this matter, the Heavenly Script Academy cannot compare.”
“I see…”
With hands clasped behind his back, Xiang Xuan stood firm, his wide sleeves trailing behind him.
He had a close confidant, Liu An, the Inspector of Feng Prefecture, who had a son with the aptitude to join an Immortal Sect.
The two had deliberated on this matter multiple times and had reached an agreement.
In their view, relying on the might of the Mystic Origin Immortal Palace and forming an unyielding alliance within Feng Prefecture was the best way to ensure their family’s longevity.
The Heavenly Script Academy simply lacked sufficient influence in Feng Prefecture, making it an unsuitable choice.
Just then, a young servant from the Governor’s Mansion hurried in and stopped in the hall. “Master, the people of White Mist Immortal Manor have arrived again. They are waiting outside the gates of Falling Moon Immortal Manor.”
Upon hearing this, Xiang Xuan furrowed his brows.
The White Mist Immortal Manor was a subordinate power of the Chen Clan of Immortals, with its domain located in Fengyuan Town, at the westernmost side of Dan Shui Prefecture.
Ever since Falling Moon Immortal Manor had relocated, the White Mist Immortal Manor had set its sights on the grand estate. They had approached Xiang Xuan multiple times, demanding the property, but he had always declined politely.
He worried that if the people of Falling Moon Immortal Manor returned one day and found their home taken over, it would create a rift between them and the Xiang family.
The Chen Clan of Immortals was indeed a sect of the north, but their stronghold was in Northwest Qing Prefecture, separated from Feng Prefecture by Central Prefecture, making them even farther than the Heavenly Script Academy.
For Xiang Xuan, pleasing a single Immortal Manor from the Chen Clan held no real benefit.
“Let’s go and take a look.”
“Yes.”
Meanwhile, Cao Jin Song stood with Pei Ru Yi in a corridor, discussing the Xiang family’s unwillingness to send their daughter to the academy, when they saw Xiang Xuan and his entourage hastily depart.
After watching for a long moment, Pei Ru Yi turned and spoke, “Since they are unwilling, let’s move on to the next household.”
“There’s no other choice.”
Cao Jin Song adjusted his long sleeves. “Where is Ji You?”
Pei Ru Yi responded, “Junior Brother Ji went out. He and Kuang Cheng went to the former site of Falling Moon Immortal Manor. Fang Ruo Yao went with them.”
“Huh?”
Cao Jin Song turned sharply. “Why did he go there? Does he suspect something strange about Falling Moon Immortal Manor’s departure?”
Pei Ru Yi gave him a glance. “Guess again.”
Cao Jin Song was momentarily stunned before his eyes gradually widened. “He doesn’t think that just because the manor is empty, it belongs to him now, does he?”
“He said he wants to establish a noble clan, and since he can’t afford to build a house himself, he decided to seize one instead…”
Cao Jin Song held his breath. [This guy is extraordinary.]
Wherever he went, he seized something—silver, swords, and now even estates.
At the same time, Xiang Xuan sat in his carriage, his brows tightly furrowed as the vehicle jolted along the road.
The Villa Master of White Mist Immortal Manor was a Dao Fusion Stage expert. If he unleashed his might, he could wipe out the Xiang family in the blink of an eye.
His repeated refusals had already drawn the White Mist Immortal Manor’s ire. If he refused again today, it would surely not end well.
Though he did not wish to offend the Mystic Origin Immortal Palace, the blade was now at his throat—a different matter altogether.
Xiang Xuan clenched the folds of his sleeve, his face darkening with uncertainty.
Not long after, the carriage slowly came to a halt. The rhythmic stomping of the horses’ hooves upon stopping echoed in their ears.
Xiang Xuan rose from his seat, took a deep breath, and lifted the curtain, gazing outward.
Before him stood Falling Moon Villa, a grand and imposing estate. Its sweeping eaves curved upward like soaring wings, its carved beams and painted rafters exuding an air of refined splendor. The estate sprawled across a vast expanse of land, its towering walls stretching endlessly into the distance. Small wonder it had become an object of desire.
At that moment, the members of White Mist Immortal Manor were all gathered before the villa’s gates. Leading them was an aging man, his features weathered with time. However, despite their numbers, none bore an arrogant demeanor. Instead, their gazes were locked upon the interior of the villa, flickering with an indecipherable light.
“…?”
“What’s going on?”
A servant lowered his voice and whispered, “The young disciples from Heavenly Script Academy have arrived as well. The two factions have already confronted each other once, yet for some reason, White Mist Immortal Manor has not stepped inside.”
Xiang Xuan furrowed his brow. [Have the scholars of Heavenly Script Academy also set their sights on this residence?] He hesitated for a moment, then decided to remain inside the carriage and observe.
Moments later, Ji You and Kuang Cheng emerged from the estate, with Fang Ruo Yao trailing behind them.
Both sides stood face to face before the villa’s gates. A tense silence settled between them.
Xiang Xuan clenched his fists involuntarily. [A conflict is brewing.]
Yet, to his surprise, White Mist Immortal Manor did not react with hostility. Instead, every one of them, including their villa master, focused their attention on the young swordsman standing before them, his sword in hand.
“Ji You, you seem… excited?”
“Taking something unguarded is theft. But now? Now it’s a proper plunder.”
“…?”
Ji You cast his gaze upon the people of White Mist Immortal Manor, the sword qi around him rising subtly.
But then, in an unexpected turn, the villa master of White Mist Immortal Manor furrowed his brow for a long moment before suddenly cupping his hands in a respectful gesture. Without another word, he turned and left, his disciples following suit.
Within Feng Prefecture, whether an estate belonged to an Immortal Sect or an aristocratic clan, all were ultimately outsiders.
With no established noble families in Feng Prefecture, anyone had the right to claim a stake.
Yet, when that young man announced his name before stepping into the estate, the villa master knew the residence was no longer his to take.
For Feng Prefecture was about to welcome its true ruler.
Naturally, many Immortal Manors would resist such an outcome.
This man would undoubtedly face assassination attempts, poisonings, and perhaps even direct confrontations. But the villa master of White Mist Immortal Manor had no interest in taking the lead in such matters.
At seventy-three years of age and having reached the Dao Fusion Stage, he should not have feared a mere Middle Mystic Enlightenment cultivator. However, it was rumored that Spirit Sword Mountain had once harbored a prodigious Dao Fusion expert by the name of Gong Shu Chou, who, despite his prominence, had nearly lost his life at the hands of this very young man.
There were many residences to claim, but only one life to lose.
Kuang Cheng, momentarily stunned, spoke up, “Ji You, they just… left? What now?”
Ji You narrowed his eyes. “Scaring them off is an advanced form of plundering. In our trade, it counts as a successful robbery. No need to act like bandits. The estate is mine now.”
“…?”
From his carriage, Magistrate Xiang observed the scene, his gaze lingering on the sword-bearing youth, his expression clouded with doubt.
Between cultivators and common folk, information seldom traveled freely.
The divide was as Qiu Zhong had once described back in Yuyang County—even lifting one’s head to gaze upon an immortal was a privilege denied to mortals.
Furthermore, Ji You’s ascension to the Inner Academy had happened only recently. The only sect-affiliated estate in Cinnabar Water Prefecture, Falling Moon Villa, had long been abandoned, leaving the local officials woefully uninformed.
Thus, Xiang Xuan could not comprehend why White Mist Immortal Manor, who once wielded enough arrogance to threaten the entire prefecture’s populace over this estate, would simply walk away without resistance.
[Was it because of Heavenly Script Academy’s reputation?]
Xiang Xuan could not fathom an answer. Still, no conflict had arisen, which meant he did not need to take risks by revealing himself.
“Let’s return to the manor.”
Xiang Xuan cast one last glance at the young swordsman before giving the order to his driver.
The driver nodded and cracked the reins, guiding the carriage swiftly back toward the magistrate’s residence.
By then, the sky had darkened. The descending sun painted the clouds in hues of gold and crimson, casting a warm glow across the heavens. Before the gates of the magistrate’s manor, Lady Xiang and Xiang Fu waited anxiously.
For the past six months, since Falling Moon Villa had been abandoned, they had witnessed firsthand the unrelenting aggression of White Mist Immortal Manor. They knew that delaying the inevitable confrontation for too long would only invite calamity.
Now, seeing Xiang Xuan return unharmed, they finally let out a breath of relief.
“They… didn’t force your hand?”
Xiang Xuan shook his head. “I remained in the carriage. I did not step out.”
Lady Xiang was astonished. “They’re still at the villa’s gates?”
“They left.”
“They left without claiming the estate? Why would immortals simply walk away?”
Xiang Xuan pondered for a long while before speaking. “When I arrived, the two young scholars accompanying Immortal Cao were already there. Seeing them, White Mist Immortal Manor turned and left. Perhaps they feared Heavenly Script Academy’s renown.”
Xiang Fu’s eyes flickered with confusion. “Though Heavenly Script Academy is Great Xia’s divine sect, there has never been a formal hierarchy among the Seven Great Immortal Sects. Just a single glance and they retreated?”
“I can’t say for certain. Regardless, at least one trouble has been avoided.”
Just then, a servant hurried over. “Master, the celestial masters from Heavenly Script Academy have just sent word. They request Falling Moon Villa for themselves.”
Xiang Xuan frowned. “That estate was meant for Mystic Origin Immortal Palace. Though Falling Moon Villa has been abandoned, it’s not impossible that someone from the palace may still claim it. Refuse them with that reasoning.”
“That’s exactly how I declined them. But they kept talking about immortal edicts, about local rights, and insisted that you have no authority over the matter.”
Xiang Fu scoffed coldly. “Cinnabar Water Prefecture is under Father’s jurisdiction. How could he have no authority? No need to refuse them again. They are leaving tomorrow. Let them be.”