Dao Feng concedes, "So be it. If anything happens, we will meet back here. Communicate through the servants."
The noble leads Li Wei through the opulent corridors. Li Wei listens attentively as the noble lists potential residences. They walk past grand halls, the wealth of Xianyang on full display.
The noble gestures towards a large estate visible from the courtyard. "This residence is one of the finest. It has extensive grounds, private chambers, and all the amenities you might require."
Li Wei nods thoughtfully, appreciating the noble's eagerness to please. "It sounds perfect."
The noble bows deeply.
As they move, the noble stops a man with grey hair and a stern expression, dressed in fine, yet understated, clothing. "Ensure that the kitchens are fully stocked. We need to make the best impression for our guest."
The man nods, "Of course, my lord."
The noble's eyes narrow as he looks out towards the garden. "The garden looks like shit. I want it spotless. You can't even keep the grounds presentable?"
The man looks taken aback but quickly nods. "Yes, my lord. I will inform the gardeners right away."
The noble doesn't let up. "And while you're at it, make sure the pathways are clear. I don't want to see a single fallen leaf. Do you understand?"
"Understood, my lord."
The noble glares at him. "And the fountains. When was the last time they were cleaned? They should be sparkling, not filled with muck. I expect them to be pristine."
The man bows his head. "I apologise, my lord. I will oversee it personally."
"See that you do," the noble snaps. "And don't forget about the inside. Fresh linens in the chambers, the finest wine ready. Every detail must be perfect. Coordinate with the other staff. I want everything to be perfect for our guest."
"Of course, my lord. Everything will be prepared as you wish," the man says, scribbling more notes on his tablet.
As they move on, Li Wei continues to engage the noble. "Your efficiency is impressive. Xianyang is fortunate to have someone so capable."
The noble beams, clearly pleased with the praise. "I am here to serve, immortal master."
Li Wei walks alongside the noble through the corridors, his steps deliberate and calm. He turns to the noble, his voice measured. "What is your name?"
The noble glances at him, clearly eager to please. "My name is Zhang Wei, immortal master."
Li Wei nods, acknowledging the response. "Zhang Wei, I need gold, rare herbs, bones, and the like."
Zhang Wei pales slightly, sensing an opportunity to prove his usefulness. "I can offer you all my personal wealth to start with, immortal master. It is modest for someone of your status, though," he adds with an awkward laugh.
Li Wei shakes his head slightly. "I cannot have my servant destitute. Confiscate the assets of any minor nobles you dislike. Make sure to avoid those on the council."
Zhang Wei bows deeply. "As you wish, immortal master. I will ensure it is done."
They continue walking, the conversation turning to more specific details. Zhang Wei outlines the key traders and contacts within the city. Li Wei listens intently.
They reach the residence.
Li Wei turns to Zhang Wei. "I shall move in immediately."
Zhang Wei bows deeply. "Of course, immortal master. Everything will be prepared."
Li Wei strides into the grand residence, his eyes taking in the opulent surroundings. The walls are adorned with intricate tapestries depicting historical scenes, and the floors are covered in richly woven carpets. Chandeliers hang from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the room. Elegant furniture is arranged thoughtfully, creating an atmosphere of luxury and comfort.
On a side table, a selection of fine wines is laid out, each bottle showcasing a different vintage. Li Wei picks up a goblet and pours himself a glass, inhaling the rich aroma before taking a sip. The flavours are complex and refined, a blend of fruit and oak that lingers on his palate. He takes another sip, savouring the experience.
In the kitchen, a group of servants gather, speaking in hushed tones.
"I've never seen anyone like him," says a young woman with wide, curious eyes. "Do you think he really is an immortal?"
An older man with a stooped back nods seriously. "He must be. Did you see his eyes? They were like nothing I've ever seen."
A woman with flour on her apron chimes in, "I heard he can control bones and summon the dead. We should be careful around him."
A teenage boy with a mop of unruly hair asks, "But why would an immortal need our help? Shouldn't he be able to do everything himself?"
The older man shakes his head. "We just have to make sure we don't anger him."
As the evening progresses, Li Wei continues to drink, the wine easing the tension from his body. His gaze wanders around the room, finally settling on a young female servant standing discreetly by the wall. Her posture is humble, her eyes cast downwards, but there is an air of quiet grace about her.
In another part of the house, the conversation among the servants continues, this time about their tasks.
"Did anyone bring more wine? He seems to be drinking a lot," the young woman glances around nervously.
The woman with flour on her apron nods, "Yes, I sent the boy to fetch another bottle. We need to make sure everything is perfect."
The boy returns, carrying a bottle with both hands. "I got the vintage. Is this good enough?"
The older man inspects the bottle and nods. "Yes, that's perfect. Remember to be respectful when you bring it to him. We can't afford any mistakes."
As the boy heads towards the main room with the wine, the woman with flour on her apron whispers, "I hope he likes it. We don't want to give him any reason to be displeased."
The servants go back to their duties, the atmosphere tense but focused. Each one is keenly aware of the importance of their roles in maintaining the household's high standards, especially with such an esteemed guest in their midst.
Meanwhile, back in the main room, Li Wei's gaze remains on the young female servant. He notices the way she moves, the subtle grace in her steps. She senses his attention and looks up briefly, their eyes meeting for an instant before she quickly looks down again, her cheeks flushing slightly.
Li Wei motions for her to come closer. She approaches hesitantly, her steps measured and cautious. As she nears, he can see the delicate features of her face, the slight tremble in her hands. She stops a few feet away, waiting for his command.
Li Wei studies her for a moment, noting the contrast between her plain attire and the opulent surroundings. He gestures for her to sit beside him. She obeys, her movements careful and precise. The proximity allows him to see the subtle details of her appearance—the smoothness of her skin, the dark shine of her hair.
He leans in, his voice low. "What is your name?" he asks.
"Xia," she replies softly, her eyes still lowered.
Li Wei nods, taking another sip of wine. He reaches out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. She flinches slightly but remains still. He can feel the warmth of her skin, the pulse of her heartbeat under his fingertips.
Li Wei leads the servant through the grand residence to a secluded room. The door closes behind them, sealing them away from the rest of the household. The room is dimly lit, the flickering light casting long shadows across the walls. Li Wei moves closer, his eyes fixed on her as he begins to undress her slowly, his touch firm. The servant, though nervous, complies, her breath quickening in anticipation.
As they lie down, Li Wei begins to make love to her. His movements are assertive, driven by his own desires. Initially, the servant responds, but it quickly becomes apparent that the physical strain is too much for her mortal body. Her breathing becomes laboured, her chest rising and falling with increasing difficulty. Beads of sweat form on her forehead, and her skin grows pale.
Her strength fades rapidly. Her hands, which had clung to him weakly, now fall limply by her sides. Li Wei notices her eyes fluttering, struggling to stay open. Her body, unable to endure the intensity, starts to tremble. Each breath she takes is shallow and strained, a clear sign that she is on the verge of collapse.
Li Wei slows, watching her struggle. Frustration and disappointment flicker across his face as he realises the incompatibility between a cultivator and a mortal. He withdraws, leaving her lying on the bed, gasping for air. Her fragile form is almost lifeless, the ordeal leaving her barely conscious.
Rising from the bed, Li Wei dresses swiftly, his mind racing. "Fuck," he mutters to himself. "Such a weak constitution."
He returns to the main hall, frustration still evident on his face.
The servants are gathered, gossiping quietly. "Did you hear what happened to Xia?" one whispers. "He took her away."
"She didn't come back, did she?" another replies, eyes wide with fear.
"I heard that the immortals experiment on humans," a third servant adds, shaking his head.
At that moment, Li Wei enters, and the servants immediately fall silent, their eyes downcast.
The grand residence offers many comforts, and Li Wei decides to drown his sorrows. He heads to the dining area, where a spread of succulent delicacies awaits. He starts with a roasted pheasant, tearing into the tender meat, savouring the rich, smoky flavour.