"Are you awake, young master Nolan?" A woman's voice, soft yet tinged with concern, drifted through the closed doors of Nolan's chamber.
Nolan stirred from his thoughts, his mind still racing with the revelations of the night before. He had spent hours immersed in the depths of his newfound abilities, each moment a revelation and a challenge. The inheritance he had received was not just a gift but a profound pleasure, encompassing a breadth of knowledge and power that stretched beyond anything he had imagined.
"Come in, Mara," Nolan finally replied, his voice calm and composed.
As Mara entered, her expression softened with understanding, taking in the sight of Nolan with his usual handsome face. She was surprised at how calm he looked. Usually, this handsome man seemed quite troubled and miserable about his life, always burdened by the weight of his troubles. But now, he appeared at peace, almost serene.
"Did something good happen, young master Nolan?" Mara asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.
"Absolutely, Mara. I'm alive, healthy, and well, and that is cause enough for celebration, is it not?" Nolan replied, his eyes twinkling with an unfamiliar light. He took a deep breath and smiled, a genuine smile that reached his eyes and transformed his entire demeanor.
Without another word, he sprang to his feet, his energy infectious. He moved towards the door with a sense of purpose that Mara had never seen in him before. "Let there be a feast!" he declared, his voice ringing with newfound confidence. He wanted to explore this xianxia world with his own two eyes.
Mara watched him, bewildered. "What happened to him?" she whispered to herself, trailing a couple of paces behind her young master. Normally, he would lewdly ogle her lovely body and make countless attempts to bed her, his behavior often making her uncomfortable. But now, he merely took one glance at her and nothing.
What Mara did not know was that Nolan had seen countless beautiful women in the memories of a true immortal, women who were a trillion times more beautiful than she could ever be. These memories had reshaped his perceptions, making him see beauty in a different light.
As Nolan stepped into the garden, he was greeted by the vibrant colors of blooming flowers and the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze. He walked with a lightness in his step, a stark contrast to his usual brooding demeanor. He greeted everyone he passed with a warm smile, acknowledging the servants and guards with genuine kindness. This unexpected behavior left them surprised and intrigued, as they had grown accustomed to his previous, less amiable self.
The garden was a place of tranquility, and Nolan found himself pausing to admire the delicate petals of a particularly striking flower. He breathed in the fresh air, feeling a sense of renewal and purpose. The garden, once just a backdrop to his troubled thoughts, now seemed like a sanctuary.
After spending some time in the garden, Nolan made his way to the kitchen. The aroma of freshly baked bread and simmering stew filled the air, making his stomach rumble in anticipation. He greeted the kitchen staff warmly, their eyes widening in surprise at his friendly demeanor. Nolan sat down to a hearty breakfast, savoring each bite with newfound appreciation. The simple act of eating, once a mundane necessity, now felt like a celebration of life.
As he enjoyed his meal, Nolan couldn't help but reflect on the changes within himself. The memories of the true immortal had given him a broader perspective on life, allowing him to see beyond his own troubles and desires. He realized that there was so much more to experience and appreciate in the world around him.
Mara, meanwhile, continued to observe him from a distance, her curiosity growing with each passing moment. She noticed the way he interacted with others, the genuine warmth in his smile, and the lightness in his step. This new version of Nolan was a mystery she was eager to unravel.
But she feared that her young master had gone crazy because of the many setbacks he had experienced in his young life. One should know that Nolan Darkmoon was considered trash, unable to cultivate unlike his brothers and sisters, which made him a target of ridicule in the city.
From a young age, Nolan had to bear the weight of everyone's disappointment. His family, renowned for their extraordinary cultivation talents, saw him as a black sheep. Despite numerous attempts, he never managed to tap into the same well of power that came so naturally to his siblings. This stark contrast left him vulnerable to the harsh judgment of his peers and even his own family. Whispers of his inadequacy followed him wherever he went, each snide remark a dagger to his already fragile self-esteem.
This constant mockery and exclusion drove Nolan into a deep state of misery. He sought solace in the darker corners of the city, frequenting taverns and indulging in the fleeting pleasures of drink and companionship. The fleeting escape provided by alcohol and the company of women was a temporary balm for his wounded pride, but it also painted him in an even worse light. Rumors of his debauchery spread like wildfire, further solidifying his tarnished reputation.
The Nolan that Mara had known for so long was a man weighed down by his own failures, trapped in a cycle of self-destruction. She couldn't help but worry that his sudden change in demeanor was a sign of something far more troubling. Perhaps the pressure and the relentless scorn had finally driven him to madness.
Despite her fears, there was something undeniably different about him now. The usual gloom that surrounded him had lifted, replaced by an almost ethereal calm. Mara couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this transformation than met the eye. Could it be that he had truly found a way to rise above his past, or was this merely the calm before the storm?
As she pondered these questions, she resolved to keep a close watch on him. If this newfound peace was genuine, she wanted to support him in his journey. But if it was a facade masking a deeper descent into madness, she needed to be ready to help him through it. For now, all she could do was follow and observe, hoping that this change heralded a new beginning for the young master she had served for so long.
Being a maidservant to someone considered trash was not easy. Mara had grown accustomed to the daily routine of managing her young master's reckless behavior and dealing with his frequent outbursts. Every day seemed to bring a new challenge, whether it was helping him home after a night of heavy drinking or making excuses to cover his visits to the pleasure houses.
But today was different. From the moment Nolan awoke, there was a noticeable change in his demeanor. He greeted the morning with a sense of purpose, his eyes clear and focused. Throughout the day, Mara observed him closely, expecting him to fall back into his old habits. Yet, to her astonishment, the hours passed without him taking a single drink or showing any interest in the lovely whores he usually visited.
Nolan's transformation was both puzzling and intriguing. The young master who once stumbled through the streets in a drunken haze now moved with a sense of determination. He engaged in conversations with the household staff, expressing genuine interest in their well-being and showing a kindness that was previously foreign to him. The servants, initially wary, began to respond to his warmth, their skepticism slowly giving way to cautious optimism.
As evening approached, Mara found herself reflecting on the day's events. She had anticipated chaos, prepared herself for the usual cycle of self-destruction that had defined Nolan's life for so long. Instead, she witnessed a man who seemed to be embracing a new beginning. The absence of alcohol and the shunning of the pleasure houses were significant changes, indicating that his newfound peace might be more than just a fleeting phase.
When night fell, Nolan retired to his chambers, a serene expression on his face. Mara lingered outside his door for a moment, listening to the quiet that now enveloped him. The house, too, seemed to settle into a calm it had not known for years.
Mara couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope. Perhaps this change was real. Perhaps her young master had finally found a path to redemption. As she walked away, she resolved to support him in whatever way she could, ready to help him navigate this new chapter of his life.