Zhao Yu followed the indicated path and arrived at the rear garden, where he saw a circular gate. As the group fell silent, an elderly man, the great scholar Wu Ding Xi, stepped out.
"Steward, sir."
Seeing that the old man had something to say, Zhao Yu paused and asked with concern, "Do you have something to ask?"
"Yes, sir. I was wondering when our group can start working. And what exactly will our duties be?"
When they entered the manor, they saw a tree with a Dao-like aura pouring down like rain through the courtyard. He only had to smell the scent of the wind to awaken his mind, and the long-standing entanglement in the Dao-like aura had progressed a little. Even if he didn't know what kind of tree it was, it definitely wasn't an ordinary treasure in terms of Dao-like aura. For people like them who had reached the semi-sage realm, taking a step further was as difficult as ascending to the heavens, and this tree... How could he not be eager to find out!
Noticing the elderly man's enthusiasm, Zhao Yu felt slightly annoyed. His tone turned indifferent.
"First, you need to earn the recognition of the medallion."
"Take the medallion, hold it to your chest, and shout the slogan: 'The Manor is eternal, long live the Manor Lord!' Only with a calm heart will the medallion acknowledge you. After that, it will guide you on what to do next."
After hearing that, the old man stood still, seemingly suppressed by those words. Only then did Zhao Yu feel feel everything is ok and continued walking.
'This place is like a dragon's den or a tiger's lair—extremely dangerous. They must remain vigilant to stay safe. I'm only doing this for your own good.' He glanced at the archway. 'This must be the entrance.'
Stepping through the archway, behind was a striking scene entirely different from the manor outside. Mist swirled around the mountainside, cascading waterfalls roared, majestic pavilions stood tall, and the vast sky stretched endlessly. The celestial landscape across the mountainside made Zhao Yu think of his sect.
"Steward, sir... steward, sir... What is this place?"
Zhao Yu snapped out of his thoughts, turned seriously to the group behind him, and said, "Follow me. Anyone who wanders off will bear the consequences."
He resumed walking but silently berated himself: 'Such breathtaking beauty distracted me. How careless! I almost lost face in front of these mortals. They'll need my protection for their future. they can not lose faith in me.
I mustn't make such mistakes again.'
Within the group, Bui Tuyên, one of the two great scholars, spoke up.
"Sir, are we really staying here? This place is so beautiful—entirely different from the outside world."
Zhao Yu inwardly agreed. Indeed, this place's opulence and atmosphere far surpass the outside. Calling it a sacred land wouldn't be an exaggeration. Even the restricted areas of sects might not compare.
But another thought struck him: No, this must be a deception. There's no way such a place exists here. Why would the living quarters for servants be better than those of the Manor Lord? This is likely an illusion to fool these mortals, like that banner earlier.
He touched the trees, grass, and the architecture of the rooms. No... it's all real.
To the group, this mysterious sage inspecting every object seemed lost in deep thought. Some imagined he was reminiscing about his youthful days here, full of memories.
Bui Tuyên, the martial general, asked, "Steward, sir, where are the others?"
Zhao Yu sat on a stone bench, gazing at the night sky adorned with twinkling stars and drifting clouds. Holding a blade of grass he had picked up, he still couldn't fully believe the reality of this place. Absentmindedly, he replied, "Dead... they perished pursuing an illusory path they should never have walked."
The group fell into silence.
"Senior, please don't be too sorrowful," someone consoled him.
Zhao Yu blinked, startled. "Ah… you misunderstand."
'What's wrong with me? Wait… could this be the Manor Lord's doing? Could he have orchestrated all this for me to say? It's possible for Manor Lord. but why go to such lengths for a group of mortals?'
After a moment of thought, he addressed the group. "Abandon any delusions of conquering the world. Let go of such ambitions and choose a meaningful goal to live for—like enjoying old age or settling down and starting a family."
The group exchanged glances before their representatives stepped forward, bowing respectfully. "Thank you for the guidance, Senior. We have resolved not to change our goals."
Something feels off. You... Zhao Yu sighed. There's no way I can interfere with the Manor Lord's plans. I suppose I'll leave it to fate.
"Each of you, pick a room to stay in."
Once arrangements were made, Zhao Yu, the steward of Tigers Leopard Manor, walked past the gateway, his heart growing heavier.
Manor Lord, what must I do to stop you from targeting these mortals...