14. A new beginning
Under the Enlightenment Tree, Noah Drake lay stretched out on three round stone tables placed end-to-end.
"Coming up with the perfect name, why is it so difficult?"
The tree itself was remarkable. The fragrance it emitted had a calming effect, simultaneously relaxing and sharpening the mind. It was as if nothing could escape comprehension under its influence.
Sitting beneath the tree, names flooded his mind like a torrential river:
Heavenly Dragon Manor.
Cloud Dream Manor.
Sky Wind Manor.
Golden Blossom Manor.
Clear Sky Manor.
Vast Heaven Manor.
Silver River Manor.
Snow Moon Manor.
Sunlight Manor.
All these names were majestic and domineering, but something was missing. They lacked a personal touch—his own mark.
"The name must represent my will and ambition. Yes, let's recall..."
Beneath the tree, memories surged forth. Nights spent reading novels, times when weak protagonists were hunted down, the frustration and pity for their helplessness.
"I am a reincarnated emperor. There's no way I'll follow such a miserable path. The road I take must be legendary, dominant, unwavering. I need a name that reflects strength, boldness, fearlessness—a path of invincibility. 'Dominance Manor'? Too brainless. 'Invincible Manor'? Too vulgar. 'Tigers Leopard Manor'... Tigers and leopards, like my old crew... Yes, this fits my vision perfectly."
"This manor shall be called Tigers Leopard Manor. It signifies bravery and fearlessness in facing any challenge."
He suddenly touched his nose. "Blood? When did I get a nosebleed? Feeling a bit dizzy... Exhausted."
He drifted off to sleep.
---
When Noah woke, the sky was painted in hues of twilight. The last rays of the sun filtered through the leaves as birds flew home in flocks.
Noah .
"System, how long have I been asleep?"
"You've been asleep for four hours," the system replied.
"From noon until now? Hmm..."
The system chimed again: "Three hours ago, an injured individual came seeking aid at the manor. Currently, they are near death. Would you like to help?"
A visual projection appeared: a middle-aged man, clothes torn and blood-soaked, slumped against the manor gate, unconscious.
Noah shot up, taking a deep breath. "Help him immediately!"
A series of confirmation windows appeared.
"Rescue confirmed. Contract established. Congratulations, host, for acquiring your first manor member and achieving the milestone: 'First Handshake.' Reward: 10 'Heavenly Encounters.' Guild functions unlocked."
The system continued: "Reminder: The manor is divided into five tiers of members:
1. Overlords.
2. Executors.
3. Members.
4. Servants.
5. Debtors with contracts.
Members may rise in rank through sufficient contributions. As the manor's level increases, you can adjust these tiers as you wish."
Noah ....
- Just saving people... which manor does the member have a contract with? Explain?
"Note: The rescue is not free. In return, the individual must serve as a servant of the manor for three years."
Character Note:
Name: Zhao Yu (Debtor to the Manor)
Status: Servant (Three Years)
Background: Youngest Elder of the War God Hall, likely successor to the Hall Master.
Cultivation Level: Golden Core Realm.
Additional Info: Locked. (Will unlock as the host's cultivation improves.)
"A Golden Core Elder? Is this guy a big shot?"
The projection displayed a dignified, middle-aged man with an imposing presence.Handsome, tall, and exuding authority—this person screams reliability.
"He's going to work for my manor for three years? Starting off with a Golden Core elder—how lucky am I?"
Noah straightened his back and muttered, "You are the first subordinate of mine. As long as you remain loyal, I won't treat you poorly."
"Yes, making a good first impression is vital. I am a reasonable and dependable manor lord."
"Considering his status, making him a mere servant is beneath him. I'll make him the steward. That should be fair."
---
Lying on the bed, Zhao Yu slowly opened his eyes. "Where am I…?"
Noah, sitting nearby, noticed that this elder had regained consciousness. He spoke seriously yet softly, "You are in my manor. I saved you. I found you outside, severely injured. What happened to you?"
Zhao Yu, still lying on the bed, felt his injuries had fully healed, even the hidden wounds from long ago. In disbelief, he looked at the young man sitting by the bed. His attire was strange, his face ordinary, and his body emitted no spiritual energy. Yet, his deep gaze seemed to contain the entire sky.
Realizing this might be a secluded elder of great power, Zhao Yu immediately got off the bed and knelt down.
"Junior Zhao Yu thanks Senior for saving my life!"
Noah Drake blinked in surprise.
'He called me 'Senior'? Must be the system's doing…'
Straightening his back, Noah waved his hand dismissively and replied calmly, "It's a small matter, not worth mentioning. This place is safe. Can you tell me what happened to you?"
Zhao Yu thought to himself, 'This Senior is so approachable.'
"Senior," he began, "I was leading my disciples on an expedition to explore ancient ruins when we accidentally encountered a spatial rift. To ensure my disciples' safety, I sacrificed myself and was swept into the chaos of space-time. Fortunately, amidst the chaos, I discovered this manor. Initially, I called out, but no one responded. I thought I was doomed, but in the end, Senior saved me. I will never forget this kindness!"
Hearing this, Noah felt a twinge of guilt. He patted Zhao Yu on the shoulder to comfort him.
"Surviving is what matters. As for the rest… Well, I was occupied at the time and didn't notice you. Anyway…" He paused and smiled slightly.
"You can repay me by staying in this manor for three years to assist me. What do you think?"
Zhao Yu looked overjoyed.
"To serve at Senior's side is this junior's honor. But I must first return to my sect to report my safety and arrange my affairs. After that, I will return to the manor to serve you."
Suddenly, a system notification echoed.
> Warning: For debtors bound to the manor, leaving its jurisdiction is prohibited until the debt is fully repaid or permission is granted by the creditor. Currently, Zhao Yu's creditor is Heaven's Will itself. Should he attempt to leave, the contract will be enforced, and violations will result in consequences.
Noah Drake fell silent, then turned to Zhao Yu and shook his head.
"You cannot leave the manor for now. If you need to notify someone, you can send a message or a letter, can't you?"
Zhao Yu hesitated. Entering the spatial rift had destroyed his storage pouch; all his belongings were gone. And as for transmitting messages, could that even work in this place? He began to suspect that the Senior didn't trust him.
"Senior, I swear I will return. I would never run away…"
Noah sneered inwardly.
'Admitting guilt already? Trying to escape, huh? Saying you'll repay me with all your heart while planning to flee… Typical of the cultivation world. Deception everywhere. True strength is the only truth here.'
Outwardly, Noah remained calm, though his tone turned firm.
"You cannot leave this manor. If you try, your injuries will immediately return. Stay here, work for three years, and then you'll be free."
Zhao Yu began to realize something was amiss. He tried to explain further when suddenly, his hand burned. Looking down, he saw the word "Debt" etched in blood-red characters on the back of his hand. Startled, he asked,
"Senior, what does this mean?"
Seeing Zhao Yu's bewildered expression, Noah knew it was time to assert his authority.
"I saved your life, and you've become a member of this manor for three years. This is our agreement. If you reject it, you will revert to the state you were in before entering this manor. Are you saying my manor is unworthy of you?"
Zhao Yu hurriedly shook his head.
"Senior misunderstands. I would never dare think that."
Noah nodded and stood up, exuding an air of seriousness.
"Do you know how many people once begged to serve at my side, only to be refused? Yet here you are… I didn't save you out of pity but because I value determined individuals. Don't let me down."
Sighing, he added, "Work diligently for three years, and our karmic ties will be resolved. You won't owe me anything anymore. Or are you afraid? Do I look like a bad person, or do you think yourself too important for this manor?"
Zhao Yu, seeing the Senior's anger, could only bow his head in apology.
"Senior, please calm down. This junior was thoughtless and ungrateful. Please tell me how I may serve you."
"First," Noah declared, "you will act as the manor's steward. Your daily tasks include carrying out my orders, managing the servants, and maintaining the manor. Consider this your opportunity."
"Do you have any objections?"
Zhao Yu, as though receiving a royal pardon, responded earnestly, "None at all, Senior."
Seeing Zhao Yu finally submit, Noah felt pleased with himself.
'I really do have the makings of a leader!' He patted Zhao Yu's shoulder and said,
"Good. I need this kind of attitude from you."
Looking down at a Golden Core cultivator kneeling before him, Noah thought, 'Strike while the iron is hot. Some wise person once said that.'
"For now, start by sweeping the leaves in the courtyard."
---
Seated at a round table under the Enlightenment Tree, Noah asked,
"System, why is he calling me 'Senior'?"
The system replied, "The AI Steward function is active. To maintain your image, all representations of you are adjusted for authority and appropriateness. Everything they see is curated accordingly."
"Hmm… I see. Impressive," Noah muttered.
As Zhao Yu prepared to cast a spell to sweep the courtyard, Noah observed him with amusement.
'Making a Golden Core elder sweep? I wonder how cultivators clean in such a grand manner.'
But after a while, Zhao Yu hesitated, then cautiously approached.
"Manor Lord, where are the others in this manor?"
'You mean the bandits? They're all dead' Noah replied nonchalantly. "It's just you and me now."
Zhao Yu lowered his head respectfully.
"Senior, my condolences…"
Noah waved dismissively.
"Don't mourn them. They strayed down a doomed path. It's in the past. Do you need anything else?"
Zhao Yu, slightly embarrassed, said,
"Manor Lord, I couldn't find a broom."
Noah blinked.
"You've been fumbling all this time over that? Why didn't you use your powers?"
"I tried, but the leaves wouldn't move…"
Noah silently called out to the system.
"System, what's going on?"
The system explained, "All magic above your cultivation level is suppressed in the manor. This is a protective feature for beginners and lasts for seven days. Renewal costs 100 spirit stones per month."
Taking a deep breath, Noah studied Zhao Yu and the courtyard.
"It's not that your powers are ineffective. It's that your heart is too chaotic—like these scattered leaves. Bring order to your mind, and you'll succeed."
He closed his eyes, signaling the end of the conversation.
....
The faint fragrance in the air calmed his mind, and Zhao Yu, slightly panicked, thought, "Is my mind really that chaotic? Surely the elder wouldn't lie to me... How could the elder deceive me?"
Thinking...
Since I arrived at this manor, I wasn't seriously injured. Just a simple healing pill would've sufficed, but three hours later, my injuries worsened. Then, the lord saved me with the condition of working for this manor for three years, unable to leave... The more I think about it, the more suspicious it seems. A chill ran down his spine...
"I've fallen into a scheme, a trap, not a lucky opportunity. Oh no, I must find a way out. This person is deeply calculating and incredibly powerful... staying near him is extremely dangerous..."