14. A new beginning

Beneath the Enlightenment Tree, Noah sprawled across three round stone tables arranged end-to-end.

"Naming something fitting… why's it so hard?"

This Enlightenment Tree is top-tier. Its soothing fragrance calms the mind, keeping me relaxed yet alert, like I can comprehend anything.

Sat under the tree, names flooded his mind like a village deluged by a river—unstoppable, each bold and grand, yet missing something. My personal mark. The name must reflect my will, my ambition. Recalled his resolve.

Under the tree, memories surged—nights spent reading novels, protagonists hunted for their weakness, his frustration and pity for their struggles. I'm a reincarnated Great Emperor. No way I'll tread a grueling path. My journey will echo through eternity—dominant, unstoppable, never feeble. The name must embody fearless strength, a path to invincibility.

Dominant Manor? Too brainless. Invincible Manor? Too tacky. Tigerbold Manor… like my rowdy friends back home. That's it—perfect for my situation.

"This manor shall be Tigerbold Manor, symbolizing fearless courage against all odds."

Blood? When did my nose bleed? Felt dizzy, exhausted.

Drifted into sleep.

Awoke at dusk.

Gazed at the tranquil sunset, final rays piercing the foliage, birds flocking homeward.

"System, how long was I out?"

"You slept four hours."

"From noon to evening…"

The System announced.

"Three hours ago, an injured person sought aid at the manor. They're now near death. Will you help?"

An image appeared—a middle-aged man, bloodied, clothes tattered, slumped against the gate, unconscious.

Three hours ago? Snapped awake, inhaled sharply.

"Save him, now!"

A flurry of prompts appeared.

Rescue confirmed… Success. Contract established. Congratulations, host, for recruiting your first member, earning the 'First Handshake' achievement. Reward: 10 Celestial Reunion Tickets. Guild function unlocked.

Reminder: The manor has five hierarchy levels—rulers, enforcers, members, retainers, and debtors bound by contract. Advancement requires sufficient contributions. This is the initial setup, modifiable at higher manor levels.

Reminder: The new member is a debtor. As manor lord, you may assign roles, but their status remains unchanged.

Just saved someone… and now they're a contracted member? Explain.

"Note: The System's aid isn't free. The rescued must serve as a retainer for three years."

Character Profile:

Name: Zhao Yu (manor debtor)

Status: Retainer (for three years)

Background: Youngest elder of the War God Temple, presumed successor to the temple master.

Realm: Golden Core

Further details locked (unlocks when your realm is sufficient).

Golden Core elder of the War God Temple? A big shot!

Appearance: Middle-aged, dignified, handsome, tall, with an air of stern authority. A glance reveals an upright, reliable figure.

"This guy serves the manor for three years? I start with a Golden Core elder by my side?"

Took a deep breath, stared at the panel.

"You're my first subordinate. Stay loyal, and I won't let you down."

First impressions matter. I'll be a wise, dependable manor lord.

A Golden Core powerhouse as a mere retainer lacks gravitas. I'll make him steward… that's fair.

On a bed, Zhao Yu slowly opened his eyes. Where am I?

Noah, beside him, saw the powerhouse awake. Spoke gravely, softly.

"You're in my manor. I saved you, found you outside, covered in wounds. What happened to you?"

Zhao Yu, still on the bed, sensed his injuries healed—even old scars gone. Eyes wide with disbelief, studied the youth beside him. Strange attire, unremarkable face, no trace of spiritual energy, yet his gaze… deep as the heavens.

Realizing the youth before him might be a reclusive senior, Zhao Yu slid off the bed, kneeling.

"This junior, Zhao Yu, thanks Senior for saving my life."

Noah blinked. Senior? Must be the System's doing.

Straightened his back, shook his head, waved a hand, and replied calmly.

"A trifle, not worth mentioning. This place is safe. Can you tell me why… you ended up like that?"

Zhao Yu thought, This Senior is so approachable.

"This junior, while leading disciples to explore a relic, encountered a spatial rift. To ensure their safe escape, I shielded them, getting pulled into the void. Miraculously, I stumbled upon this manor. I called out, but no one answered. I thought death was certain, but thanks to Senior's aid, I survived. This gratitude, I'll never forget."

Noah, slightly guilty, patted his shoulder, comforting.

"Good to be alive. Don't blame me—I was occupied then, unaware."

"Alright, repay me by serving the manor for three years. How's that?"

Zhao Yu's face lit up.

"Serving Senior is my honor. But may I return to my sect to report my safety and settle affairs? I'll return to serve you afterward."

The System's voice chimed.

Warning: Debtors must work off their debt within the manor's jurisdiction until repayment is complete or the creditor permits departure. Zhao Yu's creditor is the Heavenly Dao. He cannot leave until the Heavenly Dao consents. Unauthorized departure voids the contract.

Noah fell silent, turned to Zhao Yu, shook his head.

"You can't leave the manor now. Can't you send a message or letter instead?"

Zhao Yu paused. Entering a spatial rift destroys storage bags—everything's gone. And transmission? In this place? Senior doesn't trust me.

"Senior, I swear I'll return, no evasion…"

Noah thought, Caught you! Planning to flee? All that talk of gratitude, and you're scheming behind my back. The cultivation world's full of deceivers—can't be naive. Only absolute strength is truth.

Too early for him to fully submit. Time to be firm.

"You can't leave. If you do, your injuries return instantly. Stay, and after three years, you're free."

Zhao Yu sensed trouble, tried to explain, but a burning sensation struck his hand. A blood-red "debt" mark had appeared.

Panicked, asked.

"Senior, what's this?"

Noah, seeing Zhao Yu's confusion, knew it was time to assert authority.

"I saved you, so you serve the manor for three years. That's the deal for your life. Reject it, and you revert to your state before entering. Or do you think my manor's beneath you?"

Zhao Yu, flustered, shook his head.

"Senior, you misunderstand. I meant no such thing."

Noah nodded, stood, and spoke sternly.

"Know this: countless begged to serve me in the past, yet you… I ended my seclusion, saw your resolve, and took pity. And yet…"

Sighed.

"Work diligently for three years, and this karmic debt clears. You'll owe me nothing. Or do you fear me? Do I seem villainous? Or is your status so grand you scorn this manor?"

Zhao Yu, seeing the Senior's anger, bowed, apologizing.

"Senior, please calm down. My thoughtlessness betrayed your kindness. How may I serve you?"

"I appoint you manor steward. Your daily tasks: follow my orders, manage servants, and maintain the manor. This is your opportunity. Any questions?"

Zhao Yu, relieved, replied firmly.

"None, sir."

Seeing compliance, Noah smirked inwardly. Intimidation worked. I've got leadership talent.

Patted his shoulder.

"Good. Keep that spirit."

From atop the table, gazed down at the Golden Core expert kneeling before him. Forge the iron while it's hot, as some great man said.

"Start by sweeping the courtyard leaves."

Sat on the round table under the Enlightenment Tree.

"System, why'd he call me Senior?"

System notification: AI Butler function active. The manor lord's image must exude authority. The AI Butler adjusted your appearance to suit your status. All perceptions are carefully curated.

"So that's it? Impressive."

Watched the Golden Core elder prepare a spell to sweep the yard.

Starting with a big shot cleaning my yard… Wonder how cultivators make sweeping epic.

Zhao Yu, facing a yard full of leaves, hesitated, then approached Noah cautiously.

"Manor Lord, where are the others in the manor?"

Those bandits?

"Dead. Just you and me here."

Silence.

Zhao Yu, cautious, bowed.

"Senior, my condolences…"

Waved a hand.

"No pity needed. They chased a foolish path, unworthy. It's done. What else do you need?"

Zhao Yu's face reddened, voice tentative.

"Manor Lord, I can't find a broom…"

"What? All that fuss over this?"

"You don't need a broom. Use magic."

"Tried, but the leaves won't budge."

Silently queried, System, what's this?

Within the manor, techniques exceeding your cultivation level are prohibited. Nothing surpasses the manor lord. This is a seven-day novice protection. Renewal costs 100 Spirit Stones monthly.

Inhaled deeply, stared at Zhao Yu, then the yard.

"Your techniques aren't failing—your mind's in disarray, like these scattered leaves."

Closed eyes, silent. I'm done talking.

A soothing fragrance eased his mind. Zhao Yu, hearing this, felt shaken. This principle… is my mind truly chaotic? Senior wouldn't deceive me. How could he?

Reflected. Since arriving, my injuries weren't severe—a simple healing pill would've sufficed. But after three hours, they worsened. Then the manor lord saved me with a three-year service contract, barring me from leaving. The more I think, the more suspicious it seems. A chill ran down his spine. Have I fallen into a trap, not an opportunity? I must escape. This man's schemes are deep, his strength immense—staying near him is perilous.