24. I need a bath

At night, the sky shimmered with countless stars. Outside, gentle breezes carried the scent of mountain forests, mingling with the rustling of leaves and the chirping of insects. In his room, Noah rolled back and forth, unable to sleep, his body itching uncomfortably for reasons unknown.

"Can't sleep… I remember there's a waterfall behind the mountain."

Sitting up, he stepped outside. Lanterns along the corridor glowed softly, lit either by the system or that Zhao Yu. Strolling through the garden in front of his room, the air felt refreshing and pure. Time for a bath. Even though the system dried me earlier, it's been over a day…

Following the path, golden lanterns lined both sides, their light complementing the starry sky. A faint fragrance hung in the air, soothing and immersive.

The surroundings were quiet, save for the gentle gurgle of a stream. After walking along it, Noah found a shallow spot, the area serene and secluded.

Floating on the water's surface, he felt cool currents wash over his body, cleansing him.

The sky here is truly beautiful… I followed the stream and found nothing unusual.

Why this embarrassment? No, I needed a bath. Perfectly legitimate reason.

Calm down, me. No need for guilt. Nine out of ten transmigrators would do the same. This is normal. Right.

While Noah bathed under the stars, in a room elsewhere, the 20 chosen by the Heavenly Dao gathered.

"This manor is mysterious. Every corner is shrouded, and my cultivation has dropped to nothing. Yet, I sense no malice here. What do you all think?"

Great Confucian Wu Dingxi spoke, his steady voice calming and trustworthy.

From another side, Pei Xuan, the martial general, added.

"I share the same feeling. No danger at all. Even facing that person, I only felt a slight chill. It's a trait of my realm. I can vaguely sense danger or malice, but none is directed at us."

The third Great Confucian, Su Qing, spoke up.

"Regardless, it's too early to speculate. We mustn't act rashly. Within the manor, we're limited to mortal strength, and all techniques are useless. Moreover, the items here are far from ordinary. You've all seen it. This could be a fated opportunity for our princes and princesses, as long as we follow the rules."

The room fell silent.

"Esteemed seniors, I have a question. Any insights about this token?"

Prince Murong spoke, holding up a golden token adorned with swirling patterns, its material unclear.

Silence.

"I'll try first."

Su Qing raised the token, sincerely reciting the slogan.

"The manor is eternal, long live the Manor Lord, activate the token!"

Nothing happened.

"Su, brother, let me."

Wu Dingxi drew his token, shouting loudly.

Nothing.

"Perhaps we got it wrong… the posture?"

Wu's face showed embarrassment. He tried again, shouting louder.

The token remained unchanged.

Seeing their mentor fail, Liu Yifeng spoke.

"The steward said we must clear our minds. Master Wu, try calming your mind."

Wu Dingxi bristled. As a Great Confucian, isn't my mind always as still as water? Even ripples settle instantly.

"Thank you, Prince, for the reminder. The Manor Lord said we could ask Steward Zhao if unclear. I'll go seek the senior to clarify."

"Indeed, I'll join," Su Qing added. "A chance to be guided by a sage—who could miss it?"

"Does anyone know which room Steward Zhao is in?"

And so, the group of 20 set off to find Zhao Yu.

"Brother?"

Someone's there… It's the Manor Lord!

Noah was washing clothes by the streambank…