47. The reason?

Speaking of the Five Great Dynasties,

Pei Xuan, a martial genius of the Woodland Dynasty, reached Martial General in a hundred years, strength rivaling his realm. This time, entering Strong Bull Mountain to uncover the mystery behind the dragon vein homage.

Though aware this manor, this Manor Lord, was immensely powerful, far beyond him, what followed—from the Dao Enlightenment Tree to the statue and that mysterious creature—was staggering. That round-headed, tentacled creature, at least above Martial General strength. Certain.

In this realm, martial prowess was deemed supreme in combat. Yet, facing that monster, he felt no chance of victory, only complete suppression. If that thing escaped, it'd be a calamity for the mortal world. Yet, it couldn't withstand a single strike from the manor's stone statue. He wondered, with such power, leveling the Five Great Dynasties would be effortless. No, as easy as flipping a hand. Such strength, why hide discreetly here, and what's with this "token"? The demeanor unlike that of great powers…

Recalling…

Since gaining token recognition, the manor's information, status, rules… All revealed by the token.

This manor, called Tiger Leopard Manor, a strange name. Never mind that, his current status was a servant, like all others, akin to a retainer. Servants here faced no bindings; as long as manor laws weren't broken, one could leave anytime, memories of the manor erased.

At first, he didn't understand. He was a Martial General. A Martial General, whose enraged punch could shatt this Mountain. Even if the Manor Lord was stronger, treating him like this was unthinkable. Those scholars, instead of shame, acted like they'd found gold, faces beaming over that Dao Enlightenment Tree, truly disgraceful.

Now, he realized how shallow he was… A mere stone statue, so powerful. And his assigned task: chopping trees, gathering firewood. But these trees were bizarre. Incredibly tough, half a day's effort to fell one. A Martial General's body, immensely strong, even with cultivation suppressed to mortal, shouldn't struggle so.

The princes and princesses had lighter tasks—fetching water, planting vegetables, sweeping, watering trees. But nothing seemed simple. The ground, too hard to till. Water from the mountain river, unimaginably heavy. The courtyard, winds blowing endlessly, never clean.

He wondered if being a servant was too lofty a title.

Two tasks assigned. One, chopping trees, gathering firewood. Two, advancing strength. Already a peak Martial General, the next realm, Martial Emperor, wasn't achievable overnight. Martial Emperors, rarer than sages, last recorded eight thousand years ago. Could this manor hold clues to that legendary realm, to assign such a task? Yet, no guidance given, just assigned, left there.

Holding the exquisite blade. This treasured blade, named Dragon Tyrant Blade, a gift upon joining the manor. Truly a treasure. Only with it could he fell a tree.

Holding it, feeling vibrations, like a dragon within the blade. Weapons split into five types: Mortal, Treasure, Elite, King, Divine. Each divided into three grades: Basic, Standard, Supreme. This blade, a Standard King Weapon. Priceless. Even Martial Generals would covet. Yet, this manor gave one to each… Wealthy.

In summary, he couldn't tell if this was reward or punishment, opportunity or deception. Everything spun in circles, the master's purpose unfathomable.

…

A fragrance wafted by, lying on the bed, Noah slowly opened his eyes.

A sweet scent, unique to beauties, truly delightful.

Beside, unnoticed until now, stood Lalatina, Luna, Liora. Wet hair, cool, soft skin. All three in different clothes from morning.

Lalatina, hair still damp, cascading on both sides, gentle gaze, lips like spring peach blossoms, moist, inviting. Silken robe, rosy-white skin, floral patterns making her a blooming flower after rain, both radiant and fresh.

Her figure, a perfect beauty, full chest, slender waist, dignified bearing. A peach blossom adorned her hair. Stunning, as if stepping from a painting, impossible to look away. She smiled brightly, voice soft, caring.

"Manor Lord, you're awake."

Noah, entranced, gazed at the beauty before him. Truly exquisite.

Beside stood Luna, seeing the Manor Lord silent, eyes on Sister Lalatina, expression dreamy, lost in memory, then infatuated. What Sister Lalatina said was true. The Manor Lord, a man of eternal devotion.

The air froze, silent, awkward. Luna felt she must speak.

"Manor Lord."

Noah shifted to the voice's source, Luna. She wore a pink-orange outfit, adorned with falling flower patterns. The skirt reached her chest, a ribbon wrapped around, yet couldn't hide the exquisite curves of a youthful maiden. Flawless, radiant skin. Gentle face, innocent eyes, pursed lips, sleek, wet black hair tied neatly, a flower on the left. Less radiant than Lalatina, she was innocent, beautiful, vibrant, sincere. Reminding him of the main character's sister in anime.

Her face shy, stealing glances.

Noah caught her gaze, instinctively checking himself. Still the same. Looking back, she'd lowered her head, silent.

Noah…??

Liora, seeing Luna falter, stepped forward, timidly saying.

"Manor Lord, don't blame Sister Luna. She meant well. What's past, please don't dwell on too much."

Before him, Liora, soft, radiant skin, clear, luminous eyes, wet and captivating, wide with resolve and care. Glossy, damp black hair, pink lips, white teeth. Destined to outshine others. She wore simple, unadorned light green silk, a green-white flower in her hair. Neat, beautiful, innocent. Like a silly younger sister needing protection.

Noah thought, this girl's still so adorable. But what did Luna do?

Shaking his head, rubbing his temples, saying.

"What did Luna do?"

Every gesture, action of the Manor Lord, they observed closely. His gaze on Sister Lalatina differed from them. For Luna, dreamy, nostalgic; for Liora, protective, shielding; unlike the infatuated gaze for Lalatina.

Lalatina stepped forward, cheeks flushed. Facing Noah's calm, unwavering gaze, she spoke cautiously.

"Manor Lord, the fault is mine for telling them why we were chosen for this manor."

Noah, dreamy, reason, what reason…??