The heavy wooden gates of the Jiang residence groaned shut behind us once more, the solid, reverberating thump sealing us back inside the compound's relative tranquility like a portcullis dropping decisively into place. The contrast with the chaotic, vibrant Qingshan Town market was massive. Here, within the high, secure walls, the air instantly seemed cleaner, thinner, carrying the gentle fragrance of the meticulously tended courtyard garden – damp earth, blooming night-jasmine, the subtle sweetness of spirit herbs.
And yet, despite the undeniable peace compared to the market, the tranquility felt superficial, stretched thin like a spider's web trying desperately to hold an insectoid prey that was far too large for it. A new alertness permeated the compound, an undercurrent of disciplined readiness that hadn't existed just that morning. My eyes, sharpened perhaps by the influx of Stage Four Qi or merely by Leo Maxwell's ingrained actor's habit of observing every detail of the set, immediately caught the tangible changes.
Firstly, the number of guards patrolling the perimeter walls and visible within the courtyards had easily doubled, perhaps tripled, from just a few hours ago. Their movements were crisp, economical, synchronized in patterns that spoke of professional training, their gazes sharp, constantly scanning the surroundings, missing nothing. These weren't just the familiar, slightly bored-looking household guards in their worn but serviceable leather armor, whose own cultivation rarely exceeded Stage 1 Qi Gathering, if they cultivated at all.
No. Interspersed among my men, seamlessly integrated into the patrol routes and standing at key junctions, were new faces – dozens of them. Men clad in tougher, more practical, often mismatched mercenary gear – hardened leather cuirasses, steel vambraces, sturdy boots – their faces often bearing the scars of past conflicts, their eyes holding a cold, professional watchfulness.
Their power levels varied significantly; most were clearly skilled mortal martial artists, their bodies radiating potent, condensed Xue Qi that spoke of years of brutal training and real combat experience, their movements filled with lethal efficiency.
A small handful of others, however, were actual cultivators, though only at the lowest rungs of Qi Gathering – Stage One, perhaps Stage Two at most. It was a common enough fate for those outer disciples blessed with a spiritual root but cursed with mediocre talent. Kicked out of sects like Azure Cloud or smaller schools after failing to advance within the required timeframe – often by their 30s or 40s, already considered middle-aged by mortal standards – they possessed Qi but lacked the potential to ever break through to Foundation Establishment and become true powerhouses. Their cultivation stagnant, unable to reach the next major realm, they often had little choice but to leverage their minor supernatural abilities (slightly enhanced strength, sharper senses, the ability to perform rudimentary Qi techniques) and enhanced physique into mercenary work. They became elite guards for wealthy merchant families like mine, caravan escorts navigating dangerous territories, or enforcers settling disputes beyond the reach of mundane law. While cultivator families enjoyed immense status and resources, these low-level, talent-poor cultivators often struggled, their path ending far short of the glory and longevity they might have once dreamed of upon discovering their spiritual root. Only the truly lucky, or those possessing a high-value secondary skill that could be augmented by Qi – like Alchemist Chen with his alchemy – could carve out a prosperous niche for themselves, perhaps becoming a big fish in a small pond like Qingshan Town if they played their cards right and found the right patronage. For most outcasts from the sects, however, a life of glorified security work or highly skilled, Qi-assisted labor was the peak of their ambition, a constant reminder of their failure to grasp the true opportunity cultivation represented.
Nevertheless, I did like what I saw. My new men's spiritual energy felt disciplined from years of basic practice, perhaps honed by combat. While it carried none of the vibrant potential or profound depth of a true talent, it nevertheless felt subtly dangerous due to their experience.
Yes. Yes, this will do nicely enough.
Captain Feng had clearly wasted absolutely no time in putting my gold to immediate, effective use, hiring a formidable mix of experienced martial artists and these grounded, low-level cultivators. This residence, once merely a comfortable place of gilded exile, now felt more like a burgeoning fortress. Such a sudden, visible increase in security, coupled with the rumors of my spending spree, wouldn't go unnoticed by the City Lord, other families, and many other players in the area – including whoever poisoned this body.
Just as planned.
Before we could even reach the main hall, stepping onto the clean flagstones of the central courtyard where preparations for the evening feast were now in full swing – the air already beginning to fill with the rich, mouth-watering aroma of roasting spirit boar and simmering exotic spices drifting from the direction of the kitchens – we were intercepted.
The new figure detached himself smoothly, almost silently, from the shadows near a decorative stone pillar carved in the likeness of a fierce guardian lion. He approached with an air of brisk confidence and an almost proprietary eagerness that instantly set my internal alarms ringing, even as I maintained my outward facade of weary magnanimity.
He was a young man, perhaps a year or two older than this body, twenty-one or twenty-two at the most. His features were sharp, intelligent, almost fox-like, dominated by quick, intensely observant dark eyes that seemed to take in everything – my ridiculously ostentatious crimson and gold robes, the faintly glowing spirit sword now held carefully by Ruolan, the (somehow) still-full chests being carried away by the sweating guards, Ruolan's own weary but composed expression, the newly patrolling mercenaries on the walls – all in a single, rapid, calculating sweep. He was dressed neatly, impeccably even, in servant attire of a fine dark blue silk, a clear cut above the standard household uniform, projecting an air of slippery intelligence, barely concealed ambition, and smooth, practiced deference that clung to him like expensive, slightly suspect perfume.
This had to be Jin Bao, Lin Ruolan's notorious assistant, the mortal she had presumably left in charge of overseeing basic household matters during our extravagant outing. Jiang Li's memories painted him vividly: clever, silver-tongued, obsequious when necessary, utterly amoral, and ruthlessly focused on climbing any ladder available, using any means necessary. He beamed at me now, executing a flawless, deep bow that was flawlessly respectful yet, somehow, still left me shivering with subconscious apprehension. In his hands, he held several rolled-up scrolls of thick parchment tied neatly with official-looking red ribbons – property deeds, unmistakably.
"Young Master!" Jin Bao exclaimed, his voice smooth as polished jade, filled with practiced, ringing enthusiasm that sounded entirely genuine if one didn't look too closely at the predatory calculation flickering deep within his eyes.
"Welcome back! This humble servant trusts your excursion into the city was satisfactory and demonstrated your unparalleled magnanimity appropriately?"
He didn't even pause for an answer, stepping closer with eager familiarity, holding up the deeds with a proud flourish, like a cat presenting a particularly fat, wriggling mouse.
"While you were… occupied… demonstrating the Jiang family's boundless resources and noble generosity to the common folk,"
– his flattery was laid on thick as molasses, but expertly delivered –
"this humble servant, inspired by your vision, took the initiative to act upon your clear desire for this residence's future prosperity and security!"
Lin Ruolan, who had stiffened visibly at Jin Bao's smooth approach and overly familiar tone, took a sharp, audible breath through her nostrils, her eyes narrowing dangerously as she saw the property deeds in his hands. Her knuckles whitened where she gripped the hilt of the spirit sword.
She looked like she wanted to use it on him, too!
Before she could unleash the furious reprimand clearly gathering behind her teeth like a thunderclap, Jin Bao continued, smoothly presenting the scrolls directly to me as if offering rare tribute, pointedly ignoring Ruolan's rising fury completely.
"Understanding the immediate necessity for increased security personnel requiring proper barracks nearby, expanded staff accommodations suitable for those who will loyally serve your esteemed self in the future, and establishing a physical presence truly befitting your elevated status in this district," he recited, his words flowing like water over smooth stones, a perfectly rehearsed speech designed to impress, "I have taken the liberty of securing the deeds for the three adjacent properties – the old weaver's dilapidated cottage compound to the east, and the two somewhat cramped merchant residences bordering our northern wall. The former owners were… persuaded…," – a predatory gleam flickered briefly in his eyes again, hinting at ruthless negotiation tactics – "by the undeniable logic of our household's necessary expansion and, of course, by a most generous compensation reflecting your boundless resources, Young Master. The space is now ours to develop as you see fit! More room for the excellent new guards Captain Feng is hiring, for the additional servants our newfound prosperity will surely attract, for expanded storage… in short, for a proper foundation," he finished, beaming again, eyes fixed on my face, clearly expecting effusive praise for his bold, entirely unauthorized, potentially problematic actions, "for your future greatness in Qingshan Town!"
Lin Ruolan finally snapped.
"Jin Bao!"
Her voice was tight with fury, sharp as a shard of ice, vibrating with suppressed Qi. Her Stage Six aura flared visibly around her for a dangerous instant, making the air around her crackle with palpable energy, the spirit sword in her hands humming faintly in response before she forcefully reigned it in, her knuckles bone-white on the hilt.
"You insolent, presumptuous fool! How dare you act without direct orders from myself or the Young Master? How dare you negotiate property purchases in the Young Master's name? Do you have any idea of the sums involved? Of the proper procedures required through the main family's accounts? Of the potential complications with the City Lord's office? You reckless, ambitious idiot! You could have compromised the Young Master's finances, drawn unwanted official attention, endangered this entire household with your unbelievable arrogance—"
"Enough, Steward Lin."
My voice cut through her escalating tirade like a spirit sword through silk, quiet but carrying an undeniable authority that made her freeze mid-sentence, her face flushed with righteous anger and frustration. I looked Jin Bao up and down slowly, deliberately, letting my expression remain unreadable, the enigmatic mask firmly in place. I let the silence stretch, forcing both of them, and the nearby servants who had paused their work to watch the unfolding drama, to hold their breath, watching their reactions. Jin Bao met my gaze steadily, his ingratiating smile unwavering, confident in his gamble, believing he understood my 'true', unpredictable nature. Ruolan looked away, biting her lip hard, clearly expecting me to unleash my wrath upon the upstart assistant for his gross overreach of authority.
Then, I let a wide grin spread slowly across my face, followed by a short, sharp bark of genuine, appreciative laughter that echoed slightly in the suddenly still courtyard.
"Initiative!" I declared brightly, stepping forward and clapping Jin Bao lightly, familiarly, on the shoulder, ignoring Ruolan's shocked, almost betrayed gasp behind me.
"Excellent initiative, Jin Bao! You anticipated my needs perfectly! What foresight! What… vision!"
I turned to the stunned, furious Ruolan, my grin widening further.
"Steward Lin," I said, my tone chiding but amused, "this," – I gestured towards Jin Bao, who preened visibly under my praise – "this is the kind of decisive action, the understanding of opportunity, the… boldness our household shall require moving forward! When one plans great things," – I gestured vaguely around the now-fortified courtyard and towards the newly acquired properties beyond the walls – "one must first secure the foundation! Jin Bao correctly interpreted my intentions! He understood the reality I am creating – one of abundance, expansion, and unquestioned authority! He didn't wait for tedious permissions; he acted decisively!"
I reached into my sleeve again, retrieving one of the spirit stones manifested from earlier experiments, its surface still warm, and pressed it firmly, meaningfully, into Jin Bao's slightly trembling hand.
"Well done. See Steward Lin later regarding a substantial raise and… expanded duties. Your obvious talents are clearly wasted on mere record-keeping and account balancing."
Jin Bao's eyes widened almost imperceptibly at the heavy spirit stone in his hand and the clear implication of promotion and increased responsibility, his smile becoming genuinely triumphant, though he quickly masked it with another deep, profoundly respectful bow.
"Thank you for your wisdom and generosity, Young Master! This servant only sought to serve your grand vision and ensure your comfort and security!" Ruolan stood frozen, her face a mask of utter bewilderment, frustration, anger, and perhaps a dawning, horrified understanding of the new, unpredictable, logic-defying rules governing her Master. I had deliberately, publicly undermined her authority, yes, but more importantly, I had rewarded exactly the kind of thinking – bold, decisive action based on creating the perception of absolute power, disregarding conventional limits – that I needed to encourage if my System-fueled reality-bending was to reach its full potential. Jin Bao, the mortal swindler, seemed to intuitively understand the theatre of it all – though, he might not intellectually understand the means behind it.
On the other hand, Ruolan, the diligent, rule-bound cultivator steward, still clung far too rigidly to logic and procedure. She would need further… re-education. Or, perhaps, Jin Bao's increased presence would provide the necessary catalyst for her to adapt.
Later that day, after dismissing Jin Bao (who practically swaggered away, already imagining his new, elevated position and likely planning how to consolidate his influence among the staff) and instructing a still-reeling but professionally obedient Ruolan to handle the legalities of the property transfers, integrate the new spaces into the household security plan being developed by Captain Feng, and somehow account for the massive, unauthorized expenditure in her reports (a problem I left entirely for her to solve, now testing her "initiative"), I retired to the main receiving hall of the residence. The mountain of goods purchased – or rather, acquired via belief and token payments – from the Myriad Treasures Pavilion had been delivered with surprising speed and efficiency, likely spurred by the Manager's encouragements. The large, elegantly appointed staging area, normally sparsely furnished, was now filled, almost chaotically, with the results of my shopping spree.
Chests overflowed with bolts of shimmering silks in every conceivable color, spilling onto the floor. Trays laden with exquisite jewelry – pearls, jades, rubies, sapphires set in finely wrought silver – glittered under the light from the luminous pearls in the ceiling. Decorative weapons lay propped against walls or simply piled on tables. Crystal bottles of expensive perfume created a dizzying blend of fragrances. Stacks upon stacks of martial arts manuals, enough to start a small library, sat beside intimidating training dummies, weighted vests, practice weapons, and countless jars and bottles of pills and liniments emitting sharp medicinal scents.
And in a separate, carefully arranged section near the back, cordoned off slightly by Ruolan's implicit instruction, lay the cultivator items purchased from the Myriad Treasures Pavillion's fourth floor. There were stalks of faintly glowing spirit herbs, including the several stalks of iridescent Moon Dew Grass Miao Zhihao had coveted, emitting subtle, refreshing fragrances that soothed the spirit. There were stacks of thick, yellowed, low-grade talismans crackling softly with contained energy. There were chunks of raw spiritual ores pulsing with faint elemental power – Frost Crystal, Sunstone, Earth Essence Iron… and there were also various small flags, polished jade disks, and jars of powdered minerals clearly meant for setting up simple (like security or pest control) formations.
Overall, it was an impressive, almost overwhelming haul, acquired for the price of a performance: over one hundred low-grade spirit stones used as props, and a cascade of manifested gold treated like dirt.
Lin Ruolan, her composure seemingly fully regained though her expression remained carefully neutral, perhaps tinged now with a hint of weary resignation alongside the lingering disbelief, stood ready with a brush, fresh inkstone, and a thick ledger, prepared to begin the arduous task of cataloguing everything.
"Young Master," she began formally, gesturing towards the piles of cultivator resources, "shall I begin cataloguing these items first? The spirit herbs, in particular, should be stored properly in specialized jade boxes to maintain their efficacy. And these talismans…" Her eyes lingered on them for a moment, a flicker of professional interest warring with personal desire. "Some appear to contain basic Qi Gathering level techniques, perhaps useful for the guards in the event of attack?"
She paused, gathering her thoughts, before continuing.
"With proper refinement by Alchemist Chen, these Moon Dew Grass stalks alone could likely yield perhaps a dozen Qi Gathering Pills of decent quality – valuable even for cultivators seeking to advance through the mid-stages of Qi Gathering, like myself..." Her voice held a note of professional assessment, mixed perhaps with a carefully concealed personal longing for the resources laid out so carelessly before us. She knew their worth.
I glanced over the pile with carefully cultivated, supreme indifference, reinforcing my chosen persona of the 'Eccentric & Unfathomably Wealthy Powerhouse'. I picked up a stalk of the valuable Moon Dew Grass myself, admiring its faint, cool luminescence for a dramatic moment, feeling the gentle Qi within it, then tossed it back onto the pile as if it were a common weed found by the roadside.
"Trinkets," I declared dismissively, my tone light, almost bored, ensuring my voice carried easily to her. "Low-grade materials, barely suitable for outer sect apprentices learning their first, clumsy refinements, let alone someone of my… circumstances." I waved a hand vaguely over the entire collection of cultivator resources – items that would undoubtedly make most Qi Gathering cultivators in Qingshan Town fight tooth and nail, items worth a small fortune in spirit stones or gold.
"Steward Lin," I continued, turning to face her, my expression softening slightly into one of magnanimous approval, "your continued loyalty and… discretion" – I gave her a pointed look, reminding her again of her promise and my trust in her keeping it – "have been commendable." I gestured grandly to the entire pile of fourth-floor goods.
"You may consider all of these items yours. Call it a bonus. A small token for your continued diligent service and understanding of… sensitive matters. Use them for your own cultivation if you wish – in time, perhaps you can break through to Stage Seven." I stated it as an expectation, not a question, "That would certainly reflect well on this household, would it not?"
I offered the subtle, motivating challenge disguised as overwhelming generosity. Let her feel indebted, and let her feel the pressure to improve, tying her success to mine.
"Or, you may distribute some amongst any guards who show true promise in their martial or Qi training – Captain Feng can advise you. Or even," I added with ultimate, almost insulting carelessness, turning away again as if the matter was already forgotten, unworthy of further consideration, "sell the lot for additional funds. I care not what you do with them. These items are," I finished, pausing at the doorway, "entirely beneath my notice."
I felt, rather than saw, Ruolan's stunned silence behind me. I could almost hear the frantic calculations running through her mind again, the struggle between disbelief at my casual dismissal of such wealth and the undeniable reality of my actions. She knew the true market value of these items, especially the herbs for pill refinement. For someone like herself, at Minor Stage Six of Qi Gathering – someone desperately needing resources to push towards the difficult bottleneck leading to the late stages, these items represented months, perhaps even years, of dedicated efforts, saving, dangerous missions into spirit beast territories, or currying favor with powerful figures. Giving them away so casually, so dismissively… it reinforced the image of my unfathomable wealth, yes, but it also strongly hinted at a cultivation level, or access to far superior resources, so far beyond hers that these truly were trifles to me.
As I walked away, however, Ruolan forced herself out of her stunned silence, seemingly not content to let the matter rest. Her voice, when it came, was low, meticulously respectful, yet tinged with an undeniable thread of genuine, profound confusion that cut through her usual composure.
"Master..." she began, hesitating for only a fraction of a second before forging ahead, the question clearly bursting forth against her better judgment. "Forgive this servant's impudence, my ignorance is profound, but..." Her eyes, when I glanced back over my shoulder, were fixed on the pile of resources, particularly the iridescent stalks of Moon Dew Grass.
"These materials," she continued, gesturing almost imperceptibly towards them, "while perhaps common or low-grade in your esteemed eyes, are genuinely valuable for consolidating one's foundation in the Qi Gathering realm."
I turned to her while raising an eyebrow, cultivating an image of a wise and enigmatic expert. She finally looked directly at me, her dark eyes searching my face, filled with earnest bewilderment.
"So why... why would Master not utilize these resources for yourself first? Consolidating your recent advancement to the Fourth Stage, or even pushing towards the Fifth... surely these items would be of significant benefit?"
The question hung in the air, direct, logical, and potentially dangerous to my carefully crafted persona. She had seen the value, understood the utility, and couldn't reconcile it with my casual dismissal. It was the perfect cue for the next part of the performance.
I put my hands behind my back and made a show of looking out at the sunset slanting golden across the courtyard garden, playing the role of an unfathomably wise expert.
"My path forward lies elsewhere now, Steward Lin," I murmured, pitching my voice just loud enough for her to hear clearly, infusing it with a touch of profound, almost weary enlightenment, as if burdened by unfathomable secrets she couldn't comprehend.
"My recent… experiences… my enlightenment near the gates of death… it has accelerated things," I sighed softly, a sound filled with feigned depth, "far beyond the need for such crude, external aids."
The statement was utter, complete bullshit, of course – I desperately needed any cultivation aid I could get my hands on – but it fit the performance perfectly. Let her believe I was already soaring towards Foundation Establishment on wings of innate talent and profound, esoteric understanding… or that I was secretly a student of a reclusive expert… or that I was practicing a uniquely powerful cultivation method with specific requirements… or that I have already advanced past the mid-stage of Qi Gathering but have suppressed my true cultivation for an unclear reason…
It didn't matter to me what she believed – as long as she came up with something! Let her own imagination fill in the blanks, crafting a legend far more potent than any bullshit I could come up with in the moment.
The System flickered again in my mind, a quiet ping rewarding the successful performance, confirming her belief was taking root.
[Qualified Belief Detected: Lin Ruolan (Qi Gathering Stage 6)]
[Analyzing Belief: Rapid/High-Level Cultivation Advancement? Unique Cultivation Path? Possesses Superior Resources? Enlightenment Achieved? ???]
[Threshold Met! Belief Accepted!]
[Belief Meter: +45 (Reinforced Perception Belief)]
Hmm. It wasn't enough for a new manifestation, certainly, but now I had confirmation that she was buying the act -- hook, line, and sinker, her perception of me solidifying further into something far removed from the original, pathetic Jiang Li.
Excellent.
I resisted the urge to cackle like a madman while rubbing my hands together in glee.
+++
That evening, the main courtyard was utterly transformed, unrecognizable from its usual quiet austerity, buzzing with an energy it likely hadn't seen since its construction. Lanterns – hundreds of them, the very ones I'd bought in the market earlier, along with others fetched from storage – hung suspended from the eaves of the surrounding buildings, from the delicate, drooping branches of the weeping willow tree, and from temporary bamboo poles erected around the perimeter by industrious servants, casting a warm, festive, almost dreamlike golden glow over the entire compound as dusk settled. Long tables, hastily borrowed from nearby residences (likely Jin Bao's acquisitions), had been set up end-to-end under the open sky, laden with an astonishing, almost obscene array of food that steamed invitingly in the cooling air.
The air itself was thick, heavy, almost intoxicating with the rich aroma of roasting spirit boar – Chef Wang, true to his word and fueled by an effectively unlimited budget, had somehow procured not one, but two large spirit beast carcasses on short notice – their skin crackling invitingly over open fire pits set up in a corner of the courtyard. Platters overflowed with sizzling river fish seasoned with exotic, fragrant spices, mountains of steaming dumplings and fluffy white buns bigger than my fist, pyramids of exotic fruit in vibrant reds, purples, and yellows piled high on silver trays, some faintly glowing with their own internal Qi, and trays upon trays of intricate pastries dusted with fine powdered sugar and shimmering honey. Large clay jars of wine, clearly far better quality than the household usually stocked – likely century-old plum wine and potent sorghum spirits procured at great expense by Chef Wang's frantic assistants – were being circulated freely by beaming, red-faced junior servants, who encouraged everyone, regardless of rank, to drink their fill. On a corner platform erected near the now lantern-lit pond, hired musicians played lively, infectious tunes on bamboo pipes, resonant drums, and clear-toned stringed instruments, adding a layer of joyful celebration to the already electric atmosphere.
It was a scene of utter revelry, a strange, volatile mix of unrestrained, joyous celebration fueled by unprecedented generosity, and lingering, fearful awe directed towards me, the enigmatic source of this sudden, inexplicable bounty. The servants, dressed in their cleanest, if simple, clothes, were indulging with an abandon I suspected none of them had ever experienced before in their lives. They ate heartily, stuffing themselves with delicacies they had likely only ever smelled wafting from noble kitchens before. They drank deeply of the fine, potent wine, their initial hesitation and ingrained deference giving way to loud laughter, boisterous conversation, and even some impromptu singing as the potent alcohol took effect. Their earlier fear of me, while not entirely gone – they still cast frequent, nervous, almost worshipful glances towards the head table where I sat – was momentarily forgotten, drowned in the face of free food, flowing wine, and the life-altering promise of two gold coins a day, a promise that still seemed too fantastical to be real, yet was undeniably happening.
They formed excited cliques, gossiping loudly, recounting the day's unbelievable events – the chests of gold appearing from nowhere, the magical transformation of the rusty sword, the buying spree that emptied allfour floors of the Myriad Treasures Pavilion, the astronomical raises – each retelling adding new layers of exaggeration and myth to the burgeoning legend of the 'new' Young Master Jiang Li. They dreamed aloud, with wide, hopeful eyes, of what they would do with their newfound wealth – finally buying medicine for an ailing parent, sending their child to a proper tutor, perhaps even purchasing the most basic body-tempering manual and daring to dream of the martial path themselves.
Xiao Liu, the servant boy who had earlier "guessed" the number of coins in my hand, was holding court amongst the younger staff near the kitchens, proudly displaying his single, precious gold coin (which he hadn't let out of his sight all day and kept polishing obsessively on his tunic) and dramatically exaggerating his crucial role in the day's miracles, basking in the envious attention.
Jin Bao, the newly elevated opportunist, moved smoothly and confidently through the crowd, a cup of wine constantly in hand, effortlessly networking, making connections, ingratiating himself with the newly hired mercenary captains, the household guards, and the senior servants, already acting like a figure of established authority, occasionally casting respectful, intensely calculating glances my way, likely already plotting his next move to capitalize on my perceived power and generosity.
I noticed Lin Ruolan standing rigidly near the edge of the main gathering, observing the proceedings with a professional, watchful eye, ensuring the wine jars remained full and the serving staff attentive, despite the general revelry. Her expression was composed, but she wasn't participating, maintaining her distance, ever the diligent steward.
"Steward Lin," I called out, gesturing towards an empty seat near my head table, though not directly beside me.
She looked up, startled, then bowed. "Yes, Master?"
"Tonight," I declared, my voice carrying over the music and laughter, drawing the attention of those nearby, "everyone celebrates. Including my favorite, most diligent steward." I smiled, a gesture that might have seemed warm if not for the underlying authority.
"Sit. Eat. Drink. Relax. Consider it an order."
She hesitated, clearly uncomfortable with abandoning her duties and joining the festivities, especially near me. "But Master, my duty is to oversee..."
"Nonsense," I interrupted smoothly, waving a dismissive hand. "Your duty tonight is to relax and enjoy yourself! Come, reflect upon the prosperity and goodwill of this household… don't be a party pooper!" I softened my tone slightly, leaning forward conspiratorially.
"Besides," I added, glancing towards Jin Bao who was holding court near the wine jars, "perhaps it would be wise to keep an eye on our ambitious new aide from a closer vantage point, wouldn't you agree?"
That seemed to convince her. Understanding flickered in her eyes, along with perhaps a touch of resignation. She bowed again, murmuring, "As Master commands," and reluctantly took the indicated seat. She ate and drank sparingly, her posture remaining upright, but her eyes, I noted with satisfaction, frequently drifted towards Jin Bao, assessing his movements, her expression thoughtful. The seeds of rivalry were clearly sown between the diligent, rule-bound steward and the ambitious, amoral swindler. I couldn't wait to see how that dynamic played out!
I presided over the feast from the head table, set slightly apart on a low dais; eating generously of the rich, spirit-infused food; drinking amply of the fine wine, and… gauging the success of the performance. I had made a brief toast early on, something vague and suitably magnanimous about celebrating recovery, rewarding loyalty, embracing change, and looking forward to the bright future of the Jiang household in Qingshan Town, which was met with thunderous, utterly sincere set of cheers that echoed through the night sky.
Throughout the evening, the System provided a constant, gentle stream of background feedback, a soft, almost imperceptible rain of notifications in the back of my mind confirming the ongoing success of the grand mass belief strategy:
It was mostly "low quality belief," with incredibly low individual point values compared to the jolts from Alchemist Chen or Ruolan, but the sheer volume of it, sustained over hours by the collective emotional outpouring of the town's active rumor mill, as well as the servants and their families celebrating here… steadily, inexorably pushed my Belief Meter higher and higher. I couldn't wait to find out what that would lead to!
I enjoyed the rest of the night with pleasant thoughts and in even more pleasant company.
+++
Sunlight, thick and golden, streamed insistently through the ornate window screens of my bedchamber, painting shifting lozenges of light across the fine silk sheets and the polished floorboards. I woke slowly, reluctantly, surfacing from a surprisingly deep, dreamless sleep. My first sensation wasn't the expected dull throb of a hangover from the previous night's potent wine – but something far more profound.
A feeling of… fullness.
A vibrant energy thrummed beneath my skin, denser and far more potent than yesterday. My senses felt sharper, the quality of the light richer, the distant sounds of the awakening household clearer. The lingering scent of exotic perfume and stale wine in the room, however, was immediately noticeable and somehow less cloying, more distinct than it had been yesterday.
Glancing beside me, I found the source of the perfume. Confirmation of the previous night's continued, perhaps slightly overzealous, role-playing: two beautiful young women, their dark hair spread like spilled ink across the ridiculously plush pillows, lay deeply asleep amidst the tangled silk sheets, their elegant, revealing night robes discarded carelessly nearby.
High-class courtesans, undoubtedly -- selected for their beauty, grace, and, likely, their discretion from one of Qingshan Town's more reputable establishments.
Ah, yes. More of Jin Bao's 'thoughtfulness', I recalled with a flicker of dark amusement.
He had arranged this discreetly sometime during the height of the feast, ensuring the 'recovered' and 'magnanimous' Young Master lacked for no comfort befitting his perceived status. The man was certainly proactive, anticipating needs I hadn't even considered expressing.
Useful.
Ambitious.
Potentially dangerous.
I made a mental note to give him another raise.
Pushing aside thoughts of Jin Bao's machinations for the moment, I focused on the other sensation – that undeniable internal shift. I focused inward, closing my eyes, directing my attention to my dantian, the ethereal energy center below my navel. Jiang Li's memories provided the framework for sensing internal Qi, but the reality I was experiencing now far exceeded his limited, frustrating experiences.
Yesterday, after the Alchemist's belief triggered the jump to Stage Four, the Qi had felt stable, strong, like a recently filled reservoir.
But now… now it felt different. The warm river of energy flowing through my newly resilient meridians felt deeper, faster, carrying a significantly greater weight and power. It circulated with an effortless smoothness that spoke of not just stability, but undeniable… advancement.
No… it couldn't be, surely… Again? Just since the feast?
With focused intent, I probed the boundaries of my cultivation, comparing the sensation to the detailed descriptions embedded within Jiang Li's memories regarding the characteristics of the minor stages of Qi Gathering. This was definitely… Stage Five.
Qi Gathering, Stage Five!
As if confirming my dawning, incredulous realization, the System interface flickered into existence in my mind, displaying a series of delayed notifications:
[Mass Belief Threshold Reached (Target: Jiang Li - Power)!]
[Mass Belief Source: Local, Collective (6836 individuals) (BQT 1-4)]
[Analyzing Collective Belief: Exaggerated Strength ('Survived Deadly Poison Unharmed!'), Rapid Recovery ('Stronger Than Ever!'), Mysterious Power ('Touched by Fortune!'), Hidden Depths ('Secretly a Cultivation Genius!'), Favored By The Jing Family ('Limitless Resources!')]
[Belief Consolidation In Progress…]
[Cumulative Belief Sufficient for Cultivation Advancement!]
[Manifestation Initiated!]
[Status Update: Cultivation: Qi Gathering, Stage 5!]
I stared at the mental text, stunned into silence again.
The market.
The feast.
The raises.
The constant stream of awe, gratitude, fear, and wild speculation from the entire household staff – even from the entire district of the city, probably -- throughout the night… their collective, sustained belief, "low quality" or not…
It was enough!
Enough to push my cultivation over the threshold to the next minor realm while I slept!
A slow grin spread across my face as I laid there in the morning sunlight, utterly nude, the two courtesans stirring slightly beside me. Stage Five. Just like that – with zero cultivation efforts from me. Oh, I could get used to this.
…
Just as I finished dressing, running a hand through my unfamiliar dark hair, a polite but firm knock sounded at the door. "Enter," I called, turning from the window overlooking the now quiet, sun-drenched courtyard.
Lin Ruolan entered, carrying a silver tray bearing a steaming pot of fragrant, high-quality spirit tea and a single delicate porcelain cup. She moved with her usual professional grace, her steps silent on the thick rug. But as her eyes inevitably took in the scene – me, slightly dishevelled from sleep, the two courtesans still deeply asleep and clearly visible in the rumpled bed – I was a subtle stiffening in her posture, and a faint flush rose high on her cheekbones before she quickly averted her gaze, focusing intently on placing the tray carefully on the table near the desk. Even through her carefully maintained composure, her disapproval was palpable, a silent judgment on my perceived return to the original Jiang Li's "debauched ways."
I found her reaction darkly amusing, another crack in her professional facade, a reminder of the complex character I was playing – and, perhaps, a sign that her earlier gratitude hadn't completely erased her inherent sense of propriety or her judgment of Jiang Li.
"Young Master," she said formally, keeping her eyes fixed firmly on the meticulously arranged tea set, deliberately ignoring the rest of the room's occupants, "My apologies for the early intrusion, but an urgent messenger arrived from the Myriad Treasures Pavilion just after dawn." Her voice was perfectly level, betraying none of her internal feelings.
I raised an eyebrow at her obvious tell. So, it was back to "Young Master" again, eh? It seems she started calling me simply "Master" after I spared her life, but a little horizontal action with a couple of beauties was enough to lose her respect once again?
How droll!
"Indeed?" I asked, moving towards the table, feigning mild surprise. "More formalities regarding yesterday's... minor transactions? Perhaps they encountered difficulties packing the entire fourth floor?"
"No, Young Master," she replied, her voice still carefully neutral. She stepped forward and presented a sealed scroll, this one bearing the intricate golden coin wax seal of the Pavilion, signifying official, high-level business. "It appears to be a formal invitation."
I took the scroll, noting the expensive, heavy paper embedded with faint spiritual threads and the faint Qi signature lingering within the wax seal – a standard security measure against forgery for important communications in this world. Breaking the seal cleanly with a fingernail, I unrolled it slowly.
Ornate calligraphy, elegant and precise, filled the scroll. It formally, respectfully, almost reverently invited "Esteemed Young Master Jiang Li of the Jiang Family" to attend an exclusive, regional auction, to be held in the Pavilion's private, heavily guarded compound in the relatively nearby Fallen Star City (a trade route outpost located near a meteor lake) in precisely two weeks' time. It went on to mention, with carefully worded importance designed to pique interest and emphasize the event's significance, that several regional powerhouses and respected cultivators, including two or three Foundation Establishment experts, were expected to attend, along with official representatives from the two of the most prominent local cultivator sects – the Azure Cloud Sect and the Celestial Iron Sect. The scroll also tantalizingly hinted at rare and valuable treasures being offered, items seldom seen outside major provincial capitals like Yuhang, including the confirmed rumor of a single, genuine lower Middle-Grade artifact being the likely highlight and final item of the auction. This was an item whose value far exceeded anything typically seen or traded in a backwater place like Qingshan Town, guaranteeing to draw intense interest and fierce bidding from the assembled factions.
My initial mild interest sharpened instantly as I read, a slow, predatory grin spreading across my face as the possibilities ignited like wildfire in my mind.
An auction.
A gathering of actual cultivators, regional powerhouses, sect representatives, Foundation Establishment experts.
People with high quality belief.
People whose belief could trigger significant, perhaps even game-changing, manifestations.
A stage tailor-made for a performance on a much higher, more potent level than dealing with mortals and low-level servants. If mere mortals could advance my cultivation by a minor stage overnight, what, then, could these people's beliefs do?
The rumored Middle-Grade artifact? Child's play. Why rely on their centerpiece when I could create my own, probably even better ones, right before their eyes?
The plan, conceived partially the day before when considering the power of belief, now crystallized fully, audacious and thrilling in its potential. Forget just buying treasures; no, I would supply them. Or rather, I thought with increasing glee, I would be supplying the performance that turned worthless pieces of junk into priceless treasures.
It seemed Perfect.
Risky, yes. Extremely risky. If the bluff failed, if the manifestation didn't trigger convincingly, my carefully constructed reputation would shatter instantly, exposing me as a fraud and likely attracting lethal attention.
But the potential rewards…
Massive Belief Point gains, the acquisition of real spirit stones through the sale of manifested items, cementing my image as an unfathomable entity with profound resources. Perhaps, even manifesting truly useful high-grade items for my own use in the process… These benefits are simply too enormous, too tempting, to ignore.
No, this was the fast track. There was no sense abandoning it now.
"Ruolan," I said decisively, setting the invitation scroll aside, my mind already racing, plotting out the future performance, the required props, the necessary collaborators, the potential pitfalls.
"Fetch me Jin Bao. Immediately. His... particular talents will be required."
…
A short while later, after last evening's "entertainment" has left my room, Jin Bao arrived, looking even more confident and self-assured than the previous day, clearly relishing his elevated status and the success of his property acquisition gamble. He bowed smoothly, his sharp eyes focusing intently on me.
"Young Master requires my humble services?" His voice was practically purring with ambition and eagerness.
"Jin Bao," I began, deciding to reward his previous initiative again to ensure maximum enthusiasm for this far more critical task. I tossed him a heavy gold coin, which he caught deftly with a widening smile.
"Your foresight regarding the properties – and my… needs – was commendable." I let him savor the praise and the gold for a moment.
"Now, I have a task requiring utmost discretion and considerable... creativity. Consider it a test – a trial run to see if you are worthy of taking on greater responsibilities."
He nodded eagerly, as I continued.
"I need rumors spread. Not crude market gossip, but subtle, carefully placed whispers in the right ears – cultivator circles, wealthy merchant networks, anyone connected to the upcoming Pavilion auction in Fallen Star City, both within Qingshan Town and reaching those expected to attend from outside the city."
"Let it be known," I continued, beginning to pace excitedly now, the actor blocking out the scene, "that the upcoming Myriad Treasures Pavilion auction is far more significant than initially announced. People must whisper that multiple Middle-Grade Artifacts, perhaps even remnants from a lost age or recently discovered items from a fallen sect's hidden treasury, have mysteriously surfaced and will definitely be available."
I paused, letting that sink in, ensuring he grasped the sheer scale of the exaggeration needed.
"Furthermore," – I leaned in conspiratorially, lowering my voice, drawing him fully into the plot – "let it be suggested, subtly, perhaps through third parties loudly lamenting their own lack of resources or 'inside sources' sharing 'exclusive secrets', that the recently 're-emerged' Young Master Jiang Li, known now for his discerning eye," (I tapped my new spirit sword now resting on a nearby bedstand) "possesses an extensive private collection of similar, perhaps even superior, wonders. And that, impressed by the Pavilion's recent... attentiveness... he might even deign to part with one or two unique artifacts from his own private collection for the sake of the auction, should the offerings or the company prove worthy of his notice."
The goal was clear: Create massive buzz, inflate expectations far, far beyond the Pavilion's own hype, associate my name with legendary treasures and profound mysteries, position myself as the major, unpredictable player whose presence elevated the entire event, and – crucially – pre-seed the belief necessary for my planned manifestations before the auction even began.
Make people expect miracles when items came up for bidding.
Jin Bao's eyes gleamed with sheer, naked ambition. He didn't even bother questioning the truth of my claims; he only saw the opportunity to elevate himself further.
"Young Master's plan is brilliant! Inspired!" he exclaimed, bowing deeply again, his earlier smoothness replaced by genuine, fervent excitement. "Consider it done! This servant knows exactly who to talk to – the gossiping elders in the Jade Wind Teahouse, the serving girls at the Crimson Lantern Pavilion, the merchants who gather at the Silver Carp Inn! Why, I know a…"
"Excellent, but please -- spare me the finer details. Just get it done." I interrupted, and he nodded back, satisfied.
I do hope he understood the assignment.
"On your way out, please see Steward Lin for any necessary funds – gold should suffice for this task, I think. Spread it generously where needed to loosen tongues and ensure the whispers carry weight – but remember…"
I leaned forward, flaring my new Stage 5 cultivation for emphasis.
"Discretion, Jin Bao, will be paramount here. I want rumors and intrigue -- not blatant, drunk declarations that can be easily traced back to me or dismissed out of hand."
"Understood perfectly, Young Master! Subtlety is this servant's specialty!" He bowed again, brimming with purpose, and practically vibrated with eagerness as he departed, likely already mentally mapping out his network of gossips, gamblers, storytellers, and information brokers he could utilize to maximum effect.
With Jin Bao dispatched to manage the crucial rumor mill and build anticipation for my next grand performance, I turned my attention back to the immediate, lingering threat: the poisoning. My displays of wealth and power were partly intended to flush out enemies, to make them reveal themselves through greed or fear, but direct investigation was still necessary. I needed answers, not just speculation fueled by Jiang Li's biased memories.
It was time to pay another visit… to the Serene Phoenix Pavilion.