Mortal Cultivator: Lin Tianzun

Chapter 81: Temporarily Living in the Courtyard, Leisurely Planning

Liu Ruyan led the way, her figure as graceful as a fluttering butterfly. Her steps were delicate and steady, each one steady and sure. First, her toes lightly touched the ground, then her soles slowly set, causing her silk skirt to float like a light cloud in the sky. The hem of her skirt brushed the ground, making a subtle rustling sound, as if whispering the gentle passage of time.

From time to time, she would turn around, smiling broadly, offering Lin Fan a perfectly composed smile. That smile was as warm as the spring sun, her eyes overflowing with laughter, like a spring filled with spring light. "Senior, this way!" Her voice was crisp and melodious, like the gurgling of a mountain spring, echoing lingeringly along the quiet path.

Lin Fan followed, his gaze unconsciously drawn to Liu Ruyan's back. Her hair was puffy, a few strands playfully falling around her snow-white neck, swaying slightly with her movements, like willow catkins dancing in the wind. She raised her hand and gently brushed aside the branches blocking her view. Her wrist was slender, her skin white as snow. The jade bracelet on her wrist clashed with a crisp sound, remarkably clear on the quiet path, like a moving piece of music.

Soon, the two entered a rather quaint and elegant courtyard. The vermilion gate stood ajar, its bronze ring, weathered by time, gleaming with a deep, warm luster, as if silently telling a story of the past. The stone lions on either side stood majestically, their bodies bearing some marks, yet undiminished their former grandeur, still standing like loyal guards, quietly protecting this world.

As you step into the courtyard, you will be greeted by a rockery. The rugged rocks are piled up into strange shapes. Some look like eagles spreading their wings to fly, and some look like old men fishing by the river. A few green grasses emerge from the cracks in the rocks, swaying gently in the breeze, adding a bit of vitality and softness to this tough rockery.

The stone path in the courtyard twists and turns like a lively ribbon, leading to all directions. Various flowers are planted on both sides of the path. It is the flowering season now, and colorful flowers are blooming, red like fire, pink like clouds, white like snow, emitting rich fragrance, attracting bees and butterflies to dance among the flowers. They sometimes lightly touch the stamens, and sometimes flap their wings and fly high, adding a touch of lively color to the courtyard.

Liu Ruyan led the way, her graceful steps light as she led Lin Fan along the winding stone path. Along the way, the flowers and plants lining the stone path swayed gently in the breeze, as if welcoming this distinguished guest. Soon, the two of them skirted the uniquely shaped rockery and suddenly came into view, an antique pavilion.

This pavilion is of extraordinary grandeur, with its flying eaves resembling a roc spreading its wings to fly. The stacked brackets are exquisite and intricate, and every mortise and tenon structure demonstrates the exquisite craftsmanship of the craftsmen.

On the carved beams, patterns of auspicious dragons and phoenixes, flowers, birds, fish and insects are lifelike. The dragons and phoenixes are agile, as if they will take off at any time; the shapes of flowers and birds are lifelike, as if you can almost hear the birds singing and smell the fragrance of the flowers.

Every inscription is imbued with the painstaking efforts of the artisans, embodying the vestiges of time. The painted buildings are vibrantly colored, yet despite the erosion of time, they remain vibrant and vibrant, telling of a bygone era of prosperity and glory. The vermilion-lacquered doors and windows of the pavilions are tightly closed, their carvings flowing and delicate. Closer inspection reveals the distinct lines of the figures' features and the texture of their clothing, like a silent history book, quietly telling stories of the past.

Liu Ruyan stood aside and said respectfully, "Senior, this is where you will rest. I have left two maids with you. They are smart and will surely serve you attentively. Do you have any other instructions?"

Lin Fan nodded slightly, and after scanning the pavilion, he said, "Okay. I'll wait for your news here. As long as I do a good job, I'll definitely reward you."

Upon hearing this, Liu Ruyan's already lively eyes instantly lit up like the brightest stars in the night sky, their light gleaming with excitement and excitement, almost overflowing. Her once fair cheeks now blushed, like the delicate peach blossoms in full bloom in spring, bright and charming.

The corners of her mouth lifted high, revealing a row of pearly white teeth, a smile so brilliant it could dispel all the gloom in the world. She leaned forward slightly, her hands unconsciously clenched, her knuckles turning white from the exertion, yet she was oblivious, her heart filled with the joy of being recognized by a powerful being and the anticipation of future rewards.

"Yes, no need for your instructions, senior!" Liu Ruyan's voice was high-pitched, with a bit of excitement that was rare in her usual days. "We, Wanbao Tower, have always been based on our reputation, and this time we are grateful for your trust. The entire building must work together and do our best to complete the tasks assigned by you, and guarantee that you will be satisfied!" After that, she nodded heavily, her eyes full of perseverance and determination, as if she wanted to convey Wanbao Tower's sincerity and ability to Lin Fan with her eyes, and secretly vowed to show Wanbao Tower's strength and responsibility in front of this strong man.

Lin Fan nodded slightly, his expression indifferent, his tone somewhat casual, "Well! Go and get busy! No need to stay here."

"Yes, Senior," Liu Ruyan replied respectfully, then raised her hands and clapped twice. The crisp applause echoed in the quiet room. A moment later, two young women gracefully entered from the doorway.

They looked to be about fifteen or sixteen years old, just like the first buds blooming on the branches in spring, brimming with youthful yet vigorous vitality. The one walking in front had black hair that fell like a waterfall, with a few strands of hair playfully clinging to her rosy cheeks, making her skin look white and rosy, like a freshly ripe peach, which made people happy just by looking at her. Her eyes were like autumn water, clear and bright, with the corners of her eyes slightly raised, and her gaze was full of spirit, as if hiding a sky full of stars. The other girl was slightly petite, but exuded a unique charm. She had an oval face, and her eyebrows were like newly sprouted willow leaves in spring, curved and thin. Beneath her eyebrows were a pair of almond-shaped eyes, which narrowed into two crescents when she smiled, full of friendliness. She was wearing a light pink silk dress, which perfectly outlined her graceful figure and her slender waist. As she walked, the hem of her skirt swayed in the wind, like a butterfly dancing among flowers. Her every move showed her gentleness and beauty, just like a lively painting of a lady.

The two girls walked up to Lin Fan and bowed gracefully, their voices clear and shy: "This servant greets you, Senior. From now on, we will serve you wholeheartedly."

Lin Fan nodded slightly, his expression indifferent. His powerful spiritual sense spread out like fine spider silk, seamlessly enveloping the two girls. After some investigation, he knew that these two were merely cultivators at the third and fourth levels of Qi training, with only the mediocre four spiritual roots.

In the world of immortal cultivation, such situations are all too common. Many low-ranking female cultivators like these, seeking resources to advance their cultivation realm, often choose to rely on others. Some will voluntarily become concubines of powerful male cultivators, hoping to share some cultivation resources with them, struggling to survive under the protection of the powerful. Others seek refuge with powerful forces, just like these two young women who joined the Wanbao Tower and willingly became maids, taking this path.

Since Wanbaolou had accepted them, they naturally arranged for them to do what they could. In this cruel world of immortal cultivation, there's no such thing as something for nothing. To obtain resources and protection, one must either put in the corresponding effort or offer something of equal value in exchange. Take these two young women, for example: they paid the price of serving the powerful in exchange for a place to stay in Wanbaolou and the potential for cultivation opportunities. Lin Fan, well aware of the laws of survival in this world, didn't react too strongly, regarding this as nothing more than a common occurrence.

As Liu Ruyan's figure gradually faded away, disappearing around the corner of the courtyard, Lin Fan turned his gaze to the two maids beside him. His expression was calm, and his voice, though low, carried an inherent authority. "Accompany me around the courtyard."

"Yes, Senior," the two maids responded quickly, their voices clear yet reserved. The taller maid on the left leaned slightly to the side, waved her right hand, and gestured for Lin Fan to walk deeper into the courtyard. With a perfectly composed smile on her face, she said, "Senior, please come this way. We have many exotic flowers and plants planted in this courtyard, rarely seen elsewhere."

The three of them slowly walked along the cobblestone path, surrounded by a profusion of flowers, their rich fragrance filling the air. The petite maid on the right would occasionally stand on tiptoe, pointing to a few blossoming flowers and introducing them, "Senior, look at that one, it's called the Starlight Flower. Its petals shimmer in the sunlight, like stars falling upon the earth. And there's the Breeze Orchid over here. When the breeze blows, it emits a refreshing fragrance that not only soothes the mind, but also aids in cultivation."

Lin Fan walked slowly, his gaze wandering among the flowers and plants, nodding occasionally. He seemed to be taking in the surrounding scenery, but in reality, he was secretly observing the layout of the courtyard. He noticed that this courtyard, while seemingly ordinary, actually held a hidden mystery. The placement of several rockery and ponds vaguely resembled the prototypes of some kind of formation.

They walked to the edge of a pond where koi carp swam happily, creating ripples. Seeing this, a tall maid whispered, "Senior, the koi carp in this pond are quite special. They're all raised on spiritual grains and possess a hint of spiritual energy. If you catch them and stew them in soup, it'll not only be delicious, but it can also help lower-level cultivators consolidate their cultivation."

Lin Fan raised his eyebrows slightly, a barely perceptible smile playing on his lips. He thought to himself that Wanbaolou really knew how to enjoy life, even planning every aspect of it so meticulously. Accompanied by two maids, he continued to pace the courtyard, seemingly relaxed and at ease, but in reality, he was silently calculating his next plan.

Soon, Lin Fan, guided by two maids, had completed his tour of the courtyard. He looked around and finally chose a perfect spot with ample sunlight. There happened to be a flat terrace there. Several lush osmanthus trees surrounded it, casting dappled light and shadows. A gentle breeze carried wisps of sweet fragrance.

Lin Fan turned around and slowly instructed the two maids, "When it's time for dinner later, get us a koi from the pond. If you have any other special dishes, bring them up too. Also, find a lounge chair so I can get some sun. When you're done, come and give me a shoulder massage."

"Yes, senior," the two maids responded crisply, not wanting to waste any time, quickly dividing the work. One hurried toward the kitchen, muttering to herself, instructing the passing servants on the key points of cooking the koi, ensuring it was cooked to perfection. The other trotted into the storage room and, with some effort, finally brought out a sandalwood recliner. Fearing it might be too cold, she returned to her room to fetch a soft quilt, carefully spreading it over the recliner.

Once everything was ready, Lin Fan comfortably reclined on a recliner, eyes slightly closed, letting the warm sunlight bathe him, his entire body gilded with a golden edge. A short while later, the maid from the kitchen hurried back with an exquisite tray. On the tray were several small dishes, all of which were Wanbaolou's signature delicacies, alluring in color and fragrant in aroma. Following this, two kitchen servants steadily arrived, carrying a large casserole. Inside was a meticulously cooked koi fish. The milky white broth bubbling with scallion and ginger slices floated in it. The mere smell of it was enough to make one's mouth water.

Two maids placed the food on a nearby stone table. Then, tiptoeing behind Lin Fan, they extended their slender hands, located the acupressure points, and meticulously massaged his shoulders. Their technique was deft, their pressure just right, sometimes gently kneading, sometimes applying firm pressure, attempting to relieve the fatigue that had settled over him. Lin Fan immersed himself in this moment of leisure, his lips curling upwards as he savored this rare moment of comfort, yet his mind was still occupied with the various plans and strategies he had for his path to immortality.

(End of this chapter)