Feng Shui Chapter 121: The Hu Family of Jin City

After Tong Nuonuo packed the tea leaves into the secret compartment box, Chen Xiao gave up trying to retrieve them. Instead, he asked, “What about the matter with that evil cultivator? Any leads yet?” Then, feeling a bit apologetic, he added, “I’ve been busy on my end, so I haven’t been able to help you all.”

Tang Ru finished her tea and, while nibbling on some snacks, said firmly after swallowing, “Nothing yet. Having Nuonuo with me is enough. Thanks for your kindness.” She lifted her chin and continued, “And thank you for the tea leaves. When everyone has some free time, I’ll repay you with one of my specialties.”

As a spirit herb master, Tang Ru naturally recognized the value of those tea leaves. Not only were they great for replenishing energy, but they also made excellent bargaining chips to open doors. Brother Chen Xiao don't object and let her keep the favor in mind.

Chen Xiao smiled and said, “That’s a deal. I look forward to trying it.”

Tang Ru replied confidently, “I guarantee you’ll be left savoring the aroma and wanting a second cup.”

Her confidence piqued Chen Xiao’s curiosity. Unfortunately, she had little time to spare. After a short break, Tang Ru and Tong Nuonuo set out again. After several fruitless attempts, the two had gotten smarter. They disguised themselves as roaming brokers and carried a large stash of white spirit fruit, which looked convincing enough. Now, they were finally making contact with a potential source.

Seeing their progress, Xi Yunqing decided to entrust their share of the white spirit fruit to Tang Ru. With such a large quantity, Tang Ru and Tong Nuonuo were sure to become welcome guests anywhere.

The next day, Hu Qingyun personally sent Hong, the steward, to invite them for a visit to the residence.

Hong led the way, guiding the two through a side entrance rather than the main gate. As they walked, he apologized, “I’m sorry for the slight. We had no choice but to avoid drawing attention. Please forgive the inconvenience.”

Brother Chen Xiao don't mind, it was clearly just a measure to stay low-key. He was glad Hu Qingyun’s caution matched his own preference for avoiding trouble.

Although the city lord’s mansion had been affected by the recent war, it had been restored. But the rush was obvious: some buildings looked brand new, while others still bore their old appearance.

Compared to the imposing and solemn mansion in Hanshan City, the Jin City lord’s residence was less grand but still sprawling. Every brick and tile was carefully crafted with exquisite workmanship.

The architectural style was similar to Hanshan City’s, ancient, simple, and dignified, fitting for a cultivation world. Yet subtle local differences reflected Jin City’s unique customs.

Unlike Hanshan’s lord mansion, where the martial training ground was close by, Jin City’s mansion featured gardens and ponds. A graceful pavilion even spanned across the water, adding to its refined atmosphere.

Hu Qingyun’s residence was nearby. Crossing the winding bridges over the pond brought them right to his doorstep.

Chen Xiao glanced around and immediately noticed the entire courtyard was newly built. The elder lord, clearly doting on his youngest son, had not only had a finely crafted new house built but made the interior spacious. Whether for meditation or practicing movement techniques, Hu Qingyun could do it all without stepping outside.

As Chen Xiao surveyed the place, he found it comfortable but felt like an invisible prison. No wonder Hu Qingyun felt oppressed and longed to rise and become the city lord himself.

Seeing Chen Xiao shake his head, Xi Yunqing quietly asked, “What’s wrong?”

Chen Xiao glanced toward Hong and then leaned close to Xi Yunqing, whispering, “The layout is poor.”

He spoke so close that his breath brushed against Xi Yunqing’s ear. Previously, Xi Yunqing hadn’t realized how sensitive his ears were, now they felt almost on fire.

Trying to mask his embarrassment, Xi Yunqing’s aura grew colder and his expression more serious.

Hu Qingyun, seeing Xi Yunqing’s demeanor, mistakenly thought he disapproved of their discreet entrance. Apologizing again, he explained, “Lately, my two elder brothers have been on high alert after hearing rumors. I had no choice but to invite you this way. When the day comes that I become city lord, I will throw open the gates and welcome you both in person.”

Opening the mansion gates in grand fashion was a privilege reserved only for the master, a subtle promise that once he rose, he would repay this kindness.

Brother Chen Xiao don't respond to this. Unlike in his previous life, when his feng shui work was a matter of survival and providing for his master’s old age, now he pursued it for the sake of the art itself, developing feng shui knowledge. For him, wealth was secondary; vital energy was paramount. This made him less swayed by external matters.

He said calmly, “You are too kind, Young Master Hu. First, let me take a look around the courtyard.”

Hu Qingyun agreed without hesitation and led Chen Xiao and Xi Yunqing on a thorough tour.

Chen Xiao subtly frowned.

The elder lord loved his son dearly. To keep him cool in summer, he chose this spot to build the new residence. Many servants attended to Hu Qingyun, and those he personally trained also lived here with him.

From the outside, the courtyard appeared neat and orderly, but inside, to make room for several training grounds, it was divided by multiple walls into oddly shaped sections. The entire layout was messy and confusing, lacking any clear order.

After touring the courtyard, Chen Xiao went to inspect Hu Qingyun’s living and sleeping quarters. He quietly stood in the middle of the room and pulled out his compass to calculate the house’s orientation.

The house’s orientation was fine, and the simple furnishings made adjustments easy.

He began the calculations based on Hu Qingyun’s spiritual root attributes. With the star positions all new, he had to rely heavily on the compass’s guidance, using a large amount of vital energy he usually reserved sparingly. What made it even more challenging was Hu Qingyun’s spiritual root, a complex mix far more intricate than a single-element root, doubling the difficulty of the calculations.

Soon, Chen Xiao slipped into a state of deep concentration, completely absorbed, oblivious to everything around him. He raised his arm slightly and paced slowly back and forth in the room.

If Tong Nuonuo had been there, she would have immediately recalled how Chen Xiao had done the exact same thing before marking the acupuncture points, lost in his thoughts, endlessly pacing.

Present were only Hu Qingyun and his attendant, along with Xi Yunqing. All three were meeting Chen Xiao for the first time. Though they didn’t understand what he was doing, none dared to interrupt.

Chen Xiao’s expression was stern, his gaze unwavering, paying no attention to anyone beside him. Gradually, his face grew more intense. Despite the bitter cold and biting wind outside, sweat began to bead on his temples and forehead.

Xi Yunqing stood nearby, feeling the strain almost as if it were his own. Watching Chen Xiao struggle so mentally exhausted his chest with sympathy, but he could only quietly endure. This was like cultivation; only the person themselves could push through, no one else could help.

Time ticked by slowly, making each moment feel like a lifetime. The heavy silence pressed down on the room, making it hard to breathe. Hong, the attendant, wanted to say something but Xi Yunqing shot him a sharp glance that stopped him immediately.

Seeing this, Hu Qingyun gave an apologetic smile and shook his head at Hong.

Chen Xiao’s steps slowed and grew steadier until he finally stopped at one spot. His cheeks, flushed before, had gone pale, sweat dripping down his neck and soaking his pristine collar.

He blinked and let out a long breath, lowering the arm he had held up all this time. The mental tension had left his mind numb and dizzy from the extreme energy drain.

Xi Yunqing immediately stepped forward, half supporting, half embracing him. He turned to Hu Qingyun, who was still standing stunned, and said, “Please prepare a room. Let my brother Xiao rest for a while.”

Only then did Hu Qingyun come back to himself and quickly instruct Hong to make the arrangements.

Before long, a guest room was ready. Xi Yunqing helped Chen Xiao to sit down.

Without needing Xi Yunqing’s reminder, Hu Qingyun sent a bowl of nourishing soup from the courtyard kitchen. “Master Chen, thank you for your hard work. Please have some soup. It’s specially made to calm the mind and restore spirit, very effective after such mental exertion.”

Chen Xiao smiled sheepishly and pursed his lips. “I’m not very strong yet; I’m afraid I disappointed you, Young Master Hu.”

Although Hu Qingyun still didn’t fully understand what Chen Xiao had been doing, the exhaustion was real and visible. He said sincerely, “Not at all. Master Chen is exerting himself on my behalf. I am deeply grateful.”

Xi Yunqing furrowed his brow slightly, watching Chen Xiao slowly sip the soup. If it weren’t for Hu Qingyun being the master here, he might have been tempted to throw this noisy fellow out.

Xi Yunqing quietly asked, “Brother Xiao, do you want to lie down for a while?”

Chen Xiao rested briefly and after drinking the soup felt much better. He quickly shook his head. “No, I’m fine now.” Lying down would make him look weak, just because of some spatial calculations. Luckily, the compass guided him well. Without it, comparing all those star positions one by one might have taken him a decade or more. Still, the amount of vital energy spent made him wince a little.

It seemed he’d have to remember all these star positions in detail and do his own calculations next time.

Hu Qingyun asked, “Master Chen, after that intense effort just now, have you drawn any conclusions?”

Chen Xiao smiled lightly. “Please be patient, Young Master Hu. We’ve finished inspecting the inner residence, but I still need to check the outer buildings.”

Hu Qingyun looked puzzled. At first, this visitor had said only the study and bedroom needed checking.

Chen Xiao nodded calmly. “The situation is more complicated than I expected. To be safe, it’s best to check around the house for any obstructions.”

Hu Qingyun considered this and led Chen Xiao and Xi Yunqing out the courtyard gate to inspect the perimeter.

Around the other side, near some trees and a narrow path, just as they stepped onto the trail, a man approached.

Hu Qingyun showed no reaction, but the man was surprised to see them and came over, asking, “Young master, I didn’t hear you had guests visiting today?”