Feng Shui Chapter 119: The New Nobles of the Hu Family

The servants of this mansion had once served a prestigious family, so they naturally knew all the proper etiquette, sometimes even more thoroughly than Chen Xiao himself. Hu Qingyun wasn’t aware of all the background, but simply by observing the mansion and the well-mannered servants who came and went with perfect timing, he already held a higher opinion of this mysterious Feng Shui master he had yet to meet.

The servants respectfully offered Hu Qingyun some spiritual tea and then politely withdrew from the room. Hu Qingyun and Supervisor Hong each held a cup, quietly savoring the flavor.

After a while, when their teacups were half empty, Hu Qingyun exhaled slowly and said, “Good tea.”

Only then did Supervisor Hong dare to respond softly, “This spiritual tea isn’t much worse than what they serve at the city lord’s residence.”

Hu Qingyun glanced at him and thought to himself that was quite the compliment to their own home’s tea, more than just ‘not worse,’ it was on a whole different level.

As for this loyal but impatient and somewhat reckless subordinate, Hu Qingyun felt no warmth. He said flatly, “There’s always someone better, someone higher. Judging by appearances alone, you two clearly come from a wealthy and well-established background.”

When Hu Qingyun had suddenly heard Hong’s report earlier that day, he nearly broke out in a cold sweat. He was secretly competing with his two older brothers for the city lord position. Although many knew about it, it wasn’t public. Yet here Hong was openly recruiting support. If his brothers found out, trouble was sure to follow. At times like this, whoever made the first move would lose the advantage.

Hong didn’t receive any praise from his master, instead, he got a stern reprimand. If Hu Qingyun had more capable subordinates, Hong might have been completely ousted by now. Even now, he was still under a cloud, unsure when he might redeem himself.

Hu Qingyun had spent all of yesterday trying to eliminate risks and had gathered more information on the Feng Shui master. While there was plenty about his Feng Shui techniques, there was very little personal information. The only certain thing was that this master came from Hanshan City and had served its city lord.

The news had spread too quickly and too wildly. Hu Qingyun found it suspicious but didn’t know what the Feng Shui master’s intentions were. His purpose in coming today was simply to make contact, to see if they could forge an alliance. No matter what, the fact that this person had a Golden Core cultivator among his followers made the trip worthwhile. At such a critical moment, having an additional Golden Core cultivator on his side would greatly increase his chances.

Supervisor Hong knew Hu Qingyun was displeased with his unauthorized actions. For now, he could only hope the Feng Shui techniques truly had miraculous effects to turn things around. He bowed his head respectfully and said, “Young Master, your insight is well received.”

Hu Qingyun snorted lightly and launched into a reprimand: “You old household servants are blinded by the fleeting splendor around you. You don’t even know who you really are, and you’re almost floating away to heaven! The cultivation world is vast, with countless experts and complicated ties among sects and noble families. Even my father dares not speak lightly and is cautious to the extreme. Yet you don’t know this Feng Shui master’s background and dared to show such arrogance? It’s only the good nature of that Immortal Master that spared your life!”

Cold sweat broke out on Hong’s forehead. His sudden rise in status had indeed made some of his subordinates arrogant, including himself. If not for the Young Master pointing it out, he wouldn’t have realized the dangers of this mindset.

“Young Master’s lesson is accepted. I know my mistake and promise never to repeat it.”

Seeing Hong genuinely remorseful, Hu Qingyun sighed, “You’re one of the elders by my side. I don’t want you to get into trouble because you don’t understand your limits and bring disaster to the family. This time, make sure to sincerely apologize to the other party.”

Hong nodded seriously, “Yes, Young Master.”

Hu Qingyun slowly sipped the remaining half cup of tea when suddenly his expression shifted. His keen hearing caught the sound of light footsteps approaching. The pace was steady and measured, each step evenly spaced and balanced. This revealed a person who was calm, resolute, and not easily swayed, someone who liked to follow their own rules and would not be easily influenced by outside forces. Hu Qingyun’s tense heart gradually relaxed. Just from the sound of those footsteps, he could tell this was someone worth dealing with.

But then he frowned. Supervisor Hong had told him there were two people coming. Could it be that only one showed up this time? He wondered if it was the Feng Shui master or the Golden Core cultivator companion.

Putting down his teacup, Hu Qingyun stood as the footsteps neared the entrance to the living room. Seeing this, Supervisor Hong rose as well.

The owner of the footsteps appeared at the door, a young man who looked about eighteen or nineteen, on the cusp of adulthood. He had a classic oval face, thick eyebrows over almond-shaped eyes, a straight nose, and bow-shaped lips that held a faint smile even when closed. The unexpectedly youthful face stunned Hu Qingyun for a moment, until he noticed another figure standing behind him.

Looking behind the young man, Hu Qingyun’s gaze was met by a pair of cold, piercing eyes. This second man was also young and handsome, with an elegant bearing and a stern expression. A commanding aura radiated from him.

One was gentle, the other imposing; one wore a smile, the other was stern; one was younger, the other older. Though completely different, they stood together with a surprising harmony, an unspoken rapport.

Snapping out of his visual impression, Hu Qingyun realized with some shock that he had only heard one set of footsteps earlier. The man who appeared to be about twenty-seven or twenty-eight had approached silently, completely unnoticed. He immediately understood this must be the Golden Core cultivator, his cultivation and movement skills far surpassing his own!

This only piqued Hu Qingyun’s interest in them even more, deepening his desire to establish a connection.

The younger man’s clear voice spoke first: “Guests have arrived. Please forgive our poor reception and any shortcomings.”

Hu Qingyun smiled and replied, “Not at all. It is we who have intruded without notice. Please forgive us.”

He glanced at Supervisor Hong, who immediately stepped forward to make the introductions: “Master Chen, Master Xi, this is my young master, Hu Qingyun.”

Hu Qingyun bowed respectfully and addressed them: “Fellow cultivators, I come today unannounced to apologize on behalf of my foolish servant. He acted improperly and offended Master Chen. Please forgive him.” He then signaled Supervisor Hong to join in with a solemn apology.

Watching their surprised expressions, Hu Qingyun noticed that both Chen Xiao and Xi Yunqing were equally taken aback. Hu Qingyun was quite young, looking only four or five years older than Chen Xiao. His youthful appearance suggested he had laid a solid foundation in cultivation at a young age, his reputed good spiritual roots seemed well earned.

Moreover, he bore none of the arrogance typical of noble families, instead coming across as approachable. Beginning with a straightforward apology immediately earned him extra goodwill.

Chen Xiao blinked and raised a hand: “Supervisor Hong, please stand down. I no longer blame you.” His tone implied he wasn’t angry now, but he had indeed minded it before.

Hearing this, Supervisor Hong nearly wiped sweat from his brow. The young master was right, he really should watch his words and actions. He hadn’t expected that offending someone casually could almost turn into a lasting grudge.