Chapter 70: Entering the Mansion

Outside, the moonlight draped over the blue-tiled rooftops like streams of pale silk, while the air was alive with the restless chorus of insects. The window of the Chen family’s wine house was wide open, allowing the cold night wind to ruthlessly invade, making the bed curtains flutter like fragile willows in a storm.

At that moment, several minute, barely audible creaks echoed from the roof above, and the chill in Chen Jiu’s gaze deepened. He had not intended to harbor murderous intent, for these intruders were not cultivators but merely skilled martial artists of the mundane world, trained in inner energy—a path far removed from the ways of the immortals. Yet, it seemed they had no intention of abandoning their incursion into the Hall of White Robes. Thus, even if Chen Jiu wished to avoid bloodshed, it was no longer possible.

Seated cross-legged on his bed, he resembled a meditating monk, surrounded by bed curtains ceaselessly swaying in the cold wind.

Suddenly, several muffled thuds shattered the silence inside the room.

Six shadows swept in through the window, one after another.

Bathed in silver moonlight, six assassins swathed in black nightwalking garb revealed themselves. Each gripped a short sword, bodies hunched, faces hidden save for pairs of cold, piercing eyes that flickered with silent communication. Like wildcats, their footsteps on the wooden floor were nearly soundless as, in a blink, they encircled Chen Jiu’s bed.

The leader’s eyes flashed coldly; then he nodded ever so slightly.

“Kill!”

With that word, six gleaming blades shot toward Chen Jiu’s bed from every direction, swift as arrows.

The sound of cutting air was sharp and jarring in the quiet room.

Yet, a moment later, the expected wet crunch of blade meeting flesh did not come.

The leader hesitated, then swept aside the bed curtain with a broad gesture.

But as his eyes fell upon the figure atop the bed, his pupils contracted in shock and terror seized his heart.

There, seated in meditation, the young man was shrouded in a thin veil of azure light, as if wrapped in a misty blue gauze. The short swords hurled by the assassins were held fast by this ethereal veil, unable to advance even a hairbreadth—leaving Chen Jiu utterly unharmed.

“Retreat!” the leader hissed, almost instantly, voice low and urgent.

But just then, Chen Jiu let out a cold snort and his eyes snapped open, sharp and unyielding.

With a thunderous bang, the window slammed shut and the room was plunged into darkness. The leader’s heart sank with the sudden blackness.

A series of heavy, dull sounds followed mere moments later. With a flick of Chen Jiu’s hand, the window was thrown open again by a surge of power.

Moonlight spilled once more across the floor, revealing six lifeless bodies sprawled within the room.

Chen Jiu’s eyes flickered. With a sweep of his sleeve, his sword pouch at his waist opened. The six corpses were drawn inside, dissolving into wisps of sword energy.

With these tasks finished, Chen Jiu resumed his meditation, his expression tranquil, as if nothing out of the ordinary had occurred.

The night passed without further incident. At dawn, Chen Jiu slowly opened his eyes.

He exhaled a cloud of white breath, his heart stirring slightly.

Today’s visit to the Su estate would be his true test.

Suddenly, a series of knocks sounded on the door.

“Doctor Chen, someone wishes to see you outside,” the innkeeper’s voice drifted in.

Chen Jiu sighed and replied, “I’m coming.”

After washing and dressing, he stepped outside the Hall of White Robes.

On the street beyond stood an ornate carriage, stately in its decorations. In front of it waited an elderly man in the attire of a steward—the very same Golden Core realm cultivator Chen Jiu had seen the previous night.

Chen Jiu’s heart skipped.

To send a cultivator of the Golden Core realm to fetch him—were they afraid he might run? The thought brought a wry smile to his lips.

He bowed respectfully to the elder. “Please wait a moment, senior. I must give a few instructions.”

Turning to the bewildered innkeeper, he said, “The medicine is already prepared, inside the hall. You need only distribute it.”

At that, the steward gestured with a wave of his hand. “You men, maintain order at the Hall of White Robes. Allow no troublemakers.”

Several tall, robust men in tight uniforms stepped out at his word, positioning themselves imposingly on either side of the hall.

Chen Jiu understood immediately. Clearly, the Su estate had thought of everything—knowing that if he left, trouble might quickly follow in his absence. With the Su family’s protection, he could set his worries aside.

“On behalf of Miss Bai, I thank you, senior,” Chen Jiu said, bowing once more.

“Just call me Steward Su,” the old man replied coolly, boarding the carriage.

“Though we are both cultivators, this is the custom of the Su estate. Come aboard.”

That calm voice sounded inside Chen Jiu’s mind—a voice transmission technique!

He nodded slightly and, under the innkeeper’s nervous gaze, entered the carriage, which quickly rolled away.

Arriving at the Su family estate, Chen Jiu finally understood what grandeur truly meant.

Had he not known better, he might have mistaken this place for an imperial garden.

Within, ancient-style pavilions and sprawling gardens abounded, and there was even a bustling avenue devoted to pleasure and entertainment, rivaling the liveliest districts outside.

But what truly made Chen Jiu’s heart race was the security.

As a cultivator of the First Tower of Immortals, his spiritual sense far surpassed that of his peers, allowing him to faintly perceive the subtle, hidden auras everywhere.

Every five steps, a trace of spiritual energy would sweep imperceptibly over him.

Every ten steps, a strange unease would seize his heart.

He was being watched—constantly—by cultivators whose presence was otherwise undetectable.

Steward Su walked ahead, hands clasped behind his back, at ease.

After weaving through winding corridors, Chen Jiu arrived before a grand hall.

Su Jiu, dressed in an ivory long robe with a high collar and a jade hairpin securing his topknot, stood before the hall, smiling.

“Good morning, Brother Chen.” He greeted him with a smile, his form of address changing.

“In the estate, you must use ‘Ninth Young Master,’” Steward Su reminded Chen Jiu in his mind before he could reply.

Chen Jiu was momentarily taken aback, then returned the courtesy. “Blessings without measure, Heavenly Venerable. Good morning, Ninth Young Master.”

Su Jiu pursed his lips, casting an unwilling glance at Steward Su.

He walked over to Chen Jiu. “Brother Chen, the reason I invited you here today is for a medical matter.”

As expected, Chen Jiu thought to himself.

“I see. May I ask who is ill and what the symptoms are?” Though he had already guessed, he feigned surprise.

Su Jiu’s expression darkened with sorrow. “My mother… Months ago, her old illness returned. She caught a chill, then suffered demonic poisoning. She has been in pain ever since…”

Chen Jiu’s heart tightened.

“Yet, humble as my skills are, I fear—”

He dared not get involved too deeply. The mother of Su Jiu—what kind of person must she be? Should anything happen under his care, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Su Jiu said, “Do not worry, Brother Chen. I brought you here only for the matter of the demonic poison.”

Steward Su interjected, “But Ninth Young Master, the famed Qin Healer visited yesterday. With the medicine he left, madam should recover by today.”

Su Jiu’s brow furrowed. “I do not trust him.”

“Brother Chen’s character I know well enough, and his ‘Everlasting Spring Water’ has proven its antidotal properties. Tell me, am I wrong to do so?”

Steward Su bowed his head. “It was my oversight.”

“In that case, I am willing to try,” Chen Jiu agreed, relieved that his role was limited to the demonic poison.

Besides, seeing Su Jiu’s unwavering resolve, he had little choice.

“Very well,” Steward Su nodded, then, with an air of command, declared, “But for madam’s safety, you must hand over all your magical implements. I will also seal your sleeves for a time.”

“Rest assured, Brother Chen,” Su Jiu said quickly, seeing Chen Jiu’s expression change. “The Su estate would never harm you.”

Chen Jiu sighed inwardly—he truly had no choice.

The Su family’s power was far beyond his imagination.

Even a Golden Core realm cultivator would willingly serve as a steward here…

He handed over his sword pouch without hesitation. Better to be decisive than appear hesitant; this could win him favor.

Su Jiu seemed relieved, even moved. “Do not worry, Brother Chen. When this is over, the Su estate will reward you handsomely!”

With a wave of his robe, Steward Su cast a flash of silver at Chen Jiu’s sleeves.

Chen Jiu was startled to find his “Universe in Sleeve” technique completely sealed by the silver light—he could no longer store or retrieve anything.

“Brother Chen, please,” Su Jiu said as the grand doors of the hall slowly opened, extending a hand in invitation.

“Ninth Young Master, after you.” Chen Jiu bowed, for etiquette dictated that the host enter first.

He followed Su Jiu into the hall, where the air was thick with the scent of medicine…

(As the story requires some buildup—especially in classical cultivation novels that are not system-based or about signing in for instant gratification—not every chapter can be full of excitement. I will strive to imbue more of an immortal aura and avoid the old tropes of monster-slaying and leveling up…)