Xue Cong, Yue Jie and Yue Xin were busy wiping off the dust in the main hall.
Creak.
They turned and glanced over at the wooden gate when they heard it open with the familiar creaking sound.
"Yue Jie, Yue Xin, go to the kitchen and boil some hot water." Xue Cong quickly instructed them when she saw Lin Xuan Qi entering the mansion with some other men.
She didn't know exactly why Lin Xuan Qi insisted that they only drink boiled water, saying that it was for their own good and that the boiling killed invisible worms inside the water.
But since he was the master, Xue Cong followed Lin Xuan Qi's instructions and took it to heart to do so.
Yue Jie and Yue Xin nodded, and they made their way to the kitchen immediately.
"Master Lin." Xue Cong greeted Lin Xuan Qi when Lin Xuan Qi led Hun Xiong Kun into the main hall.
Lin Xuan Qi nodded and acknowledged her greeting.
"Prepare some tea..."
Before he could finish his sentence, Xue Cong interjected and said, "I've instructed Yue Jie and Yue Xin to do so."
He was pleased and nodded, appreciating her attentive and proactive nature.
Lin Xuan Qi had shown Hun Xiong Kun's men where the rice was stored.
The men had carried the bags of rice out from the warehouse, placed them into their cart and left for Hun Xiong Kun's rice shop.
Hun Xiong Kun stayed behind for a friendly chat and didn't think much about it.
"Have a seat." Lin Xuan Qi gestured and offered a seat to Hun Xiong Kun.
"Thanks so much." Hun Xiong Kun sat down and marveled at the main hall of the mansion.
It was now tidy and clean thanks to the hard work of Xue Cong, Yue Jie and Yue Xin.
This assured Hun Xiong Kun that he was dealing with someone who had a significant amount of wealth behind his back.
Lin Xuan Qi went on and said, "I think you might want to be on alert now that you are able to secure some supply of rice from me."
"Thanks, Master Lin. I will do so, and I think it's best that you do the same." Hun Xiong Kun nodded as he said.
Hun Xiong Kun knew that Lin Xuan Qi was right.
The other rice merchants might sabotage the delivery of the rice.
And as for Lin Xuan Qi, as long as he was in the mansion, he wouldn't worry much.
"I shall ensure that the rice will be safe. It's my duty to do so." Lee He Song, who was standing beside Lin Xuan Qi, interjected and said.
Hun Xiong Kun quickly stood up, bowed to Lee He Song and said, "Then, please, let me thank you for your hard work beforehand."
Lee He Song waved his hand and said, "Like I said, it's my duty to do so."
He quickly helped Hun Xiong Kun to sit back down in his seat.
In the next moment, Yue Jie and Yue Xin came in with a pot of hot water and a teapot.
They proceeded to make tea for Lin Xuan Qi, Lee He Song and Hun Xiong Kun.
With the teacup in his hand, Lee He Song took a sip and said, "I noticed that the mansion is quite...empty."
He knew it was none of his business, but he wanted to let Lin Xuan Qi know that he needed more hands in the mansion.
Be it for the security or daily operation of the mansion.
Lin Xuan Qi gave out a sigh and said, "I just arrived and took over the mansion, hence the lack of manpower.
"But don't worry, I'll be looking into it tomorrow."
Now that he had the three taels of silver, he could get more servants and employees for the mansion.
And with it, he would have more rice to sell to Hun Xiong Kun.
They discussed a little more about Lee Zhen Ren's birthday celebrations soon.
Lin Xuan Qi learned quite a bit about the situation in Hong Feng City from Hun Xiong Kun.
Hong Feng City had an immortal, Lee Zhen Ren, who was at Core Formation Level, able to reach the age of four hundred.
And he was appointed by the emperor to protect Hong Feng City from threats.
Helping him were the Governor and Magistrate of the city.
Yue Xin listened intently for any clues of her father's enemies, but there wasn't any.
"I think it's getting late; let me make a move first. Do visit me at the rice shop when you are free." Hun Xiong Kun stood up and offered Lin Xuan Qi to visit.
"I will, after I get the mansion in order." Lin Xuan Qi stood up and led Hun Xiong Kun to the wooden gates.
As Hun Xiong Kun got out of the mansion, several men who were squatting by the side of the road saw him and took notice.
...
After dinner, Lin Xuan Qi went back to his bedroom and closed the door.
He quickly took out the manuscript that he had gotten from the system.
Now that he had some knowledge about martial arts, it was time for him to start and try to learn the Cloud-Stride Step.
Lin Xuan Qi always believed in being prepared before threats came upon you.
Learning how to fight from Lee He Song was great, but it would be better if he learned how to get away from danger.
As the saying goes, dance like a butterfly, run like a cockroach.
You never know when you need to do so.
Lin Xuan Qi flipped to the first page of the manuscript.
He read the words and began to follow the instructions.
Taking in a deep breath, he tried to let the Qi into his dan tian, and when he was done, he slowly released the breath while moving his feet.
Thud.
His feet made a muted thud in a monotonous rhythm, stepping into the position similar to the Bei Dou stars.
Soon, as he got familiar, his movements became faster.
Xue Cong, who was outside, froze with her hand in the air.
She was about to check whether Lin Xuan Qi wanted some supper, seeing that his candle was lit.
Her face blushed as she heard the monotonous thud going faster and faster.