At the mansion, young Feng was warmly received—naturally, he was accompanied by the young lady. Who would dare to disturb him? Not even Bai Lan's loyal bodyguard would dare contradict her.
In the main hall, the elder man, Bai Lan's father, awaited his guest. As Feng Qi entered, a chill ran down his spine—the flow of Qi seemed to obey a certain presence. The man before him emanated an incomparable aura, unmatched even by the Crimson-Scaled Serpent. This was cultivation far beyond the Refinement of Qi.
Secretly, Feng Qi felt fear; he had never encountered anyone so powerful.
The air around them seemed to swirl endlessly, and a weight pressed down upon everything. Even breathing felt difficult. A bead of sweat slid down Feng Qi's face. Bai Lan noticed and gently tugged his sleeve, giving him a reassuring look—assuring him that the man before him could be trusted.
They approached, and the Governor quickly rose to greet the young man:
"You are Zhao Long? It is an honor to meet you. My daughter holds you in high regard—take good care of her from now on."
"Yes, sir. I consider Bai Lan a trusted friend and will do everything in my power to assist her," Feng Qi replied, bowing lightly with his hands in a cup shape.
"Please, have a seat."
As he sat, Feng Qi noticed that the chairs, tables, and all the furniture were exquisite. The wood was of a special quality, emitting a subtle Qi fragrance that filled the room. Each piece surely cost a fortune—his uncle's farm could not compare to this wealth.
"I am Bai Tianheng, Governor of Qingyao. I presume you have heard of me," the elder said.
"Yes, sir. I've heard many tales of your benevolence and righteousness. It is thanks to your administration that Qingyao has grown so much in just a few years. May you live long and continue to care for us," Feng Qi replied respectfully. He had heard much about Bai Tianheng, but never imagined meeting the man who had captivated his daughter's heart.
The three conversed eagerly on many topics. Feng Qi had to fabricate a story to explain his origins. For a moment, he forgot his false name, realizing that maintaining a lie was like holding a blade by its edge. Finally, the conversation reached its most crucial point.
"I have a proposal for you," the Governor said, his tone suddenly serious. "As you can see, my daughter has only one bodyguard. I have always worried about her safety, but finding qualified and trustworthy warriors is exceedingly difficult."
Feng Qi understood where the Governor was leading.
"You wish for me to be your daughter's bodyguard? But I am too weak to protect her," Feng Qi said.
The elder regarded him with a broad smile. "You must have noticed the cultivation level of our first bodyguard, yes?"
"Yes, Seventh Layer of Physical Refinement…" Feng Qi realized the true implication.
"What I seek is indeed a strong force to guard my treasures, but for my daughter, I am especially cautious. To be honest, there are informants and people with ulterior motives in this place—even within our mansion."
"What? People wish to harm the Governor's daughter? Who would dare?"
The elder stood and walked to the window, overlooking the courtyard. His office was at the highest point of the mansion, befitting his status. Naturally, the view was the finest in the house.
"This city is organized, clean, and follows the Emperor's laws. Yet that is merely a façade. Behind the scenes, intense and bloody conflicts rage between many forces, and the Imperial Court cannot intervene… in truth, the court lives with a noose around its neck. Things could spiral out of control at any moment."
Feng Qi could scarcely imagine such a scenario. He had believed that the Imperial Court's power was absolute, that law and order prevailed. Yet now it became clear: the Sects, Great Families, and Clans wielded immense power and arrogance. The world was not as simple as he had imagined.
In reality, the Empire was not unique, nor did it encompass the entire world. Many empires, kingdoms, and regions were governed by Immortal Sects. Beyond the oceans lay countless other continents, the world seemingly boundless.
The Immortals, of course, ignored the Crown's orders and even fought against it. Many empires fell over the years, surrendering to these Immortals.
In the North, the supreme cultivation was Nascent Soul. A Sect or Clan with a master of such caliber could command any territory—no empire would dare demand taxes or homage. The South, by contrast, was relatively poor and untamed. Feng Qi's goal upon joining a Sect was to reach the North, enter one of its Sects, and gain access to techniques, knowledge, and perhaps assistance from Golden Core or even Nascent Soul masters.
"If I can reach the North one day… I could elevate my cultivation beyond Golden Core. Otherwise, remaining in the South, I would reach at most the Formation of Core, perhaps Golden Core with luck… Bai Tianheng is beyond Refinement of Qi, in Condensation of Qi. After that comes Formation of Core, when one can fly freely. When I arrived in the city, I saw people flying without artifacts—now it makes sense," Feng Qi thought, his eyes distant but focused on the conversation.
"The world is a bloody battlefield. We must take precautions. That is why I need trustworthy people to protect those I love, talented individuals like you. I have heard you are new to cultivation, but already at a high level in Physical Refinement. We can provide resources, counsel, techniques, and time to refine your foundation. Your payment will be five gold coins per month, and your work will be to protect my daughter whenever she leaves the mansion. What say you?"
Feng Qi paused, glancing at Bai Lan. She understood his concern—he was free, and his destiny was not bound to this city. Bai Tianheng sympathized but accepted the terms, promising he could leave after a year.
The contract was signed, and Feng Qi found himself in a spacious room within the mansion.
"I didn't know bodyguards could live here," he remarked.
"This is an exception. You two are unique. Others lack my father's trust, so their quarters are separate," Bai Lan explained. "By the way, I will introduce you—after all, you will work together."
Beside Bai Lan, the first bodyguard regarded Feng Qi coldly. He did not trust this young newcomer.
"He is weak, Fourth Layer of Physical Refinement? I could defeat him with one arm—our enemies will exploit this weakness," he said.
Feng Qi shot him a piercing look, undaunted. After all, this arrogant guard was only at the Seventh Layer. Who was he to speak?
"You may not believe it, but he is as strong as you. You'll see in the courtyard arenas later," Bai Lan concealed a smile. "This is Zhao Long, my newest bodyguard. His talent is exceptional."
"Talent alone means nothing in the end," the first guard replied.
A vein throbbed on Feng Qi's face—he was starting to dislike this man. "We'll see about that," he said.
"I hope there will be no conflict here. This is Luo Zixuan, my first bodyguard and childhood friend. As the first, he is the leader. Zhao Long must respect his guidance. You will work together, so I hope you get along," Bai Lan said, though she could already see the storm brewing—both stared fiercely at each other.
"Well… I suppose you can sort it out yourselves," she thought. "Anyway, this is your room. I will attend to matters and call you if needed… Zixuan, show him around." Her gaze carried authority.
"Yes, milady, I will take care of him," Luo Zixuan replied.
As Bai Lan turned away, Luo Zixuan's attention shifted fully to Feng Qi.
"Listen, being a bodyguard is more than strolling with the young lady or cultivating behind closed doors. We face threats from enemy Clans and Sects. Do not fall behind in cultivation, and do not rely on resources without maintaining your combat rhythm. What do you know of martial arts?"
Feng Qi answered honestly: "Not much. To be frank, my martial knowledge is little different from an ordinary person's."
"That's a problem. How could they choose someone so weak in technique? Did you beg them?"
"Of course not. I merely fought your young lady, and you already know the outcome."
"My young lady! Show some respect!"
"So, what should I do now? You are the leader, so I will follow your guidance," Feng Qi replied, unconcerned with hierarchy—his focus was solely on gaining resources, techniques, and guidance.
"Good, you recognize the situation. I am the leader," Zixuan said, pleased.
Feng Qi realized he could exploit this man's ego to his advantage.
Luo Zixuan then introduced Feng Qi to the room and all resources: pills, techniques, and tools. Feng Qi carefully selected a few for precaution.
Next, he toured the mansion and courtyard. Further away was a military training area, where recruits and masters trained disciples. Luo Zixuan challenged Feng Qi here:
"If you are as strong as they say, show me, and I will judge," he said.
The space was vast, with grandstands for onlookers, and towers overlooking the mansion walls. Some discreetly placed bets—a taboo within the mansion.
The sun hung high over the stone arena, casting long shadows across the polished ground. Luo Zixuan stood in the center, immovable like a mountain, eyes scanning every detail. Both wore the Governor's black uniform, immaculate and austere, the folds of the robes shifting gently in the wind. Their posture was perfect, firm yet natural, as if gravity itself respected them.
Feng Qi observed, breath held. His own simple black outfit contrasted with the fine attire resting untouched in his room. Luo Zixuan had chosen this to emphasize skill over appearance.
Stepping forward, the floor resonated under Zixuan's presence. With a slow, precise gesture, he indicated the space around them:
"Show me your strength!"
His words were brief but carried weight. Feng Qi felt the energy emanating from the bodyguard—not just physical power, but discipline, experience, and the aura of a master.
Luo Zixuan moved—step by step—calculating air resistance, body balance, and the smallest opening in Feng Qi's posture. His voice, low this time, instructed:
"The sword is not merely a blade; it is an extension of your body. Feel the wind; do not force the strike."
With a subtle movement, Zixuan's hand hovered as if pulling the very space. Feng Qi sensed the slight pressure on his feet, as though every step he took was anticipated.
There was no aggression, no attack—only a silent test of perception and reaction. The arena felt both small and infinite, each breath carrying potential and danger.
Feng Qi swallowed hard. Even in simple clothes, the test was not of strength, but essence. Luo Zixuan, Bai Lan's first bodyguard, stood firm like a wall, ready to guide, correct, and reveal his limits.
At the same time, Feng Qi was fascinated. Luo Zixuan had clearly been a formidable warrior before cultivation. His movements were subtle, direct, precise.
Feng Qi realized he knew nothing of martial combat. He had learned cultivation, but not how to fight or defend. His knowledge was limited to basic punches and rudimentary techniques.
After observing, Feng Qi attempted to replicate the moves. After repeated failures, comprehension finally struck. What had seemed impossible now felt natural, and his movements became fluid.
Luo Zixuan was surprised by Feng Qi's potential—Bai Lan's words had proven true. Zhao Long was indeed a prodigy, and a smile spread across Zixuan's face.
"Continue!" he shouted.
And so, for hours, Zixuan taught punches and kicks. Feng Qi's understanding grew steadily.
From a tower window, Bai Lan watched with a smile. She was pleased that the two seemed to be getting along. Zixuan, in truth, was generous when teaching. The movements, strikes, and kicks continued until the sun began to set. Feng Qi's heart raced—he loved this feeling. It was invigorating.