My Martial Arts Level Never Drops

Chapter 394: Chapter 188: Steward

Liuyun Square was a tranquil area the Sect had set aside for its Inner Sect Disciples.

It was named for a flowing stream within its bounds, one wreathed in a faint mist year-round. From a distance, the dense water vapor resembled a roost for drifting clouds.

Led by a Black Armored Soldier, Qin Fang walked along and observed that the square was mostly filled with residences featuring white walls, dark tiles, and private courtyards. They were arranged in a picturesque, staggered fashion. Occasionally, the branches of ancient, age-old trees could be seen peeking over the walls. The environment was serene and secluded, and the Heaven and Earth Primordial Power was several degrees richer than elsewhere, making it an excellent place for quiet cultivation.

"Sir, this is... Area A, Number Thirty-Nine."

Under the Black Armored Soldier’s respectful guidance, Qin Fang finally saw the place that belonged to him, a place he was visiting for the very first time...

A manor!

Just by looking at the heavy, pitch-black wooden gate, one could tell this place was anything but small.

Above the pitch-black wooden gate hung an ebony plaque, upon which the two large words ’Qin Mansion’ were written in a flamboyant, calligraphic style.

To the side hung a smaller plaque with the words ’Liuyun Square, Area A, Number Thirty-Nine’.

And at this moment... the main gate was actually standing wide open.

The first thing he saw upon entering was a massive spirit screen, which was covered in bas-relief carvings of birds and beasts. It also served to block the prying eyes of outsiders.

Inside the main gate was a gatehouse, and within it sat an old man dressed like a servant.

Qin Fang’s gaze shifted slightly. He then turned to the Black Armored Soldier and said, "Thank you for your trouble."

The Black Armored Soldier quickly replied, "Sir, you’re too kind... In that case, may this humble one take his leave?"

Qin Fang nodded.

The Black Armored Soldier bowed, then turned and left.

Only then did Qin Fang walk toward the gatehouse.

Qin Fang deliberately made his footsteps a little louder. Hearing the sound, the man inside the gatehouse—dressed as a servant in a green tunic and small cap—immediately looked up with vigilance.

When he saw Qin Fang, he froze for a moment. But then, as if he had quickly realized something, a look of surprise crossed his face, and he scrambled out of the gatehouse.

His respectful demeanor was tinged with obvious apprehension. He bowed deeply to Qin Fang and said, "A-Are you the Master?"

Qin Fang raised an eyebrow. "You know who I am?"

"I do, I do..."

Hearing Qin Fang’s response, the servant let out a breath of relief and nodded repeatedly. He explained, "This humble one has never had the honor of seeing you in person, Master, but Steward Qian showed all of us on duty your portrait. That way, we wouldn’t fail to recognize you upon your return and accidentally show you disrespect..."

Qin Fang raised an eyebrow slightly, then nodded. "Where is Qian Ruhai? Is he inside?"

The servant quickly shook his head, his tone growing even more deferential. "In response to the Master, this is your estate. How could Steward Qian dare to overstep? The only people currently in the mansion are the servants he sent for daily upkeep, all of us housed in the servants’ quarters. We would never dare disturb the peace of the main courtyard in the slightest. Steward Qian himself lives in the Martial Preparation Workshop. He only drops by occasionally to ensure we are diligently performing our duties and keeping the estate in good order, lest any of us slack off and break the rules."

After a brief pause, the servant added, "Since you have returned to the mansion today, Master, shall this humble one go to the Martial Preparation Workshop and inform Steward Qian?"

Qin Fang considered this for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, go."

’I really do need to see Qian Ruhai. We haven’t met in a year, and having to rely on other Inner Sect Disciples to pass messages has been far too inconvenient. I should definitely meet with him this time.’

"Yes, Master."

The servant quickly agreed, bowing even lower. "You must be weary from your travels, Master. Please, follow me inside to rest. I will immediately have the other servants on duty come attend to you, to ensure no one is remiss in their duties now that you’ve returned."

Qin Fang didn’t refuse. He nodded and strolled forward.

The servant scurried forward to lead the way, positioning himself half a step ahead and to the side.

As they entered, he raised his voice slightly and announced toward the courtyard, "The Master has returned to the mansion—!"

The words had barely faded when, upon walking past the spirit screen, the view suddenly opened up...

Indeed, it was no exaggeration to call this courtyard a "manor."

The estate was a sprawling courtyard, occupying a vast area far exceeding that of an ordinary residence.

A forecourt paved with natural bluestone was wide and flat enough to serve as a small martial arts training ground.

In the center of the courtyard stood a majestic, ancient pine tree. Its branches and leaves formed a canopy, casting a large, cool shadow. The unique, crisp scent of pine needles drifted on the breeze, bringing a sense of calm to the mind.

Beyond the forecourt was the main building, constructed in a three-courtyard style.

The buildings were all constructed from bluestone and high-quality nanmu wood, giving them a simple, sturdy, and ancient style. The lines of the flying eaves and brackets were clean and strong, and a few simple bronze wind lanterns hung under the roofs.

This was just the front courtyard; there was clearly an even more spacious yard in the back.

Now, following the servant’s announcement, a slight commotion could be heard from the corridor connecting the forecourt to the servants’ quarters.

Soon, a few manservants in identical, tidy blue tunics and some Maids hurried out. With slightly nervous expressions, they stopped at a distance, bowing their heads and waiting by the side of the path with their hands respectfully at their sides.

The servant leading the way walked quickly over to them and gave a few hushed, rapid instructions. The others nodded hurriedly, and one of the sharper-looking manservants cleverly turned and ran toward the back courtyard.

After arranging these matters, the servant trotted back to Qin Fang’s side, a careful smile plastered on his face. "Master, would you prefer to have tea in the main hall first, or go directly to the study or your bedchambers? Hot water and tea can be prepared immediately... This humble one will also go to the Martial Preparation Workshop to find Steward Qian right away. If I’m quick... I can be back to report within the hour."

Qin Fang raised an eyebrow at his words. Watching the well-organized scene before him, he gave a slight nod. "Alright, you may go."

"Yes, Master."

The servant accepted the order and ran off.

Another manservant came forward, calling out nervously, "Master."

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