Chapter 61: Visitors from the Mountain Manor

“Hush! Little Tiger, you mustn’t make a sound. As soon as I open the door, we’ll rush right in—Mom and Dad will be so startled, hehe!”
Outside the room, the mischievous Xixi was solemnly instructing Tiger.
What else could Tiger do but nod in agreement, signaling his understanding.
The little one took out a magnetic key card, her big eyes curving into a lovely crescent, clearly thrilled by her mischievous plan. She swiped the card and immediately pushed the door open.
Inside was a suite; the first room was the living room. Little Xixi made her way to the bedroom door, mimicking what she’d seen on TV by pressing her ear to listen in, but she heard nothing. Without hesitation, she pushed the door open and darted inside.
“Xixi is here!”
She rushed forward, nimbly climbed onto the bed, and with a flourish, lifted the quilt, sprawling atop Song Wanshuang.
Bathed in light, Song Wanshuang, clad in lace pajamas, was tall and graceful, her curves pronounced, her skin even brighter and more translucent than the snowy-white sheets. Her disheveled hair obscured her exquisite features, and she was rarely so listless, indulging in a lazy slumber. With Xixi already lying atop her, the little face nuzzled against those soft, pink peaks, laughing, “Mommy, you’re so shy, sleeping in!”
Exhausted from last night’s exertions, Song Wanshuang still felt weak and sore. She raised a hand to pinch Xixi’s cheek and forced a smile. “Sweetheart, Mommy is really tired right now. Why don’t you go play with Daddy?”
Xixi’s large, dark eyes blinked at her, and she murmured, “Mommy, I think you look extra beautiful today!”
Such a random remark made Song Wanshuang’s cheeks flush instantly. She replied offhandedly, “It’s all your father’s fault!”
“So Daddy made Mommy so beautiful? Daddy is amazing!” the little one exclaimed in awe.
As the conversation grew increasingly whimsical, memories of last night’s embarrassment chased away any remaining sleepiness. Song Wanshuang sat up, gently tapped Xixi’s nose, and said, “Children shouldn’t say such things. Go find Daddy now; Mommy needs to get up and wash.”
“Okay!”
Xixi obediently hopped off the bed. Just then, Jiang An pushed in a breakfast cart. The little one immediately beamed and ran over for a hug, father and daughter bursting into laughter together.
“Sigh, Xixi used to be so gentle. Ever since she met you, she’s become wild and mischievous—I don’t want our daughter growing up to be a tomboy,” Song Wanshuang remarked, giving him a look full of charm.
“She’s a child—what’s wrong with letting her be herself?” Jiang An kissed Xixi and asked, “Sweetheart, do you like your life now?”
“What is ‘life’?” Xixi asked curiously, almost like a little philosopher.
“Are you happy now? Do you like Daddy?”
“Mm, Xixi is happy! Xixi loves Daddy most!” She hugged Jiang An tightly, declaring loudly.
“That’s Daddy’s good girl!”
Jiang An settled with Xixi in his arms. “Wanshuang, go freshen up first, then our family can have breakfast together!”
…
Lincheng Airport.
The noon flight from the capital had already landed, and people were streaming out of the terminal. Among them were an elderly man with a goatee and a medium-built man with graying temples, walking out side by side.
No sooner had they stopped than a burly man approached, speaking with measured respect, “Are you Master Wang and Master Ouyang? My employer sent me to greet you.”
The old man with the goatee was, of course, Wang Bixuan. He exchanged glances with his companion, each seeing shock in the other’s eyes: the burly man before them was on the cusp of breaking through to the Grandmaster level—yet such a figure was only sent as a greeter!
“Haha, you must be sent by Master Jiang. May I ask your name?” Wang Bixuan smiled, not putting on airs.
The other, Master Ouyang, was more reserved, merely nodding in acknowledgment.
“Cheng Yang,” he replied with a slight smile. “Please, gentlemen.”
The three quickly got into a car and drove off.
Shanhe Residence.
This was another famous villa district in Lincheng, built around Golden Crow Mountain, blessed with excellent feng shui, shrouded in mist and lush greenery—a veritable paradise.
Among them, the best located, largest, grandest, and naturally most expensive was a palace-like structure atop Golden Crow Mountain, named Shanhe Residence No. 1. Everywhere displayed unique craftsmanship: carved beams and painted rafters, imperial splendor, commanding a view over all the surrounding hills.
“What a place! Only a prince deserves to live here,” said Dao Mo, surveying the vast lawn before the palace with satisfaction.
“Chief, don’t you trust my judgment?” Fan Jun laughed. “Several groups fought over this—it’s only for the wealthy and powerful. I paid more than double the price to secure it.”
“I always trust you, and the prince will see your effort. By the way, how’s Chaozi doing now?”
“Rest assured, the prince checked him twice last night and this morning. He’s fine now and should wake by evening, though he’ll need time to heal.”
“That’s good. I heard the prince say Chaozi got lucky—took a Grandmaster’s blow, but though heavily injured, several meridians were forced open. Truly, disaster brings fortune.”
As they spoke, Jiang An’s voice suddenly sounded in their ears: “Cheng Yang has brought the guests. Please greet them at the door for me.”
“Yes!”
Dao Mo wondered how the prince knew, but carried out the order without question.
Soon, three cars wound up the mountain road and stopped at the entrance.
“Haha, I am Dao Mo, here by my master’s command to welcome the Grandmasters!” Dao Mo stepped forward, cupping his fists to Wang Bixuan and his companion as they got out.
Wang Bixuan and Ouyang were again startled—this must be the leader of the Divine Blade Sect, Grandmaster Dao Mo. From his words, Jiang An wasn’t just his nephew, but his master!
Who could explain what was going on?
“Master Dao, you’re too kind. Where is Master Jiang?” Wang Bixuan felt uneasy; it was odd that Dao Mo, his peer, willingly served Jiang An.
“Gentlemen, I am here!”
A voice sounded from nowhere, and everyone looked up to see Jiang An appear instantly, as if teleporting—moving like a specter.
“I was surveying the area nearby, didn’t mean to neglect you two. Please forgive me,” Jiang An smiled.
“No need for formality, Brother Jiang. We’re family now. Allow me to introduce—this is Ouyang Shi, a Grandmaster of the second realm, and an honored patron of the manor,” Wang Bixuan said, gesturing to his companion.
“Master Ouyang, thank you for your support. I appreciate it. Come, let’s all go inside for some hot tea,” Jiang An greeted them and led everyone in.
They passed through the garden and entered the luxurious palace, settling in the bright, elegant hall. Jiang An, Wang Bixuan, and Ouyang Shi sat in a triangle, with Dao Mo standing behind Jiang An, and Cheng Yang and Fan Jun behind Dao Mo, each in their place.
“Master Dao, why not join us?” Wang Bixuan probed.
“With my master present, I have no right to sit. You are too courteous, Master Wang,” Dao Mo replied, eyes forward.
Wang Bixuan’s doubts deepened—why would Dao Mo, a Grandmaster, serve Jiang An? Perhaps Jiang An belonged to some supreme power or family? But he’d never heard of any top force with the surname Jiang. The mystery only grew; Wang Bixuan decided not to dwell on it or ask directly.
He handed Jiang An a sealed box and explained his purpose:
“First, congratulations, Brother Jiang, on becoming a member of the National Guard Manor! Like me, you’re at the Command level. Here are the documents and some useful items.”
Jiang An took them with thanks.
Wang Bixuan smiled and continued, “Now that you’re a Command Holder, the Manor won’t ignore you—especially since you’re ranked fourth on the Kill List. That’s why we were sent to assist, so the assassins hired by the Dominator won’t succeed.”
“Thank you for the Manor’s support, and again for your arrival. Let this tea stand in place of wine—a token of my gratitude.”
Jiang An glanced at the teapot, which lifted on its own and poured tea for Wang Bixuan and Ouyang Shi.
This small act made the two experts from the National Guard Manor look grave, their eyes intense. Wang Bixuan stared at Jiang An and said, “I didn’t sense any mental fluctuation—not telekinesis! Nor was it qi. If I’m not mistaken, that was magic!”
Jiang An did not confirm or deny, simply smiled. “What it is doesn’t matter. Please, have some tea.”
“No need for tea. I’d rather invite Master Jiang to spar,” said Ouyang Shi, his eyes blazing with fighting spirit, clearly stirred by Jiang An.
“That won’t be necessary. I don’t have a habit of sparring with allies. Forgive me, Master Ouyang,” Jiang An refused.
Ouyang Shi wanted to press, but Wang Bixuan dissolved the tension with laughter, “Ouyang, I agree—no need to spar now. If you two did, it would surely shake the villa and ruin this beautiful garden. What if enemies are watching nearby? Those assassins value knowing their target, striking only when certain. Before making a move, they always gather information. If sparring reveals our strengths and weaknesses, it’s not a good idea.”
Ouyang Shi pondered and conceded the point.
“Master Wang, your foresight is impressive. The enemy will indeed probe for information. I’m not worried about myself—I have a plan to deal with them. The key is my family. I’d like to ask you two and Dao Mo to guard them for a while.”
“Brother Jiang, do you mean…”
“Exactly! My family is inside this villa. I hope you and Dao Mo will stand guard together. As for the enemies, I can handle them alone!”