Martial Arts: I Have a Wilderness World

Chapter 488: Chapter 265: Purchasing Real Estate, Part 2

The third house, located in the North District, was another option. It was also a standalone courtyard that met Cheng Zongyang’s needs, but this one had two stories with a layout of five large rooms and two small ones. It was named ’Wangxian Residence,’ and its previous owners had been two Qi Refinement Stage Cultivators. They had since moved to the West District.

Cheng Zongyang’s attention was immediately drawn to this third estate. It was quite large, with a listed area of about three mu.

The spacious ground-floor courtyard alone took up nearly two of the three mu, perfect for growing medicinal materials or other plants. It also featured a kitchen, a study, living quarters, and a storage room. The second floor housed an Alchemy Room, a Talisman Room, and a Cultivation Room.

The description mentioned that two Qi Refining Cultivators had lived here: a Pharmacist and an Array Master. The property came with three types of Arrays: a Spirit Gathering Array, a Sound Insulation Array, and a Guardian Array.

He instantly fell in love with the estate. The specialized rooms on both floors could always be converted into living quarters later. Plus, its proximity to the Zi’an River meant he could enjoy the bustling nightscape from the second floor.

However, he was secretly staggered when he saw the price: eighteen thousand Spirit Stones. The cost was truly intimidating.

But considering the property’s size, its furnishings, the included amenities, the protection of the three Arrays, and the lack of any associated trouble, he made up his mind.

"Lady Qin, let’s go to Wangxian Residence," Cheng Zongyang said.

"You don’t want to see the other two?" Lady Qin asked with a faint smile, a knowing look in her eyes.

"There’s no need," Cheng Zongyang said with a nod.

"Very well." Lady Qin smiled, a sharp glint in her eyes. ’He really is loaded.’

Lady Qin knocked three times on the frame of the Beast Vehicle. The driver outside immediately urged the beast onward, speeding through the bustling market streets toward the North District.

Lady Qin’s gaze alternated between the scenery outside the window and Cheng Zongyang, as if she were assessing him. Her expression was deep and complex, impossible to decipher.

About half an hour later, the Beast Vehicle came to a slow stop before a courtyard of rustic elegance. A plaque hung above the main gate, inscribed with the two powerful, bold words "Wangxian Residence," exuding an extraordinary air.

Cheng Zongyang followed Lady Qin into the courtyard. The layout was simple yet grand.

The scenery was not only exceptional, but its proximity to the Zi’an River also made the air cool and pleasant.

Looking down from the second floor, he could see a one-mu plot of rich, dark earth along the inner wall to the right. It was bare; whatever had been planted there was already cleared away.

In the center of the courtyard was a small rockery with a stream. The gentle gurgle of water and the occasional birdsong wove together into a natural symphony. Lively little fish darted through the water while delicate flowers swayed in the breeze, creating a scene of tranquil elegance.

Standing beside him, Lady Qin gazed toward the Zi’an River just outside the courtyard and said with a smile:

"The Array here was designed by one of the former owners, the Qi Refining Cultivator. Though it’s only a Tier One Array, it can gather the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi and also provides defense and sound insulation. Even though the owner has moved to the West District, the Array remains. As long as you keep it supplied with Spirit Stones, it can run for decades."

Cheng Zongyang’s heart skipped a beat. He could indeed feel that the Spiritual Qi within the courtyard was far denser than outside. ’If I cultivate here,’ he thought, ’my progress will be twice as fast! It will significantly shorten the time it takes for me to reach the Innate realm!’

Lady Qin led Cheng Zongyang on a tour, explaining the features of each area. The interior was even more impressive—a spacious Cultivation Room, a study with excellent natural light, and even a fully-equipped Pharmacy. Every detail spoke to the property’s exceptional quality.

Cheng Zongyang grew increasingly satisfied with his surroundings.

"The previous owner didn’t take this Medicine Tripod from the Pharmacy. He bought a new one better suited for a true Alchemy Master, so this one was left behind," Lady Qin added, gently stroking the tripod.

In the end, Cheng Zongyang was set on the estate, but he planned to haggle over the price.

Eighteen thousand, plus Lady Qin’s commission, would bring the total to nearly twenty thousand Spirit Stones.

But Lady Qin just shook her head. "Any other brokerage would ask for no less than twenty thousand for this estate, and that’s before their commission. I’m the only one who can offer it for eighteen thousand. If you don’t believe me, Brother Cheng, you’re free to ask at any other brokerage in the South District."

Cheng Zongyang sighed and gave up on the idea of haggling.

The two of them agreed to meet at the Sect’s administrative office at dusk to handle the deed transfer. All Cheng Zongyang needed to do was bring the money.

Most fixed assets in the County Town belonged to the Sect, so all such transactions were processed at their administrative office.

The previous owner didn’t even need to be present. They had already authorized the Sect office to list the property and handle the transfer on their behalf once a buyer was found.

Cheng Zongyang didn’t care for the complicated rules and procedures. All that mattered to him was that the paperwork from the Sect office was valid and that the house would officially be his after the transfer.

They were going in the afternoon because Lady Qin first needed to process Cheng Zongyang’s residency application. Only official residents were permitted to purchase property in the South District.

After returning to his inn, Cheng Zongyang went to get the Spirit Stones from Luo Dingran.

Over the past two days, Luo Dingran had used Fifty Thousand Points to acquire seventy thousand Low Grade Spirit Stones.

Luo Dingran knew there would be people willing to make such an exchange.

It was the equivalent of trading Fifty Thousand Points for seventy thousand taels of Gold. If Cheng Zongyang had that much Gold on hand, he’d be more than happy to make that trade himself—he’d be fighting for the chance.

Some things were valuable to them, but in the eyes of people from other worlds, they were nothing special.

Cheng Zongyang packed twenty thousand Low Grade Spirit Stones into two large chests. As dusk approached, he hired a vehicle to transport the chests to the Spring Pavilion.

As it happened, Lady Qin had just returned as well.

When she saw Cheng Zongyang waiting at the entrance of the Spring Pavilion with two large chests behind him, she guessed what was inside, and a charming smile graced her lips.

’I certainly didn’t misjudge him.’

"Brother Cheng, I’m becoming more and more interested in you. What do you say? Care to stay the night? I’d be happy to give you a proper welcome."

While house-hunting with Lady Qin earlier, her occasional displays of charm and mature allure had made Cheng Zongyang’s heart flutter against his will.

But he knew nothing about this woman and couldn’t afford to think with his lower half. So, he maintained his composure, offering a polite smile and a fist-and-palm salute.

"As they say, a beauty’s favor is the hardest to repay. I appreciate the generous offer, Lady Qin, but I’m afraid I’m not worthy. Have you taken care of the paperwork? I’m all ready on my end."

As he spoke, Cheng Zongyang gave a slight bow and quickly turned to pat the two large chests.

Lady Qin, of course, noticed his awkwardness. She pressed her lips together, the corners of her eyes crinkling with a knowing amusement.

"Your body is much more honest, though. I’m pleased with your reaction. It proves I’ve still got my charm."

Lady Qin moved to his side, placed a slender hand on his shoulder, and exhaled a soft laugh next to his ear.

A shiver ran through Cheng Zongyang.

’This enchantress!’

He certainly didn’t think he possessed some kind of irresistible "overlord aura" that made women throw themselves at him at the slightest provocation.

The fact that Lady Qin could run such a successful business in the South District and move so freely despite her stunning looks was proof enough of her own strength and the powerful backing she had.

If he had sensed any malice from her, he would have kept his distance long ago.

Therefore, no matter how beautiful, bewitching, or charming a woman might be, he preferred to stay calm and avoid the trouble that often came with them.

He couldn’t control the reaction of a certain part of his body. If she wasn’t bothered by it, he certainly wasn’t going to be.

Soon after, Lady Qin had someone count the Spirit Stones. Her mood was clearly excellent. She looked at Cheng Zongyang, her smile growing more mysterious as she couldn’t resist teasing him:

"Aren’t you worried, little brother, that I’ll just take it all and leave you high and dry?"

Cheng Zongyang remained completely unfazed. He looked at Lady Qin, who was sitting across from him, and retorted with a tease of his own, "You wouldn’t be able to finish."

Through their few brief interactions, Lady Qin had come to understand that Cheng Zongyang was always restrained, polite, and composed.

She had expected him to get flustered this time as well, but she never imagined he’d fire back with such a suggestive retort.

"Hehehe..."

Lady Qin suddenly covered her mouth and burst into laughter. She laughed so hard her whole body shook, her chest trembling in a way that left Cheng Zongyang staring, completely mesmerized.