Longevity Martial Arts: I have a Mysterious Water Snake Avatar

The General's Mansion was vast, consisting of three pathways and multiple quadrangles arranged in strict central-axis symmetry. The layout was well-organized and formally arranged. Pavilions, terraces, and towers with flying eaves and green tiles intertwined complexly, winding back and forth, exuding a refined elegance without sacrificing grandeur and majesty.

There was a garden named Xiwang Garden, nestled amidst mountains and water, offering a pleasing landscape.

At this moment, Hong Yuan and Mo Jiuyou were sitting in a pavilion in Xiwang Garden, watching from a distance as maids and old nannies entertained Yue'er by chasing butterflies with her.

Her childlike, bell-like laughter rang out incessantly, a delightful sound.

"Yuan, tell me about the recent situation of Master, Zhu, and Yiru," Mo Jiuyou spoke softly.

"Yes, Senior Brother," Hong Yuan responded.

Hong Yuan then detailed the circumstances of Master Lin Daoyan, Zhu Wushang, and Lin Yiru to Mo Jiuyou, who listened with keen interest and nodded from time to time.

When Mo Jiuyou learned that Lin Yiru had become very self-absorbed and had been left half-crippled by Li Jianxiang, he sipped his tea, suppressing the rage within him.

However, when he found out that Hong Yuan had challenged Li Jianxiang and had beaten him into a similar state in a fair and square fight, he was greatly pleased and gave Hong Yuan a thumbs-up.

"Brother Mo, this is an envelope from Brother Zhu, which he asked me to pass on to you," Hong Yuan said as he took out a letter handwritten by Zhu Wushang and solemnly handed it over.

"Oh?" Mo Jiuyou lifted his sleeve, opened the envelope, and read attentively.

Mo Jiuyou read the letter very thoroughly and slowly. About a quarter of an hour later, he carefully put the letter away.

"Prudent, devoted to cultivation, fond of peace, and averse to socializing," Mo Jiuyou said with a smile, looking at Hong Yuan and gently shaking his head. He evidently found Hong Yuan's excessively cautious nature somewhat perplexing.

How should one put it? To put it nicely, it's called being prudent; to put it bluntly, it's being as timid as a mouse.

"Indeed, I have never been fond of fighting in my life; I only wish to cultivate. Please forgive me, Brother Mo," Hong Yuan said with a bashful smile.

"Oh, you," said Mo Jiuyou with a sense of helplessness, and then added, "Since that's the case, you can take the position of Dongyu District Official. Dongyu District is close to the Pengcheng government office. If you encounter any troubles, you can seek help from Magistrate Liu. If it's something you can't handle, come find me."

"Thank you, Brother Mo, thank you very much," Hong Yuan replied gratefully.

He had done his research before coming and was aware of the major districts in Pengcheng.

He had thought that, at most, he would be appointed to a position like Zhengle District Official, but he hadn't expected his Senior Brother Mo to be so generous!

Thus, through his connections in the Sect, Hong Yuan easily obtained the appointment as the Dongyu District Official.

Meanwhile, Zhang Kaihe was still waiting desperately outside the General's Mansion.

Once Mo Jiuyou's decision was relayed, the General's Mansion was the first to take action.

When Niu Shan, a member of Mo Jiuyou's council of advisors, saw the draft of the appointment, he smiled bitterly to himself. How pitiful, toiling year after year with golden threads, only to weave a wedding gown for another. Brother Kaihe, this isn't a failure in battle; forgive my inability to help.

Zhang Kaihe had once bribed Niu Shan heavily, hoping Niu Shan would help relay any signals of Mo Jiuyou's inclinations regarding the appointment of the Dongyu District Official.

Zhang Kaihe was originally not on the list of candidates for Dongyu District Official, but based on this signal, he actively maneuvered, and his standing in Mo Jiuyou's consideration gradually improved.

Sadly, there was an unexpected turn of events.

Although Zhang Kaihe had made grand promises to Mo Jiuyou, Mo Jiuyou was indifferent to his pledges. The two were not on the same level; Zhang Kaihe did not even have the qualifications to meet Mo Jiuyou.

At night, darkness fell, and the vast Pengcheng was shrouded in dimness.

However, the lights in the General's Mansion of Pengcheng were blazing brightly, as bright as day.

During this family banquet at his Senior Brother Mo's, Hong Yuan came to understand what was meant by staggering power and utmost luxury.

It was supposed to be a family banquet for just his Senior Brother Mo's family of three and himself, yet his Senior Brother Mo had prepared a staggering array of more than a hundred dishes. This count of over a hundred dishes was not an approximation, nor was it padded with small pickle dishes to make up the numbers; they were genuinely substantial main courses.

These delicacies were mostly the flesh of first-tier Demon Beasts; from the ingredients to the preparation, everything was top-notch, allowing for no carelessness.

Bear paws, abalone, bird's nest...

Snacks, cold dishes, soups and porridges...

Roasted, fried, steamed, boiled, and more—chicken, duck, fish, and meat prepared in all different ways...

"Yuan, does it not suit your taste? If not, I can have someone make it again," Senior Brother Mo said enthusiastically.

"Not at all, not at all," Hong Yuan quickly replied, bowing his head and focusing on his meal.

He didn't comment on his senior brother's extravagance, for he himself was a beneficiary of such privileges and thus lacked the standing to say such things. My V-i%r$tu#al& L^ib@ra+r.y* E%mp!ire- (M|V@|*L&E1M!P$Y$R) t&hank#s^ you for r@e#a%d^in.g at the so!urce.#

He was simply shocked by the astonishing power his Senior Brother Mo wielded and by the sheer might of the Phoenix Creek Sect.

Within the Sect, everyone was a disciple of the Phoenix Creek Sect. How could there be such luxury? How could one feel such power?

At that moment, Hong Yuan felt extremely fortunate to be a disciple of the Phoenix Creek Sect.

After the meal, Hong Yuan played with Yue'er for a while. When she grew sleepy, he returned to his guest room to rest.

In the guest room, two beautiful maids, wearing only thin undergarments, lay on Hong Yuan's large bed, presumably to warm it for him.

Both were once noble young ladies from old, distinguished families in Pengcheng, but when the Black Wolf Army arrived, they both became captives. After a series of twists and turns, they were trained to be maids.

CREAK.

As Hong Yuan opened the door, he immediately noticed something unusual on his bed, swiftly activated Cloud Ladder Cicada, and raised a Fireball Talisman in his hand.

If anything was amiss, he was prepared to make a quick escape.

If it weren't for being in the General's Mansion, Hong Yuan might have attacked.

"Who's there!" Hong Yuan demanded sternly.

From the cotton-quilted bed, the two disgraced noble young ladies who had been sent to warm it tensed at Hong Yuan's imposing presence.

The slightly older maid tremblingly raised her head, revealing a beautiful face; the other maid followed suit.

Truly, each possessed a unique beauty, like different exquisite flowers vying for attention!

"Maids for warming the bed?" Hong Yuan's brows furrowed. "That's enough. You may leave now."

"S-Sir," one stammered, "this humble girl can serve you in bed."

"Yes, Sir," the other added. "We are both virgins."

Looking at the two young women promoting themselves before him, Hong Yuan's frown deepened. However, it soon smoothed out, and he waved his hand again to dismiss them.

"Both of you leave. I don't want to say it a third time," Hong Yuan spoke emotionlessly, but the two maids felt a bone-chilling coldness. Abandoning any thoughts of latching onto someone powerful, they hastily dressed and left the guest room.

Hong Yuan's mood was somewhat complicated at the moment.

Fine beauties, delicious food, exquisite music...

Since leaving the Sect, the temptations he faced had multiplied. In such an environment, it was no wonder that disciples from the Holy Lands often ended up playing the villain's role.

Only immortality, only eternal life! Hong Yuan quietly repeated these words twice, his resolve in pursuing the Dao becoming even more steadfast.

「Zero Desolate Sea Area, Spirit Fox Island.」

Huan Shuangmeng, who had been desperately cultivating with all her might, intending to take revenge on the Demon Beast Hong Yuan, was dragged out of her Immortal's Cave by Qing He and her team. Qing He led her under guard to the center of the island for judgment.

Because of Huan Shuangmeng's disrespectful actions towards the Demon Beast Hong Yuan, Spirit Fox Island had suffered a major blow and incurred heavy losses!