Liao Kai was no fool; he understood the market better than Xu Mu. He knew full well that a solitary Thunder Cloud Leopard cub was insufficient to merit a high-quality Foundation Establishment Cultivation Method.
"I own a vacant villa at Jiuming Lake," Liao Kai added smoothly. "Though I haven't resided there in some time, it has been meticulously maintained. You could move in this very day."
"If Brother Xu has no interest in such mundane assets, you may specify which immortal cultivation treasures you seek instead."
Jiuming Lake was the most prestigious luxury residential sector in River City. It consisted entirely of detached villas where even the most modest entry point exceeded 100 million. If Xu Mu accepted, the combination of the Thunder Cloud Leopard cub and the estate would indeed bridge the value gap.
Xu Mu was well aware of the reputation of Jiuming Lake. Improving his living environment had been a priority on his agenda for some time.
"Deal."
Liao Kai had only proposed the house to test his luck; he hadn't expected Xu Mu to be so decisive. The youth agreed with such ease that one might have thought they were merely trading a few common Medicinal Pills.
"Brother Xu is a straightforward man!" Liao Kai laughed. "Then I shall escort you to the villa immediately. If it meets your approval, we will finalize the title transfer and complete the transaction on the spot."
Xu Mu nodded in agreement.
The two exited Wanyue Tower together. Xu Mu followed Liao Kai into a sleek, luxury business vehicle waiting at the curb.
"This car has always been stationed at the villa. I’ll leave it for your use as well; consider it a vehicle for your daily errands," Liao Kai offered casually. "If you require a driver or a housekeeper, simply notify the property management. They handle every detail."
In an elite enclave like Jiuming Lake, the management fees were astronomical, but the service was peerless. The lake was situated in the heart of the city, a mere ten-minute drive from Wanyue Tower.
Forty-nine villas were nestled around the shores of Jiuming Lake, each separated by at least a hundred meters of private grounds, yet all retaining direct access to the water. The Spiritual Qi in the city center was already superior to the outskirts, but here, it was even denser.
While it remained vastly inferior to a Cave Abode built upon a Spiritual Vein, it was a significant upgrade from Xu Mu’s previous residence.
As the car glided through the gates, Xu Mu glanced out the window and spotted a woman in a blue-and-white tracksuit jogging along the lakeside path. She was tall, with long, athletic legs and a black ponytail that swayed rhythmically with her stride, radiating vitality.
As they passed, Xu Mu realized the jogger was Kou Ying—the only student in this year's River City class gifted with a High-Grade Spiritual Root. He knew her family was wealthy, but he hadn't realized they lived in Jiuming Lake.
Liao Kai suddenly spoke to the driver. "Stop for a moment."
The driver slowed the vehicle to a halt and lowered the window. Liao Kai called out with a smile, "Xiao Ying!"
Kou Ying slowed to a stop, looking surprised to see Liao Kai.
"Brother Kai? It’s been a long time."
Liao Kai’s voice took on a nostalgic tone. "It really has been a few years."
"Are you back for good?" she asked.
Liao Kai shook his head. "No, I’m actually selling my house. If all goes well, I’ll be handing the keys to this little brother here. You’ll be neighbors from now on."
Xu Mu leaned forward slightly, making eye contact with Kou Ying. A flash of genuine shock crossed her handsome features.
"It’s you," she murmured.
Liao Kai looked between them. "You two know each other?"
"We are both from Immortal Alliance No. 1 Middle School. We’ve crossed paths a few times," Xu Mu explained calmly.
Liao Kai beamed. "That’s excellent then. Neighbors and classmates—you can exchange insights on your Cultivation in the future."
He hadn't bothered to research Xu Mu's background; his only interest had been securing the Blazing Sun Departing Fire Art. Neither Xu Mu nor Kou Ying offered a further response. After a few more polite pleasantries, the car continued on its way.
The vehicle pulled into the gates of Villa No. 10, which boasted five parking spaces in its private courtyard.
"I'll give you the tour," Liao Kai said.
"Thank you for the trouble," Xu Mu replied politely.
"Think nothing of it. Brother Xu is young and full of promise; I have no doubt you’ll be admitted to Guchuan Academy in due time. When that day comes, I shall personally host your welcome feast," Liao Kai said with a grin.
He knew that anyone capable of trading such a top-tier Cultivation Technique at such a young age was far from ordinary.
Xu Mu smiled back. "So you're saying I’ve secured a backer before I’ve even stepped foot in the Academy?"
"Haha! Exactly!"
With the deal essentially struck, both men were in high spirits. Xu Mu followed him through the estate and found it impeccable.
Though this was one of the smaller villas in the development, it was still grand. The front yard spanned roughly 300 square meters, the back yard over 200, and the main structure featured two basement levels beneath three floors of living space. The back garden led directly to the water’s edge. From the third-floor balcony, the view of Jiuming Lake was completely unobstructed.
It was a perfect spot for lakeside fishing or a private barbecue. Xu Mu also noted that Kou Ying’s family occupied the larger, more opulent Villa No. 11 right next door.
"What do you think? Any issues with the property?" Liao Kai asked.
"It’s perfect," Xu Mu confirmed. It met his needs perfectly—any larger and living alone would have felt hollow.
Trading a Cultivation Technique he no longer required for a Mid-Grade Bloodline Spirit Beast and a luxury villa was an exceptional bargain.
They proceeded to finalize the property title transfer immediately. Once finished, Liao Kai produced a small, grey pouch.
"Brother Xu likely doesn't own a Spirit Beast Pouch yet, so I’ll include this in the deal. I’ve also prepared a Jade Slip detailing the specific requirements for raising a Thunder Cloud Leopard."
He handed the items over. In the real world, Spirit Beasts had to be kept in these specialized pouches, which were valuable artifacts in their own right.
"You are too generous, Brother Liao. Thank you."
Xu Mu then handed over the Jade Slip containing the Blazing Sun Departing Fire Art. Both parties were satisfied.
"Now that our business is concluded, I must return to Guchuan Academy. You must contact me when you arrive," Liao Kai said, his fingers tightening happily around his new technique.
"I certainly will," Xu Mu promised.
He decided Liao Kai was a decent sort, especially given the extra gift of the pouch. Just as Liao Kai turned to leave, Xu Mu realized something.
"Brother Liao, wait!"
"What’s wrong?" Liao Kai turned, a look of brief concern flitting across his face as if fearing a last-minute reversal.
Xu Mu laughed awkwardly. "I forgot—I am only at the Early Stage of Qi Refining. I haven't developed Divine Sense yet. I have to trouble you to help me release the Thunder Cloud Leopard cub."
One required Divine Sense to operate either a Spirit Beast Pouch or a Storage Pouch. More importantly, Xu Mu wanted to inspect his new companion for any issues.
Liao Kai let out a massive sigh of relief. "You gave me a fright! I thought you were regretting the trade."
It was clear how much he valued the technique. Xu Mu didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "How could I possibly regret it?"
Liao Kai performed the necessary ritual to release the cub before finally departing.
The creature was tiny—hardly larger than the palm of Xu Mu’s hand. Its body was slender and pure white. It was currently hairless, though faint, shimmering cloud patterns were already visible on its skin. It was fast asleep.
Xu Mu made a quick trip into his Cave Abode and placed the cub inside. Thunder Cloud Leopards were bred in the Cave Abode World, so they could transition between the two realms easily. The little fellow was a heavy sleeper; it snored softly throughout the entire relocation.
Yao Beasts were dictated by their Bloodline. If the lineage was strong enough, they didn't even need to actively Cultivate; their power would grow naturally even as they slept.
Next, Xu Mu contacted property management to finalize the hire of a housekeeper and a driver. He had the driver take him back to his school in the luxury business car.
He visited the Library one last time to borrow a Tier 1 Beast Tamer Legacy, ensuring he would have the knowledge to raise the leopard properly. This was his final free borrow; any further knowledge would have to be purchased.
After leaving the school grounds, Xu Mu returned to his old residential block to pack. He only needed his clothes; the new villa was fully furnished. The apartment was a rental, so a quick call to the landlord settled his affairs.
By sunset, Xu Mu was back at his new home in Jiuming Lake, ready to begin his new life.