Chapter 120: Han Lin Goes Shopping

Within the stone walls of Lu Feng’s estate, the sharp tension from the training hall had gradually dissolved and the estate felt tranquil and peaceful once again.

In the outer courtyard, Han Lin moved briskly between the garden stone paths, carrying a freshly washed bundle of linen sheets. Her warm, cheerful presence always brought a sense of home to the grand property. Even as the head manager of the estate staff, she insisted on overseeing the household details herself, making sure every room was kept spotless and every cushion properly aired out.

As she passed near the shaded veranda of the main pavilion, she spotted Lu Feng and Ye Chenxue conversing quietly on the stone steps.

Han Lin adjusted the wooden basket resting against her hip, a pleasant, gentle smile lighting up her face as she walked over. "Young Master Lu, Miss Ye. I hope I am not interrupting your discussion?"

Lu Feng turned with a warm, easy smile, shaking his head. "Not at all, Sister Han. How are the preparations for the evening coming along?"

"Everything is running smoothly, Master Lu," Han Lin replied cheerfully, wiping a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "The kitchen staff has already started preparing the evening meal, and the inner chambers are fully tidied."

She paused, looking toward the main gates before glancing back at Lu Feng with a soft, slightly embarrassed giggle. "Actually, Young Master... if it is not too much trouble, I was hoping to ask for permission to head out into the shopping district for an hour or two before sunset."

Ye Chenxue tilted her head slightly, curious. "Heading out to the market? Is there something missing from the estate inventory, Sister Han?"

"Oh, nothing urgent, Miss Ye," Han Lin explained warmly, counting the items on her slender fingers. "However, since our household has grown with the newly hired servants and guards, I was hoping to stack up some more fresh cooking spices, scented bath oils, and some other flavoured tea leaves. The kitchen staff also mentioned needing a few extra ceramic bowls for the side dining hall. I figured it would be best if I personally went to the commercial strip to handpick the best quality items myself."

Lu Feng nodded in instant understanding. "Of course. Your dedication to the household is always appreciated, Sister Han. However, given the recent events in the city, you should not go alone."

"There is no need to worry, Young Master," Han Lin smiled softly, touched by his concern. "I plan to take one of the girls and Old Ma with me, and I will strictly stay within the bright, busy main paths. I shall return well before dusk sets in."

"Very well," Lu Feng smiled, reaching into his inner sleeve to pull out a small, velvet coin pouch lined with heavy silver coins and some gold. He handed it directly into her palm. "Take this. Purchase whatever the estate needs, and treat yourself and the workers to something nice while you are out."

Han Lin’s eyes widened slightly at the generosity of the allowance, but seeing Lu Feng’s firm, warm gaze, she accepted the pouch with a deep, respectful bow. "Thank you, Young Master Lu! I shall make sure every coin is well spent."

With a cheerful skip in her step, Han Lin turned and hurried off toward the side quarters to gather her helper servants, leaving a light trail of pleasant laughter behind her.

Lu Feng watched her departing figure until she disappeared through the inner archway, his warm expression gradually settling into a quiet, focused calm. The small slice of ordinary, peaceful life on the estate was precisely what he wanted to protect from the dark undercurrents of Crimson Vale.

He turned to Ye Chenxue, his eyes growing serious. "Sister Han will be fine on the main thoroughfares, but I intend to make sure our estate remains fully secure while she is out."

"Are you heading into seclusion now?" Ye Chenxue asked, noticing the subtle shift in his aura.

"Yes," Lu Feng replied, folding his arms into his sleeves. "My cultivation base needs to advance before any unexpected troubles knock on our doors. However, there is one small problem that needs addressing first."

He looked toward the western wing where the private training hall was situated.

"Those two captives are currently bound inside my designated training hall," Lu Feng said, a slight, wry chuckle escaping his lips. "I cannot properly enter secluded meditation and focus my spiritual energy with two thrashing, noisy intruders occupying my personal space."

Ye Chenxue let out a low huff of amusement. "That is understandable. Where do you intend to move them?"

"The old storage cellar beneath the eastern guard house," Lu Feng said smoothly. "It is cold, dark, reinforced with heavy stone walls, and far away from my quiet chambers."

Lu Feng turned toward the main gate walkway and raised his voice slightly, his smooth, clear tone carrying effortlessly across the spacious courtyard without needing to shout.

"Song Heng! Bai Bao!"

Within seconds, heavy, disciplined footfalls echoed down the stone steps. Song Heng and Bai Bao appeared around the corner, moving at a swift trot before coming to a stop in front of Lu Feng, both bowing at attention with deep respect.

"Young Master!" Song Heng called out. "What are your orders?"

Lu Feng looked at his two dutiful guards, pointing a slender finger toward the secluded western hall.

"Head back to the training pavilion," Lu Feng instructed calmly. "Move our two ’guests’ out of my personal training hall and relocate them deep into the underground storage cellar beneath the eastern part of the estate. Bind them securely to the stone supports there and ensure the iron door is locked tight."

Bai Bao grinned, his hand resting on his blade hilt. "Understood, Young Master! We will move the rats out immediately and ensure they don’t disturb a single breath of your training!"

"Once they are secured, resume your perimeter posts," Lu Feng added with a warm nod. "I am entering secluded cultivation, and I expect total quiet across the estate grounds."

"We will guard your seclusion with our lives, Master Lu!" Song Heng declared firmly, his chest swelling with pride as he and Bai Bao bowed once more before turning to carry out his commands.

Watching the two guards march off toward the western wing to handle the prisoners, Lu Feng turned back toward his private pavilion, ready to begin his path toward higher strength.