Chapter 1007: Stars Surrounding the Moon

Chapter 1007: Chapter 1007: Stars Surrounding the Moon

Chen Rui led Ye Qingchen and Xiao Xiao back to his residence.

Walking along the stone slab road leading to the mansion, both were lost in their own thoughts, but they simultaneously noticed their surroundings.

Chen Rui’s residence was located in one of the most prosperous areas within the Jiang Ancient Clan, surrounded by grand and ancient mansions, clearly inhabited by people of remarkable status.

In front of the mansion stood a stone bridge, beneath which flowed a clear stream, its waters murmuring; occasionally, bright-colored fish could be seen swimming, creating a tranquil scene that soothed one’s spirit.

Arriving at the main gate, the first sight was the imposing grand entrance.

This grand gate towered at least two zhang high, embedded with dozens of precious Luminous Pearls the size of fists, sparkling under the sunlight.

On each side of the gate stood a majestic stone lion, so lifelike that they seemed ready to leap down from their stone pedestals to pounce on visitors.

Before the gate were two guards dressed in Golden Armor, with longswords at their waists, exuding vigor; upon seeing Chen Rui, they immediately bowed in respect, their expressions mixed with deference and awe.

Evidently, they were acutely aware of Chen Rui’s status and strength, not daring to show the slightest negligence.

Pushing open the gates, the scenery inside was even more astonishing.

The interior of Chen Rui’s mansion was exceptionally spacious, floored with mirror-like white marble tiles, so clean that they practically reflected one’s image.

Facing the gate was a towering rockery, its layers lush with greenery, water flowing gently from its summit into a Lotus Pond filled with vibrant Red Lotus; lotus leaves covered the water, swaying with the breeze, emitting a faint fragrance.

On each side of the rockery, a bluestone path led to the inner courtyard of the mansion.

Alongside these paths were various exotic flora, verdant and blooming with fragrance, making one feel as if they were in an Immortal Realm.

Above the paths arched several exquisite stone bridges, beneath which flowed clear streams winding through, with willows dangling on their banks, brushing the water surface to create ripples, presenting a scene of graceful tranquility.

Walking further, one could see an ancient and elegant ancestral hall, its architectural style dignified and grand with flying eaves and bracket systems, commanding an extraordinary presence.

On both sides of the hall were rows of orderly wing rooms, their window lattices intricately carved, outside of which different shapes of bonsai were displayed, giving off an especially refined touch.

Throughout the mansion, there were beautifully decorated ancient artworks and calligraphy, with every detail reflecting the owner’s wealth and taste.

On the walls hung famous calligraphy and landscape scrolls, their lines fluid and their themes profound.

In the center of the hall was a large Purple Sandalwood table, upon which lay several unopened ancient scrolls and a green porcelain lamp, its light soft, rendering the room cozy and elegant.

On either side of the hall, several maids and servants were busily moving to and fro, their steps light and swift, faces marked by respect and caution, clearly well-acquainted with the mansion’s rules.

Whenever they passed by Chen Rui, they would pause to bow respectfully, only resuming their work once he walked away.

Among this lavish grandeur, Ye Qingchen and Xiao Xiao stood out starkly.

They appeared especially out of place in this luxurious estate, yet Ye Qingchen’s demeanor remained composed, his eyes betraying no emotion, although his mind was already assessing the layout and defenses silently.

Though Xiao Xiao felt a bit uneasy, she forced herself to stay calm, closely following Ye Qingchen, carefully observing everything around them.

Chen Rui walked at the front, a smug smile on his face, as if he had already completely controlled the two.

To him, this mansion was not only a symbol of power and wealth but also the foundation upon which he could establish himself within the Ancient Clan.

He was evidently full of confidence in his territory, believing that no matter how troublesome Ye Qingchen and Xiao Xiao were, once inside his mansion, they could cause no waves.

Just as Chen Rui stepped into the hall, before he could sit down, a few gorgeous beauties swarmed toward him like cloud-hued mist.

These women were graceful and charming, each with their own unique allure, but without exception, they were beauties among beauties.

The first to approach Chen Rui was a woman in a pale pink dress, her skin snowy, her features delicate, a smile like a spring breeze, refreshing to the soul.

She walked up to Chen Rui, her voice as melodious as a silver bell, softly saying, "Young Master Chen, why have you returned so early today? Is there something troubling you?"

She spoke while gently holding Chen Rui’s arm, nestling beside him like a delicate flower, exuding a subtle fragrance.

Following her was a woman in light green gauze, her charms exceeded those of the previous woman with more flirtatious allure, her eyes captivating one’s soul.

She drew close to Chen Rui’s other side, gently tidying his collar, her voice sweet as if it could drip water: "Young Master, it must be scorching outside, let me fan you."

Saying this, she took out an ivory folding fan, lightly fanning Chen Rui, the breezes bringing hints of her faint scent, enhancing the comfort.

The third to approach was a woman in a purple brocade gown, her features exquisite and defined, eyes imbued with a hint of heroic spirit, yet appearing especially compliant before Chen Rui.

She held a jade pot of silver tea, softly saying, "Young Master Chen, I specially brewed your favorite Longjing tea, please try it and see if my skills have improved."

Her tone gentle, carrying a trace of anticipation, eyes glowing with tenderness, as if a single compliment from Chen Rui would bring her satisfaction.

The final one was a young girl in a goose-yellow gauze dress, the youngest of the group, her skin like jade, cheeks like peony, with dimples when she smiled, extraordinarily sweet.

She did not speak, only stood quietly by Chen Rui, lifting a silk cloth to gently wipe the sweat from his forehead, her actions cautious, fearing to hurt him.

These women each had their charms, whether flirtatious, gentle, or sweet, all exhibiting their allure, scrambling to please Chen Rui.

They spoke softly, were tenderly considerate, as if with just one word from Chen Rui, they would willingly take on any hardship for him.

Chen Rui basked in the attention of these beauties, his pride and satisfaction overflowing beyond expression.

He savored their care and attention, evidently accustomed to such a lifestyle adored by all.

He often gently stroked the pink-clad woman’s hand, smiling in response to the green-clad woman’s greeting, or nodding in praise of the purple-clad woman’s tea.