Chapter 426: The Joy of Moving In
From morning until dusk, the third-quarter assessment for the outer perimeter of the Spirit Farm finally concluded.
The number of Outer Peak disciples who earned their official status this time was fewer than the previous two quarters-only twelve.
Ten of them were even disciples who had failed the previous quarter and only just managed to pass.
Although it did not break his previous record, guiding over ten people to success for three consecutive quarters was more than enough to prove Jiang Chen’s capability.
“Farewell, Junior Sister Lin!”
“Farewell, Junior Sister Luo!”
“Tomorrow, I will lead all of you junior brothers and sisters into the core of the Spirit Farm!”
With that, Jiang Chen stepped onto the Shattered Moon Flowing Frost and soared into the sky.
By the time he returned, his five acres of Spirit Farm had already been moved.
Yes, moved.The entire plot of land, along with its rich black soil, was completely gone.
Jiang Chen had originally assumed they would simply change locations and force him to reclaim and till new fields from scratch.
He never expected them to harness the power of the earth veins to uproot and transport the entire plot.
The stone house, the wooden cabin, the doghouse, the chicken coops, and the pond remained untouched.
Wu Guangman and his crew had already departed. The spiritual toll of moving the land was immense, and starting tomorrow, they had to begin constructing the new estate.
Ordinary dwellings were simple enough, but Jiang Chen’s request was entirely different.
It covered a massive expanse and required multiple distinct courtyards.
At this moment, Da Huang and Wang Zai trotted over, their tails wagging happily.
Jiang Chen patted their heads one by one. “In a few days, we’ll be moving to a much bigger home.”
…
…
Time flowed like water, and three days passed in a flash.
Jiang Chen brought Da Huang, Wang Zai, Gege, the Fire Crow, Fortress, the Poplar Tree Spirit, dozens of pearl chickens, and the turtles and fish from the pond-his entire sprawling family-to Red Leaf Valley.
Thanks to the tireless efforts of Wu Guangman’s team, the estate, the Spirit Farm, and the pond were finally complete.
The entrance was wide and open, paved with heavy bluestone slabs a full zhang across.
Both sides of the path were lined with vibrant red maple trees, each standing two zhang tall.
The walkway mimicked a rugged mountain trail, inlaid with rough, irregular stones.
At the end stood a moon gate, perfectly round and elegantly devoid of any ornate carvings.
The main roof featured a sweeping overhanging gable, layered with bluish-grey ceramic tiles.
Inside stood four thick pillars of aged fir, left unpainted and uncarved to show their natural grain.
The east wing living quarters consisted of a modest two-story building, topped with dark grey wooden shingles.
The first floor housed the kitchen.
The second floor served as the bedroom.
The west wing mirrored the east in its rustic appearance, though it was only a single story tall.
It was divided into three distinct chambers: a study, a cultivation room, and a brewing area.
The rear courtyard was even more elaborate, featuring a winding, shallow stream one zhang wide and seven zhang long.
The crystal-clear water reached an adult’s calf, flowing over a bed of smooth river pebbles.
A flat stone bridge spanned the water, connecting the two halves of the courtyard.
The stream drew its water directly from the pond, babbling with a soft, continuous murmur.
The east garden was currently devoid of trees, left open for the Poplar Tree Spirit to take root. A gravel path crunched underfoot, leading deep into the garden where a quiet pavilion housed a bluestone table and four stone stools.
The west garden reserved a full acre of rich soil and featured a sturdy shed. This area was dedicated to growing vegetables, melons, and fruits, while also serving as a spacious pen for the dozens of pearl chickens.
The east and west gardens, along with the main hall, were seamlessly connected by a wooden corridor one zhang wide.
Jiang Chen stood at the moon gate and gazed inward. His new home sat nestled among the crimson maples, its bluish-grey roof tiles blending into the vast sky.
Golden sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled, shifting shadows across the floor of the main hall.
The gentle flow of the backyard stream provided a constant, soothing murmur that washed away the fatigue of the day.
Jiang Chen quickly settled the dozens of pearl chickens into the west garden’s shed, transplanted the Poplar Tree Spirit beside the east garden’s pavilion, and finally released Da Huang, Wang Zai, and Gege.
The moment they stepped into their new home and took in the unfamiliar environment.
The two dogs immediately grew alert, sniffing the air and scanning the courtyard with cautious eyes.
Only Gege casually found a comfortable patch of dirt and lay down, looking entirely unbothered.
Seeing that the sun was still high, Jiang Chen proceeded to place the Formation, the Light Spirit Turtle, and the Red-tailed Carp into the newly expanded pond.
This time, he had specifically instructed Wu Guangman’s crew to dig the pond much larger.
It was now fifteen zhang long and ten zhang wide.
Aside from raising fish, he planned to introduce a flock of ducks and geese.
Once everything was settled, Jiang Chen returned to the entrance.
Something was missing here-something incredibly crucial.
Wu Guangman asked with a warm smile, “Spirit Envoy Jiang, have you decided on a name for your new estate?”
Jiang Chen looked at the vibrant red maple trees surrounding them and pondered for a moment. “Since this is Red Leaf Valley, let us call it the Red Maple Residence.”
Soon, a polished wooden plaque was hung at the entrance.
Beside the three bold characters for “Red Maple Residence,” four smaller characters were carved into the wood: No Entry Without Invitation!
Naturally, this served merely as a polite warning.
It informed any wandering cultivators that this land had a master and was not to be trespassed upon.
Next, Jiang Chen planned to have Han Xin install several Formations across the property.
In addition to his previous Mirror Flower Water Moon Array, he intended to set up a Maze Formation at the entrance and cast a massive Light and Shadow Formation over the entirety of Red Leaf Valley.
This way, outsiders soaring overhead would see nothing but an illusion of untouched wilderness.
“Spirit Envoy Jiang, we will take our leave!”
“Thank you all for your hard work!”
“Remember to send a talisman if you need anything else; we are always on standby!”
Soon, every member of Wu Guangman’s team departed with satisfied smiles, each carrying a Top Grade watermelon.
After seeing them off, Jiang Chen immediately pulled a thick stack of Communication Talismans from his Jade Green Gourd.
He first reached out to Old Jin, Long Ao, Chen Tian, Chen Bo, Han Xin, Wang Ze, Zhao Feng, Ruo Qunshuang, and his other close acquaintances. He even sent one to Senior Sister Yu.
Next came Miao Huayu, Xu Linshan, Wang Xiezi, and the group of Outer Peak disciples he had successfully guided to official status-nearly forty people in total.
Since he had moved into a proper estate, it was only right to notify everyone.
Unfortunately, Old Mo, Old Bai, and a few others had not yet returned to the Immortal Sect.
Long Ao could not be reached, likely venturing outside the sect’s borders.
Tie Zhu answered his talisman this time, though it was uncertain if he would actually attend.
Senior Sister Yu also replied; upon hearing the news, she neither agreed to come nor explicitly refused.
As for Miao Huayu, Xu Linshan, and the newer disciples, they naturally had no reason to refuse and agreed immediately.
With the invitations sent, Jiang Chen headed straight to the kitchen to prepare the first meal in his new home.
Not long after, Jin Fugui was the first to arrive, hauling over a massive bounty of fresh spirit beast meat.
Jin Fugui looked around the courtyard, clicking his tongue in admiration. “Old Jiang, this new place of yours is truly magnificent!”
Jiang Chen smiled. “I need to focus on the stoves. You help me receive the guests.”
Jin Fugui grinned mischievously. “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure to collect every single gift for you.”
Surprisingly, the second person to arrive was Zhao Feng. He presented a rare spirit plant known as the Red Maple Ironwood, which was clearly a mutated variant.
Then came Ruo Qunshuang, Han Xin, and Wang Ze. The three arrived one after another, gifting a Water Concealment Talisman, a promise of free Formation upgrades, and a pouch of Soul-Returning Grass seeds, respectively.
Chen Bo arrived alongside Chen Tian, but they were not alone. Qin Hao, Qiu Su, and Xuan Zang-whom Jiang Chen had only met once before-accompanied them.
Qin Hao gifted a five-pattern Spirit Weapon he had forged with his own hands, the Purple Light Sword!
Chen Tian presented the five-hundred-year core of a water-attribute demon!
Chen Bo was rather shameless, proudly gifting “a Senior Brother’s profound care and concern”!
Qiu Su was quite thoughtful, offering a complete set of Maple Shadow Formation Flags!
Xuan Zang gifted fifty Clear Heart Pills, even casually mentioning he had more if needed!
Later on, Tie Zhu actually showed up, bringing Li Xianglin with him. The two of them rather awkwardly presented a single Mid-grade Spirit Stone!
As for Miao Huayu, Xu Linshan, and the others, having only recently earned their official status, they earnestly gifted sacks of their freshly harvested Spirit Rice!