If you are asked to raise a dog, you raise a stellar beast?

Chapter 68 The Huangfu Family

"Where do you think we should go now?"

Xu Mo looked at Huangfu Xuanjue, but he had no choice. In this secret realm, it was best to trust the locals.

Huangfu Xuanjue stroked his chin, pondered for a long time, and finally thought of a good place.

"I've got it! Why don't you come to my house with me?"

Xu Mo's eyes lit up. "You can do that?!"
It's so nice to be a local!
Huangfu Xuanjue led Xu Mo, dodging left and right, and after nearly half a day, they finally arrived at the Huangfu family home.

The Huangfu family mansion sits atop the dragon vein of the holy city. Its vermilion-lacquered gate with copper nails is over two zhang high, and a gilded plaque bestowed by the emperor hangs above the gate. The dragon patterns on the corners echo the beast heads with rings on the door knockers. When the morning light shines through the nine copper nails, the gilded beast faces gleam with a cold light.

The courtyard walls stretch for miles, their dark tiles overlapping like fish scales. Gnarled branches of ancient locust trees peek out from the top of the walls, creating a charming contrast with the lotus scroll patterns on the glazed screen wall. Passing through the hanging flower gate, three courtyards advance one after another. Twelve pairs of stone lanterns stand on both sides of the white marble path. During festivals, candles are lit, and the glow spreads across the broken porcelain shards embedded in the cracks of the blue brick floor, refracting into starlight-like glimmers.

A bronze wind chime hangs from the upturned eaves of the main hall, and the brackets beneath the eaves are carved with cloud and thunder patterns. The peony scrolls outlined in gold leaf between the beams still gleam with the luster of fresh lacquer. In the back garden, Taihu stones are piled up to form a mountain, with a flowing stream meandering through it. Beside the winding stone bridge stands a chessboard carved from a single piece of green jade, its squares perpetually covered with a thin layer of mica powder resembling snow.

The library at the westernmost corner has a double-eaved hip roof with bronze bells hanging from the eaves to ward off evil spirits. The building is constructed from a single piece of golden nanmu wood, and the window frames are inlaid with mica pieces in ice-crack patterns. The scholarly atmosphere mixed with the scent of camphor permeates the entire street in the twilight.

The magnificent aura left Xu Mo completely dumbfounded.

Xu Mo thought to himself, "It seems I really am a country bumpkin."

"What are you standing there for? Come on, let's go inside!"

Huangfu Xuanjue put his arm around Xu Mo's shoulder and led him into his home.

"Xu Mo, look at my house, are you satisfied? Now all we need to do is find a room we like and sleep soundly. Let me tell you, with the complexity of my house, most people wouldn't be able to find us!"

Huangfu Xuanjue led Xu Mo through a maze of turns into the Huangfu family mansion.

Huangfu Xuanjue was right. Without his guidance, Xu Mo would probably have been completely bewildered as soon as he entered the gate.

Not to mention going this deep.

It seems that wealthy people are quite concerned about their personal safety.

The two walked for a long time before finally reaching the deepest part of the Huangfu family's residence.

"Oh my god, this is so tiring, your house is so big."

Since entering this secret realm.

Except for the time spent resting at Qinghua Pool.

Xu Mo and Huangfu Xuanjue did not rest for a moment.

Wandering around the Huangfu family mansion any longer only made Xu Mo, who was already exhausted, even more tired.

Huangfu Xuanjue was also panting heavily. He had never thought his house was that big before, because back then, someone would always pick him up and drop him off whenever he came home.

I've been walking around for ages, and this place seems so huge!
"Hoo hoo hoo, Xu Mo, don't be the only one who thinks this place is too big. It seems that home is better when it's cozy and cozy!"

Huangfu Xuanjue was panting heavily, complaining.

"How much longer until we reach the inner courtyard?"

Xu Mo looked at the dazzling buildings around him and felt a little dizzy.

How much longer until we reach the inner courtyard?!

According to Huangfu Xuanjue, the Huangfu family mansion is divided into an inner courtyard and an outer courtyard.

The outer courtyard is far less complex and fortified than the inner courtyard.

So, in order for the two of them to hide in peace, Huangfu Xuanjue decided to take Xu Mo into the inner courtyard.

"It'll be soon, but Xu Mo, you absolutely mustn't tell anyone about me taking you into the inner courtyard of our Huangfu family. Otherwise, my father will beat me to death if he finds out!" Huangfu Xuanjue said to Xu Mo, not forgetting to give him this instruction.

Xu Mo curled his lip: "What's there to say? Who would I tell? Besides, your family is already imprinted in the Holy City's secret realm, so why would you be afraid of others knowing what your family is like?"

"Tch, the Huangfu family is one of the creators of the Holy City Secret Realm. That's why the Holy City Secret Realm can reflect the Huangfu family. And even if it does reflect the family, so what? Within this secret realm, no one else can enter the Huangfu family."

When the Huangfu family was mentioned, Huangfu Xuanjue couldn't help but puff out his chest.

As one of the largest families within the Holy City, Huangfu Xuanjue naturally had the confidence to be arrogant.

"Alright, stop showing off. I know your Huangfu family is powerful and wealthy. So hurry up and take me inside!"

Xu Mo said irritably, "As for leaking secrets? He simply can't remember such a complicated Huangfu family."

Not to mention leaks.

"Wait a minute, I need to familiarize myself with the way too."

Huangfu Xuanjue scratched his head awkwardly.

Xu Mo was speechless. Isn't this your own home?
Why do we need to know the way?

Time ticked by, and Huangfu Xuanjue remained lost in thought.

Just as Xu Mo couldn't help but urge him on...

Huangfu Xuanjue's eyes lit up: "I've got it! Follow me!"

Xu Mo...

He now strongly suspects that Huangfu Xuanjue did this on purpose.

However, he had no choice but to follow Huangfu Xuanjue, otherwise it would be bad if he got lost in the maze-like Huangfu family compound.

Huangfu Xuanjue led Xu Mo through a maze of turns to a courtyard.

Stepping into that courtyard, it felt as if time itself slowed down. The winding stone path in the courtyard was smooth and even, polished by the years, with lush flowers and plants on both sides, and countless unnamed wildflowers blooming here and there, emitting a faint fragrance.

In the center of the courtyard stands a rustic stone table with several stone benches. The stone table bears the marks of time, as if telling stories of the past. In a corner, a tall osmanthus tree provides shade, its branches rustling in the breeze.

Not far away, in a small pond, water lilies floated lazily, and several red koi fish frolicked in the water, occasionally blowing bubbles and creating ripples.

Vines climbed all over the wall, lush and green, blending seamlessly with the surrounding scenery. Several birdcages hung on the wall, and the birds chirped merrily, adding a touch of life to the tranquil courtyard. Here, there was no outside noise, only the gentle breeze, the fragrance of flowers, and the chirping of birds, instantly calming the heart and immersing one in this leisurely and peaceful tranquility.

“This courtyard is where my father usually rests. Let’s rest here today.”

Huangfu Xuanjue looked at Xu Mo.

Xu Mo entered the courtyard and was somewhat stunned.

After exploring the maze for so long, he finally found a place where he could rest in peace!

The two washed themselves in the courtyard, after all, personal hygiene should be taken into account no matter what.

As night fell, the two fell into a deep sleep in the courtyard; they were utterly exhausted.

……

Outside the Huangfu family gate

A tall, handsome man dressed in white slowly pushed open the door of the Huangfu family's house: "Cousin, I wonder if you're here..."

(End of this chapter)