When someone speaks of the North Aislu Continent they cannot help but mention its one true Hegemon; the Mu Household.
The Mu Household, which saw its inception some fifty years ago, was established by its Patriarch, Mu Wudi. Patriarch Mu Wudi, also known as Sovereign Mu, is the youngest Sovereign in the history of this work. Not only is he one of the strongest individuals in existence but he is also a Path Ancestor.
[AN: Path Ancestor is a title. It refers to the Founder of a recognized Named Path. More on this later]
A famously handsome man, Mu Wudi is known to have seventeen wives and is the only person known to have such a massive harem in the current Era. More shocking than this, however, is the fact that all the women in his harem are 'proud daughters of heaven' –that is, influential and famous people— and famous celestial beauties. To have one such beauty as a wife would be the blessing of a lifetime. To have multiple such wives could only be chalked up to the blessings of Heaven.
Having sired fifty or so children between his wives, Patriarch Mu could be said to have successfully established his household and left its mark on this world. Earning respect and admiration from the countless people of this world, the Mu Household enjoys its place as the sole Hegemon of a large Continent.
And today, on the 4th Day of the Fifth Month in the Year 735 NCE, a certain individual stood at the entrance of the massive gates that guarded this illustrious household.
Having travelled for just under a month since his departure from the small town in the middle of Isilda Continent, Wuzhi had finally reached the first destination of his journey.
Standing some distance away from those massive bronze gates, Wuzhi stood in awe as he gazed at the scene in front of him. A large crowd of workers busily rushed about as they entered the exited the gates of the Mu Household. He noticed massive caravans and trucks, operating on roaring engines, entering the gates with their seams bursting with various unknown goods.
An auspicious aura of celebration hung in the air as the servants and workers cobbled around preparing the estate for the celebration that was to occur.
It was for the Engagement Ceremony of their Eldest Young Master!
After appreciating the sights and immersing himself in the aura, Wuzhi pressed on his bamboo hat and stepped forward with the suitcase in his hand. He walked up to the busy gates, which were being patrolled by heavily armed guards, and spoke.
"Greetings, Sir Practitioners. This humble one is named Wuzhi. I was hoping to meet with the Patriarch of the Mu Household and wonder if you would allow my entrance." Wuzhi's words were as polite as ever.
The two guards seemed thrown off by his words. After spending a second to understand his meaning, the two of them warily gazed at the youth. Scanning him from top-to-bottom, they asked, "Why do you want to meet with our Patriarch?"
"Oh, yes. About that." Wuzhi hurriedly dug into his pocket. From within, he retrieved an old, worn-looking pendant.
Just from sight, it was clear that this was an ordinary pendant that had seen the tides of time. However, traces of how well it had been kept by its owner were also prominent.
Looking at this pendant, a complicated look flashed across Wuzhi's eyes. However, his mood soon settled as he replied to the two guards. "I was instructed by the owner of this pendant to personally hand this over to Sovereign Mu. I hope that Sir Practitioners can allow my entry to complete this task."
The two guards wore ponderous expressions on their faces. They then walked away, just out of earshot range of Wuzhi, and seemingly discussed something. After a few minutes, they returned and informed Wuzhi. "We can allow you to enter. Patriarch Mu had left the household in the morning with his children. However, seeing as how it's almost two in the afternoon, they should be returning soon."
Showing a kind smile to Wuzhi, they said, "You should be able to meet him then."
Hearing their reply, Wuzhi immediately grew joyous. Bowing to the two guards, he thanked them. "Thank you to Sir Practitioners. This Wuzhi will remember this favour."
"Just remember to not steal anything or offend anyone," the guards sternly warned. They then gestured to the open gates and said, "Off you go."
After thanking them once more, Wuzhi stepped past the massive bronze gates and entered the lands of the Mu Household. Almost instantly, he felt a different kind of air strike against his skin.
"[Formation Path] and [Providence Path]…" Wuzhi immediately recognised the meaning behind this change.
[Formation Path] and [Providence Path] were two of the 72 Named Paths of the current world. The former dealt with the manipulation of energy to guarantee favourable or unfavourable effects using formations. The latter was a study that combined geomancy and astromancy to create auspicious pockets or miniature blessed lands.
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It was evident that the Mu Household, as the Hegemon of the North Aislu Continent, possessed a robust foundation in more than a few Paths.
"As expected of a World Sovereign backed force. Their means and methods are beyond the comprehension of ordinary people," Wuzhi muttered to himself. The light within his eyes shone brighter.
Joining a throng of servants and workers moving on a truck, Wuzhi made his way into the interiors of the Mu Household. During his journey, he was met with many immortal sights such as verdant pastures, heavenly lakes, bountiful waterfalls, and a wide variety of flora and fauna.
The more he travelled, the more excited Wuzhi grew. During the journey, he even stopped at a few places to appreciate the sights before continuing forward in a different vehicle. For a country bumpkin like him, this was a revolutionary experience.
After nearly thirty minutes of vehicle-hopping, Wuzhi finally arrived at the border separating the interior, which was the living area of the Patriarch's direct family, and the outer, which was the living area of servants, distantly related clansmen, etc. After explaining his purpose for arrival to one of the servants roaming around there, Wuzhi was finally led into a huge pavilion where he was asked to wait.
Stepping into the pavilion, Wuzhi immediately found himself relieved of the hot summer air of the outside world. A refreshing, rejuvenating breath of cool air pleasantly struck his skin causing him to feel pleasantly chilled. The slight scent of immortal flowers even seemed to cleanse his body and sober his mind.
After appreciating the huge but empty pavilion, Wuzhi found himself a random seat before seating himself. A servant soon arrived carrying a glass of some refreshing cool drink which Wuzhi accepted after thanking her.
With his body resting on a wooden bench with the urn in the seat next to him, his suitcase neatly placed by his legs, and a glass of cool drink in his hand, Wuzhi felt pleasantly rested. All he had to do now was to wait for the Mu Patriarch to arrive. Upon his arrival, Wuzhi would hand him the pendant as instructed and then leave for his true destination, the South Aislu Continent.
'It is only after reaching there will my work truly start.' Wuzhi thought to himself with a smile.
As he waited, the minutes slowly slipped by. Wuzhi did not feel bored whatsoever for he had the melodious company of singing birds and chirping insects to keep him company. He even found himself an opening to join their chorus, accompanying the orchestra with his melodious humming.
It was amidst this pleasant symphony of nature did he hear a pleasant, silver-bells-like voice faintly instructing in the distance.
"This batch of Vermillion Stalks are to be planted around the base of this pavilion. The Moon Shadowing Roses are to be transplanted in between them. Oh, and make sure you don't disturb the surrounding fauna. I really love the singing of the birds around this part."
"It seems that Fourth Sister's love for nature is still as great as ever. Truly deserving of your moniker as the 'Elf of the Forest.'" Another cool, skylark-like voice teased.
"Ah! Stop teasing me, Second Sister! You almost scared me!" the first voice exclaimed in reply.
Wuzhi's attention was naturally drawn to the source of these voices. His eyes turned to just outside the pavilion and the picture without entered his eyes. He grew stunned.
Just a few steps away from him were two of the most beautiful women whom Wuzhi had ever laid his eyes upon. Skin as white as milk and as plump as an infant's. Three-thousand strands of silken hair, one viridescent and the other azure. If the word 'fairy' were to describe someone, it would be without a doubt, these two women.
They were genuine immortal fairies.
"Hmm? Someone's within the pavilion?" The green-haired, green-robed fairy took notice of Wuzhi. Her voice was as gentle as a flowing stream.
Waking up from his stupor, Wuzhi hurriedly calmed his heart and mind. It was only after this experience did some of his Teacher's words and half-crazed mutters made sense to Wuzhi.
'Even the most steadfast of man would gladly die atop a beauty.' Not to mention, these were fairies. Wuzhi vowed to firmly etch those words within his mind starting this point forth.
Having recovered to somewhat his usual calm, Wuzhi bowed his head and greeted the two women. "This humble Wuzhi apologizes for gazing at the two fairies. The fairies' immortal countenances made this one lose himself in its magnificence."
Hearing his heartfelt words, the green-robed fairy demurely laughed. The azure-haired fairy, who seemed to be the personification of the mythical 'Goddess of the Sea,' narrowed her eyes sharply and coolly asked, "Who are you? What are you doing here?"
Maintaining his low bow, Wuzhi cupped his hands and introduced himself. "This humble one is named Wuzhi and is a lowly scholar. Wuzhi has come here to seek a meeting with Sovereign Mu."
The azure-haired fairy, who seemed to be called the Second Sister, had her expression ease a little after noting the young scholar's impeccable manners. However, just as she was about to reply, the green-robed woman spoke first.
"Ah, you're here to meet our husband?" She asked, curiously staring at Wuzhi. There was something about the young scholar's aura that made others feel inclined towards him.
Her words, however, left Wuzhi pale. Immediately kneeling on the spot, he hurriedly apologized. "This lowly scholar apologizes for not recognising the two Madams. Wuzhi begs for forgiveness from the two Madams!"
It was a well-known fact that Sovereign Mu was a man who was fiercely protective of his women and his family. There were even accounts in the past where he had annihilated entire families and sects for daring to slight his women.
Wuzhi's sudden shift in behaviour startled the two fairies. The green-robed fairy, called the Fourth Sister, hurriedly spoke. "Ah! You don't have to kneel! You have done nothing wrong."
Second Sister also nodded her head and said, "Rise, young scholar. You have done nothing that warrants your punishment."
It was only after their words did Wuzhi dared to stand up. Keeping his eyes lowered, he spoke. "Wuzhi thanks the two Madams for their magnanimity."
"Aigh! It's fine," Fourth Sister shook her hands. She then wore a pout and said, "I swear. Whenever I meet with someone new, they all always react in the same manner. It's not like I'm some demon or devil!"
Second Sister chuckled at her cute complaints. "It seems that our husband's overprotective nature has made itself known to the world. Fourth Sister must surely blame our husband for this."
After having teased her, Second Sister turned to question Wuzhi. "Tell me, Wuzhi. For what purpose have you come to meet our husband?"