Chapter 547 - 547: The Way to Find Mirror Lake Manor

"The top forty-nine experts on the Martial Arts Hidden Dragon List have all entered Mirror Lake Manor."

"You can find out whether it's in Shanghai or the Imperial City just by asking one of them. But only the top ten know the exact location."

"So, if you want to find out, you either need to know one of them—preferably one of the top ten experts, who can give you the precise information—or you'll have to challenge one of them and break into the top forty-nine at the very least."

A bitter look appeared in Zhao Wenxiang's eyes. "With your current level of cultivation, you're nowhere near qualified. Don't even try. Focus on improving your cultivation first. Only after you've reached the Great Perfection of the late stage can you begin to plan for this."

"Actually, with the Master's strength, if he could reach the Great Perfection of the late Celestial Destiny Realm, he could definitely rank in the top forty-five," Sun Zhen muttered.

Jiang Xinghai had defeated him—a warrior at the Great Perfection of the late Celestial Destiny Realm—while only being in the late stage himself. This meant his ranking was naturally no lower than fifty-fourth.

If he were to advance to the Great Perfection of the late Celestial Destiny Realm, he would indeed have a chance of successfully challenging a Martial Arts expert ranked below forty-five.

"And what good would forty-fifth place do?"

Zhao Wenxiang waved his hand dismissively and huffed again. "You'd still only be able to find out if it's in Shanghai or the Imperial City. I suggest you conserve your strength, cultivate discreetly, and wait. Just wait…"

"I see."

Jiang Xinghai let out a long sigh. According to Zhao Wenxiang's explanation, his best bet was to wait until he was strong enough to defeat one of the top ten experts. 'Then I'll naturally be able to find out the exact location of Mirror Lake Manor!'

"Grandfather, you can rest assured. I'll consider this matter carefully. I won't go blindly challenging anyone. I not only have to find my parents, but I also have to rebuild the Jiang Family. To do that, I need to stay alive." Jiang Xinghai smiled.

"As long as you think that way, I can rest easy." Zhao Wenxiang's brow finally smoothed.

Jiang Xinghai then asked, "Is there any other information? For example, about the layout of Mirror Lake Manor?"

"I've only heard that the place has a lake, its shimmering surface like a series of separate mirrors, creating layers of reflections," Zhao Wenxiang said, touching his forehead. "But then again, isn't every lake like that? It seems that piece of information isn't very valuable."

"Alright, I get it. Until I'm strong enough, I'll just have to lay low and get stronger quietly. Still, I need to make a trip to Shanghai soon. I have friends there helping me investigate, so there might still be some hope," Jiang Xinghai said with a grave expression.

"In that case, I can rest easy."

Zhao Wenxiang waved his hand, dispelling the sound-proofing barrier. "But you must remember this: staying alive is what's most important."

"Then this old servant should get to his duties. I will have a perfect report for you by tomorrow morning, Master." Sun Zhen bowed and withdrew.

He was going to handle the remnants of the Zhou Family, the Wei Family, and his own Sun Family.

From this day forward, these three families would have no descendants left in Shanhe Province.

Whether they lived or died was not something Jiang Xinghai had specified. The decision was left entirely to Sun Zhen.

"By the way, Patriarch Shen," Zhao Wenxiang said, beckoning to Shen Zhengye, "my Zhao Family has an old residence in the city. If you don't mind, the Shen Family could move there. It would save you a lot of trouble."

Shen Zhengye had been hoping for just such an offer, and he was thrilled to hear it. "Elder Zhao, that's… that's not appropriate. How can I possibly accept the Zhao Family's old residence for no reason? It's really not right."

"With the connection we share through young Xinghai, you shouldn't refuse."

Zhao Wenxiang laughed heartily. "You've been to my Piaomiao Mountain Villa. The Zhao Family moved there twenty years ago. And while we've had caretakers for the old residence, it will slowly fall into disrepair if it remains unoccupied. That would be a greater loss. Please, just accept it."

"He's right, Uncle. It's a kind gesture from Elder Zhao," Jiang Xinghai added.

And so, Shen Zhengye accepted.

"Xinghai, before you go to Shanghai, remember to visit me at Piaomiao Mountain Villa. Have a few drinks with me, stay the night. I have a precious gift for you. Don't forget," Zhao Wenxiang said, giving Jiang Xinghai a meaningful look before departing.

Though Jiang Xinghai didn't understand, he had a feeling Zhao Wenxiang would never harm him.

The group walked out of Wanjia Hotel.

Across the street, the sign for the restaurant that once read "Gathering Talent Tower" had, as expected, been changed to "Dog Gathering Tower."

From now on, that restaurant would likely never have another customer.

The group departed.

Shen Zhengye and Yu Zhuo headed directly to the Zhao Family's old residence to begin preparing it.

Tomorrow, a plaque reading "Shen Mansion" would hang here.

Jiang Xinghai, meanwhile, accompanied Shen Lingxue, Yu Li, and the others as they headed for the AM branch office.

According to the schedule, its grand opening was the day after tomorrow.

「On the way.」

Jiang Xinghai closed his eyes to rest, his mind reeling with emotion.

'The path to finding my parents is getting clearer. This is great news!'

'And as for that Mr. Long of Black Cloak—my own uncle, Ji Xiao—the one who orchestrated my parents' downfall all those years ago… it's about time we settled the score!'

Suddenly, he received a message from Zhu Yan: "Jiang Xinghai, a woman from the Imperial City who calls herself Miss Feng wants to meet with you. The location is the West Mountain cemetery."

'Miss Feng, one of the three founders of Black Cloak? The West Mountain cemetery?'

Jiang Xinghai's heart lurched. 'She's come to the Provincial City? And she's with Zhu Yan?'