Chapter 126: Rental Mansion

"Right, I should find a place to live first. Once I make a name for myself, people will surely come to me... This way, I won't have to chase after anyone, I can earn money steadily, and I'll project the aura of a reclusive master." A thought suddenly struck him. As a distinguished master, he needed a certain level of prestige and status. It would be undignified to simply visit others uninvited. Therefore, he decided to play the waiting game, letting those who wished to learn come to him. He was confident that with his persuasive abilities and the Heaven's Path Library, anyone who sought him out wouldn't be able to escape his grasp.

"Yes, I'll find a place to settle down first!" After carefully weighing his options, he concluded this was indeed the best approach. With a snap of his fingers, Zhang Xuan made up his mind. This was the plan.

With this plan in mind, he wasted no time. He immediately went to the front desk and purchased some pills and potions capable of changing one's appearance and skin tone. Although he couldn't truly disguise himself, as someone from Earth, he knew how to apply makeup. Combined with the skin-altering elixirs, it didn't take long for him to transform from a young man barely in his twenties into a slightly sallow-faced middle-aged man with dignified eyebrows. He spent a considerable amount of time checking his reflection, only nodding in satisfaction after confirming everything was perfect. With his transformation complete, he exited the Alchemist Guild.

"To earn people's trust, I first need to acquire some luxurious clothing..." He knew well that appearances mattered. Dressed as he was, many would readily believe him if he claimed to be a beggar, but certainly no one would take him for a distinguished master. He absolutely needed to project an air of grandeur. "There's a clothing store just up ahead," he thought, spotting one nearby. He walked in and emerged a short while later, completely transformed. Donning a brocade hat and sable fur, his attire was opulent, radiating an unmistakable aura of wealth. The entire ensemble had cost him a painful twenty thousand gold coins.

"Just consider it an investment," he consoled himself, and continued along the street. About half an hour later, he arrived back at Tianyu Mall.

It was already afternoon, and the sun was nearing the horizon. Knowing he had to act quickly, he strode inside without a moment's hesitation. Finding a ready-to-move-in residence on his own in such a short time would be impossible. Tianyu Mall, however, boasted that it sold everything, so it surely had information regarding property. He didn't need to buy; renting would suffice. Having visited once before, he was somewhat familiar with the layout. After navigating for a while, he indeed located an agency specializing in property rentals and sales.

"Esteemed Sir, are you looking to buy a house?" A portly proprietor greeted him as he entered.

"Esteemed Sir?" Zhang Xuan was momentarily surprised, then realized he had indeed altered his appearance; he now looked around forty, no longer a young man. He immediately nodded, clasped his hands behind his back, adopting a distinguished air, and lowered his voice to sound older. "I wish to rent a mansion!" he declared.

"A mansion? Esteemed Sir, renting a mansion through me is absolutely your best option!" The proprietor's eyes gleamed. Anyone who could afford to rent a mansion was wealthy, and quoting a slightly inflated price would ensure a hefty profit! "May I inquire, Esteemed Sir, about your requirements?" The boss asked, beaming as if he had just spotted a prime target.

"Clean, spacious, in a good location, and preferably a fully furnished house that I can move into immediately!" Zhang Xuan stated.

"Ah..." Upon hearing these demands, the proprietor's eyes sparkled with excitement; he nearly leaped up. There was no doubt; this was clearly a massive opportunity. Forget other factors; with these conditions alone, the price would certainly not be low. How could someone seeking to rent a mansion in such an area possibly lack money? Though inwardly roaring with excitement, he feigned a troubled expression. "Esteemed Sir, we do have properties that fit your description, but the prices might be quite substantial..." He planned to lay the groundwork first, then thoroughly fleece his client. Heh heh...

"Price is not an issue!" Zhang Xuan declared, waving a dismissive hand, radiating an air of grandeur. He was, after all, a "renowned master" now; haggling over small sums would be truly embarrassing.

"Excellent, excellent! I'll take you to see the properties right away, Esteemed Sir, until you are completely satisfied." Hearing such magnanimous words, the proprietor's smile stretched from ear to ear. Without the slightest hesitation, he promptly closed his shop, grabbed a set of keys, and began leading the way. Zhang Xuan followed. After walking for a while, they arrived before a spacious mansion.

"This mansion was purchased just last year by a wealthy merchant. Unfortunately, he passed away from illness before the New Year. His son, indulging in drinking, gambling, and women, had no choice but to mortgage the estate with us. It's available for both rent and sale. It's a newly renovated residence, excellent location, and a grand layout. Shall I show you around?" Pausing at the mansion's entrance, the proprietor glanced back, keen to observe Zhang Xuan's reaction. This was the most luxurious and spacious property in their rental center; its location and size were both impeccable. He had brought his client here first, hoping he would be impressed. If it wasn't suitable, they could explore other options, but if he liked it, the boss knew he would make a fortune.

"Let's go in and take a look!" Zhang Xuan stated simply. Since he was impersonating a "renowned master," his abode naturally needed to reflect that stature; it couldn't be too small. As for the price, that was not a concern.

"Alright then!" Seeing no refusal, the proprietor smiled again and eagerly unlocked the grand gate, stepping inside. It was a five-courtyard estate, complete with rock gardens, ponds, and various flourishing plants, wide and bright. Upon entering, the sounds of chirping birds and the fragrant blossoms immediately created a refreshing and pleasant atmosphere.

"Not bad!" After a quick tour, Zhang Xuan nodded inwardly. This mansion was exactly as he had envisioned; he could move in immediately, as it contained everything he needed without requiring additional arrangements. Most importantly, it was not far from Hongtian Academy, just about a ten-minute commute. He could return here directly after his lessons, without any wasted time.

"This is it. How much to rent this property?" Having found a suitable place, Zhang Xuan, disinclined to waste any more words, gestured grandly.

"This is the most luxurious and finest mansion in our rental center, Esteemed Sir. If you truly wish to rent it, the cost is one hundred and fifty thousand gold coins per month!" the proprietor quickly announced.

"One hundred and fifty thousand?" Zhang Xuan frowned. Although he wasn't familiar with the rental market in this world, one hundred and fifty thousand a month just for a single property seemed excessively high.

Whoosh! Without a word, Zhang Xuan moved swiftly, suddenly lunging and grabbing toward the boss.

"Esteemed Sir, what are you doing...?" Seeing the air whistle around Zhang Xuan's fingertips, as if tearing through space, the boss recoiled in fright, backing away repeatedly. As he moved, his cultivation was inadvertently revealed: a peak Martial Artist Triple Realm, True Qi stage! His cultivation wasn't high.

"Oh, I merely wished to observe your cultivation," Zhang Xuan said, withdrawing his hand and placing it behind his back. He looked at the boss again, narrowing his eyes. "You're telling me this mansion costs one hundred and fifty thousand a month to rent? Tripling the actual rent of fifty thousand a month, do you take me for a fool?"