Chapter 129: No One Came

Zhang Xuan instructed his students to diligently practice the cultivation techniques he had taught them, informing them he might be away for a few days. Then, he left the academy.

Finding an empty alley, he re-emerged, having transformed into the appearance of the renowned Master Yang Xuan.

With only fourteen days left until the Freshmen Grand Competition, every second counted.

He soon arrived at the mansion, and even before reaching the entrance, he saw two guards standing proudly on either side, their strength surprisingly having reached the fourth stage of warrior cultivation, the Skin-Bone realm.

"Impressive, very imposing!"

Both guards wore uniforms that, while not luxurious, possessed a distinctive elegance, giving off the impression of a prominent family.

To find guards and get everything ready in such a short time, it seemed that Sun Qiang's efficiency was quite good.

"Master!"

Seeing him approach, the two guards hesitated for a moment before simultaneously calling out.

"Hmm," Zhang Xuan nodded with satisfaction.

It appeared that Butler Sun Qiang had even informed them of his appearance and attire; otherwise, they wouldn't have recognized him at first sight, saving him the awkwardness of being the master but unable to enter his own home.

Entering the mansion, he found it had been thoroughly cleaned, and potted plants were arranged everywhere. A fragrant aroma filled the air as he walked through.

"Master!""Master!"

Attendants and maids approached, bowing respectfully one by one.

Zhang Xuan nodded in satisfaction and strode towards the living room.

"Master, I've gathered everyone as you instructed. There are thirty maids and fifty guards in total..."

Before Zhang Xuan even fully arrived, Sun Qiang stepped forward, beaming with pride as if seeking commendation.

To recruit so many people, both in quantity and quality, in such a short time was likely something only he could accomplish.

"Excellent!" Zhang Xuan praised, then asked, "Did the matter I asked you to spread yesterday get out?"

"Don't worry, Master, I've already spread the word. I believe it won't be long before the entire Tianxuan Royal City knows that I am now serving a renowned master." Sun Qiang looked at him with an expression full of admiration.

Although he didn't know why the Master wanted to publicize his identity as a renowned master, since he was asked to do so, there must be a purpose behind it.

"How did you spread it?"

"I made a big show of dismantling my shop and told everyone in the marketplace that, from today, I would be serving a renowned master as his butler. With so many people in the marketplace, I'm sure the news will spread everywhere very quickly," Sun Qiang replied hurriedly.

"Indeed," Zhang Xuan responded.

It was truly the best way to publicize it—neither forced nor deliberate, and effective in spreading the word. However, the exact outcome remained uncertain.

"Master, do you have any other instructions?"

Seeing his master satisfied, Sun Qiang's eyes lit up excitedly, and he continued to ask.

"Not at the moment..." Zhang Xuan thought for a moment. "Hiring these maids and guards must have cost a lot of money, didn't it? Are you short on funds?"

He had only given Sun Qiang 100,000, with 50,000 for the house rental. The remaining 50,000 for thirty maids and fifty guards probably wouldn't be enough.

"It's enough. As soon as these people heard they would be serving a renowned master as guards or maids, they eagerly rushed forward, asking for very little money, and some even worked for free. Fifty thousand gold coins were more than enough," Sun Qiang explained.

As he said this, he still found it hard to believe; the prestige of a renowned master was truly astonishing.

When he dismantled his shop and announced he would become a butler for a renowned master, many didn't believe him. Yet, despite this, numerous guards and young women still rushed over, willing to become maids and guards.

Such an appeal was something no other profession could achieve.

Beyond everything else, simply having the opportunity to meet a renowned master and receive a few pointers from them was worth years of arduous cultivation. This alone was enough to drive countless people wild.

"Brew me a cup of tea."

Knowing the news had spread, Zhang Xuan was not in a hurry. His current plan was to wait for people to come to him. He walked into the living room and sat down in a chair.

Soon after, a maid brought him a freshly brewed cup of tea.

The maid was a sixteen or seventeen-year-old girl named Wan'er. She had a delicate appearance and a pair of captivating bright eyes. At first, she seemed a bit reserved when she saw Zhang Xuan, but seeing that he wasn't fierce, she relaxed and moved more naturally.

Knowing he couldn't rush things, Zhang Xuan quietly waited for people to come to him while sipping his tea.

He waited from morning until the afternoon, almost until sunset, but not a single person came, not even a curious onlooker.

"Master, should I put up a sign outside, saying 'A Renowned Master is Here'...?"

Sun Qiang, his face full of anxiety, couldn't help but walk over.

Zhang Xuan was speechless.

The whole point was for people to discover it "accidentally"; that was how to maintain the facade. If he directly put up a sign like a shopkeeper, how would that work? Moreover, "A Renowned Master is Here"... how was that different from a sign like "Beware of Dog"?

"It seems no one will come today. Let's go for a walk."

Ignoring Sun Qiang's words, Zhang Xuan stood up.

Although Sun Qiang had spread the word that a renowned master was present, most people chose not to believe it.

After all, what was the status of a renowned master? Why would one easily come to Tianxuan Kingdom, let alone settle down here?

And even if they did settle down, it would be in a luxurious place like the Royal Palace, not renting his mansion and making him a butler. That was simply dreaming...

"Go for a walk?"

Sun Qiang blinked, "But... what if someone comes while we're out?"

He knew his master wanted to quickly establish a reputation in Tianxuan City. They had waited all day. If someone came while they were out, wouldn't all their efforts for the day be wasted?

"Tell the guards that if anyone does come, they should wait at the entrance. No one, no matter who they are, is allowed in without my permission."

Zhang Xuan waved his hand.

A renowned master must maintain their dignity. No matter who it was, even Emperor Shen Zhui of the kingdom, they would not be allowed in without his consent!

"Yes, Master..."

Sun Qiang nodded repeatedly.

"Let's go!"

Since waiting wasn't working, they should go out and seek opportunities. Otherwise, after today, only thirteen days would remain until the Freshmen Grand Competition, and the medicinal herbs would arrive in nine days. Time waited for no one.

Walking down the street, amidst the bustling crowds, the sun was poised to set. It was already autumn, and the breeze carried a slight chill.

"Among the people you know, who is the wealthiest?"

After a few steps, Zhang Xuan turned his head and asked.

"To answer Master, it's naturally the owner of Tianyu Commerce, Lord Ling Tianyu. He is incredibly rich, a true billionaire!" Sun Qiang's eyes showed deep admiration.

"The owner of Tianyu Commerce? A billionaire?"

Zhang Xuan's eyes lit up. "He's the one!"

The purpose of posing as a renowned master was to quickly acquire wealth, so naturally, he needed to target the big earners.

"Where can he be found?" Zhang Xuan asked once he had made his decision.

"To answer Master, Lord Ling is usually at the Commerce at this time. Are you going to see him?" Sun Qiang looked at him, puzzled.

"Yes, let's go take a look!"

Zhang Xuan nodded, waved his hand, and the two strode towards Tianyu Commerce.