Yue Lan replied directly,
[It would take much more coins to let them live inside that space, and it would also be detrimental to their growth. You can give them some treasure and cultivation art instead and let them soar the skies on their own.]
Shen Yuan contemplated for a bit and agreed to her reasoning, which he already knew but couldn’t come to accept as he would also miss them. After all, they played with him when he was little and took great care of him.
He made up his mind as he spoke in a serious tone, “I appreciate your loyalty more than I can express, but the journey ahead of me would not only be dangerous but also uncertain, and I don’t want any of you to face such dangers when you aren’t even prepared for them.”
He looked at their disappointed expression as his tone softened. He continued, “However, I have prepared a few things for you, so if you continue walking down the path of cultivation then it isn’t impossible for us to meet again, or I might even come back to find you once I have grown powerful enough.”
With that said he waved his sleeves and heaps of treasures and spirit stones materialized in front of the maids.
The maids looked at the treasures in shock. They were far more than they had expected, enough to start their own sects or factions, but there was hesitation in their eyes due to the sheer amount of treasures laid out in front of them.
Mei Ling stepped forward once again, her voice filled with determination, “We are truly grateful for your generosity, but if there comes a time when you need us, we hope you will call upon us. It would be our greatest honor to serve you again.”
Shen Yuan smiled, feeling a bit emotional, “I will always be grateful for whatever you have done for me and my family, this is the least that you all deserve. And if a time comes when I will need you, I will let you know.”
The maids bowed deeply, accepting the treasures but still feeling down because of the farewell.
Lian Hua, the one who tends the garden and greenery inside the mansion stepped forward, presenting a small token to Shen Yuan, “A token of our gratitude, Young Master Yuan. May it serve to remind you that we will always be loyal to you.”
Shen Yuan accepted it with a gentle smile, feeling some emotions building up within him for the maids. But he soon shook his head and left towards the exit while waving his hand, “Till next time.”
All the maids bowed in his direction, “Farewell, Young Master Yuan.”
…
Later that evening, Shen Yuan stood on the edge of the mansion’s rooftop, watching the sunset. The day was filled with the excitement of getting rewards and the sadness of farewells, but now everything was done, and only leaving was left.
As he stood there lost in his own world, Yue Lan’s voice echoed in his mind,
[Looks like everything is settled. Are you ready for what is to come next?]
Shen Yuan took a moment to gather his thoughts as he replied, “Yes, not only am I prepared but I am also excited.”
Yue Lan materialized on top of his head in her cat form and purred softly,
[Good. That’s the right mindset, no need to feel nervous or anxious for what is to come. After all, you will have to face it one day no matter what decision you make.]
Shen Yuan smiled slightly and nodded in agreement. He gazed at the sunset as he spoke, “You are right, no point in holding back now. I have already decided so no point in turning back now.”
Yue Lan flicked her tail lazily and replied,
[Exactly. You are about to step into the cultivation world now but remember, you have got everything one can wish for. Talent, Strength, and Companions are all on your side. Now it’s time to see how you will face the unknown.]
Shen Yuan also knew that now was the time for his real test to begin.
“Now that I remember it, I don’t think I will be able to dual cultivate with Mom today.” He smiled helplessly as he shook his head.
Yue Lan stood up, stretched, and asked,
[Why do you say so?]
Shen Yuan replied as he looked back at the manor, “It’s because Sister Huo and Sister Bing won’t leave me alone with her tonight. After all, they will also enter closed-door seclusion from tomorrow so they will miss me as well.”
[Oh right, hahaha you are losing from being too successful.]
Yue Lan didn’t waste a single second as she laughed at him.
Shen Yuan ignored her and walked back inside the manor.
Walking through the empty hallways where once maids worked or tended to the garden, he felt a bit lonely as he realized that separations were inevitable in the path of cultivation.
He didn’t dwell on his feelings for much longer as he reached his room.
Inside, Shen Yuxin, Huo Rong, and Bing Rong were dressed in tight nightgowns which only highlighted their ample features.
Shen Yuan felt his heart skip a beat as he took in the sight of his family. Looking at Shen Yuxin, Huo Rong, and Bing Rong made his mind race.
Shen Yuxin smiled gently towards him, her eyes filled with warmth as she noticed him, “Yuan’er, you are finally here. We were just talking about you.” She said, her calm voice laced with subtle affection.
Huo Rong, who was seated next to her, gave him a playful smirk, “Looks like you are in for a long night Yuan’er.” She teased with a suggestive tone.
Bing Rong, though usually quiet and shy, couldn’t help but glance toward him with a slight blush on her cheeks. “It’s our last night together so we wanted to spend it with you.”
Shen Yuan chuckled lightly, entering the room as he shook his head, “You three never make it easy for me huh.”
Yue Lan, who was lying on her shoulder, snickered mischievously,
[Looks like you are in for a treat Shen Yuan. Enjoy it while it lasts, because once they go into seclusion then you won’t meet with them for a long time. Of Course, if you are going to find some other members for your harem then that’s a different thing.]
Shen Yuan felt like strangling the little piece of shit for igniting a fire in such a peaceful atmosphere ‘This little…’
As he stepped closer to the bed, Shen Yuxin spoke up with a mischievous tone, “Hmm… We have to think seriously about this. I personally don’t have any problem with Shen Yuan finding a harem member as long as she is worthy of him.”
Huo Rong and Bing Rong opened their eyes wide as they heard what Shen Yuxin spoke, Huo Rong hurriedly spoke up, “Wait, we haven’t even officially become a couple yet! Why are you adding more women to his harem?”
Bing Rong hesitated for a bit but also agreed with Huo Rong’s statement in the end.
Shen Yuxin listened to their argument and asked them in a light tone, “Well, you tell me, when all of us will be in seclusion, someone needs to accompany Yuan’er, right? Then why shouldn’t he just find another beautiful wife for himself? It will be better than finding someone randomly and she can also join our sect later.”