"In that case, bring them over early tomorrow morning. I'll tidy up the shop and then go buy a small courtyard to move into."
"Why don't Elder Du Feng accompany young friend? He's familiar with those real estate agents, so finding a house should be quicker."
"Then I can only trouble Elder Du once more."
"Young friend, why are you being so polite? Isn't this all our own business?"
"Yes, these are all matters for the Danyang Sect, as it should be."
Just like that, Wuchenzi sent the already overworked Du Feng to assist Lu Heng. Lu Heng smiled apologetically at Du Feng, whose face was pale and clearly hadn't rested well recently, but there was no other way, as Wuchenzi's reasoning had been sound.
Without further delay, Lu Heng and Du Feng quickly returned to Jinyang City.
As it was still early, Du Feng took Lu Heng directly to the real estate agency. They found the same agent from last time. Since the agent had made a small profit from Lu Heng's previous shop, and Du Feng was from the Danyang Sect, he treated them with considerable courtesy.
"Haha, you've come at just the right time. Although not many houses are traded in Jinyang City each year, I happen to have two properties for sale. The owner said he's going to a neighboring county to join his son, so..."
The agent was truly talkative, saying everything that came to mind, likely fearing that Lu Heng and the others might not be impressed. He proceeded to praise the two houses extensively.
"What are the locations of the houses?" Lu Heng was most concerned about the location and size of the properties.
"They are both in the west of the city, not far from the City Lord's mansion." The agent pulled out a small booklet and tucked it into his pocket. "Let's go take a look."
"Alright." Lu Heng nodded and followed the agent and Du Feng out of the agency.
They walked through several streets, making many turns, and arrived at a wide road.
"These areas are where the more affluent residents live, so the houses here are quite spacious and all come with courtyards..."
As they walked, the agent continued to introduce the situation of the nearby residents. According to him, the people living in this area were either wealthy or noble. While not comparable to the wealthy families in larger cities, this area was considered a wealthy district in Jinyang City.
Looking at the wide streets, Lu Heng could already sense it.
Fortunately, there were only two households. Lu Heng recalled the approximate locations in his mind.
They quickly finished viewing the two houses. Both families had already moved out, leaving the keys with the agent to facilitate viewings.
The houses were equipped with some simple furniture. It seemed that people found it inconvenient to move furniture when relocating, so they left it for the next occupants.
Of course, if the next occupants were not satisfied with the furniture, they could have the agency clear it out.
"This one, the courtyard here is quite large. I plan to raise hawk-beaked beasts here," Lu Heng said to the agent.
"Well, if you intend to raise such hawk-beaked beasts within the city, you'll need to register with the City Lord's mansion. After all, besides the City Lord's mansion, no other households are permitted to raise such flying mounts within the city."
Lu Heng understood this. Flying mounts could bypass the defenses of city walls and gates. If anyone were allowed to raise these flying demonic beasts freely within the city, the city's security would be compromised.
"Alright." Since he had to go to the City Lord's mansion to get the seal and pay taxes anyway, Lu Heng decided to inquire about the procedure.
After a swift completion of the process, the agent put the house payment and the agency commission into his storage ring, and then they each kept their seals.
"If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave. As for the furniture in the courtyard, I've already had people clear it out. If you wish to buy new furniture, you can find me. I guarantee the prices will be more reasonable than buying it yourself."
"There's no need to trouble the agency. I have existing furniture that I can bring over later."
Watching the agent leave, Lu Heng turned to the official at the City Lord's mansion and asked, "I wish to raise a hawk-beaked beast in my courtyard. What procedures do I need to complete at the yamen?"
"Individuals are not allowed to raise flying mounts within the city," the official replied while tidying up the documents on his desk.
"What about raising one within the courtyard under the name of the Danyang Sect?" Du Feng interjected.
The official paused his tidying and looked up at Du Feng. "Who are you to the Danyang Sect?"
"Du Feng, Elder of Alchemy."
"Oh my, this humble servant was blind! I didn't realize one of the three great elders of the Danyang Sect himself was here. I apologize for my earlier disrespect." The official quickly came out from behind the desk, pulled up a chair, and offered it to Du Feng. "Please, sit down. I apologize for making you stand for so long, hahaha..."
"It's fine. We have other matters to attend to, and the city gates will be closing soon. I need to leave the city later. Please tell me, is it feasible for the Danyang Sect to raise a hawk-beaked beast within the city?"
Du Feng did not sit down, stating the facts. The sky was already darkening, and the city gates would likely close soon.
"It is possible, but I don't have the authority here. This needs to be reported to the City Lord. You might have to wait for some time."
"Then please report it and inquire. If it's approved, you can find someone to inform the disciples of the Danyang Sect at Wanyuan Department Store in the city, and we will come over to complete the procedures."
"Very well, I will report it for you. Once there's news, I will personally notify you."
Lu Heng watched the official's abrupt change in demeanor and sighed inwardly. It seemed the social hierarchy in ancient times was truly powerful. Status here was more useful than money in the modern world.
After leaving the City Lord's mansion, Lu Heng parted ways with Du Feng. Du Feng needed to hurry out of the city to check on the progress of the three disciples' advancement and would have to rush back tomorrow morning.
Lu Heng rubbed the key in his hand, walking towards his shop, contemplating his next steps.
Buying a house was merely a cover for his ability to leave at any time. If he were to hide in the house for ten days to half a month without going out, no one would likely bother him, allowing him more time to return to the apocalyptic world.
However, the development of Jinyang City was still somewhat slow. He wondered what kind of people Wuchenzi would manage to find to open shops here. He hoped that with his capabilities, he could find reliable individuals. This way, with more resources in the city, he could bring back more of what he obtained from the other side.
If that proved difficult, he would leave this place and travel to various parts of the Shenyuan Continent, collecting good items before bringing them back to Jinyang City...
"Customer, would you like to come in and sit? We have newly arrived demonic beast meat today." A somewhat solicitous voice sounded beside him, interrupting Lu Heng's thoughts.
Lu Heng looked up. He realized he had unknowingly reached a street corner. Fortunately, there were no vehicles in the city, so his absentmindedness posed no significant danger.
He looked closely at the waiter and recognized this as the place where he had eaten his first meal in ancient times.
"Alright, I am hungry anyway. Let me try your signature dishes."
"Certainly, one customer, this way please!" a loud voice called out. Lu Heng followed the waiter inside.