"Let us first take you on a tour and introduce you to the estate."

With that, the attendant gestured for Lear to step forward; a small open carriage was parked not far away.

"The manor is quite large, and it would take a significant time to tour. We will be faster by carriage..."

Lear nodded and boarded the carriage.

The staff member took the reins himself, introducing the Marquis Manor along the way.

It covers over 600 acres, complete with front gardens, back gardens, stables, fountains, fish ponds... everything you could need.

There are four building complexes, with ten three-story houses at the center occupied by the master.

↑ To the north is the guard area, with 30 buildings and accompanying weapon repair workshops, convalescent homes, and medical rooms, accommodating five squadrons of guards.

→ To the east is the servants' area, with 20 houses, accommodating 300 residents.

↓ To the south is the guest area, with 12 buildings, housing over a hundred guests.

Overall, Lear was quite satisfied with the introduction.

The overall layout of the manor was very reasonable, and the environment was serene. Due to the long absence of visitors, the vegetation has flourished.

It felt quite comfortable to him.

The only oddity was a barely perceptible chill that made those sitting in the carriage feel a bit uneasy and restless.

As if being watched by some terrifying creature lurking in the shadows.

Ready to leap out with its gaping maw at any moment.

Lear cast a fleeting glance at the central building complex but said nothing.

After circling the manor, the two young drivers breathed a sigh of relief, hastily steering the carriage towards the gate.

Lear gestured with his hand.

"Let's check the buildings at the center..."

Both men's bodies tensed, trying to force a smile, but their expressions twisted with inner fear.

"S-sir... we are not supposed to enter the central buildings."

"It's the Blue Pigeon Trading Company's regulation."

The Blue Pigeon Trading Company is a major corporation, backed by powerful support.

They're unafraid of outsiders causing trouble.

Lear nodded.

"No matter, just wait for me at the gate."

"Blando, come with me to take a look."

Blando felt a bit uneasy inside, but with no hesitation, he resolutely dismounted.

With the master present, even if the Goddess of Misfortune herself descended, so what!!

With a determined gaze, stepping through the gate.

Seeing them like this, the two behind stomped their feet, wanting to step forward but couldn't muster the courage.

Previously, those who entered the central building complex of the manor... encountered bizarre situations.

They did not want to follow in their companions' footsteps.

In the center was the hall; upon entering, the air inside felt noticeably colder. Looking around, though uninhabited for a while, it seemed like someone was cleaning daily.

Spotless.

Decorated in a classical, elegant manner, with excellent taste, it would require minimal alterations to be ready for use.

"Where is the master bedroom?"

"It's the building behind the hall... over here..."

Although Blando saw nothing particularly unusual, the strange feeling inside him grew heavier.

Lear nodded, passing through the hall and exiting via the back door.

There was another small garden brimming with greenery, and behind it stood a three-story classical house with a spire, stained glass bay windows, white stone columns, and floral carvings.

He instantly loved it.

However, Blando's legs felt like jelly at this moment... trembling, as if carrying a mountain.

Every step forward felt like it might cost him half his life.

Lear glanced at the fellow, his thoughts stirring slightly.

A majestic aura surged forth, enveloping the other.

In an instant, the chilling sensation that seeped into the soul was blocked.

Shivering, Blando came back to his senses.

"Sir, I felt as if my soul was just frozen..."

Lear gestured with his hand.

"Follow behind me."

With that, he strode forward, pushing open the door to the house ahead.

At that moment, Lear's vision went dark; turning his head, he saw all surrounding light completely devoured, enveloped in utter darkness.

"Is it you, trying to steal my manor?!"

"Damn bastards, I am still here; the master of the Ives Clan is still here!"

"Who dares take my manor?!

The darkness surged ahead, forming a mist, black and white blurred, coalescing into an armored head—

Barely resembling the face of a middle-aged man, twisted and crazed.

Shadowy Spectral Presence, Level: Level 15, Hero Talent: Body scattered across the manor absorbed by flora; as long as the manor exists, it can resurrect from death...

Lear noted the entity's attributes, raising a brow slightly.

No wonder the sect couldn't deal with this wraith.

This Hero Talent is rather something.

The wraith, seeing Lear's lack of reaction, was enraged.

"Are you mocking the master of the manor? The great Marquis?!"

The darkness-condensed head lunged fiercely, mouth agape, aiming to swallow him whole.

But in that instant, whoosh~ the cloak on Lear's back stirred without wind.

An even darker force surged forth, instantly enveloping the head.

Outside, the waiting Blue Pigeon Trading Company staff only saw black mist creeping from all sides.

Looking around, darkness enveloped all, unable to see their hand before their face.

Their inner terror surged to an extreme.

It's happening, it's happening!!

They knew something would go wrong with this manor!!

They wanted to flee but couldn't find their way, instinctively leaning on the carriage, shivering and relying on each other...

Lear's senses fully alert, perceiving the Shadow of the Mist engaging in a fierce battle with the Shadowy Spectral Presence.

But neither having a physical body made the fight eerie and unpredictable.

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