Chapter 391: A Looming Crisis, Parting Ways
“Impossible…”
The seductive woman stumbled forward two steps, her face blank with confusion, reaching out as if trying to grasp something.
But—
The flow of Yin essence into her body had completely stopped.
Her years of preparation, the ancient ritual, had been disrupted before it could even fully activate, completely destroyed.
“I… don’t believe it—”
She gradually clenched her hands, her face twisting in disbelief.
Once this ancient ritual was activated, even Savage Realm great demons couldn’t forcibly break it. After all, on the other side of the ritual was the legendary Fifth Realm, said to be comparable to the ancient eight clans!
How could it be so easily destroyed by such a trivial method?!
She couldn’t accept this!
“So that’s what happened, I unintentionally ruined your plans.”
Lin Tianlu quickly understood, withdrawing his gaze and glancing sideways with interest: “It seems you’re the mastermind behind this incident in the county.”
“You…”
The seductive woman’s chest heaved, her expression changing as she struggled to suppress her emotions.
Years of planning and preparation, ruined in an instant. Such a blow, even for someone as cunning and composed as her, almost broke her.
“You dare—”
Several attendants nearby, snapping out of their shock, rushed forward angrily.
But the seductive woman suddenly shouted: “Stop!”
The attendants stopped abruptly, looking back at her in surprise and uncertainty: “Madam! This person has ruined years of our hard work, we must—”
“All of you, retreat! Are you defying my orders?!”
“…Yes, Madam.” The attendants gritted their teeth and reluctantly retreated, their faces grim.
The seductive woman took a few deep breaths, seemingly regaining her composure, and glared at him coldly: “Why are you interfering in our Biluo Manor’s affairs? You don’t seem to be with the Luo Xing.”
Her eyes flickered, and only then did she notice Bai Xin standing behind Lin Tianlu, rubbing her forehead, and she couldn’t help but ask in a deep voice: “What is your relationship with Bai Xin? Are you two colluding, deliberately sabotaging our Biluo Manor?”
Lin Tianlu smiled: “Do you need me to explain the consequences of your actions, Miss?”
Waving his hand casually, he said calmly: “Once this ritual was complete, countless people in this Qingfeng County would have become vengeful spirits, sacrifices for your Biluo Manor’s ambitions. I happened to pass by, and to save their lives, I naturally had to intervene.”
“…Damn it!”
The seductive woman clicked her tongue angrily, her eyes burning with fury.
“However, you’re calmer than I expected.”
Lin Tianlu nodded slightly, praising: “To be able to remain so composed after having your plans ruined is quite impressive. I thought you would attack me in a fit of rage.”
“This vixen isn’t that reckless.”
A soft murmur came from beside him.
Bai Xin rubbed her temples and walked over, glancing at the woman indifferently: “She wouldn’t act without being certain of success.”
“Bai Xin—”
The seductive woman gritted her teeth and said hatefully: “You’re still alive.”
“If it weren’t for a chance encounter, I would be dead.”
Bai Xin’s expression was cold and indifferent: “Unfortunately for you, I’m still alive and well. Your years of planning have been ruined, and now I’m more curious about your true intentions.
And what benefits would this ritual have brought you, to make you so desperate and ruthless?”
“I’ve already lost, further explanations are meaningless.”
The seductive woman didn’t intend to reveal anything and just sneered.
“I thought the Black Snake Beauty never got close to men, it seems that’s not the case.”
“Such cheap taunts, that’s not like you.”
“…Did you come back here specifically to humiliate me?”
The seductive woman’s sneer gradually faded, as if she had calmed down.
“We have some history, humiliating you wouldn’t benefit me.” Bai Xin said indifferently: “Kill yourself.”
“You…”
“Your plan has failed, and you’ve made an enemy of the Luo Xing. Even with the Ji Red Workshop backing you, you won’t survive. And what use are you to them now?”
Bai Xin waved her sleeve, condensing a sword of Yin energy, which she casually tossed towards the seductive woman, the blade piercing the ground before her.
“It’s better to die with some dignity now than to be tortured to death by the Luo Xing later.”
“…”
The seductive woman stared blankly at the blade, speechless.
Bai Xin raised an eyebrow: “Why, not going to do it?”
“I…”
“Although I dislike this man beside me, his words sometimes make sense.”
Bai Xin crossed her arms, her gaze cold and condescending: “You could casually disregard the lives of hundreds, even thousands, of people, watching families torn apart, but now, facing your own death, you’re filled with hesitation and regret.
How do you feel… now?”
The seductive woman’s lips trembled, and she remained silent.
Bai Xin took two steps closer and said in a deep voice: “Since you don’t have the courage to kill yourself, should I help you… one last time?”
“…N-No…”
“What did you say?”
“I-I was wrong.”
A barely audible plea escaped her lips, broken and hesitant.
After a moment of struggle, her face filled with despair, she lowered her head and fell to her knees.
“Please… spare my life… Miss Bai and Master Lin.”
As she spoke, tears welled up in her eyes, her body trembling as she kowtowed.
There was no point in resisting anymore.
After calming down, she had finally realized the identity of the scholar before her.
—The Mystic Scholar, Lin Tianlu.
The rumors about his astonishing feats in Wuchang Province, even defeating a Luo Xing Soultaker, such a terrifying existence was far beyond her ability to confront. Even unleashing all her remaining Yin energy, she could only briefly reach half a step into the Savage Realm, it wouldn’t be enough.
If she wanted to survive—
…begging for mercy was her only option.
Seeing her kowtow and beg for mercy, the surrounding attendants were stunned for a moment.
Then, they all dropped their weapons and knelt down, kowtowing repeatedly.
“Please spare our mistress’s life!”
Lin Tianlu glanced at them, slightly surprised.
He hadn’t expected these servants to be so loyal to this vicious woman, even willing to kneel and kowtow to outsiders without hesitation.
However—
This woman’s ability to adapt to the situation was truly impressive.
“You’re still the same, knowing when to bend and when to yield.”
Bai Xin snorted coldly and looked sideways at Lin Tianlu: “So? What should we do with this woman? It’s up to you to decide. She knows who’s truly in charge.”
Lin Tianlu’s expression turned serious as he silently looked at the kneeling woman.
Undoubtedly, she reeked of blood and baleful energy, although not as strong as the Luo Xing envoy he had just killed, she had still taken many lives.
Looking at the kneeling attendants, he could see that they were also tainted with blood, their sins countless, truly deserving of punishment.
But since they were sincerely begging for mercy, perhaps he could capture them all and hand them over to the local authorities. Whether they were executed or imprisoned would be decided by the law and the will of the people.
“—Sir!”
Just then, a slightly urgent voice called out from not far away.
Lin Tianlu turned around and saw the dignified woman he had met at the inn earlier approaching quickly, supported by a maid.
She quickly gathered her hair and said in a loud voice: “Please spare her life!”
“This madam…”
Lin Tianlu cupped his hands and asked curiously: “Why have you come here?”
“Seeing you take action, sir, I knew that this woman’s plot would be foiled.” The dignified woman clutched her chest, taking a deep breath, then quickly regained her composure, and said calmly: “Judging by this woman’s personality, knowing the difference in your strength, she wouldn’t dare to act recklessly again. And you’re kind and merciful, sir, it might be difficult for you to deal with someone begging for mercy, so I came here specifically to help resolve this situation.”
Bai Xin frowned slightly, discreetly assessing the woman’s appearance and figure.
“Who are you?”
“My name is Qu Xiangwen, I am the East Pavilion Master of the Ji Red Workshop.”
The woman curtsied gracefully, and her words made Bai Xin’s eyes widen slightly in surprise.
East Pavilion Master… of the Ji Red Workshop?
She had traveled the world for many years and had heard of the Ji Red Workshop, a powerful and mysterious organization, on par with the Lingluo Valley, the Zhaoxiao Court, and the Chiyu Sect. But she had only heard of this East Pavilion Master, never seen her, her identity and true appearance unknown.
She hadn’t expected her to be such a… dignified and elegant woman.
Lin Tianlu’s thoughts stirred, and he mused: “So you have some connection with this woman, Madam?”
“Her name is Li Caidie. She was indeed a member of our Ji Red Workshop decades ago.”
Qu Xiangwen nodded slightly and said calmly: “But she committed a grave mistake back then and was expelled. She then gathered a group of followers and came to this county, establishing the Biluo Manor.”
Bai Xin frowned: “But her actions this time, and your Ji Red Workshop—”
“She sent a letter to the Ji Red Workshop a while ago, outlining part of her plan.” Qu Xiangwen glanced at Li Caidie, who was kneeling silently on the ground: “I was also curious to see what she had been up to these past few years, so I came to observe. But I didn’t expect her to be so reckless.”
Lin Tianlu’s expression turned serious: “Do you have a solution, Madam?”
“This woman’s wickedness and arrogance must be punished, and her followers can’t be spared either.”
Qu Xiangwen lowered her eyes slightly and cupped her hands, bowing: “We, the Ji Red Workshop, will not excuse her crimes, we will help you punish her severely, Master Lin, making sure she never has the chance to rise again. She will spend the rest of her life atoning for her sins.
If you want to inform the local authorities, Master Lin, I will also send someone to contact them and make sure she and her followers are convicted and imprisoned forever.”
Lin Tianlu raised an eyebrow slightly.
This arrangement seemed quite reasonable and thorough.
“But how can we trust you?”
Bai Xin snorted coldly, her gaze sharp: “We don’t know what kind of secret relationship you have with this vixen. You can say all the nice things you want now, and then, after we leave Qingfeng County, you’ll just let her go and allow her to continue causing trouble elsewhere… How would we know the truth?”
“I understand your concerns, Miss.”
Qu Xiangwen remained calm and said slowly: “But I swear on the name of the Ji Red Workshop, we will not betray your trust. And besides—” Her gaze shifted to Lin Tianlu: “You’re incredibly powerful, Master Lin, if we tried to play any tricks, it would only bring trouble upon ourselves.”
“There’s no need to worry, Miss Bai.” Lin Tianlu smiled gently and cupped his hands: “Since Madam has given her word, I’ll leave this matter to you, I hope Li Caidie and her followers will receive the punishment they deserve.”
A satisfied smile appeared on Qu Xiangwen’s face, and she curtsied in return: “Thank you for your trust, Master Lin. As for the wrongful convictions related to Li Caidie and her followers in Qingfeng County these past few years, we will also investigate and rectify them.”
Saying this, she glanced sideways at her maids.
They quickly stepped forward, took out ropes, and tied up Li Caidie and her followers.
And they seemed to have used some special method to seal their Yin energy and abilities. With their auras weakened, they were no different from ordinary mortals.
“Take them away.” Qu Xiangwen said indifferently: “And search the surrounding ruins for any remaining accomplices, capture them, and bring them to the local authorities for interrogation. As for the collapse of the White Jade Tower, send someone to appease the residents and say that the foundation was weak.”
“Yes, Madam!”
Bai Xin watched as the maids efficiently took Li Caidie and her followers away, a complicated look in her eyes.
This vixen, after years of plotting and scheming, hadn’t even caused a ripple, her plans ruined before they could even begin.
Her clothes disheveled, her hair messy, her dejected and defeated appearance was a stark contrast to her confident and composed demeanor from a few hours ago.
“Qu Xiangwen—”
And as she was being dragged away, Li Caidie, her head lowered, her face hidden, murmured hoarsely: “I hate you…”
The two maids holding her changed their expressions: “Shut up!”
They quickly took her away.
A flicker of emotion appeared in Qu Xiangwen’s eyes as she watched Li Caidie being taken away, she remained silent.
Bai Xin suddenly said: “It seems… you have some history with this vixen.”
“…She was once my disciple.”
Qu Xiangwen lowered her eyes slightly and sighed softly: “Decades ago, we were as close as mother and daughter. But perhaps it was my negligence as a teacher, within just a few years, she became a stranger to me, her thoughts unreadable.”
Lin Tianlu pondered for a moment and said gently: “It’s admirable that you taught and nurtured her, Madam, but you must pay more attention to their character in the future. Once they stray from the right path, no matter how talented they are, their hearts will be consumed by greed, and they won’t be able to turn back.”
“That’s why I no longer take any disciples in the Ji Red Workshop, I don’t want to repeat the same mistake.”
Qu Xiangwen closed her eyes and sighed softly: “However, I’ll keep your words in mind, Master Lin.”
Lin Tianlu smiled gently and said reassuringly: “There’s no need to be so sad, Madam, there might be one villain in the world, but if everyone in the Ji Red Workshop is as virtuous, understanding, and law-abiding as you, your efforts haven’t been in vain.”
After a moment of silence, seeing that the atmosphere had eased slightly, he asked thoughtfully: “However, may I ask, Madam Qu, do you know a young lady surnamed Ji?”
“…Ji?”
Qu Xiangwen’s eyes flickered, and she pondered: “There is indeed a woman surnamed Ji in our Ji Red Workshop, and she’s been traveling for many years, have you met her as well, Master Lin?”
“Yes.” Lin Tianlu chuckled: “We met by chance and are now… neighbors.”
“That Ji girl, has she done anything inappropriate?”
“Miss Ji is law-abiding and lives a peaceful life in the county.”
Qu Xiangwen sighed with relief: “It’s good that she’s alright.”
“Alright, enough about these family matters.” Bai Xin suddenly interrupted, her expression cold: “Many Luo Xing envoys died here just now, what are your plans now, Ji Red Workshop?”
“I’ll try my best to negotiate with the Luo Xing, there’s no need for you to worry, Miss.”
“Then I’ll take my leave.”
Bai Xin turned and left decisively.
Qu Xiangwen was slightly stunned, but her expression quickly returned to its usual calmness.
“Cough—”
Lin Tianlu coughed lightly and cupped his hands: “Excuse me, Madam Qu. Since this matter has been resolved, I won’t disturb you any longer. I hope you will keep your promise and bring peace to Qingfeng County.”
“Naturally.”
Qu Xiangwen curtsied gracefully: “Have a safe journey, Master Lin.”
“Farewell, Madam, we’ll meet again if fate allows.”
…
Watching Lin Tianlu’s retreating figure, Qu Xiangwen stood amidst the ruins, silent for a long time, until finally, a sigh escaped her lips.
“Master, why are you sighing?”
The young maid quietly approached, asking curiously: “Lin Tianlu didn’t show any hostility towards you, and this incident caused by Li Caidie has been resolved, shouldn’t you be happy?”
“I’m not sighing about those trivial matters.”
Qu Xiangwen shook her head and said calmly: “That Li Caidie believed those ancient texts and tried to summon the Fifth Realm, but she didn’t know that this ritual is also a sinister ‘curse.’ Even without Lin Tianlu’s intervention, she would have died eventually.”
“Then, Master, you…”
“I’m just sighing that I couldn’t get closer to such an extraordinary person.”
Qu Xiangwen sighed helplessly: “Although his words were polite, he’s not one of us. I missed my chance.”
Saying this, she waved her sleeve and turned to leave:
“Let’s go, there’s no need to stay in Qingfeng County any longer. We’ll handle things as he instructed and return to the main sect.”
But after taking a few steps, she couldn’t help but pause, murmuring regretfully: “It’s a pity I don’t have any daughters, otherwise, I would have them approach him. Perhaps he could bring a brighter future to our Ji Red Workshop.”
…
Lin Tianlu quickly caught up with Bai Xin.
But as he approached, he heard her whisper: “Such a major incident occurred in Qingfeng County, and you’re so trusting, leaving everything to that stranger?”
“What do you mean, Miss?”
“I’ve heard quite a bit about the Ji Red Workshop over the years. Perhaps they’re not as overbearing as the Luo Xing, nor as cruel and ruthless as those other factions, but they’re not exactly virtuous either.”
Bai Xin crossed her arms and mused: “You just met this woman once, and you believe she’ll listen to you? Even after you leave—”
“I’m quite good at judging character, Miss.”
Lin Tianlu smiled: “That woman is indeed cunning and not as weak as she appears, I can see that.”
“Then why…”
“But she’s a smart woman.”
Lin Tianlu shrugged with a smile: “And smart people know what to do, and what not to do.”
Bai Xin looked at him strangely for a while.
Then she looked away and snorted softly: “Scholars are all so sanctimonious, always speaking in riddles.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled softly.
This girl, was she calling him cryptic?
“However, I saw you eagerly wanting to confront Li Caidie earlier, Miss Bai, but why did you only exchange a few words with her when you met again?”
“There was nothing to say.”
Bai Xin said indifferently: “I already knew her intentions the moment I saw her, and I’ve said everything I needed to say. We won’t be meeting again.”
Lin Tianlu pondered for a moment and cupped his hands: “You’re quite open-minded, Miss, I admire that.”
“I don’t need your flattery.”
Bai Xin’s face was slightly cold as she turned her head away and snorted softly, seemingly indifferent and disdainful.
Although her clothes were slightly torn, her cold and arrogant aura was still striking. As she walked, her long legs beneath her skirt moved gracefully, like a proud and beautiful swan.
But after a moment of silence, she turned her head slightly, her expression hidden beneath her bangs, and parted her lips slightly: “However, since you’re back, let’s return to Lunar Valley, Ninth Elder and the others miss you.”
Lin Tianlu’s eyes widened slightly, and a gentle smile quickly appeared on his face. He reached out and patted the young woman’s shoulder: “Thank you for your concern, Miss Bai.”
“Don’t touch me.”
Bai Xin quickly brushed his hand away and snorted heavily: “I don’t know what kind of spell you’ve cast on the elders, for them to be so fond of you.”
“Perhaps it’s because I’m a… passable son-in-law?”
Lin Tianlu chuckled softly.
As if remembering something, he quickly added: “By the way! I bought a lot of gifts along the way, including one for you, Miss Bai, remember to choose one from the carriage later.”
“…”
Bai Xin pursed her lips slightly and whispered almost inaudibly:
“Thank you.”
