Chapter 393: Peace in the Valley, Enchanting Illusions
Within Jade Luo Courtyard.
The air was still clear and elegant, a refreshing fragrance carried by the gentle breeze, creating a comfortable and pleasant atmosphere.
From behind the delicate gauze curtains, a dignified and beautiful woman emerged, her hair styled in a high bun with a few strands framing her face, a simple yet elegant dress clinging to her mature and curvaceous figure, her every step graceful and charming, like a blooming flower.
She carried a porcelain pot in her hand, a gentle smile on her face as she entered the main hall.
“Seventh Sister, you look well today.”
“After some exercise, I naturally feel much better.”
Another beautiful young woman was already sitting in the hall.
Her figure was slender, her face delicate, a hint of alluring sadness in her eyes, like a fragile beauty swaying in the wind, her long, black hair, adorned with a golden hairpin, having a faded, grayish hue.
She was dressed in an elegant, high-waisted skirt, a gauze shawl draped over her arms, like a lonely concubine in the inner palace.
Although her figure was slender and delicate, her ample bosom, barely contained by her embroidered bodice, was incredibly eye-catching. One couldn’t help but wonder if all the nutrients in her body had flowed there, yet its shape was perfect, full and perky, incredibly alluring.
Her hands clasped demurely in her lap, her demeanor gentle and soft, a faint and ethereal smile on her face.
“I just returned from the back mountain and came to ask Fifth Sister for a cup of water.”
“You~ with your frail body, still working so hard for your disciples.”
Ye Yujun smiled wryly and poured her a cup of warm tea: “Although you have cultivation techniques protecting you, be careful not to overexert yourself and collapse one day, having your adorable disciples carry you back crying. I wouldn’t know how to comfort those little girls.”
“Those children are so adorable, I naturally want to teach them more.”
Seventh Elder took the warm teacup, took a sip, and then narrowed her eyes slightly, a satisfied sigh escaping her lips.
“Fifth Sister’s tea is still so fragrant and delicious, all my fatigue is gone~”
“It’s just ordinary flower tea, don’t exaggerate.”
Ye Yujun playfully poked her forehead: “And you’re the physician of our Lunar Valley, always teaching the children about medicine, yet you’re so careless with your own health.”
“Don’t blame me, Fifth Sister~” Seventh Elder chuckled softly: “Precisely because I understand medicine, I’m not worried about myself, I can still live for hundreds of years.”
“It’s because life in the valley is too comfortable that you’ve become so lazy. You were the young mistress of a prestigious medical family before you entered Lunar Valley with me.”
Ye Yujun leaned closer, straightening the silk ribbons on Seventh Elder’s shoulders, and said with a playful scolding: “Eighth Elder is one thing, but weren’t you also drugged by Third Elder a while ago and slept for days? All your medical knowledge was useless. If it were anyone else, they would have already lost their head!”
Seventh Elder shrank back slightly, like a small animal: “I-I didn’t expect that, how could I have known that those two elders were truly planning something?”
Although she was in charge of concocting pills and preparing medicines in the valley, she didn’t always carry them with her.
She had sensed the drug in the wine, but before she could react, she had felt dizzy, her vision darkening, and she had collapsed.
It was the disciples who had carried her back to her bed, otherwise, she would have spent the night on the floor.
Ye Yujun shook her head and chuckled.
Seeing her relaxed expression, Seventh Elder calmed down slightly and smiled faintly: “But now that the conflict has been resolved, peace has returned.”
“Indeed…”
Ye Yujun lowered her eyes slightly and sighed with emotion: “Everything worked out perfectly, without any further incidents.”
Seventh Elder’s eyes flickered, and she suddenly asked: “Are you very familiar with that Lin Tianlu, Fifth Sister?”
“Not particularly familiar, just… somewhat acquainted.” Ye Yujun walked behind her, took out a jade comb from her bosom, and gently combed Seventh Elder’s long hair: “He is indeed quite an extraordinary and talented man, worthy of marrying Jingyun’s adopted daughter.
He was the one who resolved the crisis in our Lunar Valley, we’re quite indebted to him.”
Seventh Elder nodded slightly: “Although I’ve only met Lin Tianlu once, he does seem gentle and kind. And he has also brought many opportunities to our Lunar Valley, we should thank him properly. It’s no wonder Eighth Sister cares about him so much, bravely following the Valley Master into the world to help him.”
Ye Yujun chuckled softly: “It’s a good thing that Lin Tianlu is becoming closer to our Lunar Valley.”
“That’s true, but it’s still a bit strange for a man to stay in Lunar Valley for so long.”
Seventh Elder held her teacup, her eyes flickering slightly, and she murmured: “And whenever Lin Tianlu is mentioned, Jingyun and First Elder’s expressions are always a bit strange. Could it be that they both have feelings for him…?”
“Are you jealous, Seventh Sister?”
“It’s fine for them to find a good partner, but…” Seventh Elder took a sip of tea and chuckled helplessly: “That Lin boy is truly turning our Lunar Valley upside down.”
“A bit of excitement might be good for our otherwise monotonous lives. We, the people of Lunar Valley, live for thousands of years, there’s no need for us to care about worldly opinions, as long as we have a clear conscience.”
Ye Yujun leaned closer and whispered with a playful smile: “But you should be more careful with your attire, Seventh Sister. It’s fine in front of those girls, but if Tianlu sees it, it would be a bit… indecent.”
Her light-colored dress, thin as gauze, although seemingly elegant and dignified, clung tightly to her fair and delicate skin, faintly revealing her figure, accentuating her curves.
“I-I know that, of course.”
Seventh Elder blushed slightly, instinctively covering her chest with her hand, but she couldn’t completely conceal her exposed skin.
“I heard that Lin Tianlu is bringing his family to our Lunar Valley to celebrate the New Year.” Ye Yujun smiled and said: “You haven’t interacted much with him before, this time, you can talk to him as an elder.”
“What about Jingyun?”
Seventh Elder snorted softly, putting down her teacup: “I still remember Jingyun’s terrifyingly protective expression. If we truly fought, I would surely be defeated by her.”
“Jingyun wouldn’t be so unreasonable. And I visited her a few days ago, she’s looking very well, even smiling more often now.”
Ye Yujun chuckled softly, covering her mouth with her hand: “Perhaps, in a while, I’ll have to order another wedding dress.”
“Fifth Elder, who are you ordering a wedding dress for?”
A cold and calm voice suddenly came from behind them.
Ye Yujun and Seventh Elder’s shoulders trembled, their expressions freezing as they slowly turned around.
Wu Jingyun, dressed in a gorgeous robe and skirt, walked gracefully into the hall.
She put on a stern expression, her gaze cold and piercing.
Although silent, her aura was more powerful than a thousand words, incredibly oppressive.
Ye Yujun forced a smile, her face filled with awkwardness: “Jingyun, I didn’t know you were coming…”
“…There’s no need to explain.”
Wu Jingyun suddenly sighed softly, her expression softening: “Don’t let the disciples hear this and misunderstand.”
Seventh Elder blinked her silver eyes, slightly surprised that Ninth Elder seemed… much gentler than usual.
“I won’t tell the disciples.”
Ye Yujun quickly covered her mouth with her hand, a rare display of girlish playfulness.
Seventh Elder finally calmed down and asked curiously: “Why did you suddenly come to Jade Luo Courtyard, Jingyun? Is it something important?”
“No…”
But Wu Jingyun suddenly frowned, a hesitant and troubled look appearing on her usually serious and beautiful face.
“I just… wanted to talk to someone.”
“Eh?”
Ye Yujun and Seventh Elder were stunned, exchanging glances in surprise and uncertainty.
They hadn’t seen Ninth Elder so anxious and uneasy in decades.
Could it be because—
“Can I talk to you about…”
Wu Jingyun coughed lightly: “Ruoyu and Tianlu?”
As Seventh Elder stared blankly, Ye Yujun’s eyes flickered, and a gentle smile quickly appeared on her face, her gaze soft, as she stepped forward and took Wu Jingyun’s hand: “Tianlu should be arriving at Lunar Valley in a while, let’s sit down and chat.”
“…Eh?!”
Seventh Elder was even more astonished.
Fifth Sister… why was she also acting so strangely?
…
Lunar Valley, in the back mountains.
A nimble figure flickered and moved swiftly, leaving afterimages, until it landed silently on a branch, the click of her heels echoing faintly.
“Eighth Elder, did you have a good rest last night?”
A low, hoarse, and elderly female voice echoed.
Then, Second Elder, leaning on a wooden staff, turned around from the edge of the cliff.
“Those minor injuries were nothing, I’ve already recovered.”
Eighth Elder quickly emerged from the shadows of the trees, her cold and alluring beauty still captivating.
She looked around: “Where is the Valley Master now?”
“She’s currently in the ‘new secret realm,’ she’s a bit busy. I’m here to relay messages.” Second Elder glanced at the misty valley below and sighed with emotion: “It’s been centuries since our Lunar Valley has been this lively.”
Although her tone was filled with emotion, there was also a hint of unconcealed joy.
Eighth Elder said calmly: “It’s all thanks to Tianlu.”
“Indeed. Ever since that boy arrived, our Lunar Valley has truly undergone a transformation.”
Second Elder chuckled softly.
Then, she looked away and asked: “How is the other task assigned to you by the Valley Master progressing?”
“I’ve been investigating along the way.”
Eighth Elder’s tone turned slightly serious: “Those ‘great demons’ are showing signs of revival everywhere, and there’s also a lot of activity in the Netherworld. As instructed by the Valley Master, I’ve already placed the ‘markers’.”
“Well done.”
Second Elder looked at her: “Tianlu and Bai Xin should be arriving soon, are you going to see them?”
“First Elder is there to welcome them, there’s no need for me to join in the fun.” Eighth Elder walked steadily to the edge of the cliff: “I’ll go down and help the Valley Master.”
Saying this, she leaped down and, after a few graceful movements in mid-air, quickly disappeared into the swirling mist.
Second Elder shook her head helplessly.
She had wanted to say that with First Elder’s eccentric personality, meeting Tianlu and the others would probably lead to some commotion.
As for now…
Let them be, First Elder would eventually calm down.
…
A carriage quietly entered the forest path of Lunar Valley.
Meixia, pulling the carriage, seemed to know she was home, her steps light and joyful.
And inside the carriage, Cheng Yishi looked curiously at the surrounding scenery, sighing: “The scenery around Lunar Valley is truly beautiful. Even in winter, the vegetation is still lush and green.”
“Indeed.”
Hua Shuya chuckled softly: “I was also amazed when I first arrived at Lunar Valley. It’s still as beautiful now.”
“But are there any… rules or customs we should be aware of in the valley?”
Cheng Yishi brushed her hair and asked curiously: “Although we’re here to celebrate the New Year, we’re not very familiar with the other elders, and the disciples don’t seem to know my husband?”
Mao Ruoyu nodded with a smile: “We only stayed for a short time before, mostly in Master’s private residence, we didn’t go out much.”
“So even you, Ruoyu, don’t know much about the changes in the sect these past few years?”
“Mm…”
“There’s no need to worry.”
Bai Xin, who had been sitting quietly with her eyes closed, suddenly said: “After all, Lin Tianlu is our Lunar Valley’s benefactor, you can go anywhere you want within the valley, as long as you don’t do anything inappropriate, even the other elders won’t say anything.”
Cheng Yishi patted her chest and let out a soft sigh of relief: “That’s reassuring.”
She had been worried about any strange rules or customs in Lunar Valley and had wanted to be careful not to offend her “family.”
After all, this was her first time in Lunar Valley. She was unfamiliar with this place, only knowing a little from Mao Ruoyu. Now that they had arrived, she couldn’t help but feel a bit nervous.
But the people in the carriage didn’t notice that a strange mist had quietly appeared on both sides of the carriage.
Cheng Yishi suddenly felt her eyelids becoming heavy, her head dizzy, her mind hazy, as if she were about to fall asleep.
“N-No—”
She struggled to stay awake, forcing her heavy eyelids open, and glanced around the carriage to see that Mao Ruoyu and the others had all fallen asleep, their heads lowered.
What… what was going on?!
Cheng Yishi reached out with her remaining strength: “Husband…”
But after lifting the curtain, her expression froze, and after a moment of stunned silence, she collapsed weakly to the ground.
Lin Tianlu was gone from the driver’s seat.
…
A moment later, a cold sensation on her cheek, like water droplets, made Cheng Yishi’s eyebrows twitch slightly, and she gradually regained consciousness.
Then, as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over her head, she sat up abruptly, her eyes wide open as she looked around.
She wasn’t injured, her clothes hadn’t been touched, and she was still on the forest path.
But the carriage was gone, and so were Lin Tianlu and the others, as if they had vanished into thin air, leaving her alone in the vast forest.
“Why… did this happen right in front of Lunar Valley?”
Cheng Yishi was incredibly confused and wary, Yin energy swirling around her.
Could it be that Lunar Valley had been attacked and was now occupied?
Or had some villain set a trap on the path leading to Lunar Valley, waiting for them to walk right into it?
Or perhaps…
…this was the work of Lunar Valley itself.
“—Which elder is behind this? Show yourself!”
Cheng Yishi shouted, her gaze sharp as she scanned her surroundings.
Just then, a soft chuckle echoed:
“You’re quite perceptive, unlike those other girls.”
Cheng Yishi quickly turned towards the voice and saw a graceful figure quietly emerging from the trees.
Her dark purple hair, reaching her knees, swayed gently, a seductive and mischievous smile on her beautiful face. She stopped, put one hand on her hip, and chuckled: “It’s been a while, you’ve become much more mature, finally looking like a woman now.”
“First Elder?”
Cheng Yishi blinked her beautiful eyes, slightly surprised: “Why are you here…?”
“As an elder, naturally, I have to look after you juniors.” First Elder narrowed her eyes seductively, touching her lips: “Let me see if your cultivation has improved during your travels, and whether you’ve been indulging in pleasure and forgotten about your training.”
“Then what about Ruoyu and the others?”
“Just like you, they’re trapped in an illusionary formation.”
First Elder smiled and wagged her finger: “Instead of worrying about them, you should worry about yourself, girl. It would be quite embarrassing if I had to drag you out of the formation later, bruised and battered.”
Cheng Yishi’s expression turned serious.
Was this… some kind of test before entering the valley?
Her thoughts stirring, she quickly materialized her battle-axe, assuming a fighting stance.
“First Elder, please forgive me. I will do my best!”
“Good spirit.”
First Elder’s lips curved into a smile as she pointed at Cheng Yishi’s feet: “But it seems your vigilance is lacking.”
“Wh—”
Cheng Yishi’s heart skipped a beat as she instinctively looked down.
The fallen leaves suddenly swirled upwards, and a rope emerged from a crack in the ground, quickly wrapping around her legs.
“W-Wait! Aaaaaah?!”
With a panicked scream, before Cheng Yishi could even cut the rope, she was lifted into the air and swung around.
First Elder looked up and shook her head with a wry smile:
“You usually seem so clever, but sometimes you’re quite careless.”
…
Meanwhile, as Lin Tianlu drove the carriage, he suddenly felt as if he had passed through some kind of barrier. He frowned slightly and looked back at the carriage.
Mao Ruoyu and the others were gone.
He was alone in the spacious carriage, even Yun Yue, who had been curled up asleep beside him, had vanished.
“…”
But after a moment of silence, his previously wary expression relaxed, and he looked up with a wry smile: “First Elder, why are you so free today, coming all the way out here to play with us?”
“After hearing so many rumors about your exploits and achievements during your travels, I naturally had to come and see for myself.”
A seductive and mischievous chuckle echoed through the forest: “Especially you, the renowned ‘Mystic Scholar,’ I want to experience your abilities firsthand.”
Only her voice, no figure.
But her soft laughter and whispers were like a breath against his ear, carrying a strange and sweet, ambiguous undertone.
Then, First Elder’s voice echoed leisurely:
“It’s a pity that the illusionary formation I specifically prepared for you had no effect at all, truly disappointing.”
Lin Tianlu put down the reins and chuckled: “It seems your illusionary formation needs more practice, First Elder.”
“Ah~ By the way, the formation I prepared for you was quite special. Inside, only the beautiful and young elders of our Lunar Valley would be your ‘enemies’.”
“…Elders?”
As Lin Tianlu felt puzzled, First Elder continued with a hint of a smile in her voice: “Naturally, they would all be lifting their skirts and swaying their hips seductively, surrounding you and taking turns… pleasuring you, letting you experience the ultimate bliss.”
“…”
Lin Tianlu’s expression froze, his eye twitching slightly, momentarily speechless.
After a moment of silence, he forced a smile and chuckled awkwardly: “Your words are quite… frightening, First Elder.”
“Hmph~ Such a prude~”
It was no longer a distant and indistinct voice, but a clear voice coming from behind him.
Lin Tianlu turned around to see a pair of long and shapely legs, completely bare, covered in a black, patterned film, like elegant and seductive stockings, playfully reaching towards him.
And as his gaze moved upwards, he saw First Elder, her body clad in a tight-fitting garment, sitting on the roof of the carriage with a smile, her voluptuous and sexy figure on full display, leaning forward slightly, her breasts pressed together, a playful and seductive look in her eyes: “Although there aren’t any beautiful elders lined up for you here, there’s still me, your First Elder, to play with, and no one will disturb us~”
As Lin Tianlu stared blankly, her seductive gaze and the demonic patterns on her long tail, emerging from beneath her skirt and wrapping around his shoulders and neck, seemed to melt his very soul.
The tip of her tail, as sharp as a blade, gently caressed his skin, as if trying to pull him into a blissful embrace.
First Elder’s eyes were filled with a playful and indulgent affection, her lips parting slightly as she murmured seductively: “There’s no need for any illusionary formations, this moment… is the most captivating seduction~”
This… was her true killing move.
