Chapter 244: Reunion with an Old Friend, A Warm Conversation
The Yang Family’s Oriole Restaurant, though not as famous as the Ascension Immortal Restaurant, was still quite well-known in Changling County, usually attracting a decent number of customers.
Moreover, with the recent influx of martial artists from out of town, business should have been booming.
But today…
The Oriole Restaurant seemed unusually quiet.
Only a few men and women dressed as martial artists were dining in the main hall, occasionally discussing martial arts matters. This starkly contrasted with the bustling street scene outside.
Upon entering the restaurant, Hua Shuya felt a faint chill, and her eyes narrowed.
This aura was undoubtedly Yin energy.
Perhaps that’s why the restaurant seemed so deserted, with few ordinary customers. Ordinary people might not be able to discern the unusual aura, but their instincts would warn them away.
As for the martial artists, their robust Qi and blood made them less susceptible to the faint, chilling presence.
—A clever tactic!
Hua Shuya’s vigilance increased.
Her trip to Lunar Valley had broadened her understanding of the Yin techniques employed by demons and ghosts. She recognized this subtle manipulation of Yin energy as something beyond the capabilities of ordinary spirits. If she hadn’t learned a few Lunar Breath techniques in the secret realm, she might have been as oblivious as the martial artists in the main hall.
To be able to separate ordinary people from martial artists without revealing one’s presence… truly impressive!
“G-Greetings, customers. All our private rooms on the second floor have been reserved by a distinguished guest today.”
A young waiter approached, wringing his hands. “If you’d like to dine, you’ll have to sit in the main hall… Eh?”
His eyes widened in surprise. “Mr. Lin?”
Lin Tianlu asked, puzzled, “Do you know me?”
“Who in the county doesn’t know the famous Mr. Lin? I saw you from afar once, so I remember your face.”
The young waiter scratched his head, smiling sheepishly.
But he quickly composed himself, leaning closer and lowering his voice. “Mr. Lin, this is quite strange. The mysterious guest who reserved the private room upstairs instructed me to let you go up and see them if you came looking… It might be dangerous. I didn’t even get a clear look at their face, and their voice was hoarse and muffled, so I couldn’t tell if they were male or female. If they hadn’t paid so handsomely, we wouldn’t have accepted this reservation.”
“Couldn’t see their face…”
Hua Shuya, who was following behind, frowned.
What ordinary martial artist possessed such an ability?
This was clearly the work of a demon or ghost.
But to be able to move freely in broad daylight… this spirit’s cultivation must be quite high.
At least at the level of an Evil Spirit or even a Crimson Demon!
Lin Tianlu smiled calmly. “I doubt they have hostile intentions. I’ll go up and meet them.”
“If there’s any danger, Mr. Lin, please shout for help. We’ll come to your aid immediately.”
The waiter whispered, “Our chef is quite strong. He can handle a few brutes.”
Lin Tianlu cupped his hands. “Thank you for your concern.”
“You saved my parents once, Mr. Lin. It’s the least I can do.”
“Then…”
“Please wait.”
The waiter suddenly stopped him, smiling awkwardly. “Mr. Lin, you can go up, but this Miss Hua… seems to be… not allowed.”
Hua Shuya looked puzzled. “Why?”
“The guest specifically instructed that only Mr. Lin can go up. As for the young lady accompanying you, she’s to be escorted to another private room and served the finest food and tea.”
The waiter bowed apologetically. “Please understand, Miss.”
“There’s no need to apologize. I’ll cooperate.” Hua Shuya nodded, not arguing.
She exchanged a glance with Lin Tianlu, and after receiving a nod of approval, she followed the waiter to another room.
“…”
Lin Tianlu ascended the stairs alone, walking through the winding corridor to the largest and most luxurious private room in the Oriole Restaurant. As the waiter had said, the second floor was deserted and quiet. If he hadn’t known there was a guest upstairs, he would have assumed it was empty.
“…”
He pushed open the door and saw numerous gauzy curtains and screens, a faint, pleasant fragrance filling the room. Just one breath was refreshing and invigorating.
Zheng
A melodious zither tune echoed through the room.
The clear, elegant music brought a gentle smile to Lin Tianlu’s lips.
Looking towards the source of the sound, he could faintly make out a figure behind the curtains, her hands moving gracefully as she played the soothing melody.
Her zither skills were exceptional, the notes precise and clear, as if conveying a myriad of emotions, a blend of melancholy and joy, exuding a gentle warmth.
Lin Tianlu found a seat and sat down quietly, listening with a smile, tapping his fingers lightly on the table, appreciating the exquisite music.
Having recently studied numerous music theory texts, his appreciation for music had deepened.
Because of this, he could better understand the nuances of the performance.
Hum
After about fifteen minutes, the final note faded.
It was as if a beautiful woman gazed at him from afar, her emotions carried by the wind. Even after the music ended, the image lingered, captivating and unforgettable.
“Such exquisite zither skills are truly rare. Few can compare to yours, Miss.”
Lin Tianlu cupped his hands with a smile, offering his sincere praise. “When we met briefly before, your music wasn’t as profound as this. The harmony between the melody and the musician is truly exceptional. It’s like celestial music, touching the very soul.”
“You flatter me, sir,” a soft, melodious voice echoed from behind the curtains. “I’m glad you enjoyed my humble performance. If others were to hear such praise, I would be too embarrassed to show my face.”
As the playful remark ended, the curtains parted, revealing the mysterious musician.
Long, black hair cascaded down her back, her voluptuous figure accentuated by a light-colored dress that clung to her curves. Her long sleeves danced around her as she moved with the grace of a butterfly, her footsteps light and elegant, closing the distance between them.
She was alluring and mysterious, possessing an enchanting charm.
Her figure appeared before him like a phantom, her dress flowing like mist, a faint scent of gardenia filling the air.
Lin Tianlu smiled, rising and bowing. “Miss Ren, it’s been a while.”
“You’re still as handsome and elegant as ever, sir. Your presence is truly unforgettable.”
Ren Yinshan smiled, her hands clasped before her, curtseying gracefully. “I hope you can forgive my sudden visit to Changling and my little charade. I happened to see you on the street and couldn’t resist the urge to meet you again, so I asked the waiter to…”
“There’s no need to apologize, Miss Ren. I’m not so insensible.” Lin Tianlu waved his hand, smiling gently. “To reunite after so many months, with a scene so similar to our first meeting… you’ve put some thought into this.”
They had first met in Ganchang Village, also separated by curtains.
But the atmosphere now was completely different.
Ren Yinshan tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her beautiful eyes shimmering. “Did you already know it was me in this room, sir, even back on the street?”
“Such gentle and tender eyes… I only know one person who possesses them, Miss Ren. They’re truly unforgettable.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled. “And although you tried to conceal your aura, I haven’t forgotten your unique scent, so different from other demons and ghosts. I knew it was you who had come to Changling.”
“I’m overjoyed that you still remember me, sir.”
Ren Yinshan covered her mouth and chuckled softly. “I thought that with three beautiful women by your side in Changling, you would have long forgotten someone like me. To know that you still remember me, I’m truly content.”
Lin Tianlu’s smile faltered slightly, and he chuckled awkwardly. “You heard from others, Miss Ren?”
“Ever since I set foot in Changling, I’ve been hearing stories about you. I just haven’t had the chance to visit you yet.”
Ren Yinshan’s expression turned slightly worried. “However, I heard that an important figure recently arrived in Changling, and he seems to have taken an interest in Miss Cheng, who is related to you. Could there be some trouble—”
“There’s no need to worry, Miss Ren. The matter was resolved yesterday.”
“Is that so…”
Ren Yinshan relaxed, a graceful smile returning to her face. “It seems I was overly worried. After all, with your extraordinary cultivation, sir, you can surely handle anything.”
“You flatter me. I don’t have the ability to foresee the future.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled, shaking his head.
He then asked curiously, “May I ask why you’ve suddenly come here, Miss Ren? I remember that many of the young women you’ve taken in are still waiting to be married. Isn’t it dangerous for you to leave them?”
Although Ganchang Village was even more remote than Changling County, the women lived in a ‘brothel.’ If someone with malicious intentions were to cause trouble, and there was no one in charge, it could easily descend into chaos.
Ren Yinshan’s eyes curved into crescents as she replied softly, “A friend of mine is looking after them while I’m away. Her strength is no less than my own, so I was able to take some time off to come here. Besides, those girls have all been taught some self-defense techniques. They’re not helpless damsels.”
“Your careful guidance is truly a blessing for those young women, Miss Ren.”
Lin Tianlu couldn’t help but admire her.
She taught them music, calligraphy, painting, and life lessons, provided them with food, clothing, shelter, and even money and jewelry, and even found time to teach them self-defense skills.
Such selfless kindness was truly admirable.
Few people in this world were so dedicated to helping others. Her integrity and generosity were rare indeed.
“It’s just a small effort.”
Ren Yinshan’s eyes flickered, and she murmured, “A friend of mine recently passed through Ganchang Village and mentioned that she would be staying in Changling for a while. Have you seen her, sir?”
“Your friend… could it be Miss Ji, the owner of the Golden Phoenix Tower?”
“Her surname is indeed Ji.”
Ren Yinshan asked worriedly, “Did you have a conflict with her, sir? Although Ji Yao is kind and gentle by nature, she can be a bit impulsive and outspoken. If she offended you, I hope you can forgive her rudeness.”
As she spoke, she seemed about to curtsy.
Lin Tianlu quickly stopped her, chuckling. “We just had a small misunderstanding, which has been cleared up after we talked. Miss Ji’s Golden Phoenix Tower is still doing business on the other side of the Ningguan River.”
“That’s… good to hear!” Ren Yinshan patted her chest, relieved. “It seems my hurried trip here wasn’t in vain.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled. “It seems you’re quite worried about your friend’s safety, Miss Ren. By the way, I also met a young lady in red named Liu Mengjiao in Nanfeng County. She seems to be one of your former disciples?”
“Mengjiao?”
Ren Yinshan paused, then nodded as if reminiscing. “Mengjiao was indeed a poor girl I helped a few years ago. We lived together for a while, but I don’t know how she’s doing now…”
“She’s doing quite well, her business is thriving.” Lin Tianlu smiled reassuringly. “And she hasn’t forgotten your teachings, Miss Ren. She hasn’t resorted to violence and conducts herself with integrity.”
Ren Yinshan’s lips curved into a smile, her beautiful face showing relief. “Thank you for the news, sir. It has truly eased my worries.”
Looking at her genuine warmth and concern, Lin Tianlu couldn’t help but murmur, “You truly have the air of a virtuous wife and mother, Miss Ren.”
The more he interacted with her, the more he appreciated her gentle and elegant nature, her mature charm far surpassing that of ordinary women.
