Chapter 245: Grace and Poise, A Visit to the Lin Residence
“It’s nothing to be praised for, just lending a helping hand, as you did for me, sir.”
Ren Yinshan shook her head with a self-deprecating smile.
Lin Tianlu recalled something and asked curiously, “I also encountered a lost female demon and recommended she seek you out in Ganchang Village…”
“That child…”
Ren Yinshan smiled gently. “Although she’s a bit quiet, she’s kind-hearted and a talented zither player. She’s been staying at the brothel for a while now.”
“Thinking back, I feel I’ve imposed on you too much, Miss Ren.”
“Since you know I enjoy caring for these women, sir, it’s no imposition at all.” Ren Yinshan waved her hand, and a melodious sound drifted from the nearby zither.
“Being able to teach her music and perhaps nurture her into a master musician is quite fulfilling for me.”
She smiled softly, then her expression returned to its usual calm. She gestured gracefully towards the side. “I’ve already asked the restaurant to prepare a meal. It’s just some simple home-style dishes, still warm. If you don’t mind, sir, why don’t you join me?”
“Such hospitality, Miss Ren. I wouldn’t dream of refusing.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled. “However, I was on my way home with another young lady. She’s currently…”
“I know a little about the young lady who accompanied you, sir.”
Before he could finish, Ren Yinshan smiled. “Although we haven’t formally met, I did catch a glimpse of her in Ganchang Village. And from what I saw just now, she seems to have matured and become even more beautiful. As expected of someone you value, sir. Her beauty is truly breathtaking.”
“Then why did you ask her to dine alone…?”
“I didn’t want to put you in a difficult position, sir.”
Ren Yinshan covered her lips, a teasing glint in her eyes. “After all, you and Miss Hua seem quite close, more than just companions. It would be easy for a stranger like me to cause a misunderstanding. It’s best for Miss Hua to relax in another room.”
“That’s… very considerate of you, Miss Ren.”
Lin Tianlu felt a bit awkward. “But Miss Hua and I aren’t… romantically involved.”
“But your relationship is clearly not superficial. It will be interesting to see how it develops.”
Ren Yinshan walked gracefully to the table and sat down, her gaze playful. “Besides, I’ve heard stories about you in Changling, sir, including about your two… future wives.”
Lin Tianlu bowed apologetically. “You must be laughing at my philandering ways.”
“Please don’t misunderstand, sir. I wasn’t criticizing you, just teasing.”
Ren Yinshan poured him a cup of wine, her voice gentle. “With your talent and charm, it’s natural for many women to be enamored with you. I wouldn’t presume to judge.”
Lin Tianlu sat down beside her. “But given your past experiences, Miss Ren…”
Her expression faltered, and she chuckled. “Are you worried I might be upset, sir?”
“I just didn’t want to bring up any unpleasant memories and spoil your mood.”
“Thanks to your guidance, sir, I’ve already let go of those things. They’re just fleeting clouds, long dispersed.”
Ren Yinshan raised her cup, smiling softly. “Besides, I’ve never objected to men taking multiple wives, as long as they don’t abandon their previous partners. With your upstanding character, sir, I have no reason to complain.”
She blinked, her demeanor elegant and composed, her smile gentle and warm, disarming and inviting.
Perhaps it was her past experiences that had given her a wisdom and maturity beyond her years, her every word and gesture exuding grace and poise.
Lin Tianlu raised his cup, clinking it gently against hers, and they both drank.
After taking a sip, Ren Yinshan licked her lips, a faint blush coloring her cheeks, her beauty even more captivating.
“This wine is quite good. Mild and smooth.”
Lin Tianlu praised. “Almost like tea, mellow and fragrant.”
But just as he finished speaking, he noticed the blush spreading across her face, her eyes shimmering as if she were slightly intoxicated, a languid charm in her expression.
Seeing the flush on her neck, Lin Tianlu asked with concern, “Miss Ren, are you not used to alcohol? Should I ask for some sobering soup?”
“I-I’m fine.”
Ren Yinshan snapped out of her daze and quickly regained her composure. “I’m always like this when I drink. I can’t handle strong alcohol. But a few cups of this light wine are fine. It just makes my face a bit red.”
This didn’t look like ‘a bit red’…
Lin Tianlu chuckled inwardly.
But seeing that she seemed clear-headed, he didn’t press the matter.
Although they had interacted in Ganchang Village, they weren’t particularly close. It wouldn’t be good if she got completely drunk.
Ren Yinshan exhaled softly, the blush on her face fading slightly.
She gathered her hair, thought for a moment, and murmured, “Could you tell me what has been happening in Changling recently, sir? I just arrived today and can sense something unusual. Not only are there many martial artists from all over, but there are also some demons and ghosts lurking about.”
“It’s a long story.”
Lin Tianlu picked up his chopsticks with a smile. “Let’s try the food here first, and I’ll tell you everything.”
…
“I see…”
Ren Yinshan murmured thoughtfully. “So it was the prince of the mortal dynasty who caused all this trouble in Changling.”
From his explanation, she had grasped the general situation.
She wasn’t particularly surprised by Prince Pei’s son’s death. In her opinion, no matter how high his status, he was just an ordinary mortal in the world of demons and ghosts. His death wasn’t a major event.
She was more concerned about the consequences of his death.
“Fortunately, you returned in time, sir. Otherwise, Miss Cheng would have suffered even more.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled and shrugged. “I just came back to clean up the mess. Yishi and the others already had a plan.”
Ren Yinshan sighed. “Although I haven’t met her yet, Miss Cheng must be a clever woman.”
Her expression turned serious as she pondered. “But there will be a lot of trouble following this incident. Not only will Prince Pei be furious, but the people his son summoned before his death are also a threat to the county. If we’re not careful, there could be bloodshed.”
Just as she feared.
This so-called ‘hero’s feast’ had no restrictions or requirements, its purpose being to recruit as many soldiers as possible. Naturally, there were no specific invitation standards. People from all walks of life, including righteous cultivators seeking fame and fortune, and unsavory characters hoping to profit from the chaos, would be present. It was difficult to predict what kind of trouble they might cause.
Of course, the authorities could deal with those with malicious intent.
But the real trouble came from the demons and ghosts who were drawn to the commotion.
“I don’t know much about Prince Pei’s son. Prince Pei’s influence rarely reaches the area around Xima Prefecture. For him to suddenly visit this place in disguise, subtly revealing his identity as a prince… perhaps they’re planning something big with the help of demons and ghosts.”
“You’re right, Miss Ren.”
Lin Tianlu picked up a piece of chicken and ate it. “The prince has already invited several important figures, saying that they want to take advantage of the Luo Xing’s absence and set up a formation called the ‘Grand Concealed Dragon Formation.’ But those figures haven’t appeared yet, so I haven’t been able to do anything about it.”
“Grand Concealed Dragon Formation?”
Ren Yinshan’s expression turned surprised upon hearing this name.
“Do you know about it, Miss Ren?”
“I don’t know the details. It seems to be a legendary formation from hundreds of years ago. Since it’s so ancient, I don’t know much about it.” Ren Yinshan pondered. “But I’ve heard that it’s similar to the Luo Xing’s techniques, perhaps also manipulating the earth’s energy and feng shui. If the formation is completed, Changling County might become their plaything. Sir, you must be careful and prevent those demons and ghosts from completing this formation. We can’t let them gain the upper hand.”
“I’ll be careful.”
Lin Tianlu nodded seriously.
Changling County couldn’t withstand another wave of trouble from demons and ghosts. He had to nip this threat in the bud.
However…
“The timing of this incident is quite… coincidental.” Lin Tianlu smiled wryly. “Just as I’m preparing for my wedding, all these troubles arise.”
“Wedding?”
Ren Yinshan’s eyes widened. “Are you marrying those two young ladies, sir?!”
“I recently accompanied my… wife to visit her family and helped them set the date. Naturally, I can’t miss it.” Lin Tianlu chuckled. “I was also buying some decorations for the house today. Although we won’t be having a grand banquet, we still need to add some festive cheer.”
“This…”
Ren Yinshan’s expression was conflicted.
But after a moment of silence, she relaxed her furrowed brows, shaking her head self-deprecatingly, and smiled gently. “You’re at the age of starting a family, sir. With a virtuous wife by your side, your life will surely be sweeter and more fulfilling.”
She poured another cup of wine and raised it, her expression serious. “I offer my congratulations, sir. I’ll be sure to send a gift.”
“There’s no need for a gift. If you don’t mind, Miss Ren, why don’t you join us for the wedding?”
Lin Tianlu smiled, raising his cup in return. “Although it will mostly be relatives and elders from the brides’ families, I’ll also be inviting a few neighbors and friends. Just consider it a casual dinner.”
“The wedding…”
Ren Yinshan hesitated.
“Do you have other important matters to attend to, Miss Ren?”
“Not at all. I just feel that… attending your wedding uninvited might upset your wives.”
“Don’t worry. They’re not so narrow-minded.”
Looking at Lin Tianlu’s bright smile, Ren Yinshan’s eyes twinkled, and a smile played on her lips. “With your praise, sir, I’m even more eager to meet your wives and get to know them.”
“Now that you mention it…”
Lin Tianlu slapped his forehead. “You’ve come all this way. I should invite you to my home as a guest. If you’re free later, Miss Ren, why don’t you come over? I just bought some fresh ingredients, and I’ll make sure you have a satisfying lunch.”
Ren Yinshan, as if waiting for this invitation, nodded with a smile. “I wouldn’t want to impose.”
She blinked, stood up, and clapped her hands gently.
Then, hurried footsteps approached, and the waiter rushed into the room, bowing deeply without raising his head. “What are your orders, distinguished guest?”
“Please ask the young lady in the other private room to come here.”
“Y-Yes!”
A short while later, Hua Shuya entered the room, a puzzled look on her face. She immediately noticed the black-haired beauty standing beside Lin Tianlu.
“You are…?”
“My name is Ren Yinshan. I’m the woman whom your senior helped in Ganchang Village.” Ren Yinshan curtsied slightly, smiling apologetically. “I apologize for asking you to dine alone next door. I was a bit worried at first and didn’t want to cause any misunderstandings, so I deliberately concealed my identity and met with your senior alone.”
“But now—”
“We’ve cleared things up, and Miss Ren will be visiting our home later.” Lin Tianlu took the ingredients and decorations from Hua Shuya’s hands. “You remember this young lady, don’t you?”
“I do.”
Hua Shuya nodded, bowing in return. “Although we haven’t met before, I’ve heard about you from Senior. Such resilience and compassion… Miss Ren, a kind-hearted demon like you is truly unforgettable.”
