Chapter 251: Investigating the Night, Martial Arts Heroes
Rustle, rustle, rustle—
Leaves stirred as several blurry figures darted from the shadows, moving swiftly and silently across the rooftops.
The leader suddenly stopped, his long sword unsheathing itself with a surge of Qi. He leaped forward, slashing down with lightning speed.
Clang!
A sharp clang resonated as two figures collided, sparks flying as they both recoiled, creating distance.
Meanwhile, several other pairs clashed briefly, the clang of weapons echoing through the night as they were forced back, landing on nearby rooftops. A tense, chilling atmosphere descended, an invisible battle of auras raging between them.
After a moment of silence, the middle-aged man sheathed his sword. “You are all skilled martial artists. Why are you wandering about during curfew, all heading in the same direction?”
“That’s… what I want to ask you!”
A burly man’s voice boomed, hefting his saber. “I’m here on business. What about you? Judging by your attire and demeanor, you’re planning some sort of night raid, aren’t you? Trying to stir up trouble in Changling County?”
“You—”
An elderly man emerged from the shadows, coughing hoarsely. “Could it be… that you’re all here for ‘Lin Tianlu’?”
At these words, everyone’s expressions shifted, their gazes converging on the old man.
“The Roaming Dragon of Jiangdong… Liu Meng! You’re at this age, yet you still want to join in the fun with us youngsters?”
“Is there an age limit for seeking worthy opponents?” The old man, Liu Meng, grinned, his cloudy eyes sweeping over the crowd. “Besides, your skills are still quite crude. You’re no match for this old man. It’s best you leave Changling and avoid this trouble.”
“Don’t get ahead of yourself, old man! We haven’t fought yet. How do you know we’re not your equals?!”
“I’ve been holding back because of your age, and now you—”
“Please, calm down.”
The middle-aged man spoke, his gaze calm and steady. “I’ve heard of your reputation, Elder Liu. Although you have a fierce appearance and a sharp tongue, you’re known for your kindness and generosity in the martial world. Several of my old friends have benefited from your goodwill. I know you’re a man of honor and integrity.”
“What?”
The others looked surprised, not expecting the infamous Liu Meng to have such a hidden side.
The middle-aged man continued, “There’s no need for such provocations, Elder. We’re determined to see this through. The martial world is in turmoil, and we youngsters must seek opportunities to improve ourselves. We can’t just hide and avoid challenges. That would only lead to stagnation.”
Liu Meng’s expression darkened, a grimace twisting his lips.
But after a moment of silence, he sighed. “Fine. If you insist on investigating, I won’t stop you. But I must warn you—”
He slammed his iron staff on the ground, a sharp glint in his cloudy eyes, his voice booming with authority. “If those rumors are fabricated, and this Lin Tianlu is just an ordinary scholar, you must not harm him! If you dare to cause trouble in his home or take his life, you’ll answer to me!”
A formless pressure emanated from him, and the surrounding martial artists recoiled, feeling a dull ache in their chests, as if they had been struck by his staff.
This old man’s cultivation…
Was no less than that of a man in his prime, perhaps even higher, possibly at the Grandmaster level!
“Another Grandmaster in this world…”
Yi Heng gripped his saber hilt, his eyes flickering.
The middle-aged man regained his composure and bowed from afar. “Rest assured, Elder. I won’t act rashly. If Lin Tianlu is just an ordinary scholar, I’ll leave without disturbing him.”
“I’ll be watching your every move.”
Liu Meng’s sharp gaze swept over the crowd. “Don’t disgrace the martial world and shame your sects and masters. You’ll become the laughingstock of the world.”
With that, he twirled his staff, his figure disappearing like a ghost, leaping towards the Lin residence.
The other martial artists hesitated for a moment, then followed, using their lightness techniques.
…
But as they approached the Lin residence, they stopped abruptly.
“What’s… this?”
Their faces were filled with bewilderment.
The gate of the Lin residence was wide open, illuminated by two lanterns. Six or seven figures in various attire stood respectfully before the gate, their heads bowed like obedient students.
And before them, a young scholar in green robes was talking and smiling, occasionally patting someone’s shoulder, bowing politely, and handing out swords and other weapons to the figures.
“That’s… Lin Tianlu!”
The martial artists exclaimed in surprise.
That scholarly-looking young man was the renowned Mr. Lin?
Although they hadn’t met him yet, he was indeed handsome and elegant, his demeanor gentle and refined.
However…
“What’s going on at the Lin residence? Why are there so many people standing outside?”
“Could they be guards hired by the Lin family to protect themselves from the recent unrest in Changling?”
“But is Lin Tianlu truly so powerful? I don’t see any trace of martial arts training on him.”
“…” Liu Meng narrowed his eyes, remaining silent.
Yi Heng, whose face had been grim, paled even further upon seeing Lin Tianlu. His hand trembled as he gripped his saber, and he quickly hid it behind his back.
“Wait!”
A man in his early thirties suddenly whispered, “I recognize one of them. That’s Zhu Tianye, ‘Silent Steps.’ Although his cultivation isn’t particularly high, his family’s lightness techniques are legendary. He was a notorious thief in his youth, only turning to the path of righteousness after spending over a decade in prison.”
“And… I remember now! The hunched old man beside Zhu Tianye is the Evil Bamboo, master of the Heart Crushing Palm. It’s said his cultivation has reached the Azure Spirit Realm, and he can even fight against Grandmasters. But now—”
The old man was nervously high-fiving Lin Tianlu. Although they couldn’t see his expression clearly, it was obvious that his legs were trembling.
But the middle-aged man leading the group was the most shocked.
He recognized one of the seven figures… Ye Que, the Blade Tyrant!
That arrogant man, known for his domineering presence and his blade, was now standing respectfully before Lin Tianlu, shaking his hand and bowing politely after receiving his saber back. This humble display was almost unbelievable.
Although Ye Que was still young and impetuous, his talent in martial arts was undeniable. His blade had defeated countless peers, and even renowned martial arts veterans praised him, saying that the path to Grandmaster was open to him.
But now…
Where was his domineering presence? Where was his arrogance?
If it weren’t for his tall, imposing figure and straight back, the middle-aged man would have thought he was a different person!
“…Forget it!”
A young martial artist drew his sword, his brow furrowed. “This is too strange. I’m going to investigate. Hiding and watching from afar isn’t our style!”
With that, he used his lightness technique, Qi surging beneath his feet.
Just then, a chuckle echoed through the night.
“Be careful not to damage the roof tiles, gentlemen. If you wake the neighbors with all that noise, you’ll have to apologize.”
“What—”
The martial artists froze, their eyes widening as they saw Lin Tianlu, who had been chatting with someone, turn towards them, smiling and bowing.
“Since you’ve come to visit, why not come down from the roof? It’s quite frightening to see you all standing up there in the dark.”
“…”
A deathly silence descended.
The martial artists held their breath, their hearts pounding, their breathing ragged. Cold sweat trickled down their foreheads.
“Gentlemen? If you continue to stand there posing, I’ll have to call the authorities. The young lady beside me happens to be a constable. She can escort you to the magistrate’s office.”
Lin Tianlu’s teasing voice echoed again, and the martial artists, gulping nervously, jumped down from the rooftops.
One of them, seemingly losing his composure, almost twisted his ankle, stumbling as he landed.
“Alright, seniors. Since you’ve paid your respects, please return to your inns and rest.”
Lin Tianlu smiled, bowing to the martial artists. “I won’t see you out. If we meet again, we can exchange greetings then.”
“O-Of course!”
The renowned martial artists bowed deeply, their expressions respectful and subdued.
But before leaving, they glanced at Yi Heng and the others with strange expressions.
That glance sent shivers down Yi Heng’s spine. Coming to the Lin residence tonight…
Seemed like a mistake.
“It’s been quite a lively night.”
Lin Tianlu watched the martial artists hurry away, chuckling and shaking his head, then turned to the remaining figures, who stood frozen like statues. “Groups of martial artists coming to test me, running and jumping on rooftops, scaling walls… Why can’t they just knock on the door like normal people?”
“…”
Hua Shuya sighed, shaking her head.
She had witnessed the entire evening’s events.
Earlier, a group of suspicious martial artists had snuck into the courtyard, hoping to gain some advantage through a surprise attack.
Then, Blade Tyrant, Evil Bamboo, and the others had barged in aggressively.
All of them had been effortlessly defeated by the formations protecting the residence, falling from the sky.
The weaker ones were lying on the lawn, groaning in pain, unable to move. As for the more renowned ones, like Blade Tyrant, after recovering, they had their weapons confiscated by her senior, their prized martial arts techniques easily countered.
Hua Shuya still remembered the stunned expressions on their faces.
As for this current group…
They seemed no different.
“Mr. Lin…”
Liu Meng stepped forward hesitantly.
He was the only one who seemed relatively composed.
“We martial artists are always drawn to rumors of extraordinary individuals. We’ve heard many stories about your prowess, Mr. Lin, and we came tonight to investigate. We hope you can forgive our intrusion.”
“There’s no need for such formalities, Elder.”
Lin Tianlu smiled gently. “I understand your intentions, but I’m not a martial artist. I have no interest in sparring or displaying my skills, and I don’t appreciate being disturbed at night.”
“I understand your displeasure, Mr. Lin—”
“Since you seem reasonable, Elder, allow me to offer a word of advice.” Lin Tianlu’s expression turned serious. “There are no opportunities for you here in Changling. On the contrary, danger is approaching. It’s best you leave this county as soon as possible.”
Liu Meng’s withered face showed surprise. “Are you… serious, sir?”
“Whether I’m serious or not, Elder, you should be able to sense the brewing storm.” A knowing smile appeared on Lin Tianlu’s face. “Don’t become a pawn in someone else’s game.”
“…”
Liu Meng fell silent, stroking his iron staff, a thoughtful expression on his face.
Just then, the middle-aged man mustered his courage and stepped forward, bowing. “I didn’t intend to offend or disturb you, sir. But I’ve traveled a long way to Changling, and I’m unwilling to return empty-handed. Could I… perhaps spar with you?”
Lin Tianlu chuckled.
He stepped forward and handed the man his sword. “It’s getting late. Let’s skip the sparring. Go back to your inn and rest. Enjoy the autumn scenery on your way home. It won’t be a wasted trip to Changling.”
The man didn’t reply.
He stared blankly at the sword in his hand, then looked down at his waist, where his own weapon had mysteriously vanished. He was speechless.
