Chapter 261: Gradually Closing the Curtain, Embracing Worldly Life
The morning sun rose, the sky bright and beautiful.
The chirping of birds became increasingly pleasant, and the sounds of carriages and horses outside the courtyard walls were endless.
A beautiful woman dressed in a cotton robe hummed a playful tune as she swept the fallen leaves and dust in the courtyard. Her graceful figure was like a willow, her demeanor otherworldly and ethereal. From afar, she looked like a scene from a painting, making one unable to resist being captivated, unwilling to disturb her.
And just a dozen feet outside the Lin Mansion gate, a carriage was parked casually.
“It’s hard to imagine that such an earth-shattering battle took place just last night.”
Pei Xueyang’s face was slightly pale, her expression filled with emotion: “That Madam Mao is truly composed and collected, already possessing some of Mr. Lin’s unique charm.”
If an ordinary woman had experienced such a world-altering event, how could she possibly return to her peaceful life the next day without changing her expression, neither arrogant nor impetuous, as calm as the wind and clouds, as if nothing had happened in Changling County?
“Madam Mao has changed quite a bit in the past six months.”
A warm and kind elderly voice sounded from the side.
Nie Qingyuan, dressed as always in a blue robe and padded jacket, stroked his white beard with a chuckle, saying meaningfully: “But in my opinion, perhaps it’s precisely because Madam Mao is different from ordinary women that Mr. Lin has taken notice of her repeatedly, naturally leading to their marriage.”
“To find such an excellent and ideal husband is truly enviable.”
Pei Xueyang couldn’t help but chuckle.
Nie Qingyuan teased: “Miss Pei is currently in the prime of her life. If you are envious, why not settle down in Changling County?”
“Old Master Nie is also different from the past. At least you wouldn’t have made such a joke before.”
“Hahaha! Accompanied by Mr. Lin for conversation, I have indeed become much more cheerful these days, and occasionally I can even make some teasing remarks.”
The old man stroked his beard and chuckled, but the expression on his aged face gradually became serious. He mused, “Judging by Miss Pei’s complexion, have you not slept all night?”
“I still have to keep my promise and help Mr. Lin clean up the aftermath. If this matter were to cause endless trouble for Changling County, I would feel guilty, so naturally, I had to deploy people to mediate.”
Pei Xueyang rubbed her temples and sighed: “Fortunately, with the help of that County Magistrate Tang, I’ve finally settled things with all the officials, big and small, who came from various places, and I’ve also communicated properly with the messenger from Prince Pei’s Mansion. They won’t pursue the matter any further, and they won’t send anyone to step foot in Changling, not even a single step.”
“County Magistrate Tang… does he really have such ability to help you completely settle the situation in just one night?”
“County Magistrate Tang contributed a lot, he did his best. But there was also an unexpected helper.”
A strange expression appeared on her face: “I originally wanted Mr. Lin to annihilate all those villains to avoid any future trouble. But Tang Qianmen, one of the Incense Masters of the Zhaoxiao Court, was unexpectedly spared. And it turns out she secretly had connections with Prince Pei’s faction as a collaborator. With her help last night, the trouble from Prince Pei’s side was quickly resolved.”
“Such a coincidence?”
Nie Qingyuan was surprised.
Although he didn’t know what the Zhaoxiao Court was, he could roughly understand the connections after some thought.
“So, it was Mr. Lin’s unexpected act of mercy last night that actually helped you all?”
“…Indeed.”
Pei Xueyang rubbed her forehead and murmured: “But Tang Qianmen’s character has always been unruly, eccentric, and unpredictable. It’s hard to imagine that this crazy woman would actually be so obedient and come to help.”
Even within the Zhaoxiao Court, this woman’s fierce reputation preceded her, and no one dared to provoke her. This was naturally not only because of her terrifying Savage Realm cultivation, but also because of her unpredictable temperament.
She couldn’t help but wonder what incredible methods Lin Tianlu had used to make such a monster obey his every command, making her submit in just one night.
Especially when Lin Tianlu was mentioned, she could easily see the fear and apprehension on Tang Qianmen’s face.
To make a tyrannical and powerful demon ghost so terrified was truly an eye-opener.
“Mr. Lin’s abilities are truly extraordinary.” Nie Qingyuan chuckled warmly, almost indistinguishable from a kind and benevolent grandfather.
“But, where did Tang Qianmen go now…?”
“After the matter was settled, she left in a hurry. I don’t know where she went.”
Pei Xueyang spread her hands helplessly: “But judging by her pitiful appearance, she must have learned her lesson and wouldn’t dare to cause trouble so casually anymore.”
“I naturally trust Mr. Lin’s judgment. If he let her go unharmed, he must have been completely certain.”
“That’s right. That scholar is clearly not foolishly kind, easily swayed by a few nice words.”
The young woman took a deep look at the beautiful woman’s back in the courtyard, quietly turning around and stepping into the carriage with the help of her maid.
Nie Qingyuan’s smile faded, and he said in a deep voice: “Although my words just now were somewhat teasing, if you could settle down in Changling County, it would indeed be a good choice.”
Although Changling County was remote and didn’t have any breathtaking scenery, it was blessed with simple and kind people, a good atmosphere, and the order within and outside the county was well-maintained.
It was an ideal place for seclusion.
“…This crisis, if Mr. Lin hadn’t been here to help, what do you think would have happened to Changling County, Old Master Nie?”
These sudden words made Nie Qingyuan’s expression slightly serious.
“Although I don’t understand much about the supernatural, I imagine… the casualties would have been significant.”
“Even if it were just the lives of a few innocent commoners, I would have no reason to continue enjoying peace here with a clear conscience.”
Pei Xueyang raised the corners of her mouth, revealing a slightly proud and playful smile, and wagged her finger: “I specifically ‘escaped’ from Prince Pei’s Mansion for a life of freedom and unrestraint. How could I listen to others’ opinions and stay in one place?
Old Master Nie, farewell. If there’s a chance, please convey my gratitude to Mr. Lin as well, thanking him for saving the people from disaster this time.”
Without any further farewells, she smiled and drew the curtains, disappearing into the distance along with the moving carriage.
Nie Qingyuan silently watched the carriage depart, gradually smiling calmly, and turned to look behind him: “Mr. Lin, have you returned from the market?”
“I bought ingredients for the next few days, the prices were quite reasonable today.” Lin Tianlu smiled, lifting the basket of vegetables in his hand.
Then, he glanced towards the end of the street: “As for the person who was talking to you just now, Old Master… that was Miss Pei, right?”
“It was her.”
“That young lady is quite decisive, her character is unexpectedly resolute.”
“Actually, Xueyang’s birth in Prince Pei’s Mansion is quite pitiful. Although she has the title of Princess, she doesn’t have any real power or prestige. In the mouths of the nobles, she’s just an illegitimate daughter of low birth. To have achieved such maturity and firmness, we outsiders probably have no idea how much loneliness and hardship she has endured.”
Listening to Nie Qingyuan’s heartfelt sigh, Lin Tianlu’s thoughts stirred, and he nodded appreciatively: “To be able to withdraw unscathed from the vortex of power struggles is a kind of wisdom. If she can find a warm home in the future, it will be the happiness she deserves.”
Nie Qingyuan’s kind smile returned, and he waved his sleeve: “With Mr. Lin’s blessing, Xueyang’s future life will surely be happy and fulfilling.”
“Cough! My words aren’t that magical…”
“Although I’ve only heard bits and pieces, Mr. Lin seemed to have displayed divine power last night, your abilities are probably no different from an immortal’s. Sometimes, a casual remark can bring good luck to others.”
The old man didn’t delve further into the topic, only shaking his head and chuckling: “But what Mr. Lin is doing now doesn’t seem very immortal-like.”
“Food, clothing, shelter, and transportation are the basics of life, how can they be underestimated?”
Lin Tianlu smiled and cupped his hands: “Would you like to have a good game of Go with me this afternoon? I’ve learned quite a few new tricks from books these past few days, and I’d like to discuss and compete with you, Old Master, to see how my skills are now.”
“We’ll have plenty of opportunities to play Go in the future.”
Nie Qingyuan raised his head, stroking his white beard, and said meaningfully: “But marriage is the most important event in one’s life. It’s better for you to focus on preparing for your wedding and spending time with your new wife. After all, the commotion in and out of the county these past few days has taken up a lot of your time. If you neglect or make mistakes because of this, you’ll regret it for the rest of your life.”
“Ah… You’re right, Old Master.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled awkwardly.
“Go on, this old geezer wouldn’t dare to affect your marital relationship. If I were to offend your two wives, I wouldn’t have the chance to discuss and compete with you in the future!”
“Then I’ll excuse myself. But the wedding is just a few days away, Old Master, don’t forget to come and have a drink. I’ve specially bought some excellent wine to entertain our neighbors and friends, it tastes quite extraordinary.”
“Haha! Of course!”
Nie Qingyuan watched Lin Tianlu walk back into the mansion with a smile, admiration filling his heart.
He truly hadn’t misjudged this person.
It wasn’t just that this young man possessed such incredible, superhuman methods, but that he truly had the peaceful mindset and demeanor of an immortal.
Even after saving the lives of so many people, he remained as gentle and humble as ever, living a worldly life like ordinary people, experiencing the joys and sorrows of the world, with a simple and kind heart.
“This carefree and unfettered immortal-like demeanor, I’m still far from achieving it!”
Nie Qingyuan couldn’t help but sigh.
Although he was older and more experienced, he still needed to learn from this kind of temperament and way of life.
As for demons, ghosts, immortals, and gods, and the general trend of the world, he had long since become indifferent to them at his age. It was only this kind of character that was the reason for his genuine friendship.
“Ah! Such a pity, such talent and kindness, if only… Forget it, it’s meaningless to think about these things now.”
He shook his head and sighed, strolling back to his own house: “I should think about how to deal with Mr. Lin’s new Go strategies in a few days. I can’t lose face every time, it’s really embarrassing.”
…
Outside Changling County.
On the main road leading to other counties, there were many carriages and pedestrians coming and going.
Among them were many traveling merchants and martial artists dressed in martial attire. Some whispered and chatted, while others hurried along their way.
As for the earth-shattering changes that had occurred in the early hours of the morning, many martial artists in the county had already noticed. After waking up from their sleep, they all felt a tightness in their chests, a sense of dread washing over them like a coming storm.
That indescribable fear made them have no intention of staying any longer this morning, only wanting to leave this strange and unpredictable place as soon as possible.
The sudden disappearance of Prince Pei’s son, the occasional strange and unusual accidents, and even the earth-shattering tremors and dragon roars…
Even though the clouds had dispersed and the oppressive feeling was gone, they still had no desire to investigate further.
Martial artists sought to improve themselves through sparring, but no one wanted to lose their lives for no reason, not to mention the increasingly bizarre rumors and gossip, which filled people with fear and apprehension.
And in a tavern and teahouse by the roadside, many people were also discussing and arguing about what had happened outside the county last night, wondering if some immortal had descended and eradicated the evil ghosts that had been haunting the Changling area.
“—This scholar is truly a ‘recluse expert’, personally slaying the True Dragon formed by the Earth Dragon’s Pulse, liberating the Changling area from the ‘formation’. Yet, no one knows of his achievements and sacrifices.”
In a secluded corner by the window sat a stunningly beautiful woman in a gorgeous gauze dress. A draped silk shawl wrapped around her waist, accentuating her exquisite figure. Her long, crossed legs were faintly visible beneath her skirt, a captivating and alluring sight.
Her hair was styled in an updo, adorned with phoenix hairpins and jade ornaments, exuding a noble and proud aura.
She played with the porcelain cup in her hand, her jade-like fingers even more translucent than the cup itself.
Listening to the hustle and bustle around her, she couldn’t help but chuckle softly, resting her chin on her hand as she gazed out the window: “And those young ladies are all so charming and beautiful… Hmph~ He truly has quite the luck with women, encountering such breathtaking beauties one after another.”
“However, I didn’t expect them to be about to get married… Fortunately, I didn’t interfere last night and spoil the fun. I’ll let that scholar relax and rest for a while, pushing him too hard might make him angry.”
As if she had noticed something, her eyes shifted, suddenly looking towards the official road outside the tavern.
Inside a passing carriage, she could vaguely see a voluptuous beauty with a pale face.
“Oh~ Interesting, that little thing from the Zhaoxiao Court was indeed let go by that scholar. He truly isn’t someone who kills indiscriminately, even giving her a chance to reform.”
She narrowed her beautiful eyes slightly, a slightly mischievous and ambiguous smile appearing on her lips: “Besides my previous preparations, that Tang girl from the Zhaoxiao Court has given me some inspiration.”
“Perhaps, I can make that usually aloof and otherworldly scholar show some embarrassing behavior. It would be even better if I could see him flustered and ashamed~”
After hesitating for a moment, the beautiful woman’s long eyelashes trembled slightly. In the end, she chuckled softly: “Forget it, I shouldn’t go too far. If I cause discord in their relationship, it would be my fault.”
“However—”
“I hope they can bring me more amusement~”
