Chapter 281: Flickering Shadows
The next morning.
This place happened to be in the direction of the town where Lunar Valley was located. The forest path was quiet and deserted, only withered yellow leaves falling with the wind, a chill permeating the air, a hint of winter approaching.
Two beautiful figures walked side by side along the path, whispering to each other, occasionally letting out soft and gentle laughter.
Their embroidered robes and skirts, wrapped in velvet shawls, clung to their alluring figures, their every step graceful and swaying, their beauty radiant.
Both women had their hair styled in updos, adorned with hairpins, with only a few braids hanging down, their demeanor elegant and dignified, their temperament gentle and virtuous. Their slightly exposed shoulders, fair and delicate, complemented their breathtakingly beautiful and otherworldly appearances, like twin lotus flowers blooming quietly.
The slightly more mature and beautiful woman’s skirt had a high slit, revealing glimpses of her legs as she walked. Her loose, gold-threaded bodice hung down to her arms, her ample bosom, high and round, truly flawless and exquisite. The velvet gauze wrapped around her neck and chest seemed to ripple like clouds and mist, as beautiful and alluring as a lotus flower emerging from the water.
Not far behind the two women, a handsome and refined scholar followed closely, a gentle smile on his face, his gaze seemingly filled with comforting watchfulness, a picturesque scene.
“Ruoyu, remember to take care of yourself when you travel with Tianlu, don’t let your husband worry too much about protecting you. With your current cultivation, and the few secret techniques I’ve taught you these past few days, you should be able to protect yourself even against Savage Realm demons and ghosts.”
“I will keep Master’s instructions in mind.”
“As for matters of daily life, I suppose there’s no need for me to say more, Ruoyu.”
Wu Jingyun gently held Mao Ruoyu’s right hand and whispered with concern: “Don’t forget to cultivate while you’re with Tianlu. With your natural charm, meeting someone like Tianlu is a blessing from heaven. Seize this opportunity and cultivate diligently. Your future achievements will surely surpass ours.”
Mao Ruoyu’s face flushed slightly, her voice even more shy as she blinked her beautiful eyes: “I understand.”
“Hehe… There’s no need to be so shy, Tianlu will naturally dote on you and let you experience all the joys of life.”
Wu Jingyun stopped and turned to look at Lin Tianlu, who was following behind them, her voice gentle: “Let’s part ways here. I’ve said enough these past few days. Just enjoy each other’s company after I leave.”
Lin Tianlu nodded seriously: “Ruoyu will be safe and happy.”
“You also have to take care of yourself, Tianlu.”
Wu Jingyun’s eyes were filled with warmth, and she smiled faintly: “Remember to come back early from your trip. If you have time, come visit Lunar Valley. I can take care of you all, and also teach Yishi and Ruoyu more dual cultivation techniques, so you can be even more comfortable and happy with them, Tianlu.”
“M-Master!” Mao Ruoyu exclaimed shyly.
Lin Tianlu could only chuckle awkwardly.
“Alright, I won’t tease you anymore.”
Wu Jingyun smiled and touched Mao Ruoyu’s face, then waved her hand: “Go back now, those girls at home need you to take care of them.”
…
On the mountain path.
After parting ways with Lin Tianlu and Mao Ruoyu, Wu Jingyun walked alone on the mountain road covered with fallen leaves.
After a moment of silence, she couldn’t help but murmur: “First Elder, aren’t you going to show yourself and say goodbye to Tianlu personally?”
“It’s just a few months of separation, I’m not that sentimental.”
First Elder’s figure quickly materialized on a withered tree not far away, her arms crossed casually: “I’ll interact with him more when we meet next time.”
“You’re quite open-minded.” Wu Jingyun sighed softly, lost in thought as she lowered her eyes, her lips pursed in silence.
“Looking at your absent-minded appearance, could it be that you haven’t been intimate with Tianlu yet?”
First Elder jumped down from the tree with a smile and floated gracefully to her side: “Or is it that you’ve finally realized that boy isn’t as perfect as you imagined?”
“Tianlu, he…”
Wu Jingyun looked up and sighed: “He’s far more outstanding than I imagined.”
“Oh?”
“When I talked to him in Lunar Valley, I was only captivated by his amazing talent. He’s so knowledgeable and talented at such a young age, and he understands my thoughts so well, it makes me want to cherish and care for him.”
She gently raised her hand and placed it on her chest, her long eyelashes trembling, and sighed: “But after talking with him all night last night, I realized that he’s a rare talent in this world. Just a few words of guidance from him benefited me greatly, making my heart tremble and my emotions overwhelm me. It’s as if he’s my destined nemesis. Just being with him…”
Hesitating for a while, Wu Jingyun’s voice became almost inaudible: “I can’t help but feel admiration and affection for him.”
“It seems that boy has captured your heart, Jingyun.”
First Elder leaned closer, whispering mischievously: “It seems you and Tianlu were quite intimate last night, serving and caring for him. How do you feel now?”
“…Tianlu’s Yang energy is so potent, it’s not something I can easily appease alone.”
A charming blush appeared on Wu Jingyun’s mature and dignified face, and she couldn’t help but quicken her pace.
Seeing her shy demeanor, like a young girl, First Elder was slightly stunned and then chuckled: “It’s truly rare to see you so shy, Jingyun.”
“N-No need to say more!”
Wu Jingyun hurried on, saying quickly: “Tianlu is my valued son-in-law, it’s natural for me to share his burdens and help him. Besides, Ruoyu didn’t fully satisfy Tianlu last night, as her master, I naturally have to take some responsibility and take care of the aftermath.”
“I didn’t realize you were so sanctimonious, Jingyun, even using the discussion of poetry, calligraphy, and painting as a cover for flirting. Those girls are truly no match for you.”
First Elder teased from afar.
But seeing that Wu Jingyun didn’t respond and only quickened her pace, she didn’t tease her any further, shaking her head and chuckling as she followed.
Although she had teased her, the rules of Lunar Valley were different from the worldly customs of mortals.
If Jingyun and Tianlu really had some kind of ambiguous relationship, it would be a good thing for Lunar Valley.
Besides—
“That Tianlu boy is ultimately more considerate and caring towards Jingyun.”
First Elder brushed her hair and sighed softly: “Although they both made advances, he decisively rejected me and silently accepted Jingyun’s affection and pampering.
It seems they already had a good relationship during their half-month stay in Lunar Valley, and now they’re even closer. Although they’re related by marriage, it’s like a tacit understanding between secret lovers.”
She casually glanced at Wu Jingyun’s peach-shaped buttocks, barely concealed by her skirt, swaying and trembling with each step, the perfect curves almost clearly visible, full of beauty and allure. Her long and slender legs, her tall and toned figure, she was truly a flawless beauty, not inferior to her naturally charming disciple at all.
She looked down at her own figure. Although it was also alluring and graceful, it was still slightly inferior compared to Wu Jingyun’s.
“A young and vigorous man, naturally, prefers someone like Jingyun.”
First Elder couldn’t help but touch her forehead and sigh helplessly.
“Although I’m the Valley Master’s biological sister, why is my figure so different from hers? Truly infuriating.”
Just then, First Elder and Wu Jingyun both stopped.
The various expressions on their faces vanished, replaced by a solemn composure, their gazes fixed on the forest beside the path.
“Who’s hiding there? Show yourself.”
“…I didn’t expect there to be two people who have surpassed the Savage Realm in this world, it truly surprises me.”
With a soft and seductive chuckle, a graceful figure slowly emerged from the dim forest.
…
In front of the Cheng Mansion.
Although it was still early, many servants could be seen bustling about outside the gate, clearly quite busy.
Lin Tianlu and Mao Ruoyu walked arm in arm to the gate, looking curiously inside and at the several cargo carriages parked outside.
“The Cheng family’s business… seems to be very busy these days?”
Even at the doorstep, there were so many goods piled up and people being dispatched, showing how busy their business was.
“Ah! It’s Master!”
Just then, the pretty maid not far away happened to see the two figures at the gate and quickly waved, running towards them: “Master, Madam Mao, why are you two here at the Cheng Mansion?”
“We just came back from outside the county and decided to drop by.”
Lin Tianlu smiled and said: “But I didn’t expect you to be so busy.”
“Yes, the New Year is approaching, and many businesses have to be completed. If these goods are left unsold, their price might drop after spring next year, and we won’t be able to sell them!” The pretty maid’s eyes twinkled: “Should I call the Eldest Miss out? She’s currently organizing the accounts.”
“If Yishi is busy, it’s not convenient for us to disturb her.”
Mao Ruoyu quickly said: “It wouldn’t be right to delay the mansion’s business.”
After all, the Cheng family had dozens of people to support, and they couldn’t afford any delays.
The pretty maid grinned: “There’s no need to worry, Madam Mao, the busiest time has already passed. Now it’s just a matter of dispatching people to deliver the goods, Eldest Miss has already taken care of most of the troublesome matters.”
Mao Ruoyu was stunned: “Yishi actually…”
Lin Tianlu smiled and said: “Although she often bickers and argues with you, seemingly like a little girl, she’s actually incredibly intelligent and quick-witted. She manages the entire Cheng family efficiently, and their business is flourishing.”
“…Although I had imagined it, Yishi seems to be even more outstanding than I thought.”
Mao Ruoyu looked at the bustling crowd not far away and couldn’t help but sigh: “Such intelligence and courage are truly admirable.”
In the past, she had only heard about the scale of their business, but she had never witnessed it firsthand.
Now, seeing it in person, she realized how troublesome and tiring it was to manage dozens of servants and workers for transporting goods.
“I wonder where the other members of the Cheng family are?”
“The two Old Madams are basking in the sun in the backyard, and two others are out on a trip. The two young masters have gone out to play with their friends from the academy. The other young ladies are in their rooms—”
“I-Is that Mr. Lin!?”
A young woman’s surprised voice suddenly rang out.
They all turned to the sound and saw two young ladies walking towards them quickly with different expressions.
The one leading the way was naturally Cheng Yuqing, the second daughter of the Cheng family.
She was wearing a light green dress and a thick cotton-padded jacket, a faint blush on her cheeks, looking lovely and charming. Following closely behind her was a shy young lady with long hair draped over her shoulders, her figure and face even smaller and younger. After confirming Lin Tianlu’s presence, a look of surprise and joy appeared in her eyes.
“Yuqing, it’s a coincidence to meet you here.”
Lin Tianlu smiled gently and greeted her.
Cheng Yuqing curtsied slightly awkwardly: “Mr. Li- Ah, I should address you as Brother-in-law now. And Madam Mao, you’re here too, I apologize for not welcoming you properly.”
“Yuqing truly resembles Yishi.”
Mao Ruoyu smiled faintly: “We didn’t have much time to chat at the wedding banquet the other day, now that I look closely, you’re truly sweet and charming.”
“You flatter me, Madam.”
Cheng Yuqing blushed slightly, thinking that Madam Mao’s voice was truly gentle and soft, making it hard not to like her.
Although she strongly supported her eldest sister, she couldn’t bring herself to say anything aggressive.
Lin Tianlu looked curiously at the petite young lady behind her: “But this young lady should be… Cheng Qingyu?”
“Y-Yes, it’s me.”
Cheng Qingyu hurriedly curtsied, her childish face filled with anxiety, looking extremely nervous, as if afraid of being the slightest bit disrespectful.
“I remember you, you also attended the wedding banquet, I saw you from afar.” Mao Ruoyu blinked her beautiful eyes.
And, most importantly—
The young lady who had been harmed by the villain when the Cheng family was in trouble was Cheng Qingyu, the fifth daughter, naturally making her memorable.
But now she seemed to have recovered from the incident, without a trace of the previous madness and seductive charm.
“Indeed, Qingyu is much more suited to this appearance.”
Lin Tianlu smiled and rubbed her head: “You look truly lovely and lively.”
Cheng Qingyu’s cheeks immediately flushed red, her body trembling slightly, but she could only lower her head and remain silent, too nervous and shy to speak.
She remembered being poisoned by the villain and becoming strange and seductive, her personality drastically changed. But she also remembered being rescued during her moment of despair by this brother-in-law before her.
She was filled with gratitude towards Lin Tianlu. If it weren’t for the presence of others, she would have even knelt down to express her gratitude for pulling her back from the depths of hell.
And—
Brother-in-law was so handsome and refined, his speech gentle, making Cheng Qingyu’s heart flutter with admiration.
As her thoughts raced, a strange and sinister glint flashed in her eyes, but she quickly suppressed it without a trace.
This fleeting change was almost imperceptible to anyone.
