Chapter 287: Ambiguous Intentions, Unease Lingers
Lin Tianlu glanced at the remnant soul dissipating from the woman’s fingertips. It was undoubtedly the old man who should have been destroyed.
He calmly turned his gaze back to the blue-haired woman named Youluo and asked curiously, “What do you mean by this, Miss?”
“I’ve long heard of Master Lin’s great name and was very curious about what you were like, so I came here specifically to see you. And just now, I happened to encounter your battle with that demon and ghost, so I helped out on a whim.”
Youluo gently blew on her fingertips and chuckled: “Master Lin wouldn’t want to let a powerful enemy escape and have such a malicious person constantly plotting against him and his family, right? Now that his soul is completely annihilated and his whereabouts unknown, even the faction behind him will have a headache for a while.
As for the change of ownership of the Huangfeng County formation, with Master Lin’s abilities, you can easily conceal it.”
Lin Tianlu didn’t relax his vigilance and said in a deep voice: “You, like that old man, are a demon or ghost, Miss. Why did you help me? And what is your background and identity?”
This person’s arrival was strange and sudden, and her aura was too eerie, making it difficult for him to relax his guard.
“Just like the women behind Master Lin, there are good and bad demons and ghosts. I happen to have no interest in harming mortals, I’m only interested in strong individuals. As for my identity… I might have been the daughter of a high-ranking official, or perhaps a princess or concubine, in my previous life. I can’t remember clearly after becoming a demon and ghost.”
Youluo tilted her head slightly, the smile on her beautiful face becoming more ambiguous: “But there’s no need to worry, Master Lin. My interest isn’t in fighting and killing, I only seek to make acquaintances and exchange ideas. I came here specifically to meet you.”
Lin Tianlu’s gaze narrowed slightly as he faintly saw the essence of her soul.
But to his surprise, her soul wasn’t tainted with the slightest bit of blood or baleful energy, it was pure white, like a newborn baby!
There was such a strange demon or ghost in this world?
His thoughts stirring, he quickly smiled gently and cupped his hands from afar: “Then I must thank you for your help, Miss Youluo. But I wonder what you meant by the ‘ancient realm’ you mentioned just now—”
“An otherworldly realm created by a group of ancient demons and ghosts, seeking to pass down their legacy. The rules there are somewhat different from the demon and ghost world. At least Savage Realm demons and ghosts in the ancient realm can’t easily die, they are practically immortal.”
As she spoke, Youluo gracefully leaped and landed not far away, lightly tapping her foot on the ruined streets, walking towards him with swaying steps.
“That’s why that old man wanted to escape to the ancient realm, seeking a chance to survive. But he didn’t expect that Master Lin could tear through that desolate place with a wave of your hand and severely injure his soul. And he didn’t expect that I would be waiting for him in the ancient realm, easily bringing him back and letting him die according to fate.”
Lin Tianlu frowned and mused: “Could it be… the thousand-year-old clans?”
“Calling them that, using the realm as their name, is quite appropriate.”
Youluo stroked her hair, casually looking at Mao Ruoyu and the others who were quickly approaching, and couldn’t help but smile: “Master Lin, this place is quite dilapidated, why don’t we change locations and have a proper conversation?”
Lin Tianlu chuckled: “Naturally, I do have many questions for you, Miss Youluo.”
“I will answer truthfully, Master Lin.”
Youluo crossed her arms, her eyes shimmering with a brilliant luster.
“However, I would prefer to chat with you alone.”
…
The night was quiet, but Huangfeng County was gradually lit up by candlelight.
Inside a restaurant in the county, three women with different appearances and charms were sitting in a private room on the second floor, sipping wine and eating, their gazes occasionally drifting towards the main hall and the scenery outside the window.
The battle that had taken place in the county not long ago didn’t seem to have caused any panic.
Or rather, the people in the county hadn’t heard the deliberately muffled rumbling and roars, still living their simple lives peacefully.
But unknowingly, the faint sense of oppression that had been lingering in everyone’s hearts had gradually dissipated.
Voices reappeared, and the faint laughter of children could be heard in the distance.
The clinking of glasses, cheers, and laughter filled the air, joyful and carefree.
Mao Ruoyu quietly withdrew her gaze, sipping the warm tea in her cup, a sense of emotion welling up in her heart.
The fate of this entire town had taken a turn for the better in this almost unknown incident, about to be revitalized from its coldness and desolation.
This journey was truly meaningful.
But the beautiful woman was also a bit worried, her gaze fixed on the closed door of the private room not far away.
…
Inside the private room.
Thin gauze curtains fluttered, jade ornaments were displayed, and the lingering scent of sandalwood mixed with a woman’s subtle fragrance.
Red candles flickered, wine cups were filled, and moonlight streamed in, illuminating the seductive figure sitting there with a smile.
As soon as Lin Tianlu lifted the gauze curtain and entered the private room, he saw Youluo looking at him, a captivating smile on her breathtakingly beautiful face, her shimmering eyes as if trying to draw his soul in.
But he didn’t lose himself in her charm, only chuckling: “You seem to be in a good mood, Miss Youluo. Judging by the decorations in this private room, you were already prepared?”
“I’ve long wanted to meet with you in Huangfeng County, Master Lin, so naturally, I had my servants make preparations beforehand. But I didn’t expect things to develop like this.”
Youluo gestured towards the seat opposite her with a smile: “Please sit down, Master Lin. It wouldn’t be enjoyable if the food and wine get cold.”
“I’m flattered by your hospitality, Miss.”
Lin Tianlu returned a polite smile, cupped his hands, and sat down.
Looking at the various hot dishes on the table, he took the initiative to speak: “From what you said before, Miss, it seems you’ve known my identity for a long time?”
“Master Lin’s reputation has spread far and wide around Changling. I happened to hear about it while traveling alone, and I couldn’t help but feel intrigued, wanting to meet you in person.” Youluo picked up a porcelain cup, her eyes flickering as she offered it to him, and said seductively: “Now that I’ve met you, you’re indeed a handsome and skilled man, as rumored, and also kind-hearted. No wonder you’ve attracted the attention of so many women.”
Lin Tianlu grinned and raised his cup in response: “There’s no need to take those rumors too seriously, Miss.”
“Hehe~”
Youluo just smiled ambiguously, took a sip of sake, and a seductive blush gradually appeared on her cheeks.
“Can you tell me about the thousand-year-old clans now, Miss?”
“I’m not one of them, so naturally, I don’t know their secrets or conspiracies.” Youluo casually rested her chin on her hand: “I can only tell you what I’ve heard in the ancient realm and the demon and ghost world, Master Lin.”
“Please tell me.”
“The place that demon and ghost pulled you into with his technique just now wasn’t the ancient realm, but a desolate place, like a gap between two realms. If an ordinary person falls into that place, unless a powerful demon or ghost helps them, their only fate is to die alone there, from exhaustion or starvation.”
Youluo chuckled, a hint of mockery in her eyes: “But that foolish demon and ghost didn’t expect Master Lin to possess such astonishing power, instantly tearing through that desolate place, not even trapped for a moment.”
“As for the formation they set up here… are you aware of the Luo Xing’s Path of the Netherworld ritual, Master Lin?”
Lin Tianlu’s expression turned slightly serious: “I know a thing or two.”
“The formation in Huangfeng County is called the ‘Seven Stars Mend the Heavens Formation,’ using the souls of seven locations to create an effect similar to the Path of the Netherworld. It establishes a foundation for the ancient realm in the demon and ghost world, and at the same time, opens the passage to the eight clans’ secret realm.”
Youluo’s eyes shimmered like water, her voice soft and melodious as she explained: “Following the path from Huangfeng County, passing through seven towns and mountain ranges along the way, the final point of the ritual formation will be in Wuchang Province. Perhaps in a while, the ritual will be fully activated in Wuchang Province, forcibly opening the gate to the eight clans’ secret realm, which has been sealed for thousands of years, seeking to bring about a great change.”
“Simply put… it’s similar to the changes in the Netherworld.”
Lin Tianlu paused slightly: “You know about the Netherworld, Miss?”
“The incident of the Netherworld appearing in Jianggai County is known to many factions. After all, quite a few demons and ghosts participated in the Path of the Netherworld, and there were also many disciples from large factions. It’s impossible to keep it hidden for long.”
Youluo chuckled: “Perhaps it’s because they saw the Netherworld appear that many factions realized that the world’s destiny is truly about to change, and they started their own plans, seeking to fulfill their wishes and ambitions. But this ancient realm seems to be more farsighted than ordinary factions, actually setting up such a large formation without being noticed by the Luo Xing, truly impressive.
However, the final result of this conspiracy, for those mortals… will probably be an unbearable disaster.”
“Do you know what the consequences will be, Miss?”
“Although the ancient eight clans have long since vanished from this world, there are probably many dangerous things left in their hidden treasures. Once those evil objects, sealed for thousands of years, are released, perhaps just their aura alone is enough to annihilate the souls of countless mortals.”
Youluo quickly changed the subject: “But as for what mysteries lie within the eight clans’ secret realm, I’m just speculating. Why are the thousand-year-old clans so determined to open the secret realm, and what secrets are they hiding? Probably only they themselves know.”
Lin Tianlu nodded in agreement: “You’re absolutely right, Miss. It would be quite troublesome to find out the truth.”
“But—”
Youluo smiled playfully again: “I might have another way.”
“Oh?”
“Travel with me, Master Lin, to the ancient realm and investigate. With your abilities, and my guidance, we can easily uncover their conspiracy.”
She glanced seductively towards the door and said mischievously: “It’s a pity that your beautiful companions can’t come to the ancient realm with us. Even with my methods, I can only help conceal one person, I can’t bring anyone else.”
“That’s truly a pity.”
Lin Tianlu pondered for a while.
“How about this, Master Lin, you and I go to the ancient realm, and my servants will escort your wives to Wuchang Province, where we can meet up later? With you attracting attention, Master Lin, your wives’ journey will be much safer, without having to worry about being attacked by powerful demons and ghosts.”
Youluo pursed her lips and gently caressed the rim of the porcelain cup, her gesture incredibly seductive and ambiguous: “You can uncover the truth and protect the people, while ensuring your wives’ safety, isn’t this a win-win situation, Master Lin? Don’t you think it’s worth considering?”
“Moreover—”
The beautiful woman’s eyelashes fluttered, and she whispered seductively: “With me accompanying you on this journey, Master Lin, what loneliness could there be?”
Lin Tianlu’s expression suddenly turned strange.
Because he quickly felt a light and intermittent touch on his thigh, as if toes were gently rubbing against his trousers, slowly moving towards his groin.
Then—
He pressed his knees together tightly, trapping the foot that was subtly reaching for him under the table.
“…”
The smile on Youluo’s face froze:
“Master Lin, this isn’t the way to respond to a woman’s advances.”
“Your foot is being mischievous, Miss, I naturally have to help.”
Lin Tianlu had regained his composure and calmly started eating the dishes on the table: “As for your suggestion, Miss, although it sounds quite good, I came on this trip to accompany my wives. It would be putting the cart before the horse to separate now. Naturally, I won’t consider your suggestion.”
Youluo tried to move her trapped foot under the table, but it wouldn’t budge. The corner of her eye twitched slightly: “Are you not planning to resolve this matter, Master Lin? In my opinion, you’re not someone who would stand idly by and watch others suffer.”
“You’re right.”
Lin Tianlu suddenly smiled faintly: “So there’s no need to gather any clues or information, we can just go directly to Wuchang Province, where the formation ends, and strike at the root of the problem. If they’re planning something, we’ll defeat them all there and be done with it. Even if they have a thousand reasons, if they harm people, we’ll just teach them a lesson.”
“…”
A look of helplessness flashed through Youluo’s eyes, and she sighed: “I underestimated your boldness, Master Lin, and made a rather presumptuous suggestion. I hope you can forgive me.”
“I appreciate your kindness, Miss, and naturally, I won’t blame you.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled gently: “But I’m already married, your actions are a bit frivolous, please don’t be so casual in the future.”
“Just release me, Master Lin, and I naturally won’t act so casually again.”
Youluo smiled faintly, giving him a resentful and seductive look. Although she didn’t say anything, her fleeting gaze seemed to be filled with unspoken desires, making one’s heart itch uncontrollably.
After retrieving her freed foot, she casually rested her chin on her hand again, watching Lin Tianlu enjoy his meal, and smiled faintly: “However, can I accompany you to Wuchang Province, Master Lin?”
“Miss, you’re…”
“I’m quite interested in seeing those self-proclaimed ancient clan members suffer a setback, and I also want to see if anything unexpected will happen along the way.”
Youluo smiled playfully: “If I follow you, Master Lin, I’m sure I’ll see many interesting things I wouldn’t normally see. It will be much more interesting than traveling alone.”
Lin Tianlu looked at her meaningfully for a while.
—This girl was quite the thrill-seeker.
Then, he smiled gently again: “In that case, after this dinner, I’ll introduce my two wives to you, Miss. And also Miss Yang, who’s traveling with us.”
“Certainly. And there’s no need to worry about me being a bother along the way, Master Lin. Unless something unexpected happens, I naturally won’t disturb your journey with your wives.”
Youluo smiled relaxedly and started enjoying the delicious food on the table.
…
The next morning.
Lin Tianlu had departed from Huangfeng County once again.
The remaining formation in the county had been modified, repaired, and concealed, no longer needing to worry about being discovered by the people of the ancient realm.
Inside the slowly moving carriage, Mao Ruoyu glanced sideways at the other carriage slowly following behind them, the mysterious woman named Youluo sitting inside.
Although they had heard about her from Lin Tianlu last night, whether it was due to feminine intuition or some unease in their hearts, looking at the closely following carriage, they couldn’t help but feel a sense of strangeness.
“She definitely has ulterior motives.”
Cheng Yishi, sitting beside her, closed her eyes and said indifferently: “Her purpose is clearly not that simple, and her background and identity are very suspicious. It would be too naive to trust her so easily.”
“I also have no impression of this woman.” Yang Chanzhen’s eyes flickered: “But she doesn’t give me a bad feeling, perhaps that’s why Master Lin is willing to interact with her.”
“There’s no need to worry too much.”
Lin Tianlu lifted the curtain and smiled at the women inside the carriage: “Although there are many mysteries surrounding her, she doesn’t seem to have any hostile intentions towards us for now. Besides, it’s better to let her follow us openly than to forcibly drive her away and not know her whereabouts. This way, we can keep a closer eye on her.”
“My husband is right.”
Mao Ruoyu sighed and relaxed her furrowed brows: “I was being too overly cautious.
But we can’t ignore this matter of the ancient realm. On our way to Wuchang Province, we might encounter other powerful demons and ghosts.”
Hearing this, Cheng Yishi couldn’t help but fall silent.
If the demons and ghosts in the ancient realm were all as arrogant as that old man in black, conflict would be unavoidable. But with their current cultivation, direct confrontation would be too difficult.
If it weren’t for Ruoyu’s assistance yesterday, she alone…
Perhaps she wouldn’t have been able to do anything against that transferring technique and would have been easily captured.
Although her cultivation had improved recently, it might not be of any use on this journey and might even become a burden to her husband.
Thinking of this, Cheng Yishi couldn’t help but bite her lip, clenching her hands hidden inside her wide sleeves, a look of frustration and guilt in her eyes.
As her husband’s wife, if she couldn’t even protect herself—
“Why are you overthinking things, girl?”
A large hand suddenly landed on her head, making Cheng Yishi freeze. She turned to look at Lin Tianlu, who was sitting outside the carriage.
“You weren’t born to fight and kill, Yishi, there’s no need for such regrets or obsessions. With your husband here, there’s no need for you to worry about these trivial matters. If I can’t even handle these small things, then I’m truly a good-for-nothing at home.”
He smiled and rubbed Cheng Yishi’s cheek: “Don’t forget that this is also a trip for us, husband and wife. It wouldn’t be good if we were constantly thinking about fighting. I want to spend more time with you, Yishi, to make up for being away so often recently.”
“Husband…”
“It’s cold outside, but do you want to sit with me?”
Lin Tianlu shook the cloak on his shoulders: “We can enjoy the winter scenery along the way. Although there’s no snow, these barren mountain paths have a unique charm.”
Cheng Yishi blushed slightly and quickly stood up, moving closer to him with a hint of excitement.
Without any hesitation, she walked over and sat beside him, leaning against his shoulder like a docile bird, a sweet and affectionate smile on her face.
This seamless and natural gesture stunned Lin Tianlu.
Did his little wife have such good acting skills, or had her personality changed so quickly?
“With my husband’s gentle comfort, how could I still feel sorry for myself? That would only bring more sadness and awkwardness.”
Cheng Yishi turned her head slightly and smiled sweetly: “Besides, with my husband by my side, even if there are many dangers, I’m willing to face them without any regrets.”
“Cough… Why are you saying such embarrassing things in broad daylight, Yishi?”
Lin Tianlu chuckled awkwardly and gently tapped her delicate nose: “Are you deliberately waiting for me to comfort you?”
“Whatever my husband says~”
Cheng Yishi’s smile became even sweeter and gentler as she hugged his arm tightly.
Feeling the soft and warm body leaning against him, Lin Tianlu also chuckled, shaking his head.
Since their marriage, although she was still the elegant and dignified Eldest Miss of the Cheng family in public, in private, his Yishi had become even more affectionate and clingy, incredibly cute and charming.
