Chapter 301: Future Plans, Setting Off Again
Hearing these words, Lin Tianlu couldn’t help but frown.
Although rumors were often exaggerated, the truth behind such an incredible story… was hard to discern.
His thoughts racing, he quickly put on a gentle smile and cupped his hands: “Don’t worry, Madam, we will act according to our capabilities and avoid any danger.”
“I was being too presumptuous.”
The young woman quickly showed a complex expression: “I almost forgot that you all possess extraordinary abilities. This morning, during your confrontation with Huang Qiuli and those thugs, those mysterious methods… you could probably easily handle even demons and ghosts.”
“You seem uneasy, madam?”
“…I come from a scholarly family and have only ever been exposed to poetry, calligraphy, and painting. After marrying my husband, I’ve been focused on taking care of him and raising our child, and helping with the family business.”
She slightly clenched her hands inside her sleeves and murmured: “Only now do I know that such supernatural things truly exist in this world. And we ordinary people have never known, these villains possessing such incredible power, wreaking havoc in the mortal world. We can only…”
“Madam.”
Lin Tianlu interrupted her, his expression turning serious: “Don’t be too anxious or disturbed. Although there are demons and ghosts causing trouble in this world, they are few and far between.
And the vast majority of people still have to live their lives. If we were to worry and be afraid all day because of the existence of evil ghosts, it would be putting the cart before the horse, trapping ourselves in worry and despair.”
“I understand the reasoning. But…”
Seeing her hesitation and conflicted expression, Lin Tianlu smiled gently: “I understand your unease, madam, after all, you’ve just escaped danger. After some time, I believe you’ll adjust your mindset.
And, this little girl still needs your guidance, madam. You and Master Lin should set a good example, acting with righteousness and integrity, naturally, you won’t fear any evil influences.”
The young woman took a deep breath and nodded: “Thank you for your guidance, benefactor.”
Lin Tianlu glanced at the little girl, who was chatting with Yang Chanzhen, and chuckled softly: “If you’re still afraid, madam, I can teach this little girl a few self-defense techniques, so she can fight back if she encounters those villains again in the future.”
“A-Are you serious, benefactor?!”
The young woman’s expression changed drastically, her eyes sparkling with surprise and joy: “Are you really going to teach Ling’er celestial arts and magic?!”
“It’s not exactly celestial arts.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled and waved his hand: “Just some methods for strengthening the body.”
“I’m eternally grateful for your offer, benefactor!”
“Cough! However, learning these techniques isn’t free, I have to charge a fee.”
“Please name your price, benefactor, I will do my best to fulfill your request!”
Lin Tianlu pondered for a moment and quickly said: “One tael of silver per year, how about that?”
The young woman was stunned, almost thinking she had misheard.
It wasn’t that the price was too high, but rather…
“Benefactor, you’re only charging one tael of silver… really just one tael?!”
An incredulous look appeared on her face.
In the Huang Mansion, she had witnessed the incredible power of those celestial arts and magic. Even if she could only learn a single move, many wealthy people would be willing to give up everything they owned.
But this benefactor—
Lin Tianlu smiled: “One tael is enough, if I charged any more, I would be ashamed.”
The young woman was about to speak again, but after thinking about it, she closed her mouth and remained silent, a look of admiration on her face.
Such a kind and benevolent expert naturally wouldn’t crave money and jewels like ordinary people, to them, it was probably just useless external possessions.
One tael of silver or ten thousand taels of gold made no difference to him.
Perhaps, what he valued was sincerity.
Thinking of this, she quickly bowed again: “Thank you for bestowing such a great opportunity upon Ling’er, benefactor! She will surely study and practice diligently and not disappoint you.”
“There’s no need to say that.” Lin Tianlu chuckled: “Not everyone likes these body-strengthening techniques. I just happened to mention it. Whether she learns them or not depends on Master Lin and the little girl’s own wishes.
After all, my hometown is far away in Changling County, Xima Prefecture. It’s quite a distance, and traveling back and forth is troublesome.”
“Please rest assured, benefactor, I will let Ling’er think it through carefully, I won’t force her.”
“That’s good.”
Lin Tianlu nodded with satisfaction.
This woman was truly a virtuous wife and good mother, not blinded by the surprise before her, still prioritizing her child and husband’s feelings.
“But if this little girl truly wants to learn, it will have to be a while later. I’m currently traveling with my two wives and will probably return to Changling in a few months after the New Year.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
The young woman’s eyes flickered, and she looked at Mao Ruoyu and Cheng Yishi apologetically: “But wouldn’t this trouble you too much, benefactor? If it makes the two Madams unhappy…”
“I won’t interfere with whatever my husband decides.” Mao Ruoyu smiled gently and kindly: “Besides, my husband is learned and possesses extraordinary cultivation. If he can teach and nurture young disciples, I would be very happy, how could I be dissatisfied?”
Moreover, her husband already had two “disciples.”
It wasn’t surprising for him to have one more.
“Thank you for your understanding, Madam.”
The little girl skipped back, a bright and adorable smile on her face: “Hello, two Madams!”
Cheng Yishi’s lips curved into a smile, and she bent down and rubbed the little girl’s head: “You’re truly an adorable little girl. If we have the chance to meet again in Changling, I’ll take you around the county.”
“Mm!”
…
After a harmonious exchange of pleasantries, the young woman seemed to sense something and quickly took the little girl’s hand, bowing: “We’ve disturbed your meal tonight, it was truly presumptuous of me. We won’t bother you any longer, please continue your dinner, benefactor and Madams, Ling’er and I will be going back now.”
“Farewell, benefactor, goodbye, Big Sisters!”
The little girl waved goodbye reluctantly.
“Farewell.”
Lin Tianlu saw them to the door and smiled, bending down and pinching the little girl’s soft cheek: “If we meet again, you must grow taller. This little adult appearance of yours is truly amusing.”
“I’ll remember your words, benefactor!”
The little girl nodded vigorously.
Lin Tianlu gently patted her slender shoulder: “Then go back home with your mother.”
“Benefactor, I have a small request, could you come closer?”
“What is it?”
The little girl blushed, suddenly stood on tiptoe, and leaned closer: “Chu~”
Lin Tianlu was stunned, touching his cheek in surprise.
“Benefactor, my name is Lin Ling.”
Before he could say anything, the little girl had already turned and run away, leaving the young woman behind, chuckling awkwardly: “Benefactor, Ling’er is truly a bit mischievous, please don’t mind. But she’s usually not so frivolous…”
“Cough! It’s just a child’s playfulness, don’t take it to heart.”
Lin Tianlu quickly regained his gentle and elegant smile and cupped his hands: “Take care, Madam.”
“You too, benefactor, and Madams.”
After exchanging greetings, the woman also turned and left.
Only then did Lin Tianlu feel a strange and subtle gaze from behind him.
Turning around, he saw Mao Ruoyu looking at him with a playful smile, while Cheng Yishi’s gaze was clearly a bit unsettling.
“Uh, Yishi, do you have something to say? There’s no need to keep it to yourself.”
“…I just think, should my husband wear a veil when we go out in the future? That little girl, whom you just met, is completely smitten with you.”
Cheng Yishi’s gaze was distant as she murmured: “I could almost see peach blossoms blooming in that girl’s eyes just now.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled: “Are you jealous of that little girl, Yishi?”
“I wouldn’t be jealous of a child.” Cheng Yishi twirled the hair falling over her chest and glanced sideways with a strange look: “But those little girls will eventually grow up.”
Lin Tianlu’s smile froze.
Thinking about it that way, it didn’t seem very reassuring.
“Well~ Who knows what will happen in a few years?”
Mao Ruoyu quickly smiled gently: “But my husband has taken on another disciple, our house will be even more lively in the future.
But I wonder… have you carefully considered teaching your techniques to ordinary people you’ve only just met, my husband?”
“Yishi has a point.”
Lin Tianlu nodded slightly and mused: “This demon and ghost world is filled with evil beings. Although there are kind-hearted ones like Miss Yang, the vast majority treat human lives like dirt, killing and setting fires as they please. What I’ve seen these past few days has strengthened my resolve.
Although I only want to live a peaceful and leisurely life, if I can pass on my skills to a few disciples, it wouldn’t be a bad way to subtly change the rules. Saving even one more person is a good deed.”
He looked sideways at Yang Chanzhen, who was sitting not far away, and chuckled: “What do you think of this, Miss Yang?”
“Since you’ve already decided, Master Lin, I naturally have no objections.”
Yang Chanzhen’s eyes flickered, and she said indifferently: “But your abilities are immeasurable, Master Lin. If you’re looking for a successor, you must carefully consider their character.”
“I’ll keep that in mind. At least my two previous disciples are quite considerate and well-behaved. I don’t think they would abuse their power.”
Lin Tianlu smiled: “Besides, I’m far from being a qualified teacher.”
Yang Chanzhen nodded softly, rubbing the porcelain cup in her hand:
“In that case, let’s continue our meal.”
…
The next morning.
A carriage was parked in front of the Boyang County gate.
Lin Tianlu tightened the reins and looked towards the distant, fading figure, sighing softly: “Miss Yang truly comes and goes as she pleases, so free and easy.”
He had originally planned to exchange a few more words before parting, but she had disappeared in the blink of an eye, making him chuckle wryly.
“Miss Yang is aloof and indifferent, she probably doesn’t want to bother with lengthy farewells.”
Mao Ruoyu lifted the carriage curtain and looked into the distance, smiling faintly: “But she’s truly a good person. Even a brief conversation with her brings me peace and comfort.”
“It seems Miss Yang has truly captured your hearts during this time.”
“I’m naturally following my husband’s instructions.”
Mao Ruoyu brushed her hair lightly, a gentle smile on her face, and leaned forward, giving him a quick kiss like a dragonfly skimming the water.
Parting her lips slightly, the beautiful woman covered her blushing face and quickly drew the curtain, retreating back into the carriage.
“This…”
Lin Tianlu touched the still warm lip print on his lips and chuckled, shaking his head.
His dear wife was becoming even more affectionate and clingy, so caring and attentive. If he wasn’t careful, he might become hopelessly addicted to her tenderness.
Just then, he raised an eyebrow and quickly turned his head.
“Miss Youluo has been missing for two days, and now she’s finally back?”
“Hu~ I’m not completely insensitive, naturally, I have to give you and your two wives some alone time.”
Youluo’s figure gracefully emerged from the shadows, floating lightly into the air and landing on the driver’s seat, sitting beside Lin Tianlu in a seductive and alluring posture.
She tilted her head slightly, a charming and flirtatious smile on her face: “But now that Miss Yang has left, should I also excuse myself?”
“There’s no need in broad daylight.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled.
Then, he said meaningfully: “However, was it you who brought that mother and daughter to the restaurant last night, Miss?”
“Oh?”
Youluo smiled mischievously: “How did you figure it out, Master Lin?”
“Just a hunch.”
Lin Tianlu shrugged and quickly shook the reins, making the carriage move forward.
“There was a fierce battle between demons and ghosts in the county two days ago, and I was worried that you might be caught in the crossfire, Miss. Now that I see you safe and sound, I’m relieved.”
“I’m always careful, I wouldn’t get involved in such troublesome matters.”
Youluo crossed her long legs, smoothing her skirt, a charming smile on her face: “But I’m quite pleased that you were worried about me, Master Lin.”
“You said… hmm?”
Lin Tianlu quickly let out a soft exclamation and looked at her curiously: “When did you change your outfit, Miss?”
The seductive woman before him was dressed differently than usual. Her dress was darker, with a daringly high slit reaching her waist, held together by a few silk ribbons. The satin and gauze were embroidered with gold, and rings and bands adorned her full and shapely legs. Her alluring figure, outlined by the tight-fitting black silk, looked even more curvaceous and captivating, like a primal temptation, with a hint of mysterious charm.
What made Lin Tianlu’s eye twitch even more was…
The bodice of her dress was open and revealing, with a silk cord around her neck and a thin cloth barely covering her ample bosom. Even a glance could clearly see the round and unrestrained curves of her breasts, swaying enticingly with the movement of the carriage, stimulating his imagination despite being covered in black silk.
“I’m a woman after all, and everyone loves beauty.”
Youluo wrapped her arms around her chest, resting her chin on her hand, making her breasts even more prominent, as if they were about to burst out.
She leaned closer with a seductive smile, her beautiful eyes and teeth sparkling, her skin as smooth and translucent as jade, her eyes filled with desire: “Do you like my outfit today, Master Lin? I specifically chose it for you, only for you~”
Lin Tianlu leaned to the side, avoiding any close contact, and chuckled: “I appreciate your kindness, Miss, but this outfit… it’s better to dress normally.”
Youluo chuckled softly and leaned even closer, her soft breasts pressing against him, making Lin Tianlu’s expression even more subtle.
“Master Lin, do you think my attire is too… flamboyant?”
“Cough! It’s beautiful, but a bit too…”
“In the ancient times I know, this kind of clothing was quite common, not rare at all.”
Youluo’s eyes flickered, and she smiled seductively: “If you were to meet women from hundreds of years ago, Master Lin, you would surely see them dressed like this.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled awkwardly.
Thinking back, the women he knew from hundreds or thousands of years ago were indeed quite daring and revealing in their attire.
At least the fox spirit at home dressed even more provocatively, barely wearing anything.
“Uh… being able to freely express one’s feminine charm is indeed a good thing.”
“It seems you’re also a man of culture, Master Lin.”
Youluo narrowed her eyes and whispered softly: “The curtain is blocking the view from inside the carriage, if you want to be more intimate with me, Master Lin, now is a good opportunity.”
Whoosh—!
But at this moment, a silk scarf suddenly appeared between them.
Youluo paused slightly and looked sideways to see Mao Ruoyu leaning out of the carriage, a smile on her face: “Is there something important you need to discuss privately with my husband, Miss Youluo?”
“How did Madam Mao hear—”
“Hmph.”
A soft snort echoed as Yun Yue, in her fox form, emerged from behind Mao Ruoyu, glaring at Youluo before pouncing on her.
Youluo yelped, trying to dodge awkwardly.
Slap!
Then, she was slapped in the face by Yun Yue’s soft and fluffy tail.
Mao Ruoyu smiled gently and said slowly and deliberately: “Miss Youluo, please don’t be so… forward~”
Leaving these meaningful words behind, the beautiful woman quickly drew the curtain.
“…”
Youluo removed the fox tail from her face and looked at Yun Yue, who was standing on her chest, murmuring with a subtle expression: “So, they’ve openly sent a fox to monitor me?”
Yun Yue said indifferently: “Don’t do anything inappropriate.”
“I didn’t do anything strange~”
Youluo pursed her lips and said meaningfully: “Although Madam Mao’s aura just now was truly impressive, it even left me speechless.”
Lin Tianlu could only chuckle awkwardly.
Well, his dear wife could occasionally display a powerful and imposing aura.
“…Interesting~”
Youluo suddenly smiled again, holding Yun Yue in her arms, and chuckled: “Master Lin, why don’t you touch me again? I want to see what other interesting reactions Madam Mao will have.”
Lin Tianlu facepalmed and said speechlessly:
“I didn’t expect you to have such a… fetish, Miss.”
“I’m just curious.”
Youluo narrowed her eyes, her smile even more mysterious: “However, I’m even more curious now, how did this spirit fox become so close to you all, Master Lin?”
“If you want to know, I can tell you.”
Yun Yue’s voice, nestled in his arms, was calm and indifferent: “We have plenty of time these next few days.”
“Certainly.”
Youluo’s eyes flickered for a moment: “But Miss Cang Hu, aren’t you going to transform into your human form and talk to me face to face?”
“This form also has its own charm.” Yun Yue’s figure flickered slightly, and she nimbly jumped out of Youluo’s arms and into Lin Tianlu’s.
She curled up lazily, her snow-white body nestled against him, and licked his face affectionately.
This scene surprised Youluo.
This Cang Hu, Yun Yue, was truly sincere and affectionate, without any pretense, such attachment and tenderness, it truly made her…
…even more curious.
“Miss Youluo, do you know anything about the incident in Fengtai County?”
Lin Tianlu suddenly asked, probing.
“Fengtai County?”
Youluo pondered for a moment and quickly shook her head.
“I haven’t been there personally, so I don’t know anything about any strange occurrences there. However…”
She quickly smiled seductively, a mischievous glint in her eyes: “Fengtai County is very close to the first of the seven peaks of the Seven Stars Mend the Heavens Formation, and it also has a deep connection to the ancient realm. There’s bound to be some kind of incident there.”
