Chapter 306: Traces of the Immortal Phoenix Mountain, Whispers in the Night
Several sticks of incense burned, the time gradually passing.
Lin Tianlu and the others listened quietly to the old man’s explanation, having learned almost everything about the ancient realm.
Even the date of the eight clans’ secret realm’s opening was now known to them.
It would be three days later, on the night of the full moon, when the sky was clear and the Yin energy at its peak. The accumulated torrent of souls would forcibly break the seal of the eight clans’ secret realm. The people of the ancient realm would naturally appear to fight for the treasures hidden within for thousands of years.
Of course, although that was the plan, this information had more or less been leaked.
At that time, conflict with other factions who had caught wind of the news would be unavoidable… It might even be the beginning of a chaotic war.
“But, Old Master Zuo, why are you telling us this?”
Lin Tianlu pondered and couldn’t help but ask curiously: “After all, you’re also from the ancient realm, revealing this information, wouldn’t it—”
“Heh!”
But Zuo Luanzi waved his sleeve with a sinister smile: “I, Zuo Luanzi, have always lived a carefree and unrestrained life, why would I follow those rigid rules? I find you likable, boy, so I told you, who would dare to blame me?”
Lin Tianlu chuckled wryly: “You truly are a free spirit, Old Master Zuo, but if I were to clash with the people of the ancient realm, wouldn’t your actions be counterproductive?”
“I have no close friends in the ancient realm, whether they live or die is none of my business.”
Zuo Luanzi stroked his beard and grinned, a slightly sinister glint in his eyes: “The more chaotic it is, the better. A world of conflict and chaos might be more to my liking, after all, I am the ‘Old Man of Chaos’.”
“…”
Lin Tianlu was silent.
This person truly lived up to his name, “Chaos.”
But simply put, he was just an eccentric old man.
“I’ve said almost everything I can.” Zuo Luanzi propped his knee up and chuckled strangely: “Now it’s time for you to tell me about your background and purpose, boy.”
“I come from the Changling area of Xima Prefecture. I came to Fengtai County just to search for some scenic spots and treasures, to enjoy the scenery. Learning about the ancient realm and the eight clans’ secret realm was an accident.”
Lin Tianlu cupped his hands and smiled: “Have you heard of any strange and unusual scenic spots around Fengtai County, Old Master?”
“Treasure hunting?”
Zuo Luanzi’s expression turned strange as he glanced at the women behind Lin Tianlu.
Seeing that their expressions didn’t change, they didn’t seem to be lying.
He hadn’t expected this scholar to come to Fengtai County for such a strange reason. So, it was just a coincidence that he had gotten involved with the ancient realm?
“Heh, how interesting.”
Zuo Luanzi chuckled strangely: “Now that you know about the eight clans’ secret realm, what are your plans?”
“This… I don’t have any plans.” Lin Tianlu shrugged: “Those treasures left by our predecessors are ultimately just relics. If I obtain them by chance, so be it. But fighting and killing each other for them, bloodshed and death, I have no interest in that.”
Although there were demons, ghosts, and souls in this world, those taboos didn’t really matter.
But the thought of fighting over grave goods in someone else’s “tomb”…
…was quite strange.
“Hahahaha! Well said!”
Zuo Luanzi burst into laughter, slapping his knees repeatedly: “Those idlers fighting over other people’s relics all day are truly bored. Although your words are a bit insulting to me as well, but… I agree with you!”
“If it weren’t for the rumors that the eight clans’ secret realm contains secrets to breaking through the Savage Realm and glimpsing the Heavenly Dao, I wouldn’t bother wasting my breath on those idlers.”
“Breaking through the Savage Realm, glimpsing the Heavenly Dao?”
Lin Tianlu raised an eyebrow.
This matter of realm ascension was indeed quite attractive to those demons and ghosts.
“Heh, even after I told you this, you’re still unmoved. It seems you really don’t care about the eight clans’ secret realm.”
“I wouldn’t lie.”
“Indeed.”
Zuo Luanzi stroked his beard and said with interest: “But it’s truly an eye-opener to see someone who’s not interested in the highest realm. Although your cultivation is profound and unfathomable, enough to repel the Cleansing Hall, wouldn’t it be wonderful to obtain some ancient opportunities from the eight clans’ secret realm and become even stronger?”
Lin Tianlu chuckled: “If the treasures left behind by those ancients were truly so earth-shattering, how did they end up as mere dust, allowing future generations to wreak havoc in their tombs?
In the end, even if their cultivation was truly heaven-defying, they were still powerless against fate. Whether one’s cultivation stagnates at the peak of the Savage Realm or ascends to a higher realm to glimpse the Heavenly Dao, there’s no difference in my opinion.”
“Your words are quite interesting, boy.”
Zuo Luanzi listened attentively, deep in thought.
Although his words were straightforward, the reasoning was sound—
If the ancient eight clans truly possessed such earth-shattering treasures and the secrets to the highest realm, why did they end up in such a pitiful state?
If they couldn’t even protect their own legacy and descendants… did their secret realm truly contain treasures that could change the world?
Perhaps, it was all just a self-deception.
“Forget it, there’s no need to discuss this further, it’s just pointless worry.”
Zuo Luanzi waved his hand dismissively, suppressing a hint of helplessness in his eyes.
He casually glanced at the village head standing beside him: “Have you heard of any unusual scenic spots around Fengtai County?”
“Reporting to you, Immortal, the area around Fengtai County is full of mountains, and there are indeed many beautiful scenic spots. But if you’re asking about ‘unusual’ spots…”
The village head frowned, racking his brains, and mused: “I’ve heard some mysterious rumors about a towering mountain peak called ‘Immortal Phoenix Mountain’.”
“What kind of rumors?”
“Legend has it that hundreds of years ago, a phoenix descended from the sky and landed on a barren mountain about a hundred miles from Fengtai County, and its presence revitalized the mountains, bringing spring to all living things, a wondrous and mysterious event.
Soon after, nearby villagers went to pay their respects and received blessings, praising and singing its praises, even building temples and shrines for worship. Over time, that nameless mountain became known as Immortal Phoenix Mountain.”
The village head paused slightly and continued: “But I only heard this rumor when I was young, no one knows if it’s true or not. If you truly want to know, sir, you can ask around in the villages at the foot of Immortal Phoenix Mountain. Perhaps some of the elderly villagers know something.”
Lin Tianlu asked curiously: “With such a legend about a phoenix, haven’t the people from the surrounding villages and counties explored it?”
“After all, it’s a legend from hundreds of years ago, no one knows if it’s true or not anymore. Who would travel over mountains and rivers just for a vague rumor?” The village head chuckled: “Besides, rumors are just rumors. None of the villages at the foot of Immortal Phoenix Mountain have confirmed the existence of a phoenix, so why should we outsiders bother? If there really were a phoenix living in the mountains, those villages would have been crowded with visitors, how could they be so deserted now?”
Lin Tianlu nodded thoughtfully.
“As for other legends around Fengtai County, I don’t think there are any.”
The old man cupped his hands and smiled: “The rest are just fantastical tales made up by the common folk, even the elderly in the villages don’t take them seriously.”
Lin Tianlu nodded slightly and cupped his hands in return: “Thank you for your information, Village Head, I will definitely visit Immortal Phoenix Mountain myself.”
“Heh, are you really going to that Immortal Phoenix Mountain?”
Zuo Luanzi grinned: “Aren’t you going to Fengtai County first? The secret realm will be opening in three days, it will be quite a lively event.”
“I’m not interested in those power struggles.”
Lin Tianlu replied frankly: “If I find nothing on Immortal Phoenix Mountain, I’ll go to Fengtai County.”
And if he still found nothing there, he would probably have to leave early and go to Hua Shuya’s hometown, the Zhengyang Prince’s Mansion.
Calculating the days, if they were delayed any longer, they might miss the Spring Festival.
“You’re truly an interesting boy.”
Zuo Luanzi chuckled: “Fine, if you’re not interested in the eight clans’ secret realm, I won’t force you. It also saves us from fighting. Even I would avoid a formidable opponent like you, whose cultivation is so unfathomable.
But if you encounter that battle-hungry East Fuxiao King, Fuxiao… you should leave Fengtai County as soon as possible and ensure the safety of your three beautiful wives.”
Lin Tianlu couldn’t help but chuckle awkwardly: “Old Master, this Miss Youluo behind me—”
“No need to say more.”
Youluo stood up and walked over, tapping his shoulder with her folding fan and smiling: “Since we’ve learned about Immortal Phoenix Mountain, let’s go back and rest tonight, and set off early tomorrow morning.
As for this Zuo Luanzi, do you have anything else to say to us?”
“Heh! Since we’ve almost finished our conversation, I have nothing more to say.”
Zuo Luanzi stroked his beard and sneered: “You people are quite interesting, I hope you won’t get involved in the conflict over the eight clans’ secret realm and avoid clashing with me.”
Saying this, he instantly turned into a wisp of green smoke and disappeared.
But a frivolous voice quickly drifted back:
“If you want revenge against the Cleansing Hall, just come to the ancient realm. But I must warn you, be wary of the Luo Xing Soultakers and don’t fall into their traps.”
As the voice gradually faded, the old village head coughed lightly and stepped forward, cupping his hands: “Everyone, the Immortal has returned to the ancient realm, why don’t you stay at my house for the night…”
“Thank you for your kindness, Village Head, but we’ve already booked rooms at the inn, there’s no need to trouble you.”
Lin Tianlu quickly stood up and bowed in return, a gentle smile on his face: “We’ve imposed on you tonight, please don’t mind, Village Head. And please accept this compensation for the damage to the old mansion.”
He handed the silver to the village head, who couldn’t help but feel a sense of emotion: “You truly are a cultured and refined gentleman, sir, no wonder you can treat those treasures as mere fleeting clouds.”
“You flatter me, Village Head.”
Lin Tianlu pondered for a moment and then asked seriously: “Do you have any regrets about your association with Zuo Luanzi, Village Head?”
“There’s no need to worry, sir, it’s my good fortune, and the good fortune of Yumin Village, to be acquainted with the Immortal.”
The village head’s response wasn’t unexpected, he said without hesitation: “The Immortal will surely keep his promise and protect Yumin Village for decades. Even if I have to give up my life, I have no regrets.”
“That’s good.”
Lin Tianlu bowed seriously: “Take care, Village Head.”
…
The third watch of the night.
Lin Tianlu and his group had returned to the inn.
Not long after returning to their room, Mao Ruoyu helped him take off his cloak and murmured: “Husband, are we really going to Immortal Phoenix Mountain first tomorrow morning? Instead of going to Fengtai County to check out the eight clans’ secret realm?”
“Xuanling is more important.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled, reaching into Mao Ruoyu’s bosom, between her fur-lined vest, and pulled out the jade pendant containing Yu Xuanling.
“Being trapped in this pendant all day, with that girl’s personality, she must be bored and restless.”
“Indeed.”
Mao Ruoyu looked down at the jade pendant, smiling faintly: “That girl is often depressed, but she endures it silently. It makes me feel quite sorry for her.”
“Let’s go and ask around tomorrow.”
Lin Tianlu mused: “We found something that could revive Xuanling on Jade Peak Mountain, perhaps we can find something on Immortal Phoenix Mountain as well… hmm?”
He suddenly exclaimed softly as he felt a pair of delicate arms wrap around his waist from behind, a soft and slender body pressing against him.
“Yishi, what’s wrong?”
“Husband, I was quite scared tonight.”
A slightly muffled voice came from behind him: “I almost thought that you were harmed and gone forever. My mind went blank, as if the sky had fallen.”
Lin Tianlu felt both amused and distressed, patting the hands on his body: “You should have more faith in your husband. If I could be harmed by just a few random thugs, I wouldn’t have gone out to investigate alone, causing you two to worry.”
“Even so, I was still very worried.”
“You really need to cultivate your composure, Yishi.”
Mao Ruoyu leaned forward playfully and teased Cheng Yishi: “You can’t be so impulsive in the future.”
Cheng Yishi rolled her eyes at her: “You were also speechless with a cold face, Madam, no different from me.”
“Cough, I was just…”
“Alright, alright, with both my wives so worried about me, I’m truly a lucky man.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled and embraced them both: “Let’s go to sleep early tonight, calm your minds, and we’ll set off again tomorrow morning with peace of mind.”
“Mm.” Mao Ruoyu blushed and nodded with a smile.
As they whispered and teased, the beautiful woman’s hand brushed against her shoulder, her outer robe and inner gauze slipping down her smooth skin, revealing her flawless and delicate body in the faint moonlight, even more alluring and captivating against the silk.
Lin Tianlu was also about to go to bed when Cheng Yishi suddenly embraced him, and he stumbled back onto the bed.
Before he could react, Cheng Yishi straddled him, her eyes crimson as she kissed him passionately.
“Eek——”
Seeing them kissing, Mao Ruoyu blushed shyly. After a moment of hesitation, she smiled helplessly, suppressing her shyness, and climbed onto the bed as well.
…
In the next room.
Youluo crossed her legs, playing with the jade hairpin in her hand, glancing sideways with a strange smile.
“Why is Miss Yun visiting me tonight instead of resting in Master Lin’s room?”
“I have some questions for you.”
Yun Yue had transformed into her beautiful human form, landing gracefully on the floor, her icy eyes looking at Youluo calmly.
Youluo chuckled softly: “What do you want to ask, Miss Yun?”
“When Tianlu decided to bypass Fengtai County and go directly to Immortal Phoenix Mountain, your expression changed for a moment.”
Yun Yue said indifferently: “I just want to ask, are you truly just here for the fun? Or do you have other motives?”
“…You’re quite observant, Miss Yun, to even notice such a subtle change in my expression, I’m truly impressed.”
The smile on Youluo’s face faded slightly, and she turned her head, murmuring: “So, Miss Yun, you’re starting to suspect that I’m behind the recent conflicts and attacks?”
“After all, these successive attacks and conflicts are too coincidental. Although Tianlu and his group aren’t hiding their identities, they’re traveling discreetly. How could they repeatedly ‘happen’ to encounter people from the ancient realm?”
Yun Yue’s expression remained unchanged, and she said indifferently:
“And you, Miss Youluo, occasionally disappear for a while, what exactly are you doing? Perhaps only you yourself know best.”
“Sigh~ For you to suspect me like this, Miss Yun, it truly hurts my feelings.”
Youluo dramatically pressed her hand against her chest and sighed: “I’ve been brushing and combing your hair every day, Miss Yun, patiently and considerately taking care of you, and yet I’m being suspected—”
“I don’t want to play guessing games with you.” Yun Yue suddenly interrupted her: “Are you deliberately deceiving us, or will you tell us the truth?”
“…It seems that although you pretended to be calm and composed in front of the two Madams, Miss Yun, you’re actually quite anxious and worried.”
Youluo suddenly chuckled: “Are you trying to confirm their safety personally?”
“…You’re right.”
After a moment of silence, Yun Yue narrowed her eyes slightly and said in a deep voice: “I admit that I can’t see through your thoughts, and I’m not sure about your actions. I came to you tonight to ease my own worries.”
Youluo was a bit surprised.
She hadn’t expected this fox spirit to be so straightforward and honest.
But she quickly covered her mouth with a chuckle:
“Perhaps I did have some ulterior motives when I first met Master Lin. But now that he has his own goals, I just want to see how your journey ends.”
“And besides—”
She touched her slightly flushed face and smiled seductively: “Thinking about those two Madams in the next room, their buttocks and legs intertwined, moaning and groaning, enjoying themselves to the fullest, I can’t help but feel curious and want to take a peek.”
“…”
Yun Yue sighed softly.
Although this woman was mysterious, her lustful and eccentric personality was truly amusing.
“Aren’t you going to enjoy yourself tonight, Miss Yun, and be intimate with Master Lin?”
“Those two girls are having fun with their husband, why should I interrupt?”
Yun Yue’s expression returned to its usual calmness, and she walked gracefully to the table opposite Youluo and sat down: “And I can also keep an eye on you, Miss Youluo, and make sure you don’t wander around at night.”
“…That’s a pity.”
Youluo’s eyes flickered, and she rested her chin on her hand, smiling strangely: “I really want to see what kind of seductive and charming expression you’ll have when you’re entangled with Master Lin, Miss Yun, and what kind of sexy and alluring poses you’ll strike.”
Yun Yue calmly poured herself a cup of tea and took a sip:
“Probably no different from you, Miss Youluo.”
“…”
