Chapter 329: Forging Alliances, Detached and Free
“Why would you suddenly… hmm?!”
As the old man was transmitting his surprised question, his pupils suddenly constricted.
At this moment, he faintly sensed a revitalization in his old friend, who was nearing the end of his lifespan. His dormant aura was boiling and active again, as profound and powerful as it had been centuries ago.
“King Qi, I know you have many questions.”
King Kan looked back with a smile: “While you were exploring the mountain, I had a conversation with Master Lin, a very insightful and fruitful discussion. In just a short while, I felt rejuvenated, even more so than with any so-called treasures or ancient secrets.”
King Qi murmured in astonishment: “What did you talk about? How could such a drastic change happen so suddenly?!”
“Master Lin and I played a game of Go.”
King Kan stroked his beard and laughed heartily: “This Go game was incredibly profound, truly one of a kind. Although I lost, it was an eye-opening experience for me, unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Every move felt like grasping the principles of heaven and earth, every placement like a reflection on the joys and sorrows of this life… marvelous!”
He looked up slightly and sighed with emotion: “Thanks to Master Lin’s silent guidance, I’ve awakened from my delusions and stubbornness.
Looking back, I realize I was too reliant on external things, too hesitant and indecisive, and even committed many mistakes.”
“This…”
King Qi was stunned.
Just a single game of Go had brought about such a profound realization in his old friend?!
This wasn’t a feigned expression, nor did it look like the dazed look of someone under the influence of a strange Yin technique.
Could this person… truly be so extraordinary?!
King Kan smiled as if he had anticipated this: “Brother Qi, I know you’re skeptical. But Master Lin is such an upright and honest person, you’ll understand in time.”
Lin Tianlu also smiled and said: “You flatter me, old man, I was just itching for a game, nothing more.”
“I understand your thoughts, Master Lin, there’s no need for such modesty.”
King Kan waved his sleeve and said in a clear voice: “Since you’ve given me this opportunity and shown me such kindness, I will naturally protect this remote mountain village and prevent those who covet the secret realm from disturbing it.”
“Then my husband and I must thank you on behalf of the hundred or so villagers, King Kan.”
Youluo curtsied slightly, a bright and gentle smile on her face: “I hope you won’t go back on your word, King Kan.”
“Naturally.”
“Wait!”
King Qi quickly interrupted: “Old friend, what do you mean? You were clearly so interested in the secret realm before, but now why—”
“Since the secret realm has been destroyed, there’s no point in sighing and lamenting.”
King Kan put his hands behind his back and smiled frankly: “And after Master Lin’s guidance, whether there are treasures within the secret realm or not makes no difference to me.”
King Qi’s surprise gradually faded, and he murmured in a serious tone: “Old friend, are you truly not joking with me?”
“I’m serious.”
“…It seems… it seems I’ve underestimated Master Lin’s abilities.” King Qi looked at Lin Tianlu intently and cupped his hands: “Thank you for your help, sir, for allowing my old friend to regain his former vigor and spirit.”
“You’re welcome.”
Lin Tianlu smiled and returned the bow: “I just hope that you two kings of the ancient realm will show mercy and not harm the innocent villagers around here. And if you could take on the responsibility of keeping those demons, ghosts, and practitioners who are causing trouble in the nearby towns and villages in line, that would be even better.”
“Since my old friend has already made up his mind, I naturally have no objections.”
King Qi’s expression was solemn, and he mused: “Now, a large number of demons and ghosts are approaching this place tentatively. With the two of us here to deter them, even the Luo Xing Soultakers wouldn’t dare to approach, you can rest assured, Master Lin.”
“That would be wonderful.”
Lin Tianlu nodded with satisfaction.
This way, the villagers below would have some protection and wouldn’t be caught in the crossfire.
Although the people of the ancient realm had different personalities and mysterious origins, after a brief interaction, he could tell that these two kings were straightforward and wouldn’t lie or deceive.
As for how he knew their personalities and preferences—
Naturally, it was because Youluo had whispered to him earlier.
“However, you still have to be careful, Master Lin.”
King Kan suddenly said seriously: “Although we two can stop those demons and ghosts in the open, it’s hard to guard against secret schemes and plots… They’re not targeting these ignorant and innocent villagers, but you, Master Lin, who witnessed and even destroyed the secret realm.
Especially now that the situation in Fengtai County is so chaotic and violent, who can remain calm and rational in the midst of such a bloodthirsty battle? After paying such a high price, only to learn that the secret realm has been destroyed, not only will the kings of our ancient realm be furious, but those Luo Xing Soultakers who are secretly stirring up trouble will also harbor deep resentment.”
“Thank you for your warning, old man, I’m aware of the dangers.”
Lin Tianlu smiled gently: “But my wives and I have no intention of staying here any longer, we’ll be leaving Fengtai County early tomorrow morning and heading elsewhere.”
“It’s good that you have a plan, Master Lin.”
King Kan sighed with emotion: “I wanted to have another good chat with you, Master Lin, but it seems there won’t be another opportunity.”
“If you’re reluctant to part, old man, come visit Changling County in Xima Prefecture when you have the chance.” Youluo covered her mouth with her sleeve and chuckled: “My husband lives there, we’ll naturally return home after our journey.”
Hearing this, King Kan’s eyes lit up with joy: “Excellent! I’ll definitely visit you!”
King Qi, standing beside him, could only smile wryly.
“Then, old man, what are you going to do now?”
“I’m going to meet with those Luo Xing Soultakers!”
A bold and unrestrained smile appeared on King Kan’s face, his heart filled with an unprecedented clarity and excitement, a fighting spirit he hadn’t felt in centuries burning within him. He instantly transformed into a streak of light and soared into the sky, erupting with a powerful aura, the howling wind carrying him away.
King Qi cupped his hands politely:
“Master Lin, I hope that our ancient realm and you… won’t become enemies in the future. Farewell.”
Saying this, he also quickly followed King Kan, disappearing without a trace.
Youluo walked gracefully to the door, looking at the two figures disappearing into the night, and couldn’t help but chuckle, crossing her arms: “Now that two kings of the ancient realm have switched sides, things will get even more lively on their side.”
“Your understanding of the ancient realm is becoming increasingly detailed, Miss.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled wryly: “At first, it was just ‘hearsay,’ but now you even know the personalities and tempers of these ancient realm kings, you were truly hiding quite a bit from us when we first met, Miss.”
“Naturally, I have to keep some secrets when meeting someone for the first time.”
Youluo glanced back at him mischievously, chuckling: “I’m just a weak little woman, I can’t trust strangers so easily.
Only after spending some time together can I willingly become your obedient little lady, massaging your shoulders, pouring tea, and serving you, Master Lin.”
Her playful and charming demeanor wasn’t convincing at all.
Lin Tianlu casually extinguished the candles on the table and said softly: “Since this matter is temporarily settled, let’s go back and bring Yue’er and the others, and leave this place.”
Youluo played with her hair, smiling playfully: “Are you really not going to show yourself and make a grand entrance, Master Lin?
With your cultivation and strength, even if those Luo Xing Soultakers and other kings of the ancient realm try to harm you, you can easily retaliate. If you were to display your power in front of all the factions, your name, ‘Lin Tianlu,’ would truly spread throughout the entire demon and ghost world, known to everyone.”
“That’s indeed a good suggestion.”
Lin Tianlu picked up the oil lamp on the table.
Then, the simple inn around them instantly dissipated into green smoke, just an illusion created by a subtle Yin technique.
“However, I’m not interested in showing off.”
“Then you’re not interested in intervening in the conflict between the various factions, the beginning of this great chaos, Master Lin?”
“Chaos will come regardless.”
Lin Tianlu walked over to her, handed her the oil lamp, and chuckled, patting her shoulder: “Even if I were to suppress them all, the seeds of conflict and hatred have already been sown. They all have their own schemes and plots, how could I easily persuade them with just a few words?”
He had no intention of interfering with the affairs of the world.
The conflicts and battles between demons, ghosts, and ghost practitioners were all for their own interests. Survival of the fittest might sound cruel, but it was the path they had chosen.
Lin Tianlu wasn’t interested in forcibly changing their beliefs and hopes.
Moreover, judging by the current actions of the ancient realm, they weren’t completely reckless and were also protecting the lives of ordinary mortals in the surrounding areas. As long as they didn’t harm innocents, even if they fought for three days and three nights, there was no need for him to oppose them.
Youluo looked at his retreating figure, a faint smile appearing on her lips.
Although she had anticipated this man’s choice, hearing it with her own ears… was quite amusing.
“Not for fame, not for fortune, not for righteousness, not for the fate of the world, your life is truly carefree, Master Lin.”
Seeing her quickly catch up, Lin Tianlu just shrugged and smiled: “To put it more elegantly, ‘detached and free’ is more appropriate.”
Youluo chuckled and teased: “So you’re a family man, Master Lin, only wanting to live a peaceful life with your wives.
If others were to hear this, Madam Mao and the others would be truly envied, to have married such a good husband.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled awkwardly: “I’m hardly a good husband right now.”
“Eh?”
But Youluo looked puzzled, tapping her lip lightly and murmuring: “I can often hear sounds of ecstasy coming from your room with the Madams, those sweet whispers and seductive moans. Madam Mao and Madam Cheng are practically floating in the clouds~ To be so loved and pampered by their husband every night, barely able to get out of bed, isn’t that a blissful life for them?”
“…”
Lin Tianlu’s expression turned even stranger, his lips twitching slightly: “Don’t let Ruoyu and the others hear you say that, Miss Youluo.”
“Hmm?” Youluo let out a meaningful hum and chuckled, covering her mouth: “Are you worried about being lonely at night without a beauty by your side?”
“It’s just that they’ll be blushing all day and won’t be able to eat or sleep properly.”
Lin Tianlu said with a helpless expression.
Youluo shook her head and chuckled: “You’re so concerned about them.”
Her eyes flickered, and a seductive smile suddenly appeared on her face. She stood on tiptoe and leaned closer to his ear, whispering sweetly: “If your two wives are too shy, Master Lin, you can sneak into my room, no one will notice.
Even if I were to moan and scream as passionately as your two wives, no one would hear a thing.”
As she whispered her seductive invitation, he could clearly feel her arm wrapping around him like a snake, playfully caressing his lower back, as if trying to arouse his desires.
“Hu—”
Lin Tianlu couldn’t help but sigh as he walked, exclaiming: “Compared to those from the ancient realm and the Luo Xing, you’re even more unpredictable and formidable, Miss.”
This kind of seductive charm was far more powerful than any army or weapon. Those with weak willpower would surely surrender in an instant.
Youluo withdrew her seductive touch, her eyes curving into crescents, and chuckled: “I’ll take that as a compliment.”
As they chatted and joked, they returned to the old village head’s humble courtyard.
“—It seems everything went smoothly.”
Yun Yue’s voluptuous figure floated down from the wall, smiling gently: “Are we leaving this village now?”
Lin Tianlu nodded slightly, but he quickly stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her slender waist, whispering: “Why didn’t you go to sleep with Ruoyu and the others?”
Yun Yue blushed slightly, a hint of seduction in her eyes, and whispered softly: “I was worried, so I stayed outside to keep watch.”
“Why don’t you truly wait until tomorrow morning—”
“Let’s leave early.”
Yun Yue gently caressed his chest and said softly: “It’s not good to impose on this old man any longer, and we can reach the Zhengyang Prince’s Mansion sooner if we leave early.
The Spring Festival is approaching, Shuya is waiting for us at the mansion, it would be better to see her sooner.”
“Alright.”
Lin Tianlu turned to look at the carriage outside the fence and saw that Youluo had already untied the reins, leading the carriage towards them with a smile: “I just stepped away for a bit, and you couldn’t resist being intimate with Madam Yun, Master Lin? Do you need me to excuse myself and give you two some alone time?”
Yun Yue blushed slightly but said calmly and gently: “If you’re envious, Miss Youluo, I have no objections. Later, in the carriage, you can be as intimate with Tianlu as you like. Ruoyu and Yishi are sleeping soundly, they won’t hear a thing.”
Youluo’s smile froze slightly.
This vixen… wasn’t like those two innocent little girls.
Yun Yue smiled faintly and waved her finger, and Mao Ruoyu and Cheng Yishi, who had been lying in the room, slowly floated out, wrapped in her soft and fluffy fox tail.
“Don’t worry, Tianlu, I’ve left some silver and winter provisions in the room, a small token of our gratitude for this kind old man.”
“Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Yue’er.”
Lin Tianlu helped lift the carriage curtain, letting Yun Yue enter with Mao Ruoyu and Cheng Yishi.
Youluo sat casually beside the driver’s seat, her legs crossed, glancing into the carriage. As her eyes met Yun Yue’s, she raised an eyebrow.
—This fox woman, was she serious just now?
As Lin Tianlu took his seat and shook the reins, the carriage started moving again, slowly and silently leaving this “paradise.”
Lin Tianlu and Youluo looked into the distance, as if they could still vaguely see and hear the distant battle, the flashing lights, the rain of spells and techniques.
But all of this had nothing to do with them anymore.
