Chapter 339: The Battle Ends, A Shocking Revelation
Clang!
Sword light flickered, like ripples on a clear stream.
The mature woman’s expression was calm and unwavering, her sword an extension of her arm, her exquisite and profound swordsmanship blooming like splashing water, instantly enveloping Chen Jiyang, who was scrambling to escape.
“D-Damn it!”
The villain, his escape route cut off, let out a furious roar, waving his remaining right arm like a madman, swirling Yin energy erupting around him.
But seeing his desperate counterattack, the mature woman’s mind became even calmer, her breath steady as her internal energy surged, her vigorous and warm blood transforming into an indistinct wave of heat around her body.
The chilling Yin energy, upon contact with this wave of warmth, was neutralized and dissipated.
Although the villain’s Yin technique-infused fist was powerful enough to shatter metal and stone, far beyond the capabilities of ordinary internal energy, the mature woman moved like a phantom, her eyes gleaming, her voluptuous and graceful figure dodging swiftly among the shadows of his fists, not even a single leaf touching her as she approached, until— Pfft!
Her broken sword suddenly slashed sideways, cutting deeply into the flesh of his neck!
“Gah!”
Chen Jiyang’s head tilted, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. On the verge of death, he seemed to have forgotten about Yin techniques, roaring furiously as he gathered all his Yin energy, throwing a punch, trying to kill the woman before him.
But his fierce punch missed.
“You have cultivation, but no fighting skills.”
The mature woman gracefully leaped into the air, holding his muscular arm, her slender waist twisting into a breathtaking curve, her long leg kicking down like a crescent moon in the sky!
Her leg flashed, her foot precisely hitting the hilt of the broken sword embedded in his neck muscles.
As her hair flew, she murmured coldly and indifferently:
“Reckless fool.”
Then, a head flew into the air, spraying blood.
Thump!
As the head rolled on the ground, the face, eyes wide open, was still filled with disbelief, as if he couldn’t believe that he had been decapitated by a mortal woman.
And his headless body twitched violently before collapsing, dead.
“Hu—”
The mature woman crouched down, sweat dripping from her face as she exhaled.
Although she had managed to defeat the powerful enemy by unleashing her full strength, and her movements during the fight had seemed calm and effortless, that terrifying fist wind had been truly frightening. Just a graze had torn her clothes and left her covered in wounds.
The so-called demons, ghosts, and practitioners in this world… were truly terrifying!
She casually brushed back her disheveled hair, pulled out the broken sword from beside her foot, and stabbed the severed head, twisting the blade and shattering it into pieces with a burst of internal energy.
“Cough…”
Only then did her face turn pale as she clutched her chest, coughing up some blood.
Her black nightclothes were torn, revealing her fair skin on her waist, abdomen, and legs. The sleeves of her clothes were ripped, and although not completely exposed, the curves of her voluptuous and mature body were clearly visible.
Bruises were forming on her skin, as if she had been abused and ravaged, a pitiful and weakened look in her eyes.
But as the pain intensified, the warm energy that still lingered within her body surged again, quickly healing her internal injuries, even the external wounds slowly closing.
“This kind of power…”
The woman’s heart was filled with surprise.
But she knew this wasn’t the time to be amazed. She quickly calmed her mind and focused her consciousness.
After her breathing steadied, she looked towards the center of the ruins.
From their brief clash earlier, she knew that although this scholar looked young, refined, and frail, he possessed extraordinary and astonishing abilities.
But she wondered if such methods would be effective against those three terrifying villains— “Eh?”
But the next moment, the mature woman’s eyes widened in surprise.
The mysterious old man, who had easily blocked her full-strength attack not long ago—
…was now pinned to the ground by the scholar, his arm held firmly, unable to move.
“…”
A sudden silence fell upon the hall.
A dazed look remained on Kong Jinwei’s old face, as if he hadn’t realized what had happened. Even the White Ghost of Mount E instinctively stepped back, a look of shock on his face.
When… when did this person attack?!
“Old man, resorting to violence at the slightest disagreement, isn’t that a bit too cruel and ruthless?”
Lin Tianlu gripped his arm and asked in a low voice: “Or have you become accustomed to casually crushing ants?”
“—Damn it!”
Kong Jinwei’s eyes widened in fury, and an incredibly powerful surge of Crimson Sun Essence erupted from his body, flames blazing, forcing Lin Tianlu back.
“Hu— Such fiery energy, truly impressive for someone your age.”
Lin Tianlu patted away the remaining heat from his sleeves.
Instantly, Kong Jinwei and the White Ghost of Mount E, having recovered, exchanged glances and quickly formed hand seals, sinister ghostly figures materializing behind them as they struck out with their palms.
Slap!
A crisp sound, and the wave of Yin energy instantly dissipated.
“Wha—”
Kong Jinwei and the White Ghost of Mount E stared blankly at the man who had suddenly appeared before them.
Lin Tianlu’s hands were pressed against their chests, and he smiled faintly: “I have some questions for you.”
With a surge of energy, their protective Yin energy shattered.
The two ghosts immediately collapsed to their knees, their faces contorted, feeling their Yin energy and souls almost completely dispersed!
Then, Lin Tianlu raised his hand and blocked the sharp claws that slashed towards him.
The fierce wind of Yin energy sent Kong Jinwei and the White Ghost of Mount E flying, sending dust and debris swirling.
“Kill… kill… kill, kill, kill!”
The white-dressed female ghost continued to laugh maniacally, a tangible killing intent, mixed with Yin energy, surging endlessly.
“It seems there’s no point in talking to you.”
Lin Tianlu narrowed his eyes, his heart turning cold.
It was difficult to imagine what this woman’s personality had been like before she became so crazed. But there was no doubt that she had been harmed and driven insane, and she would surely become a great threat in the future…
Or rather, she had already taken countless lives.
“Kill, kill, kill!”
The white-dressed female ghost screamed and changed her tactics, her ten fingers clawing and tearing, as if invisible claws were slashing down from all directions.
Boom!
The already shattered ground was torn apart, countless bottomless crevices appearing, dense and crisscrossing, covering an area of more than ten zhang. Even divine weapons would be shattered.
Only a single figure stood amidst the collapsing rubble, unharmed, calmly raising a hand and pointing through the dust and smoke.
Emerald green spiritual chains flickered around his fingertip, instantly piercing through the woman’s unsuspecting chest.
“Uh?”
The white-dressed woman’s scream stopped, her attack ceasing.
Her eyes, gradually regaining focus, widened slightly, a flicker of emotion within.
“—Kill… me…!”
At the same time, a blurry and indistinct wail echoed.
Lin Tianlu raised an eyebrow and quickly gathered his spiritual energy, decisively striking out with his palm.
Boom——!!
All her protective Yin energy was instantly shattered, and a headless body fell from the sky, turning into dust and scattering with the wind as it hit the ground.
Lin Tianlu calmly withdrew his hand, looking at the dozens of remnant souls rising, and nodded slightly: “Rest in peace.”
“…”
Silence returned to the ruins.
Only after all the vengeful spirits of the murdered had dissipated did he turn around and see a cold light flashing not far away.
Pfft!
The White Ghost of Mount E, who had been half-kneeling on the ground, didn’t have time to react or resist before his head was severed by a sword strike.
The mature woman spun around, holding her cracked broken sword, her face solemn as she was about to decapitate Kong Jinwei as well.
“Wait, Miss.”
Lin Tianlu appeared beside her, gently holding her wrist, and chuckled: “Although these people deserve to die for their crimes, we can still ask them a few questions…”
“That prefect dog is enough, he also knows quite a bit.”
The mature woman said calmly: “But we can’t keep these two demons alive, if they escape, it will cause endless trouble.”
Saying this, she quickly pulled her hand free, stepped forward, and raised her broken sword towards Kong Jinwei, whose eyes were bloodshot.
“M-Madam Tan, please show mercy!”
Kong Jinwei quickly raised his hands to block, no longer calm and composed, and said urgently: “I’m close friends with King Chengwu, and I also have connections with many high-ranking officials in the court. If you kill me, it will only bring trouble to the Prince’s Mansion!”
The mature woman’s sword paused, and she narrowed her eyes: “So you already knew my identity.”
“I visited the Prince’s Mansion a few years ago and have seen your face, Madam Tan—”
Pfft!
A flash of sword light, and Kong Jinwei’s old face froze.
A moment later, his head rolled to the ground.
With his Crimson Demon Realm cultivation, he naturally wasn’t afraid of such ordinary martial arts, he could even withstand her attacks without suffering any injuries.
But all of this was based on the premise that his Yin energy was still intact and his cultivation could be mobilized.
But now, decapitated, the fierce and burning blood left a faint burn mark on his neck, a wound that couldn’t heal, severing his last chance of survival.
After seeing Kong Jinwei’s corpse also turn to dust and dissipate, Madam Tan casually tossed away her broken sword.
Lin Tianlu approached with a strange expression, glancing at the two Crimson Demon Realm demons and ghosts she had just killed, sighing inwardly.
This woman was truly… ruthless and decisive.
He took off his outer robe, draped it over her shoulders to cover her slightly exposed skin, and whispered: “Are you alright, Miss?”
“I’m fine.”
Madam Tan tightened the warm robe around her, turned her head, and nodded: “If it weren’t for you, I might have already died here. I was presumptuous just now and killed these two demons, if you’re angry, sir—”
Lin Tianlu quickly waved his hand: “There’s no need for that, Miss, punishing evil is a good deed, there’s no need to worry about who acted first.”
“Thank you.”
The tense and solemn look on Madam Tan’s face softened slightly: “It’s truly a blessing for the world to have such a young and talented man like you, not only powerful but also kind and considerate.”
“You flatter me, Miss.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled wryly and bowed slightly.
“Now, only Niu Yunjun is left.” Madam Tan’s gaze shifted, and she walked towards the prefect.
Her long and beautiful legs beneath her wide robe moved gracefully, her figure alluring and captivating.
Niu Yunjun, who had been stunned by the scene, finally came back to his senses and scrambled backward, his face filled with panic: “D-Don’t kill me!”
“For such a corrupt official to become the prefect… tsk!”
Madam Tan clicked her tongue in disgust and said coldly: “Confess everything!
This gentleman is kind and merciful and might spare your life. But I won’t show any mercy. If you don’t tell the truth, I’ll break your limbs, cut off your ears and tongue, drag you through Wuxing City, and then hang you from the city walls for everyone to see!”
As she spoke, she reached for her waistband and drew a sharp dagger.
Not only was Niu Yunjun terrified, even Lin Tianlu, who was standing beside her, felt a chill run down his spine.
This woman…
…was truly ruthless!
“I-I’ll talk!”
Niu Yunjun was clearly terrified. Even though his scattered Yin energy was gradually recovering, his face was still filled with fear and panic as he kowtowed repeatedly: “There have been many changes within the Luo Xing recently, that Kong… Kong Jinwei ordered me to quickly harvest the souls of Wuxing City and the surrounding villages to strengthen the Luo Xing.
He also ordered me to spread rumors about Hua Shuya and the Zhengyang Prince’s Mansion. And to secretly train soldiers, waiting for the right moment to attack Qingcheng together with other troops.”
To attack Qingcheng… were they planning to harm the Zhengyang Prince’s Mansion?
Lin Tianlu pondered.
Madam Tan’s voice was cold: “Is there anything else? Tell me everything.”
Niu Yunjun quickly wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and stammered: “And… and also, about you secretly entering Wuxing City, Madam Tan, we actually already knew. It was Kong Jinwei who told us, he even deliberately leaked those clues, luring you into a trap, waiting for you to come to us.”
Madam Tan’s expression turned serious.
“Although your sudden intrusion today was unexpected, Madam Tan, but as long as we capture you…”
Niu Yunjun paused, his expression stiffening, not daring to say anything more.
“Using me as a hostage to gain leverage?” Madam Tan sneered: “Is that why Kong Jinwei specifically ordered you to keep me alive?”
“Y-Yes… Your status is high, Madam Tan, that’s why Kong Jinwei coveted you.”
Niu Yunjun chuckled awkwardly: “I’ve already told this gentleman everything else, without any omissions. After all, I’m… just a pawn following orders. Although I’m the prefect, I wouldn’t dare to plot such things on my own.”
“It seems that’s indeed the case.”
Madam Tan nodded slightly, her expression calming down.
Then, she casually tossed the dagger, embedding it in the ground in front of Niu Yunjun.
“I grant you death, kill yourself.”
“…”
Niu Yunjun’s expression froze, speechless.
“What?” Madam Tan tilted her head slightly, a mocking sneer appearing on her lips: “You villains, daring to offend the imperial family, and now you don’t even have the courage to commit suicide and atone for your sins, to die with some dignity?
Or do you want me to capture your family members, your wives, children, and grandchildren, and execute your entire clan, their corpses displayed on the city walls for all to see?”
Niu Yunjun’s eyes trembled, his lips opening and closing, his face filled with indescribable fear and unease.
Lin Tianlu, watching from the side, was even more surprised. Looking at the woman’s back, he felt as if she had completely transformed.
Niu Yunjun collapsed, murmuring in a daze: “I-If I die… will you truly spare my family, Madam Tan?”
“Of course.”
Madam Tan glanced at him condescendingly, a hint of nobility in her voice: “When have I, Tan Zisheng, ever lied?”
“I… understand.”
Niu Yunjun lowered his head dejectedly, his hand trembling as he picked up the dagger from the ground.
Under Lin Tianlu’s shocked gaze, the man suddenly raised the dagger and stabbed himself in the neck, his Yin energy dissipating as he convulsed and fell to the ground.
A moment later.
As blood flowed, his aura rapidly faded until he died silently.
—He had actually… committed suicide.
Madam Tan, seeing that he was dead, her expression still indifferent, said softly: “What he just mentioned to you, was it about Madam Ziyu?”
Lin Tianlu paused slightly and nodded: “Indeed, Miss, he did mention that Madam Ziyu was behind all this.”
“I understand.”
Madam Tan bent down, picked up the dagger, and casually wiped the blood from the blade.
“You’ve saved my life several times, sir. If it weren’t for your extraordinary abilities, we wouldn’t have been able to eliminate these villains.”
She looked at him, an appreciative smile appearing on her mature and serious face: “May I ask your name, sir?”
“My name is Lin Tianlu, from Changling County, Xima Prefecture.”
Lin Tianlu cupped his hands and replied truthfully.
“Lin… Wait? Your name is Lin Tianlu?!”
Madam Tan’s previously appreciative expression suddenly changed drastically, and she looked at him in shock and uncertainty: “Changling County… and a young man dressed as a scholar… It matches!
Do… do you know Hua Shuya of the Zhengyang Prince’s Mansion?”
“I do.”
Lin Tianlu was surprised by her strange reaction, but he still said frankly: “I came to Qingyang Province specifically to visit Miss Hua at the Zhengyang Prince’s Mansion in Qingcheng. I just happened to hear some rumors while passing through here, so I came to investigate.”
“Such a coincidence…”
Madam Tan murmured, her eyes flickering.
But after a moment of thought, she quickly composed herself and sheathed the dagger: “Forget it, let’s leave this place first.”
“This place is a mess, aren’t you going to clean up, Miss?”
Lin Tianlu quickly reminded her: “Although these people deserved to die for their crimes, Niu Yunjun was still the prefect, a fourth-rank official. His mansion has been razed to the ground overnight, and he died—”
“It’s fine.”
But Madam Tan waved her hand, her expression calm and composed, as if she hadn’t just killed a high-ranking official, but just a few bandits.
“I have my own arrangements, someone will take care of the aftermath. I’ve already compiled a list of their crimes, enough to sentence them to death, it’s just an early execution.”
“This…”
Lin Tianlu chuckled awkwardly.
This woman was truly audacious.
At the same time, he recalled what Niu Yunjun had just said, hinting at this woman’s extraordinary status, clearly not just an ordinary martial artist.
But what was her background, for her to be so—
“I met you tonight, Miss, and even fought alongside you, but I still don’t know your name or identity.”
Lin Tianlu’s thoughts stirred, and he cupped his hands, asking: “And seeing your reaction when you heard the name ‘Hua Shuya,’ I wonder if…”
But before he could finish speaking, Madam Tan couldn’t help but smile faintly, glancing at him sideways: “Do you know why that old man, Kong Jinwei, kept me alive after capturing me, Master Lin? To use me as leverage?”
“You have a deep connection with the Zhengyang Prince’s Mansion, Miss.”
“Indeed.”
Madam Tan sneered coldly: “That old man wanted to humiliate and break me, and then use me to threaten and negotiate with the Zhengyang Prince’s Mansion. Such ‘bargaining chips’ are more valuable than gold and silver… Those villains are truly audacious, even daring to tarnish the reputation of the imperial family!”
Imperial family?
Lin Tianlu was slightly stunned.
As he came back to his senses, he heard the faint rustling of wind not far away.
Looking sideways, he saw several figures approaching quickly, all dressed as martial artists, their cultivation levels high, their auras steady.
But upon closer inspection, their demeanor and movements were more like those of maids or servants?
Just then, these women’s faces were filled with fear and anxiety as they arrived and knelt down, their heads almost touching the ground: “Your Highness, please forgive us for leaving our posts and causing you such distress!”
“…”
Lin Tianlu was stunned.
What was going on?!
This person… was an imperial princess?!
“—Rise.”
Madam Tan waved her hand indifferently: “Even if you had been here, you wouldn’t have been of much use in that battle, there’s no need to blame yourselves.
Have someone clean up this place later, everything must be taken care of within three days. Can you handle such a simple task?”
“Yes, Your Highness!”
The women responded in unison, kowtowing respectfully.
As silence fell, one of the maids stepped forward to help straighten her clothes, glancing sideways, and shouted coldly: “Insolent fool, don’t you know how to greet Her Highness?!”
Lin Tianlu was speechless: “This…”
This turn of events was truly unexpected.
An imperial princess would actually come and “punish evil” alone?
“Lan’er, be quiet!”
Madam Tan glared at her and snorted softly: “This person just saved my life, and this is how you treat our benefactor? It would be a disgrace to my father if word of this spread.
Besides, with this person’s status, there’s no need for him to kowtow to me like a lowly servant.”
The maid’s face flushed, and she said: “B-But Your Highness, you are of noble birth, this courtesy—”
Slap!
A slap suddenly landed on the maid’s face, silencing her. She quickly knelt down again, trembling: “Please forgive me, Your Highness! I spoke out of turn, I deserve to die!”
Madam Tan said indifferently in a low voice: “If you speak out of turn again, I’ll cut out your tongue.”
The maids all lowered their heads and trembled: “Y-Yes!”
“However, you should also get to know your future… little master.”
Madam Tan suddenly changed the subject: “Serve and care for him well in the future, don’t displease him. Treat him with the respect due to a prince, without any negligence or disrespect.”
Madam Tan glanced at Lin Tianlu, pondered for a moment, and then said with a serious expression: “As for you, just call me ‘Godmother’.”
“…”
A deathly silence.
After a moment of stunned bewilderment, the maids looked up in shock, their mouths agape, speechless.
And Lin Tianlu froze, his eyes wide with astonishment.
What… what was going on?!
