Chapter 346: Crossed Shadows, A Change of Heart
Lin Tianlu’s gaze sharpened.
Although he couldn’t see much resemblance to Shuya in the old man’s appearance, the movement technique he had just used was quite similar to Shuya’s sword steps.
It was the Hua family’s Star-Breaking Sword.
And he had addressed him as “Grandson-in-law” as soon as they met, clearly aware of his relationship with Shuya.
“—Take this!”
Suddenly, the powerful old man shouted with a laugh, leaping forward and pointing a finger.
Lin Tianlu felt the sharp sword wind and was slightly surprised, but a smile quickly appeared on his face as he deflected the attack with a casual wave of his hand, neutralizing the old man’s sudden attack and pushing him back.
“This—”
The old man stumbled back several feet, then stopped and looked at Lin Tianlu with a surprised and joyful expression: “Truly incredible cultivation!”
“You flatter me.”
Lin Tianlu gently put Shanghan down and cupped his hands respectfully: “For you to possess such powerful internal energy at your age, old man, is even more impressive.”
“Eh?”
Shanghan was still dazed, blinking her eyes repeatedly, and murmuring: “This old man is… Prince Zhengyang?”
“Identities can be faked, but the Hua family’s martial arts aren’t something others can easily learn.” Lin Tianlu chuckled and explained: “And to reach such a profound realm, with such deep sword intent, requires decades of dedicated practice, it’s not something that can be easily imitated.
This single move is enough to prove his identity, he’s undoubtedly the renowned Prince Zhengyang.”
“Excellent!”
Hua Yanxing’s face lit up with joy, and he waved his hand with a laugh: “You’re quite observant, Grandson-in-law, to have thoroughly studied our Hua family’s sword techniques and grasped their essence at a glance. Shuya truly has good taste.”
Lin Tianlu smiled and cupped his hands respectfully: “Lin Tianlu, a humble scholar, greets Your Highness.”
Shanghan, snapping out of her daze, quickly bowed respectfully as well.
“There are no outsiders here, there’s no need for such formalities.”
Hua Yanxing stroked his beard, his smile softening: “I’ve often heard Shuya mention you and wanted to meet you properly when you visited. I didn’t expect to meet you here, it’s truly a twist of fate.”
“You honor me with your attention, Your Highness.”
Lin Tianlu cupped his hands and asked curiously: “But I just heard you address someone as ‘old friend,’ was it this master?”
“Amitabha.” The withered old monk chanted softly, lowering his head and saying hoarsely: “I also didn’t know that this young man was your grandson-in-law, Yanxing.”
“It was a sudden incident, I haven’t had the chance to explain properly.”
Hua Yanxing stroked his beard and chuckled, about to explain, but Lin Tianlu quickly smiled gently and said smoothly: “There’s no need to rush, Your Highness, I already understand.”
“Oh?”
“This master and I both thought the other was plotting against Qingcheng, that’s why we fought.” Lin Tianlu smiled faintly: “Now it seems that you and this master were secretly planning something here. I inadvertently intruded and disturbed your discussion.”
This grandson-in-law… he was quite calm and collected.
Hua Yanxing was quite surprised and even more pleased.
“You’re right. This Master Deyuan is a renowned monk, an old friend of mine. I asked him to come and help.”
“Amitabha.” The old monk, Deyuan, clasped his hands together and bowed slightly: “It seems we’ve met through combat, young benefactor, it’s also a kind of fate.”
Hua Yanxing’s thoughts stirred, and he quickly said: “There’s no need to mind, Grandson-in-law, although Master Deyuan, he—”
“I understand.”
Lin Tianlu smiled gently: “Although Master Deyuan’s puppet manipulation technique seems frightening, he’s not actually harming anyone. Those puppets possess such great strength because the master has infused them with his own blood and essence, making their bodies indestructible and preserving a sliver of their consciousness, perhaps even giving them a chance to revive.”
“Eh?!”
Shanghan, who was standing beside him, was even more surprised and quickly looked at the “corpses” standing on both sides.
This monk wasn’t controlling corpses, but…
…saving people?
“You have a keen eye, Grandson-in-law, you truly see things clearly.”
Hua Yanxing chuckled: “Master Deyuan wasn’t always so thin and gaunt, on the contrary, he used to be as sturdy as an iron tower. But he’s been ‘giving alms and saving people’ these past few years, repeatedly giving away his blood and essence, that’s why he’s become so withered and frail, his appearance enough to frighten children.”
“These farmers live a hard life, they are hardworking and resilient, but they encountered misfortune because of demons and ghosts. Their lives shouldn’t end like this.”
The old monk, Deyuan, clasped his hands together, his head bowed, and said hoarsely: “If I can save lives with just a bit of my blood and essence, then it’s worth it. This can also atone for my past sins, saving even one life is a good deed.”
So that was the reason?
Shanghan suddenly understood, looking at the withered and twisted old face, now finding it kind and gentle.
Lin Tianlu nodded thoughtfully: “It’s admirable that you have such a compassionate heart, Master.”
Then, he cupped his hands and asked:
“But why are you and Master Deyuan hiding here, Master Hua?”
Hearing this, Hua Yanxing’s expression turned serious, and he put his hands behind his back, saying: “Are you aware of the situation in the city, Grandson-in-law?”
“I know a little, that’s why I came here, and I had a misunderstanding with this master.”
“The city is currently in danger, and we can only resolve this situation with external help. And this tunnel is our last escape route. If anything unexpected happens, we will flee from here and leave the Qingcheng area.”
Lin Tianlu frowned: “Do you know who is behind the incidents in the mansion, Master Hua?”
“Although it’s still unclear, it’s very likely the Due’e Sect, those villains love to stir up trouble and seize power.”
Hua Yanxing’s expression was serious, and he said in a deep voice: “This Qingyang Grand Ceremony is part of their plan, using my name, Prince Zhengyang, to raise a rebellion and try to overthrow the court.
As for their true motives, there might be some other grand conspiracy. If a war breaks out, it would be a disaster for the people.”
Shanghan said in astonishment: “So the Qingyang Grand Ceremony wasn’t your—”
“My forces are no match for those demons and ghosts in a direct confrontation.”
Hua Yanxing looked down at her with a kind smile: “But battles aren’t just about brute force, strategy is even more important. They have their own concerns and won’t act recklessly, so there’s room for maneuver. Borrowing their strength and playing both sides is also a viable strategy.”
Lin Tianlu was quite surprised.
This old prince, a mortal, actually knew so much about demons and ghosts.
“With age comes experience.”
Hua Yanxing’s smile faded, and he said seriously: “Grandson-in-law, since you possess extraordinary cultivation, would you be willing to help me resolve the crisis in Qingcheng?”
Lin Tianlu couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly.
So he had called him “Grandson-in-law” from the very beginning to quickly establish a closer relationship. And starting the conversation by talking about the situation in the city, he had clearly been prepared.
This old prince, although he seemed kind and gentle, was quite shrewd.
“Since you’re Shuya’s grandfather, Your Highness, I will naturally do my best to help.”
“Good! Shuya truly has good taste. Among all my grandchildren, she has the keenest eye, able to recognize a good man at a glance.”
Hua Yanxing smiled brightly and turned to the old monk: “Old friend, please continue to guard this place, in case anyone else sneaks in. But if any powerful demons or ghosts appear, retreat immediately, there’s no need to fight.”
“Amitabha.”
“Then—”
He turned back, a kind smile returning to his face: “Grandson-in-law, take this young lady with you, and let’s go and have a look at the ‘Qingyang Grand Ceremony’.”
…
Walking along the underground tunnel, under Hua Yanxing’s guidance, they quickly reached the exit.
As the cover was lifted, Lin Tianlu jumped out of the tunnel, holding Shanghan in his arms, and looked around, realizing they were in a backyard. The entrance to the tunnel behind them seemed to have a clever mechanism, closing automatically almost without a trace.
And this courtyard was shrouded in a strange barrier—
“This is the backyard of the pavilion where the Qingyang Grand Ceremony will be held.”
Hua Yanxing stood with his hands behind his back: “With the help of a few old friends, we built a clever mechanism and set up a profound formation, so I can stay here safely without being detected by those demons and ghosts in the city.”
Lin Tianlu mused: “You’re planning to catch those demons and ghosts off guard with this alliance, Your Highness?”
“A plan within a plan, a trap within a trap, to make them lower their guard, and also to create tension.”
Hua Yanxing turned around and smiled faintly: “But these schemes are just desperate measures. To fight against those schemers, we have to be patient and wait for the right moment to strike.”
“You have a good mindset, Your Highness.” Lin Tianlu smiled and cupped his hands, glancing at the grand and luxurious pavilion, a true masterpiece: “This pavilion is also quite exquisite, it must have taken a lot of effort to build.”
“Nothing special, I was coerced.”
Hua Yanxing’s smile faded, and he stroked his beard, saying in a deep voice: “Since a while ago, someone has been spreading rumors against my mansion, and a strange visitor even came and used some kind of evil technique, almost making me become muddleheaded and bedridden. It’s thanks to the help of a few old friends that I’ve recovered.
After discussing it, we realized that the mastermind behind this possesses power and methods beyond our ability to confront directly, so we could only endure for now and look for another way to counterattack. This Qingyang Grand Ceremony is a desperate measure, hoping to buy us more time.”
So the mysterious expert who visited Qingcheng, according to the rumors… was actually a demon or ghost in disguise.
Lin Tianlu asked curiously: “Even Master Deyuan couldn’t defeat him? The Due’e Sect is that powerful?”
“Naturally not.”
Hua Yanxing smiled wryly: “If Deyuan could handle it directly, there would be no need for such complicated methods… But there is indeed something strange about the Due’e Sect, their vice sect masters haven’t been this powerful in the past.”
But just then, a commotion came from outside, and a middle-aged servant hurried in, half-kneeling and cupping his hands: “Your Highness, there’s been an incident in the mansion!”
“Hmm?!”
Hua Yanxing’s expression changed abruptly, and he asked in a low voice: “My old friends are secretly protecting the mansion, who was injured?!”
“Not injured, but missing… It’s… Sixth Miss Hua.”
The servant said with a look of shame: “We’ve searched the entire mansion, but we can’t find her. Some maids and cooks are also missing, no one knows where they went.”
“…”
Hua Yanxing’s eyes narrowed, and he slowly clenched his hands. “Is the situation in the mansion under control?”
“Thanks to the two Madams, there’s no chaos.”
“Don’t act rashly, don’t alert the enemy. If we lose our composure now, all our preparations will be wasted.”
Hua Yanxing pondered silently for a moment.
Then, his face darkened as he looked back, murmuring: “Grandson-in-law, it seems Shuya has been harmed, her whereabouts unknown.”
Lin Tianlu narrowed his eyes: “Do you know who did it?”
“The Luo Xing or the Due’e Sect are both possibilities.”
Hua Yanxing said in a deep voice: “But I’ve also detected the presence of Zhaoxiao Court members in Qingcheng recently, so they might also be involved. But if I call my old friends to help search, it might—”
“I understand.”
Lin Tianlu nodded: “Leave this matter to me, Your Highness, I’ll find Shuya.”
Looking at the scholar’s deep and unfathomable eyes, Hua Yanxing was slightly stunned, the anger in his eyes fading slightly.
After a moment, he suddenly said in a low voice: “Good! My good grandson-in-law, if you can bring Shuya back safely, regardless of your background or achievements, I will personally approve of your marriage!”
Lin Tianlu bowed silently and quickly left the courtyard with Shanghan, who also remained silent.
…
Only then did several old men quietly emerge from the previously empty courtyard.
“Yanxing, your precious granddaughter has been kidnapped, aren’t you going to do anything?”
“This old life of mine is already half gone, it’s fine if I die, but I can’t drag you all down with me.”
Hua Yanxing’s face was grim, and he murmured: “I can only hope that this grandson-in-law is truly as extraordinary as Shuya said…”
One of the old men sighed softly: “…Yanxing, you’ve truly lost the sharpness of your youth.”
“I’m old now, this world no longer belongs to us old folks.” Hua Yanxing exhaled and forced a smile: “Besides, my Shuya’s cultivation has greatly improved, and she’s also very clever. If those people think she’s an easy target, they might just get a taste of her power.”
…
Stepping out of the spacious mansion, they found themselves on the streets of Qingcheng.
Although it was evening, faint torchlight could still be seen flickering in the streets and alleys, as if searching for something.
“M-Master, what should we do now?”
Shanghan followed closely behind him, her small face filled with helplessness and confusion.
The situation had escalated far beyond her expectations.
Lin Tianlu rubbed her head and chuckled: “I’ll take you to a safe place first, and then—”
“H-Han’er can help!”
Shanghan quickly said, grabbing his hand: “If you’re looking for Miss Shuya, Master, my Void Heaven Map will definitely be useful!”
Lin Tianlu raised an eyebrow: “But doesn’t this technique require pre-existing Yin energy to—”
“I-If I increase the range of the technique, I can search the entire Qingcheng!”
Seeing the determined look on the little girl’s face, Lin Tianlu chuckled and placed his hand on her delicate shoulder: “Your enthusiasm is hard to refuse, Miss Shanghan, let’s try it then. I’ll help you, so you don’t overexert yourself.”
“Alright!”
Shanghan nodded vigorously, her small face filled with a serious and adult-like expression, her delicate fingers quickly forming hand seals.
Then, a larger version of the Void Heaven Map appeared before her outstretched palm.
However—
Lin Tianlu glanced down and saw that the young girl’s face was rapidly turning pale, her slender and delicate body trembling slightly, as if she was about to collapse from exhaustion, clearly pushing her technique beyond her limits.
“Thank you for your effort.”
Murmuring softly, he gathered spiritual energy in his palm and channeled it into her body.
Shanghan, who had been struggling, suddenly widened her eyes, her body trembling as she felt a boundless wave of warmth surging through her, spreading to her limbs and even into her mind!
Instantly, her mind became clear and refreshed, her senses heightened, as if she had been reborn. Even the slightest movement of the wind and grass hundreds of feet away was within her perception.
Her previously clumsy and unclear technique now flowed smoothly and naturally, as if guided by a gentle and warm voice, a myriad of images unfolding in her mind, revealing countless subtle details of the world— “Can you find her now, Miss?”
Shanghan suddenly came back to her senses and looked at Lin Tianlu, who was half-kneeling beside her, her heart filled with warmth, a feeling of omnipotence.
She couldn’t help but smile joyfully: “I’ll do my best, Master!”
As soon as she finished speaking, the young girl’s eyes, now glowing with an emerald light, widened. An invisible scroll unfolded around them, and the Void Heaven Map before them emitted a mysterious and hazy silver light, countless silver threads and light spots intertwining.
“—I found her!”
Shanghan smiled joyfully and suddenly pointed to a corner of the Void Heaven Map.
“Miss Hua is here!”
“Well done, girl!” Lin Tianlu scooped her up in his arms, leaped, and transformed into a shadow, quickly moving towards the indicated location.
…
Click-clack.
Footsteps echoed clearly in the quiet corridor.
Hua Shuya, her sword on her back, walked along the rooftop with a cold and serious expression.
She had chased the strange black shadow out of the mansion, all the way to the eastern outskirts of Qingcheng, a desolate and deserted area.
But after the shadow suddenly disappeared, she noticed a chilling Yin energy emanating from an old mansion that should have been unoccupied.
“Grandfather has been away for a while, and there are so many rumors inside and outside the city, it seems… there are demons and ghosts behind this.”
After a moment, Hua Shuya had a suspicion.
“Although their target is unclear, they can easily infiltrate the mansion, if we ignore them, who knows what kind of threat they pose.”
If they were to kidnap her grandmothers or aunts… the consequences would be unimaginable.
And with the Qingyang Grand Ceremony approaching, if something were to happen to the Zhengyang Prince’s Mansion, it would surely cause a great commotion.
“Such a dense Yin energy, they must be quite powerful.”
Hua Shuya concealed her aura and silently moved along the rooftop, observing the faintly visible figure in the courtyard.
With her current martial arts skills, she should be able to handle it.
“It’s just a pity that I don’t know their identity or background… I’ll interrogate them after capturing them!”
She slowly tightened her grip on the sword hilt, her eyes narrowing, and suddenly leaped into the courtyard, moving swiftly and gracefully, a faint sword wind flashing out.
“Hmm?!”
Two figures inside the main hall stood up abruptly in surprise, looking sideways, only catching a glimpse of a faint sword light flashing before their eyes.
“Good! We haven’t even made a move yet, and someone from the Zhengyang Prince’s Mansion dares to attack us!”
One of the middle-aged men suddenly grinned ferociously, his arm blocking the incoming sword wind like a giant axe, his body trembling as a terrifying Yin energy erupted from him!
Hua Shuya’s expression remained calm and indifferent, her movements as light and nimble as the wind, as she neutralized the impact.
“Hua Shuya, a mere junior of the Prince’s Mansion dares—”
Clang!
A sword light grazed his nose, and the middle-aged man quickly leaned back to dodge, his pupils constricting, a chill running down his spine. If he hadn’t reacted quickly, he would have been killed!
“…”
The sword light lingered, and Hua Shuya, her face still indifferent, was about to attack again.
But the other demon, who had been stunned, suddenly roared, his five fingers forming claws, swiping and tearing at the air, ripples emanating from his fingertips, the space around him seemingly melting and corroding.
But this surprise attack missed the nimble and graceful figure. Like a gentle breeze, she dodged and weaved, her sword flashing, the two sides clashing fiercely, evenly matched!
“This woman… she’s just an ordinary mortal martial artist, why is her swordsmanship so strange?!”
The two demons exchanged glances, their expressions darkening, and they spread their arms, a terrifying and oppressive baleful aura filling the courtyard.
“Let’s capture her first!”
“…”
Hua Shuya’s steps faltered, the oppressive pressure making it difficult for her to move, and she frowned slightly, holding her sword horizontally in front of her, her guard up.
Although she had gained a momentary advantage with her surprise attack, if they were to truly fight, her current cultivation was still a bit— Pfft!
A streak of light suddenly flashed past the two demons’ necks.
Their Yin energy dissipated, and their eyes gradually widened in a daze, the ferocious and sinister expressions still on their faces, as their heads rolled to the ground.
“Wha—”
This sudden turn of events made Hua Shuya’s expression change drastically as well. She quickly took a few steps back, her energy focused, staring intently into the dark and gloomy main hall.
Only then did she notice a slender figure faintly visible behind the screen.
When… when did this person appear?!
“Nice to meet you, Miss Hua, you’re even more heroic and impressive than I imagined.”
A seductive and soft voice, like a charming whisper, came from behind the screen: “Your sword dance is truly beautiful and captivating, a true masterpiece, it’s just a pity that there’s no music to accompany it, what a shame.”
“Who… are you?”
Hua Shuya’s gaze was sharp, her guard up, and she asked in a low voice: “Why are you here? And why did you kill those two?”
“Oh my, you’re asking me, Miss Hua?”
The seductive voice chuckled playfully: “Although those two were only at the Crimson Demon Realm, if they had truly fought you to the death, you might have won with your swordsmanship, Miss, but you would have been severely injured, which wouldn’t be very pretty~
So, you could say I saved your life.”
Hua Shuya’s expression changed slightly, and she bit her lip, saying coldly:
“I’m grateful for your help, Miss. But why don’t you show yourself? Why hide?”
“If my face was disfigured and ugly, how could I show myself before such a beautiful lady like you, Miss Hua?”
Hua Shuya was stunned and said apologetically: “I didn’t know, please forgive me.”
“Then I—”
“I won’t laugh at your appearance, Miss, but please show yourself and tell me your identity.”
Before the woman behind the screen could finish, Hua Shuya interrupted coldly: “There are villains lurking in Qingcheng, plotting something. I hope you can cooperate, Miss, so we don’t have any unnecessary misunderstandings.”
“…”
After a moment of silence, a chuckle came from behind the screen.
“Interesting! You’re kind and compassionate, Miss, but not foolish. You know I have ulterior motives, and you haven’t let your guard down… It’s a pity that you’re also in danger, I could easily kill you just like those two fools.”
Hua Shuya remained silent, trying her best to remain calm, but her heart couldn’t help but clench.
Having the harsh reality pointed out, she felt a sense of unease.
“Sigh~ I originally wanted to cause some chaos in Qingcheng and give that scholar a bit of trouble.”
The figure behind the screen seemed to be touching their forehead, sighing: “But there are so many insensitive brutes here, and also those family matters in the mansion, it’s truly a mood killer… Forget it, plans change, I’ll spare him this time, it saves me the trouble of running around, wasting my time.”
What… was this person talking about?
Hua Shuya was surprised, but she could sense a hint of frustration and conflict in the woman’s murmurs.
She was about to speak when a soft chuckle suddenly reached her ears: “Shuya.”
“!”
The young lady was startled and instinctively swung her sword backward, but her right arm suddenly stiffened, unable to move.
Oh no—
“Your face is truly exquisite and lovely, no wonder those two girls are so enamored with you.”
Hua Shuya turned her eyes with some effort and was surprised to see an incredibly beautiful and seductive blue-haired woman leaning against her shoulder, her arm wrapped intimately around her waist, like a close friend.
Their hair intertwined, a fragrant scent filling the air, and she could feel the woman’s full and firm body pressed against her back, their legs touching. This strangely intimate contact made her momentarily dazed and bewildered.
“J-Just what are you trying to—”
“I’m going to borrow your body for a bit.”
The blue-haired woman leaned closer to her ear, her voice seductive and ambiguous, licking her lips and exhaling a cool breath: “And then, using your body and appearance, when I meet Lin Tianlu, I’ll stab him in the back, making him scream and bleed.”
“—You!!”
Hua Shuya’s eyes widened abruptly, her body trembling, her fury almost breaking through the stiffness.
“Oh?” The blue-haired woman glanced sideways, seeing her enraged expression, and couldn’t help but chuckle, placing her hands on Hua Shuya’s temples: “It’s touching that you’re so concerned about your lover, Shuya, but you’re still too young and naive, easily losing your composure. You have to be more mature and calm in the future.”
“Ugh?!”
A cool aura seemed to be seeping into her temples, even reaching deep into her mind!
Hua Shuya’s eyes trembled, her lips slightly parted, but she couldn’t make a sound, her body shaking uncontrollably.
“Silly girl, remember my name… Youluo.”
Youluo smiled, whispering in her ear: “Sleep well, and I’ll take care of those troublesome matters for you. When you wake up, you can go and see Tianlu~“
“Uh—”
Hua Shuya’s eyes rolled back, her breathing stopping, as if she were about to faint.
But Youluo, who had been leaning against her, had already disappeared.
“…”
‘Hua Shuya’ relaxed her shoulders, her eyes regaining focus, a gentle smile appearing on her face as she stretched languidly: “Mmm~ That’s better!”
“What an energetic little girl, her body is truly firm and resilient~”
She casually sheathed her sword, brushed her disheveled hair, and twirled gracefully, the smile on her lips widening: “She’s even been secretly practicing dance at home, too shy to tell her maids, always hiding… What an adorable little girl.
Such turbulent emotions, even her pure sword heart is trembling. I almost feel guilty for startling her.”
‘Hua Shuya’ touched her ample bosom, a slight blush appearing on her cheeks, a hint of shyness and tenderness in her eyes.
“—Forget it! Since I’ve borrowed this girl’s body and name, I might as well help her solve some problems.”
But she quickly closed her eyes and sighed, a sinister and arrogant smile appearing on her face. She put her hands on her hips and looked towards the distant town: “The Zhaoxiao Court is one thing, but even the Due’e Sect dares to take advantage of the chaos, they truly don’t know what’s good for them!”
