Chapter 357: Wedding Plans Set, A Child’s Wish
“W-Wait!”
Lin Tianlu came back to his senses abruptly and asked in astonishment, “Mother Tan, the wedding is tomorrow?”
That was too fast!
Engaged yesterday, married tomorrow?!
Mother Tan’s gaze was gentle, and she said softly: “Although yesterday’s incident at the ceremony made you quite famous in Qingcheng and even Qingyang Province, and given more time, it would surely improve the Hua family’s opinion of you,
Do you and Shuya really want to stay in the Hua Mansion for months?”
Her tone turned slightly serious: “And Shuya might not be as happy and comfortable as you think, living in the Hua Mansion.”
Lin Tianlu paused slightly, lost in thought.
Her words did make sense.
Although Shuya’s relationship with the Hua family wasn’t exactly hostile, there was definitely some friction and distance between them.
Perhaps they could still interact as relatives, but it was far from “happy.”
“Of course, I also considered that you don’t like extravagance and commotion, Tianlu. The wedding can be held at my villa outside Qingcheng, I’ll preside over it, everything will be simple, and no one will disturb you.”
Mother Tan chuckled softly: “As for the decorations and wedding attire, I’ve already sent people to prepare them, everything will be ready by tomorrow morning.”
Lin Tianlu couldn’t help but chuckle and bowed: “I’ve truly troubled you, Mother Tan.
But have you discussed this with Shuya and Prince Hua…?”
“The old Prince naturally agrees. As for Shuya, I mentioned it to her last night before she went to bed.”
Mother Tan’s clear eyes glanced towards the bedroom: “Like you, she was a bit surprised at first, but after a moment of silence, she agreed. She went to sleep with Ruoyu and Yishi last night, they were probably discussing the wedding and asking for advice.”
Lin Tianlu breathed a sigh of relief: “Since Shuya has no objections, then let’s do as you say, Mother Tan.”
“In that case, congratulations on your upcoming marriage, Tianlu!”
Chi Lingyuan teased: “Truly a joyous occasion~”
Lin Tianlu felt a bit awkward.
Marrying three wives at the same time, being teased about it by another woman, it felt a bit strange.
“However—”
Mother Tan changed the subject, her tone turning melancholic: “These past few days have been truly unbelievable. The sudden appearance of those demons and ghosts was completely unexpected.”
Seeing the fatigue in her eyes, Lin Tianlu’s heart stirred, and he whispered: “Although those demons and ghosts possess extraordinary powers beyond the reach of ordinary people, they are ultimately just like us, with emotions and desires. There’s no need to be afraid of them.”
“Indeed~”
Chi Lingyuan turned to look at her and said gently and reassuringly: “If you’re feeling anxious, Mother Tan, just think of those demons and ghosts as exceptionally skilled martial artists. And whether it’s the internal energy cultivated by mortal martial artists or the Yin energy cultivated by demons and ghosts, it all originates from the essence of heaven and earth, different paths leading to the same destination.”
She narrowed her eyes, her smile mature and alluring: “Perhaps mortal martial artists are no match for demons and ghosts for now, but if they reach the peak of their cultivation, they can also compete with those powerful beings. With your talent and foundation, Mother Tan, with diligent cultivation, within a few decades, you can reach… In today’s terms, the Transformation Realm, enough to fight against Crimson Demon Realm demons.”
Mother Tan quickly composed herself and smiled faintly: “You’re still so knowledgeable, Miss Chi, as expected of the legendary Immortal Phoenix.”
“Cough…” Chi Lingyuan blushed slightly from the praise.
“I’ve heard about your recent experiences.”
Mother Tan looked at Lin Tianlu and chuckled: “Tianlu, now that Miss Chi has recovered, what are your plans for her?”
Lin Tianlu pondered for a moment: “Considering Miss Chi’s personality, a quiet and secluded place with beautiful scenery would be suitable. But the specific location depends on her own wishes.”
“But she just told me that she’s a bit lost.” Mother Tan smiled gently: “How about I make the decision for her?”
Chi Lingyuan asked curiously: “What is your suggestion, Mother Tan?”
“Since you have no place to stay for now, why not come and live with me at my villa?”
Mother Tan said calmly: “My villa is located in a remote area, rarely visited by outsiders. There are only a few young girls working as maids and cooks, it’s quite peaceful and quiet, with beautiful mountain scenery. It’s the perfect place for cultivation and recuperation.”
“This…”
Chi Lingyuan’s eyelashes trembled slightly as she hesitated, pondering.
Lin Tianlu mused: “You’ve just returned to this world, Miss Chi, and you’re still unfamiliar with the current situation. Staying with Mother Tan would provide you with better care, it’s a good suggestion.”
Mother Tan looked at Chi Lingyuan’s expression with interest, her lips pursed slightly: “Of course, I’m not asking you to live in seclusion with me for decades. We can travel and enjoy life together in the future.”
She changed the subject and said meaningfully: “Life at the villa was indeed quite uneventful in the past. But now that I’ve acknowledged Tianlu as my godson, I can bring you to Changling County to visit him during the holidays. As for now, let Tianlu and Shuya enjoy their honeymoon.”
“Uh——”
Chi Lingyuan paused slightly, understanding the implied meaning, a faint blush appearing on her cheeks, and she coughed lightly, trying to appear calm: “If you’re alone at the villa, Mother Tan, I wouldn’t mind keeping you company.”
Mother Tan gave her a meaningful glance, making Lin Tianlu’s smile freeze.
How come even Miss Chi was…
“If there’s a chance, perhaps we can even find a suitable residence in Changling County and become neighbors.” Mother Tan looked at the two of them with a smile: “What do you think of this arrangement?”
Lin Tianlu exclaimed softly: “Are you planning to move to Changling, Mother Tan?”
“Indeed.”
Mother Tan’s expression softened, and she said slowly: “I have nothing to do in Qingcheng, and I don’t have many friends here. And my relationship with the mansion is just so-so. The only reason I’ve been staying at the villa is because of my title as the ‘Hua family’s daughter-in-law,’ I can’t leave for too long.
But now that Shuya is marrying you and moving to Changling, it’s only natural for me, as her aunt, to go with her. And now that you’re my godson, how can I, as your godmother, live so far away from you?”
Lin Tianlu, recalling Mother Tan’s tragic past in the Hua Mansion, pondered, then nodded: “Since you have such intentions, Mother Tan, I naturally welcome you.”
“That’s good.” Mother Tan’s gaze softened as she looked at Chi Lingyuan: “What do you think, Miss Chi?”
“Since you both have no objections, I naturally agree.”
Chi Lingyuan couldn’t help but chuckle wryly and touch her forehead.
She, a Chihuang who had lived for thousands of years, was actually swayed by just a few words, how embarrassing.
“…”
Mother Tan, seeing her reaction, chuckled softly as if she had anticipated it.
Although her godson had quite the luck with women, these women were all incredibly beautiful and outstanding. If they truly became her daughters-in-law, it would be a wonderful thing.
But—
Mother Tan touched her wrist and said softly: “Tianlu, there was another silver-haired young lady with you earlier, why don’t you introduce her to me?”
As soon as she finished speaking, a streak of light flickered in the pavilion.
Yun Yue, dressed in an off-shoulder robe, appeared quietly and curtsied gracefully: “Yun Yue greets Mother Tan.”
“Oh?”
Mother Tan looked at her, slightly stunned, thinking what a seductive and alluring woman she was.
If that Miss Chi was voluptuous and sexy, then this one was incredibly charming, her every frown and smile carrying a captivating allure, few men in the world could resist her beauty.
Lin Tianlu chuckled: “The reason Yue’er hasn’t appeared before is because she’s… not human, but a true fox demon. I was worried it might cause unnecessary misunderstandings.”
Now that even Miss Chi, a phoenix, had appeared, there was no need to hide anything anymore.
“So that’s who the ‘Sister Yun’ that Ruoyu and the others mentioned was.”
Mother Tan shook her head and chuckled: “Now that I’ve seen Miss Yun’s true appearance and aura, I understand.”
Lin Tianlu asked curiously: “When did you realize it, Mother Tan? Yue’er shouldn’t have revealed herself before.”
“During the sudden incident on the street yesterday, this Miss Yun appeared on the platform, watching the battle, and she even used some strange methods to block the incoming attacks for us.”
Mother Tan sighed with emotion: “If it weren’t for her, I would probably have been as stunned and immobile as the crowd below, unable to even witness your fierce battle with that villain, Tianlu.”
Recalling the chilling sensation of her consciousness almost freezing, she still felt a lingering fear.
She had practiced martial arts since childhood and experienced many life-or-death situations, but even after reaching the Grandmaster Realm, she had never felt such a terrifying aura, it had made her whole body tremble. And it was thanks to Yun Yue’s timely intervention that the oppressive pressure had dissipated.
“Thinking back, I should thank Miss Yun properly.”
“There’s no need, Mother Tan.”
Yun Yue smiled gently and calmly: “Protecting my family is my duty, there’s no need for such formalities.
Besides, although you were shaken by that villain’s aura, Mother Tan, you instinctively wanted to jump out of the restaurant and protect Tianlu with your sword. That courage is truly admirable.”
“Ah…”
Mother Tan’s expression froze slightly, seemingly sensing Lin Tianlu’s gaze, an awkward warmth rising in her heart, and she quickly coughed lightly.
“There’s no need to mention it again.”
“Mm.”
Yun Yue’s smile became even gentler as she moved closer and sat beside Mother Tan, taking her hand affectionately: “If you have any questions or concerns, Mother Tan, I’d be happy to answer them, let’s get to know each other better.”
Mother Tan glanced at Yun Yue’s gentle smile, her thoughts racing as she suppressed her emotions and nodded slowly: “I have nothing to do for now, since you’re so willing to chat, Miss Yun, then it’s settled.”
Then, as if realizing something, she looked sideways and said: “Tianlu, go and see Miss Youluo and Miss Shanghan. I wanted them to stay for a couple more days and attend the wedding banquet, but they seem determined to leave.”
Lin Tianlu raised an eyebrow and quickly cupped his hands: “Then please rest here for a while, Mother Tan, I’ll go and see them.”
…
After Lin Tianlu left, only the three women remained in the pavilion.
Mother Tan withdrew her gaze and looked at the seductive fox woman sitting beside her, momentarily silent.
Yun Yue, as if anticipating this, smiled gently and said: “You’re very knowledgeable, Mother Tan, you must have read those tales of the strange, you know what kind of personalities fox demons have.”
“Seductive and charming, draining men’s essence, although not exactly despicable, they are still demons and monsters, with malicious intent.”
Hearing Mother Tan’s slightly cold response, Yun Yue gently held her hand and whispered: “But what if this demon has found true love and a place to belong, no longer causing trouble, Mother Tan? Would you, like those righteous cultivators, still think that demons must be slain, that humans and demons can’t be together?”
Mother Tan was silent for a moment, then sighed softly:
“I understand what you mean, Miss Yun, and I have no intention of interfering. After all, compared to you, I’ve only known Tianlu for a few days, how can I compare to his long-time companions?”
“Hu~”
Chi Lingyuan, who was sitting beside them, suddenly rested her chin on her hand and chuckled: “Don’t worry, Mother Tan, this Miss Yun is different from the fox demons you imagine, she doesn’t use those techniques to drain men’s Yang energy. In terms of status, she’s more like a saint among foxes, an empress among demons, she wouldn’t resort to such lowly methods. Before meeting Master Lin, Miss Yun was a pure and virtuous woman, very proper.”
Mother Tan was surprised: “There’s such a difference?”
She lightly touched her chin, pondering and murmuring: “It seems I misjudged you, Miss Yun.”
Yun Yue blushed slightly, as if a bit embarrassed. But she still held Mother Tan’s hand and chuckled: “It’s fine, Mother Tan, you haven’t interacted with demons and ghosts before, so naturally, you wouldn’t know much about them.”
“But you… Forget it!”
Mother Tan shook her head and chuckled: “I won’t ask about your relationship with Tianlu.
However, I just hope that after Shuya marries into the Lin family, you will treat her well, Miss Yun. Don’t bully her just because she’s gentle and kind.”
“Please rest assured.”
Yun Yue’s expression turned serious as she nodded: “Shuya and I are already quite close, I’ll treat her like my own sister in the future and won’t make her unhappy.”
“I can guarantee that~”
Chi Lingyuan chuckled and interjected: “I just met Master Lin and the others a while ago, there were some misunderstandings at first, we almost became enemies. But Miss Yun was already very gentle and considerate towards the two Madams, like an older sister. If she was pretending, there would be no need for her to act like that in front of me.”
Mother Tan smiled and waved her hand: “Alright, alright, there’s no need to explain any further, I naturally believe that Miss Yun is a kind and righteous person. I just said those things as Shuya’s elder, not because I had any doubts or suspicions about you, Miss Yun.”
Yun Yue secretly breathed a sigh of relief, a grateful look appearing in her eyes as she smiled.
This Miss Chi, she truly had a kind and generous heart.
…
Although Mother Tan’s courtyard wasn’t very large, it had all the necessary rooms and facilities.
Lin Tianlu quickly found Shanghan’s guest room along the corridor and was about to knock when the door suddenly opened.
“—Eh?”
Shanghan was carrying a small bag, her head slightly raised, a dazed and slightly bewildered look on her face.
Lin Tianlu looked at her strangely: “Miss Shanghan, are you…”
“Ah, n-no!”
Shanghan hurriedly put down the bag, speechless.
Seeing her flustered and bewildered appearance, Lin Tianlu quickly placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder and chuckled: “Calm down, I’m not here to scold you, why are you acting like a fugitive?”
Shanghan clutched her chest, taking a few deep breaths to calm herself.
“You must be laughing at me, Master, looking so… undignified.”
“It’s fine.”
Lin Tianlu asked curiously: “But why are you packed and ready to leave so early in the morning, Miss Shanghan? Are you leaving Qingcheng and returning to Jianggai County?”
“…Yes.”
Shanghan forced a smile and murmured: “I should be heading home now that the Qingyang Grand Ceremony is over. It’s a long journey, and if I delay any longer, I won’t make it back in time for the Spring Festival.”
Lin Tianlu mused: “In that case, you shouldn’t delay any longer.”
If she didn’t return soon, Old Master Shang would surely be worried.
“Miss Lan’er has prepared a carriage and provisions for me, there’s no need for you to worry, Master.”
Shanghan smiled sweetly and patted her slender arm: “And I’m not a weak and helpless woman, if I encounter any bandits or thieves along the way, I can surely handle them!”
Lin Tianlu smiled and gently tapped her nose: “With your cleverness and resourcefulness, anyone who encounters you will suffer.”
“Mmm…”
Shanghan blushed slightly and giggled, her demeanor quite adorable.
“However, I have to give you a farewell gift before you leave.” Lin Tianlu rummaged through his sleeve and quickly took out a small, jade-like sword.
“Eh?”
Shanghan was stunned, looking at the jade sword in his hand, her eyes wide with surprise: “Master, are you giving this to me?!”
She naturally had a strong impression of this jade sword.
During yesterday’s fierce battle, this jade sword, Huangfu Zhong’s trump card, had struck Lin Tianlu’s forehead.
Although Shanghan had been trapped outside the barrier and could only watch from afar, she had been terrified, her face turning pale, almost screaming.
Even though he had ultimately won without being injured, this jade sword—
“I repaired it with spiritual energy last night. Although its appearance has changed slightly, it should still be suitable for self-defense. And it’s small and delicate, perfect for a young lady like you.”
Seeing that she didn’t reach out to take it, Lin Tianlu smiled gently, took her hand, and placed the beautiful jade sword in her palm.
“I’m getting married to Shuya tomorrow, and since you can’t stay for the wedding, consider this a gift, little girl.”
“…”
Shanghan’s eyes widened slightly.
But after a moment of silence, she suddenly chuckled: “I haven’t even given you a congratulatory gift yet, Master, how can I accept a gift from you? If others knew, they would say I’m shameless.”
Her playful and lively expression was incredibly adorable and endearing.
Lin Tianlu chuckled: “You helped me find Shuya a few days ago, that was a great help.”
“Th-That… wasn’t much help.”
Shanghan’s lips trembled slightly, her smile seeming a bit forced: “With your abilities, Master, I didn’t really help at all. I was just… being a mischievous child.”
As soon as she finished speaking, she quickly smiled again, trying to appear cheerful. But the disappointment and sadness in her eyes were hard to conceal.
Although this girl was young, she was quite sensitive.
Lin Tianlu squatted down, his sleeves brushing the ground, and said gently:
“You seem to have something on your mind, little girl, are you unhappy? If there’s anything bothering you, tell me, perhaps I can help.”
“…I just feel… that I’m… too prone to overthinking sometimes.”
Shanghan clenched her hands, her eyes darting away, her lips pursed as she murmured: “Whether it was back in Jianggai County, or now in Qingcheng, I… am still just a child.”
Her fragmented words were a bit hard to understand, but the sadness and helplessness they conveyed were truly unexpected, coming from a child.
However—
“You do overthink things a bit too much.”
Lin Tianlu smiled gently again, rubbing her cheek: “But this little adult appearance of yours is also quite adorable and endearing. And you’re much more mature than other children your age, you’re truly outstanding in every aspect!”
Shanghan blushed slightly and murmured: “Such praise…”
“How about I fulfill a small wish for you?”
Lin Tianlu raised a finger and smiled: “Consider it a small reward for the mature and outstanding Miss Shanghan!”
“Eh?” Shanghan was stunned: “A wish?”
“Cough… Just a small wish.” Lin Tianlu chuckled awkwardly and quickly added playfully: “If you ask me to move mountains of gold and silver, or pluck the sun and moon from the sky as a gift, or even tie up ten Lin Tianlus, I can’t do it.”
“I-I wouldn’t ask for such things, Master.”
Shanghan pouted slightly, her lively and bright eyes blinking.
Then, she quickly smiled and lowered her eyes: “Since it’s a wish, Master, why don’t you open your arms?”
“Hmm?”
Lin Tianlu raised his arms as instructed and chuckled: “Are you planning some kind of prank, little girl?”
Thinking about it, she was indeed at that age.
“And then, close your eyes, Master.”
“Alright~” Lin Tianlu closed his eyes with a chuckle: “Little girl, that’s two wishes.”
“Eh?”
Shanghan froze slightly and said awkwardly: “Th-Then let’s just…”
“Since there’s one and two, I’ll give you another wish.”
Lin Tianlu said half-jokingly: “But if you want a fourth or fifth wish, you’ll have to study and eat well, and grow up quickly— Uh?”
The smile on his face suddenly froze, and he opened his eyes in surprise.
Looking down, he saw that Shanghan had thrown herself into his arms, her soft and delicate body pressing against him, a sweet fragrance lingering in the air.
“Little girl?”
“You said it yourself, Master, I still have a third wish.”
Shanghan buried her face in his chest, only her head, with its cute little ahoge, sticking out, and she whispered softly: “Please… please hold me tight.”
