Chapter 359: Youluo’s Wish, First Love
“Hu~”
Youluo sat up languidly, her silver hair cascading down like a river of stars, her beautiful eyes shimmering, as if still savoring the experiences of the past few days.
Recalling her initial “ulterior motives” and “scheming” when she first met Lin Tianlu, to their silent understanding and unspoken connection at their parting, even she hadn’t expected…
…that they would get along so well.
Youluo chuckled softly.
If she had followed her original plan, Ruoyu and Yishi would have died halfway through the journey, Hua Shuya would have been used as a “pawn,” the Hua family would have collapsed, and Changling would have fallen.
The world would have been plunged into chaos, and even Lin Tianlu’s remaining peace and tranquility would have been taken away, leaving him wandering aimlessly in this turbulent world. Even with his world-altering abilities, he wouldn’t have been able to recover what he had lost. That was how it should have been.
“Having been away from the world for so long, I’ve truly become soft-hearted.”
She had initially worn a mask, manipulating the various factions, stirring up chaos, and setting up a series of deadly traps. Even with Lin Tianlu’s extraordinary cultivation, he would still have fallen into her trap, subjected to countless restrictions.
But in the end, she had regretted it.
“This blockhead scholar is quite likable.”
Youluo chuckled softly.
It wasn’t because of any romantic feelings or love, but rather his approachable and gentle demeanor, which made her feel comfortable and at ease.
Talking and interacting with him, she had felt as if she had let down all her guard, laughing and joking carefree, like close friends.
She hadn’t experienced this feeling in a thousand years.
No, perhaps she had never experienced it since she was born.
“Staying in this tower all the time is truly lonely.”
Youluo touched her forehead self-deprecatingly.
Recalling the time she spent with Lin Tianlu, both warm and comforting, and also exciting and dangerous, it was truly unforgettable.
She slightly opened her clenched left hand, looking at the silver pendant in her palm, and couldn’t help but smile, murmuring: “Next time we meet, I’ll definitely give you a surprise.”
“—You left the Myriad Nether Tower of the Luo Xing without permission.”
A deep and indifferent voice suddenly echoed.
Then, the figure of a middle-aged man appeared on the platform in the distance.
His expression was still stern and rigid, his gaze as cold and chilling as thousand-year-old ice.
“There was a conflict between our Luo Xing and the ancient realm, and you were clearly involved. And a Soultaker was killed because you provided false information, leading them into a death trap.”
“So what if I was? So what if I wasn’t?”
Youluo put away the silver pendant, raised her eyes slightly, a sinister and arrogant smile appearing on her face: “To you, those so-called Soultakers are just pawns. What’s wrong with me helping you eliminate a few disobedient and self-righteous fools?”
“…”
The middle-aged man was momentarily speechless.
But after a moment, he suddenly said in a deep voice: “Don’t waste your soul power on such meaningless things.”
“Heh.” Youluo just sneered disdainfully, tugging at the chains on her wrist, turning her back, and closing her eyes, remaining silent.
The middle-aged man’s figure became increasingly blurry, as if disappearing.
Only then did Youluo slightly raise her right hand, looking at the cold chains binding her, her eyes flickering.
“Perhaps I should also… change my environment.”
…
Outside Qingcheng, a sprawling villa nestled against the mountain looked grand and impressive.
The air here was fresh and elegant, the place deserted, only the clear songs of birds echoing through the mountains.
Around noon, Mother Tan had already left the Hua Mansion with everyone and arrived at this beautiful villa by carriage.
Compared to the mansion in the city, this villa was just as grand, perhaps even more spacious and peaceful, several courtyards cleaned daily by maids, a comfortable and idyllic retreat.
“…”
And within the numerous buildings of the villa were naturally several luxurious guest rooms, fully furnished, their elegance and luxury hidden within the quiet and serene environment.
Lin Tianlu helped carry the luggage into the bedroom. After tidying up, he was about to leave when he saw a young woman standing at the door.
“Shuya?”
He casually closed the cupboard and chuckled: “Why aren’t you with Ruoyu and Yishi?”
Hua Shuya brushed her hair lightly, a blush appearing on her cheeks, and said nervously: “Th-The two Madams specifically asked me to come and keep you company, Master.”
Mao Ruoyu and Cheng Yishi, hiding around the corner of the corridor, overheard this and couldn’t help but facepalm.
This girl, she was truly too honest!
“They’re quite thoughtful.”
Lin Tianlu scratched his cheek and chuckled awkwardly: “Such matchmaking makes me feel quite guilty. To have such perfect and virtuous wives, I’m truly ashamed of myself.”
“Mmm—”
Faintly hearing the voices from inside the room, Mao Ruoyu and Cheng Yishi leaned against the pillars, their faces flushed despite their helpless expressions.
Why was their husband saying such inappropriate things?!
“The two Madams are truly wonderful.”
Hua Shuya sighed with emotion: “They chatted with me until late last night, constantly comforting me. If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t know what to do these past two days.”
Lin Tianlu stepped out of the bedroom, about to speak, but he suddenly exclaimed softly and looked down the corridor.
He immediately saw two figures quickly hiding.
He couldn’t help but chuckle: “It seems Shuya has two worried older sisters following her.”
“Eh?”
Hua Shuya was slightly stunned and followed his gaze.
A moment later, Mao Ruoyu and Cheng Yishi emerged from the corner with awkward smiles.
“H-Husband, Shuya…”
“Cough!”
Cheng Yishi quickly cleared her throat, trying to appear calm, her hands clasped before her, and asked curiously: “Husband, I heard that Miss Youluo and Miss Shanghan have already left Qingcheng?”
“Yes.”
Lin Tianlu smiled and said: “Shanghan had to return to Jianggai for the New Year, we couldn’t keep her. As for Youluo, she might have her own reasons, but it shouldn’t be anything serious, there’s no need for us to worry. Perhaps we’ll see her again after the New Year.”
Cheng Yishi nodded thoughtfully, remaining silent.
After all, that Miss Youluo was always elusive, she might suddenly appear out of nowhere after the Spring Festival and surprise them.
Hua Shuya blinked her beautiful eyes: “That Miss Youluo, is she truly close with everyone?”
Although she had been possessed and controlled by Youluo once, they hadn’t interacted much, so they weren’t particularly close.
What she knew about Youluo was mostly from her two wives’ descriptions, and she only felt that Youluo was truly beautiful, seductive, and unpredictable.
A truly strange woman.
“Youluo, she…”
Mao Ruoyu walked over, a wry smile on her face: “We met her after leaving Changling, and although it was just a chance encounter, we traveled together for more than half a month. Perhaps we’re not exactly close friends, but now that her playful banter is gone, it feels a bit… strange.”
Cheng Yishi crossed her arms, touched her forehead, and sighed: “That woman is truly seductive and demonic, even more so than Ruoyu, like a natural-born fox spirit. I sometimes worry about my husband, how he can remain so unmoved by her temptations.”
“Cough!”
Mao Ruoyu blushed slightly and gave her a playful glare.
Lin Tianlu chuckled awkwardly: “Although she teased me constantly along the way, Miss Youluo did get along quite well with us.”
“I see…”
Hua Shuya touched her chest, the exquisite sword techniques she had learned still fresh in her mind, and remained silent for a moment.
When she had first woken up, she had only known that she had gained something, but the thought of her body being controlled had left her slightly displeased. However, after pondering and practicing these past two days, she had come to appreciate the profoundness and ingenuity of those techniques, their value no less than the opportunity she had received in Lunar Valley.
She had a premonition that if she could master the techniques Youluo had left within her, her cultivation would surely improve tremendously.
Regardless, she had received a great gift. If she had the chance to meet Youluo again in the future, she would definitely thank her personally.
“Alright!”
Cheng Yishi suddenly spoke, smiling as she took Lin Tianlu and Hua Shuya’s hands and clasped them together.
“Although this wedding came rather suddenly, since you have some free time today, you two should spend some time together and… rekindle your affections, so you won’t be awkward during the ceremony tomorrow.”
Hua Shuya blushed slightly and whispered: “Madam Cheng, there’s no need for Master and me to be so…”
“I’ve been through this, I wouldn’t lie to you.” Cheng Yishi’s face turned serious as she whispered in Hua Shuya’s ear: “The wedding ceremony and consummation are tomorrow, you should… prepare yourselves mentally today. After all, marriage is a very important event for a woman, if there’s no separation, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, you should cherish it.”
“…As you say, Madam Cheng.”
Hua Shuya nodded with a wry smile.
Cheng Yishi then smiled elegantly, took Mao Ruoyu’s hand, and said casually: “You two enjoy your time together, husband and Shuya, Ruoyu and I will go and check the decorations for the wedding, we should offer some suggestions.”
Saying this, they left arm in arm, seemingly in a hurry.
But as they turned the corner of the corridor, Mao Ruoyu glanced back, clenching her fist and silently mouthing something, as if cheering them on.
Lin Tianlu chuckled inwardly and looked at the young woman beside him: “Shuya, why don’t we go for a stroll outside?”
Hua Shuya brushed the hair from her temples, her face flushed, and nodded softly.
…
After closing the bedroom door, the two walked side by side, through the courtyard and into a quiet and spacious garden.
Looking around, they saw many budding plants, although not yet blooming in the winter season, still a vibrant green, a faint natural fragrance lingering in the air.
Lin Tianlu casually glanced around, feeling a bit surprised.
This garden was meticulously maintained, beautiful and green.
“Although I haven’t spent much time with Mother Tan, I know she loves gardening.” Hua Shuya, walking beside him, said softly: “When she lived in the mansion before, with no one to talk to, she would spend her time tending to these plants. Gradually, she developed a fondness for it.”
“Although it’s a leisurely activity, it’s good for cultivating one’s character.”
Lin Tianlu said with a hint of emotion.
Then, he turned to the young woman beside him: “How have you been recently, Shuya?”
“No different from usual.” Hua Shuya smiled gently: “I practice my swordsmanship and read in the courtyard when I have free time, occasionally chatting with visiting relatives, the days just pass by.”
Lin Tianlu stared at her for a while until she shyly averted her gaze.
He couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.
This girl was still hiding something.
But he didn’t press the matter, smiling faintly as he took out a carved jade bracelet from his embrace.
“Here, take this.”
“Master?” Hua Shuya was stunned: “This is…”
“I picked it up at a market in one of the towns we passed through.” Lin Tianlu smiled: “I thought about it for a long time and decided this is the most suitable for you. The jade is as smooth and lustrous as snow, similar to your skin. And the carvings are auspicious and elegant, not too flashy or extravagant, just like your personality.”
Hua Shuya took the jade bracelet, her fingers gently tracing its patterns, her eyes flickering. Looking closely, she saw a pair of lovebirds carved on the inside.
She couldn’t help but smile faintly: “You spent quite some time choosing this bracelet, Master?”
“Yes.”
Lin Tianlu shrugged: “A plain jade bracelet is too simple. And carving exquisite patterns on it isn’t something an ordinary craftsman can do. I searched for a long time before finding a skilled old man who made this.”
Hua Shuya held the jade bracelet against her chest, as if feeling the affection it contained, a sweetness spreading through her heart.
Her eyes sparkling, she took out a small brocade box from her sleeve, seemingly unable to contain her smile.
“Master, please accept this.”
“Hmm?”
Lin Tianlu was stunned for a moment, then he chuckled: “You also prepared a gift for our reunion, Shuya?”
“You came all this way to see me, Master, I naturally have to prepare a gift. It would be rude of me to come empty-handed.” Hua Shuya tucked her hair behind her ear and said softly: “Why don’t you open it and have a look, Master?”
Hearing this, Lin Tianlu chuckled: “But I came here to propose marriage, it’s not appropriate for you to give me a gift before we’re even engaged.”
And he hadn’t brought any valuable betrothal gifts, which seemed a bit “shabby” for the Hua family.
“Master!”
Hua Shuya pouted playfully, her cheeks slightly flushed, and said seriously: “You taught me that men and women should respect each other and be treated as equals, so you must accept this small gift.”
“Alright~ Let’s see what gift my dear Shuya has chosen for me.”
Lin Tianlu smiled gently, opening the small brocade box, and saw a beautiful and translucent jade thumb ring lying on the soft silk cloth inside.
He looked up, their eyes meeting, and they both smiled.
“I didn’t expect you to have the same taste as me, Shuya, choosing a jade ornament as well.”
“Wearing gold and silver is too flashy.”
Hua Shuya chuckled: “Take a closer look at the pattern inside the ring, Master.”
Lin Tianlu followed her instructions and looked closely, surprised to find a pair of lovebirds carved on the inside as well.
“Shuya, you…”
“We had the same thought, Master.”
Hua Shuya’s cheeks flushed crimson, and she held the jade bracelet against her chest, a pure and sweet smile on her face. “To be a pair of lovebirds with you, Master, is more than anything I could ever wish for.”
The afternoon breeze gently ruffled her hair and skirt, her beauty pure and ethereal, flawless like jade—
At this moment, Lin Tianlu’s heart was filled with emotion.
Looking at the young woman before him, her pure and innocent love evident, a warmth spread through his heart. He couldn’t help but reach out and gently caress her beautiful face, making her eyelashes tremble slightly, a faint blush appearing between her eyebrows.
Lin Tianlu said gently: “Although lovebirds are a symbol of happiness, it’s also a bit… sad. We should live a more carefree and happy life, making everyone envious.”
“Naturally.”
Hua Shuya held his hand against her cheek, her eyes shimmering like water.
“And you should also accept this.” Lin Tianlu, as if performing a magic trick, took out a beautiful long xiao (a vertical bamboo flute).
Hua Shuya was stunned: “Master, why…”
“When we passed by the market, your eyes lit up when you saw this.”
Lin Tianlu said softly: “Perhaps you liked it very much, or perhaps it reminded you of your childhood, so I bought it for you.”
“…”
Hua Shuya took the xiao, stunned, and held it against her chest, her eyes closed, her face filled with happiness and emotion.
Master had actually remembered such a small detail…
But after a moment of silence, her cheeks flushed even redder, and she shyly looked away, her eyes darting around as if her mind was overloaded, letting out a small and cute squeak: “S-So embarrassing… I don’t even know what to say…”
Lin Tianlu was stunned for a moment, then he burst into laughter.
“You girl, I thought you had become bolder after just a month apart, but you were just pretending to be calm?”
“T-To say such things in front of you, Master…”
Hua Shuya touched her flushed cheeks, as if amused by her own reaction, and couldn’t help but chuckle.
“If the two Madams find out, they’ll scold me again. They taught me so much last night, and the atmosphere was so perfect just now, but I…”
Lin Tianlu smiled and rubbed her head: “But you’re also very natural and adorable like this, Shuya, no different.”
“Ah…”
Hua Shuya shyly averted her gaze and murmured as if pleading: “Please stop praising me, Master, I’m so embarrassed.”
“Then I’ll stop for now, so my dear Shuya can calm down.”
Lin Tianlu put away the brocade box, put the jade thumb ring on his finger, and chuckled: “Let’s see if it fits.”
“Mm.” Hua Shuya nodded shyly, putting the jade bracelet on her wrist.
The young woman looked at the bracelet on her wrist, her lips pursed slightly, a warmth spreading through her heart.
Perhaps, this was the true belonging she had been seeking.
Not exactly lonely, nor exactly blissful, her ordinary life was about to take a turn.
No—
Hua Shuya clutched the xiao tightly in her hand, her eyes lowered, a serene smile on her face.
From the moment she met Master, her life had changed forever.
“—Master.”
“Hmm?”
The young woman raised her head slightly, a warm smile on her face: “Can I… still call you ‘Master’ in the future?”
Lin Tianlu was stunned.
Then, he smiled indulgently: “Of course.”
“That’s good.”
The young woman, as if holding a precious treasure, smiled even more sweetly and happily.
But she suddenly felt a hand gently landing on her shoulder, and she looked up to see Lin Tianlu leaning closer, a playful glint in his eyes: “But do you still remember our parting in Changling, Shuya?”
The young woman blushed: “I-I remember.”
Their farewell kiss at the gate of Changling County was truly unforgettable.
“And now, there’s no need for words.”
Lin Tianlu gently lifted her chin and bent down, kissing her.
“Mmm?!”
Hua Shuya’s beautiful eyes widened in surprise, her face flushing visibly, her hands frozen by her sides, not knowing what to do.
But feeling his dominant yet gentle kiss, her eyes softened, her body relaxing as she exhaled softly, and she instinctively stood on tiptoe, wrapping her arms around his neck, lost in the silent and passionate embrace.
…
Outside the garden.
Mao Ruoyu and Cheng Yishi glanced over from afar, seeing the two embracing and kissing, their faces slightly flushed, but their hearts also filled with relief.
They exchanged glances and smiled with satisfaction.
Although they couldn’t hear what their husband and Shuya were talking about, seeing them so intimate and sweet, last night’s “girls’ talk” had been quite effective.
