Chapter 364: Crimson-Gold Flowing Fire, In the Eye of the Storm
Lin Tianlu returned to the pavilion and handed the embroidered shoe back to Chi Lingyuan.
“Th-Thank you, Tianlu.”
Chi Lingyuan blushed slightly, a little embarrassed, and quickly put the shoe back on.
She considered herself a martial arts cultivator of several thousand years, yet she had shown such an embarrassing side of herself, it was truly awkward.
Lin Tianlu said softly, “Miss Chi, it seems someone is coming in the bamboo forest.”
“…Yes, I vaguely hear footsteps as well.”
Chi Lingyuan took a deep breath and calmed herself, waving her hand gracefully.
The noble golden patterns that adorned her body quickly faded, transforming into a gorgeous and flowing celestial dress.
In the blink of an eye, the seductive and alluring red-haired beauty had transformed into an ethereal and dignified celestial being, standing up gracefully with her hands clasped before her, her demeanor elegant and noble.
Lin Tianlu stared blankly, murmuring: “Miss Chi, your transformation speed is truly…”
Incredibly fast!
“I’ve lived for thousands of years, I wouldn’t be so clumsy.”
Chi Lingyuan smiled faintly, her eyes glancing sideways with a hint of amusement: “It’s just changing clothes, naturally, it’s easy for me.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled awkwardly.
Chi Lingyuan, remembering how she had kicked her shoe off, blushed slightly and remained silent.
“—I didn’t expect to find Master Lin, the groom, outside the villa, it’s quite a surprise.”
A gentle voice suddenly drifted over.
They both turned to look and saw about a dozen figures emerging from the bamboo forest.
The person leading the group was a weathered-looking woman, seemingly in her forties or fifties, her hair streaked with gray, wrinkles visible on her face, showing signs of age. Five maids accompanied her, clearly indicating her high status.
But what was most striking were the several men in black clothes following behind her, their auras deep and silent, their cultivation clearly extraordinary.
Lin Tianlu narrowed his eyes slightly and stepped forward, cupping his hands: “May I ask who you are?”
“It seems you don’t recognize this old woman.”
The elderly woman smiled gently and said slowly: “I am Yanxing’s wife, and Shuya’s grandmother.”
Lin Tianlu was stunned.
So this was the old Prince’s wife, Madam Huixin?
He quickly bowed respectfully: “Lin Tianlu greets Your Ladyship.”
Chi Lingyuan also curtsied slightly.
“May I ask why you’ve suddenly come to the back mountain, Madam?”
“Hehe~ That Tan girl is currently busy driving people away, I wouldn’t want to embarrass her.”
Madam Huixin chuckled: “And I overheard some maids mention that you were strolling outside the villa, so I came to have a look, to meet the grandson-in-law chosen by Yanxing and Shuya, to see what kind of extraordinary person you are.”
“You flatter me, Madam.”
“Now that I’ve seen you up close, you are indeed handsome and refined, no wonder Shuya, who has never been interested in men, has fallen for you.”
Madam Huixin, supported by her maids, slowly walked to the pavilion, a look of emotion on her face.
She glanced sideways at Chi Lingyuan and murmured: “But I wonder who this young lady is, why are you alone here with her?”
“I am a friend of Miss Hua and Master Lin, I came to Qingcheng with them to attend the wedding.”
Chi Lingyuan said softly and calmly: “The villa is busy preparing for the wedding banquet. Miss Hua invited Master Lin and me to chat and relax here, waiting for the banquet tonight.”
“I see.”
Madam Huixin nodded as if suddenly understanding.
Lin Tianlu pondered for a moment and then asked: “Did you come all the way to the back mountain just to see me, Madam?”
“Naturally not.”
Madam Huixin smiled meaningfully: “Although Yanxing has agreed to your marriage with Shuya, this matter is still quite important to our Hua family. If we can’t convince everyone, it will cause trouble later.”
Lin Tianlu frowned: “Are you here to persuade me, Madam?”
“I’m here to test you.” Madam Huixin, supported by her maids, sat down in the pavilion and said with interest: “You displayed extraordinary martial arts skills at the Qingyang Grand Ceremony the other day and resolved a crisis for Yanxing, proving your strength and sincerity.
But to convince the Hua family, and even the officials and the imperial family, just martial arts skills aren’t enough. After all, there are countless talented martial artists in the world, personal strength alone isn’t enough.”
Lin Tianlu’s thoughts stirred, and he smiled gently: “So, you’re here to test my literary talent and wisdom, Madam?”
“Exactly.”
Madam Huixin smiled kindly: “If you’re truly talented in both literary and martial arts, even without a high status or official position, those outsiders won’t gossip anymore.”
One of her maids took out a brocade box, an incense burner, a tea set, and other items, arranging them neatly on the stone table, calmly lighting the incense and brewing tea.
At the same time, the men in black clothes following behind her remained expressionless. One of them took something wrapped in cloth from his back and placed it on the ground with a thud.
—It was a calligraphy brush with an iron shaft, about five feet long and six inches thick, too heavy for one hand to hold.
Lin Tianlu looked at it in surprise, he had never seen such a strange object before.
“This is the ‘Vajra Brush,’ forged by skilled craftsmen for our Hua family many years ago, weighing five hundred jin, incredibly sturdy.”
Madam Huixin introduced with a smile: “Whenever a daughter of our Hua family marries, we use this to test the suitor.”
Lin Tianlu examined it briefly and nodded: “So you want people to wield this heavy brush with their profound cultivation and then compose poems and essays to demonstrate their literary talent? This single test can clearly show whether a man is truly capable, and not just a charlatan?”
“Indeed.” Madam Huixin picked up her teacup and took a sip.
And a middle-aged maid beside her quickly continued: “When Fourth Miss was deceived by a so-called ‘dashing young hero,’ Her Ladyship used this to test him and discovered that he was just a useless pretty boy.
But Master Lin’s martial arts skills are extraordinary, this is known to everyone. We want to see if you also possess sufficient literary talent and knowledge.”
Saying this, her eyes flickered, and the men in black clothes stepped forward.
Lin Tianlu chuckled: “What is the meaning of this, Madam?”
“These are talented individuals cultivated by our Hua family since childhood.”
The maid explained calmly: “All of them are skilled in both literary and martial arts, more than capable. If you can wield this Vajra Brush and defeat them, Master Lin, not only will we help you resolve the troubles outside, but we will also silence those gossiping behind your back in the mansion.”
Madam Huixin smiled playfully: “What do you say, Master Lin?”
“Since you’re so interested, Madam, I naturally wouldn’t refuse.”
Lin Tianlu smiled and cupped his hands: “Let the competition begin, gentlemen, I accept your challenge.”
…
The warm sun rose higher, casting rays of light through the bamboo forest.
Lin Tianlu and his group stood scattered in the open space outside the pavilion, a silent and heavy atmosphere lingering.
Madam Huixin’s expression remained gentle and calm, even enjoying the massage from her maid, seemingly confident about the outcome of this competition.
After a moment of silence, she glanced sideways and asked with a gentle smile: “Young lady, where do you live?”
Chi Lingyuan stood gracefully, replying softly: “I live in Changling, I’m Master Lin’s neighbor.”
“You two seem quite well-matched.”
Madam Huixin complimented: “I’ve rarely seen such a beautiful and ethereal woman in my life. Only Shuya, in her youthful radiance, can compare.”
“You flatter me, Madam.” Chi Lingyuan lowered her head and bowed respectfully.
“At least Madam Tan in the mansion is also incredibly beautiful.”
“Zisheng…”
Madam Huixin sighed with emotion, then changed the subject and asked curiously: “But seeing how calm and composed you are, you seem quite confident in him?”
“This kind of test is nothing to Master Lin.”
Chi Lingyuan said frankly, without any hesitation: “Even if those men joined forces, they would be no match for him.”
“Heh, we shall see.”
…
In the open space within the bamboo forest.
Lin Tianlu smiled and cupped his hands: “Gentlemen, what are your thoughts?”
“We’ve heard that Master Lin is incredibly talented in both literary and martial arts. We’d like to compete with you in painting and calligraphy.” The man in black in the lead said in a deep voice: “Let’s use the earth as our canvas, fallen leaves as our brushes, paint a picture, and then compose a poem. Madam Huixin will be the judge, how about that?”
“Naturally.”
Lin Tianlu nodded slightly: “But what will the theme of the painting be—?”
The man in black waved his sleeve and said seriously: “Since Madam is here, naturally, the painting will be of her.”
“Alright!”
Lin Tianlu smiled and spread his hands: “Then you gentlemen can go first.”
As soon as he finished speaking, the men in black dispersed, channeling their energy and using their powerful palm strikes to “plow” lines on the ground, as if they were truly painting with brushes.
“Oh?”
Looking closely, Lin Tianlu couldn’t help but be slightly surprised.
These men truly possessed extraordinary artistic talent.
The lines they created on the ground with their palm strikes were powerful and bold, quickly forming the outline of a painting, as if they had already planned it out in their minds. Some even leaped and twirled, their palms and fingers flickering, etching marks on the ground.
The four figures intertwined and moved swiftly, displaying remarkable coordination and teamwork.
…
After a while, a painting of a goddess soaring through the sky appeared on the ground.
The mountains, rivers, the bright starry sky, even the graceful figure floating in the clouds and mist were incredibly lifelike, the painting in the dirt no less detailed than one on paper.
With a clap of their hands, a gust of wind swept away the dust and debris, revealing a clean and beautiful painting. Paired with a short poem etched beside it, it was truly a masterpiece.
Lin Tianlu looked at it carefully for a moment, then clapped his hands and praised: “Gentlemen, your painting skills and literary talent are truly impressive!”
The four men in black nodded slightly, then cupped their hands in return: “Thank you for the compliment, Master Lin.”
“Judging by the strength of your ‘brushstrokes,’ you’ve been practicing for at least ten years, it’s not something ordinary people can achieve.”
Lin Tianlu exclaimed in admiration: “As expected of the talented men of the Hua family, your skills are truly extraordinary.”
“Hehe~”
Madam Huixin, supported by her maid, stood up again, looked at the painting in the dirt with interest, and nodded: “Not bad, you’ve performed well this time, this painting has a certain charm, and the poem is also quite fitting.”
The men in black quickly bowed: “Thank you, Madam.”
“Then, are you ready now, Master Lin?”
“I shall also make a fool of myself.”
Lin Tianlu took the Vajra Brush from one of the men in black, smiled, and twirled it like a spear: “Please wait a moment.”
The men in black stepped back, their eyes filled with surprise: This Vajra Brush weighed almost five hundred jin, even an Azure Spirit Realm cultivator would find it difficult to wield it casually.
But this man before them—
The Vajra Brush in his hand seemed as light as a feather!
“Eh?”
Even Madam Huixin couldn’t help but widen her eyes slightly, a hint of surprise on her face.
But she quickly composed herself, her gaze fixed on him intently.
—Clang!
As the brush moved across the ground, a metallic clang echoed, sparks flying.
Lin Tianlu’s expression was calm, his movements swift and fluid as he wielded the heavy Vajra Brush, the wind whistling around him.
His movements were like a dancing dragon or snake, sometimes coiling, sometimes twisting, like lightning. In the blink of an eye, a line of bold calligraphy, seemingly burning with golden flames and electric sparks, appeared.
With elegant thoughts and a golden brush, he waved his sleeve and strode forward like a meteor. As a crescent moon shape emerged from the ground, the Vajra Brush seemed to fly and spin, landing heavily on the ground with a powerful force.
—Boom!
The ground trembled, the trees swayed, birds took flight, and the swirling dust and sand suddenly stilled.
Then, the dust settled.
“…”
The flames flickering around the Vajra Brush gradually died down, turning a dark blue, smoke rising.
Lin Tianlu’s robe settled, and he turned around, a gentle smile on his face as he cupped his hands from afar: “My humble work is complete.”
“…”
But a deathly silence fell upon the bamboo forest.
The men in black were all dumbfounded, frozen in place, speechless.
The maids trembled and collapsed to the ground, their faces pale, their pupils constricting, as if they had witnessed a divine feat. Even though they didn’t understand calligraphy or painting, the earth-shattering movements of the brush were enough to shock their minds and souls.
“This—”
The first to speak was Madam Huixin, who had been silent for a long time.
She stood there, staring blankly at Lin Tianlu, her lips slightly parted, speechless.
“Madam Huixin, you should go and see Master Lin’s work.”
Chi Lingyuan, standing beside her, spoke softly, her lips pursed slightly, a faint smile on her face.
“Cough, cough!”
Madam Huixin quickly came back to her senses and coughed lightly, stepping forward: “Let me see what kind of masterpiece you’ve created…”
Seeing the marks on the ground, her eyes widened, and she froze.
This painting… had no scenery.
Only a single figure, seen from behind.
Tall and straight, like an unyielding tree, exuding an aura of… dignity… and loneliness.
‘Clouds, flowers, and beauty compete for attention, yet hidden sorrow and silent hatred linger.’
‘Looking at the ancient wind, birds, and moon, only the lonely heart’s sorrow remains.’
Lin Tianlu waved his sleeve, and the dust and sand dispersed, revealing two words—
‘Resentment and Regret’
Madam Huixin’s lips trembled slightly, and she stumbled back two steps.
“You, you…”
“Please forgive me, Madam.” Lin Tianlu cupped his hands and bowed, saying in a deep voice: “I didn’t mean to allude to your past, but seeing the look in your eyes, I couldn’t help but paint this.”
Before she could speak, he spread his hands: “As for the meaning, it’s all in these two words.”
“…”
Madam Huixin was speechless, her gaze fixed on the graceful figure in the painting.
Then, she vaguely saw a blurry figure above the words “Resentment and Regret,” walking away under the sun, as if waiting for someone in the distance.
“Ugh—”
Seeing Madam Huixin suddenly sway, Lin Tianlu quickly stepped forward to support her: “Madam, please calm down.”
“You…” Madam Huixin pressed her hand against her forehead, calming herself slightly, and looked up at him with a complex expression: “You… saw through my thoughts with just a glance?”
“Your thoughts were written all over your face, Madam, I just observed a little.”
Lin Tianlu supported her carefully and smiled gently: “Although resentment and regret are bitter, they are also real. Life is short, Madam, if you can let go of these feelings, you’ll surely be happier.”
“You make it sound so easy, boy.”
Madam Huixin pushed his hand away slightly, a helpless look on her face, shaking her head and chuckling: “Well, I understand why Yanxing was so impressed with you the moment he met you. His ability to judge character is still as sharp as ever.”
“Madam?!” The maids hurriedly rushed over, their faces filled with worry: “Are you alright?!”
“I’m fine.”
She touched her right hand and said softly: “Let’s go back now, if I have time later, I’ll help this grandson-in-law deal with some of his troubles.”
“But… the result of the competition…”
“There’s no need to mention it, I’ve already lost.”
Madam Huixin smiled faintly, glancing at the men in black.
They had just recovered from the shock of his earth-shattering performance, their expressions complex as they cupped their hands and bowed in unison: “We admit defeat.”
Lin Tianlu smiled gently, cupping his hands in return: “You are all very talented, gentlemen, perhaps we’ll have another opportunity to exchange ideas in the future.”
Saying this, he pulled the Vajra Brush from the ground and handed it back to her, whispering to Madam Huixin: “This object contains a sinister Yin energy, Madam, it’s best not to touch it too much.”
“…Thank you for the reminder, Grandson-in-law.”
Madam Huixin sighed softly and quickly left with her maids and disciples.
…
After leaving the bamboo forest, the middle-aged maid looked back to make sure that Lin Tianlu wasn’t following them and whispered: “Madam, why didn’t that Vajra Brush work just now—”
“He saw through everything from the very beginning, even understanding the secrets of that object. But he didn’t say anything and even saved face for me.”
Madam Huixin looked into the distance and murmured: “No wonder even that arrogant Ziyu woman is so cautious now. This man… is truly extraordinary.”
…
After a while, peace and quiet returned to the bamboo forest.
Chi Lingyuan walked over gracefully, a smile on her face: “Subduing the enemy without fighting, now that even the two most influential women in the Hua family have been won over, perhaps… even if the wedding is held in the mansion, no one would dare to gossip openly.”
Lin Tianlu shrugged: “It’s still more peaceful in the villa.”
“However—”
Chi Lingyuan’s eyes narrowed slightly: “That old Madam of the Hua family is indeed involved with demons and ghosts.”
Although it was faint, she could still sense it.
Especially that Vajra Brush, its material quite strange, capable of absorbing and dispelling Yin energy. If someone who cultivated Yin energy were to hold it, their strength would be drained.
Forget about writing or painting, even standing would be difficult.
This test had clearly been a trap.
“The undercurrents within the Hua family are far more turbulent than they appear.” Lin Tianlu put his hands behind his back and sighed: “Every family has its own troubles.”
“Their troubles are truly… messy.”
Chi Lingyuan chuckled.
But just then, both of their expressions changed, and they looked towards the distance with sharp gazes: “Did you sense that, Miss Chi?”
“Naturally, the fluctuation of Yin energy.”
Chi Lingyuan narrowed her eyes and murmured: “It seems fame isn’t always a good thing. You’ve just gained some renown, Tianlu, and now these undercurrents are coming for you.”
Lin Tianlu smiled wryly.
It seemed he wouldn’t be able to rest today.
To ensure that tonight’s wedding banquet went smoothly, he had to “entertain” these uninvited guests with their Yin energy, as a warning.
It was a pity that he couldn’t enjoy his few remaining days of rest before the wedding—
“Don’t worry~”
A soft and comforting voice suddenly echoed beside him.
Chi Lingyuan stood gracefully, her hands on her hips, clenching her fists, and smiled seductively: “I’ll be with you.”
