Chapter 370: Marital Bliss, Whispers of Mount Min
The warm afternoon sun shone down, filling the bamboo forest with a pleasant warmth.
Mao Ruoyu walked briskly into the pavilion, waving her sleeve to clear away the dust, and then set down the food basket she was carrying, taking out several plates of fruit and tea.
“Walk slowly and take small steps.”
A gentle voice echoed softly through the forest as Cheng Yishi carefully helped the beauty beside her navigate the stones and tree branches, constantly offering her gentle reminders.
Hua Shuya lightly held her skirt and followed their instructions, her face slightly flushed, and she whispered: “You’re being too cautious, Sister Yishi, I can walk just fine.”
“If I weren’t supporting you, you would have fallen countless times by now.”
Cheng Yishi gave her a playful glare and said softly: “Now that you’re married, Shuya, you can’t always push yourself. You have to take better care of yourself in the future.”
“I-I know.” Hua Shuya replied softly, a charming blush appearing on her cheeks.
“However, it’s quite rare to see you so delicate and soft, Shuya, it’s quite amusing. No wonder Ruoyu is in such high spirits today.”
Cheng Yishi teased: “Perhaps she’s treating you like her younger sister, or even her daughter.”
Hua Shuya could only chuckle awkwardly and shyly.
She didn’t want to be so delicate and weak, but her legs truly weren’t very steady today, her lower abdomen sore and weak, her entire body lacking strength, feeling soft and limp.
She had thought she would feel better after lunch, but she had only slightly recovered, sighing inwardly at her own weakness.
“This walk has been quite long.”
Mao Ruoyu put her hands on her hips and turned around with a wry smile: “Perhaps we should find a quiet courtyard in the villa and enjoy the scenery?”
“Miss Chi said the scenery here is beautiful, it’s perfect for us to chat together as a family.”
Hua Shuya quickly sat down, supported by Cheng Yishi, shifting her hips slightly, her face flushed.
Mao Ruoyu quickly leaned closer with concern: “Are you… still sore? I’ll get a soft cushion for you, it will be more comfortable.”
“You’re truly treating me like a daughter now, Sister Ruoyu!”
Hua Shuya couldn’t help but laugh: “I’m fine, compared to practicing martial arts, this soreness is quite… pleasant.”
“Eh?”
Mao Ruoyu was stunned.
Then, with a dejected and slightly resentful look, she sat back down, fiddling with her fingers and murmuring: “Why was I the only one who could barely get out of bed that time?”
Cheng Yishi chuckled: “Naturally, it’s because you’re the weakest physically. Even climbing a mountain makes your legs ache, it’s no wonder you were so sore.”
“Your words are truly hurtful, Yishi.”
Mao Ruoyu pinched her thigh and sighed softly.
Her body was much stronger than that of ordinary women, but Yishi was half-ghost, and Shuya had practiced martial arts for years. In the end, she was the only one feeling so weak and sore.
“But my husband is particularly fond of your soft and delicate body.” Cheng Yishi puffed her cheeks slightly and playfully poked Mao Ruoyu’s thigh, the soft flesh denting slightly. Even through her skirt and robe, she could feel its softness and suppleness, bouncing back slightly when she withdrew her finger.
Mao Ruoyu shyly tucked her legs in and quickly said: “D-Don’t be so naughty, it’s not proper to do such things in public.”
But Hua Shuya felt a pang of envy.
Madam Mao’s body, not to mention men, even she, as a woman, found it alluring, wanting to reach out and touch it, to feel its softness and smoothness.
She wondered if she would ever become so… mature.
…
Not far away, Lin Tianlu and Yun Yue were strolling leisurely through the forest.
The fox woman glanced at the playful banter in the pavilion and couldn’t help but smile faintly: “I only vaguely sensed a compatibility between their personalities before, a special connection. And now that they’re all your wives, Tianlu, these three girls are truly like sisters.”
“They are so understanding, considerate, and kind.”
Lin Tianlu said with emotion: “I’m truly fortunate.”
If their personalities clashed, and they were jealous and petty, it would be hard to imagine the chaos in his household.
Yun Yue brushed her hair behind her ear and smiled gently: “Perhaps this is the ‘fate’ between them and you. No matter where you are, they will appear by your side, getting to know you, laughing and bickering with you, until they fall in love and become your wives.”
“Your words are truly beautiful and touching, Yue’er.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled, shaking his head.
Yun Yue raised an eyebrow playfully: “So, you have to take even better care of these three girls in the future, Tianlu, and not neglect them, even at night.”
“Cough!”
Lin Tianlu chuckled awkwardly: “I’ll naturally be… attentive.”
Yun Yue covered her mouth with her sleeve, her eyes as beautiful as the moon, a silver bell-like laughter echoing softly.
Seeing her joyful and happy expression, Lin Tianlu softened his tone and said gently: “You look truly beautiful today, Yue’er.”
“Ooh~ Are you trying to flatter me, Tianlu?”
Yun Yue raised her seductive fox eyes, her arms crossed gracefully before her, and chuckled softly: “But whatever you say, Tianlu, I’ll listen attentively.”
As if quite pleased, a pair of fluffy fox ears suddenly appeared on her head, twitching adorably.
“It’s not just flattery.”
Lin Tianlu smiled, touching her ears, his gaze moving downwards, a hint of admiration in his eyes.
During their travels, his fox wife had always been dressed modestly, taking care of everyone like an older sister, a gentle and virtuous wife and mother.
But today, Yue’er was wearing a revealing, embroidered robe and skirt, a gauze shawl draped over her arms, a short, fur-lined vest around her waist, her long, moon-white hair cascading down her back like a river of stars, her every step graceful and alluring.
And her voluptuous figure, no less impressive than Ruoyu’s, was perfectly accentuated by her clothes, the curves of her body incredibly seductive, especially her delicate shoulders and collarbone, smooth and lustrous like jade.
Such a beautiful and ethereal figure, there was probably no one else like her in the world.
And—
An exquisite jade pendant rested in the valley between her breasts, nestled between the soft and delicate flesh, the bodice of her robe and skirt embroidered with gold and silver threads, forming beautiful patterns, open and revealing, her ample bosom like blooming flowers, swaying gently with her every step, dignified and noble, yet also incredibly seductive and alluring.
Lin Tianlu quickly looked away, clearing his throat, trying to appear calm.
“Pfft—”
Yun Yue couldn’t help but chuckle softly, her fingers gently touching the pendant between her breasts, and she smiled: “You’ve already seen my body many times, Tianlu, even… enjoyed it, why are you so shy now?”
“Cough! Matters between husband and wife are different from everyday life.”
Lin Tianlu blushed slightly and chuckled awkwardly, scratching his cheek: “If I stare at you for too long, Yue’er, I might… lose control.”
This subtle compliment made Yun Yue smile even more brightly, and she whispered softly: “If you like it, Tianlu, then it’s all good.”
She pulled the gauze shawl over her arms, slightly covering her ample bosom, and winked playfully: “You worked hard last night, Tianlu, it seems I have to be more considerate.”
The two of them smiled at each other, strolling leisurely through the forest.
A warm breeze blew, sunlight filtering through the trees.
Lin Tianlu looked up at the sun, peeking through the leaves, and suddenly murmured: “Do you know what happened last night, Yue’er?”
“It seems something happened to Mother Tan, that’s why she… was with you.”
“There was indeed an… incident.”
Lin Tianlu rubbed his temples, recounted the events of last night, and sighed: “I was also momentarily lost in the moment, I didn’t push Mother Tan away… Seeing her sad and troubled expression today makes me feel quite guilty.”
Yun Yue touched her chin lightly, pondering for a moment, and said gently: “It’s not your fault, Tianlu. After all, it was hard to predict that she would do such a thing while you were half-asleep. And with Miss Youluo’s… influence, how many men in this world could resist?
It seems… she was prepared last night.”
“Leaving aside Miss Youluo, but Mother Tan, she—”
“You still have much to learn about women’s hearts, Tianlu.”
Yun Yue suddenly smiled faintly: “Mother Tan is indeed troubled today, but it’s probably because she doesn’t know how to reconcile her newly established ‘familial bond’ with… last night’s intimacy.
Mother Tan’s personality is indeed difficult to grasp, but now that Miss Youluo has made things clear, remember to communicate with her more, Tianlu, and she should gradually calm down… just like me before.”
She quickly continued: “And Miss Chi is also at the villa, with her experience and wisdom, she can surely help Mother Tan overcome her troubles, so there’s no need for you to worry too much, Tianlu. As for your future relationship, since Mother Tan is much older than you, she will surely make a wise decision after calming down.”
Lin Tianlu sighed deeply: “I’m truly grateful for your and Miss Chi’s help, Yue’er.”
“I just said a few words.” Yun Yue chuckled softly: “You were the one who firmly expressed your feelings to Mother Tan in the hall, Tianlu, that already moved her. In just one night, you two managed to improve your relationship, it makes me quite ashamed.”
“You’re too humble, Yue’er, having you by my side is incredibly reassuring.”
Lin Tianlu wrapped his arms around her shoulders, his face filled with emotion: “Truly a virtuous fox fairy.”
Yun Yue smiled faintly, her eyes sparkling, and she teased: “Since you call me virtuous, Tianlu, how about I personally cook dinner for everyone tonight?”
“Cough, cough, cough!”
Lin Tianlu immediately coughed loudly, chuckling awkwardly.
Although his fox wife had a gentle and seductive personality, always willing to please, her skills in needlework and cooking were truly lacking.
She had tried a few times in Changling County, and once during their travels, but the result had been Ruoyu clutching her stomach and turning pale all day.
It wasn’t simply because she had added too many seasonings, but because Yun Yue had “creatively” added various “Yin techniques” to the food, wanting to make it more nutritious.
Lin Tianlu forced a smile: “Since you’re so enthusiastic about cooking, Yue’er, why don’t you make some late-night snacks tonight? I have a big appetite, so I’ll enjoy them all by myself.”
Yun Yue blinked her fox eyes, chuckled softly, and gently caressed his chest: “Don’t worry, I wouldn’t torture you all~
But you’re always so considerate of my feelings, Tianlu, it truly warms my heart.”
She couldn’t help but chuckle playfully again as they strolled side by side, unknowingly reaching the edge of the bamboo forest. Looking up, the vast expanse of the villa came into view.
Yun Yue’s gaze was calm and distant as she murmured:
“How long are you planning to stay at this villa in Qingcheng, Tianlu? The Spring Festival is just around the corner.”
“I asked Shuya this morning, we’ll leave with her after celebrating with the old Prince and the others in two days.”
Lin Tianlu sighed: “That marriage proposal half a month ago clearly upset her. She doesn’t want to spend more time with her family in the mansion.”
“That’s good.” Yun Yue nodded slightly: “If we leave in two days and travel quickly, we should be able to reach Lunar Valley by New Year’s Eve.”
She smiled faintly and said gently: “Martial Aunt and the others must be missing you and Ruoyu dearly, and it would also be a good opportunity for Yishi to visit Lunar Valley. With her unique constitution, she should be able to learn some extraordinary techniques and skills from the Valley Master and the others.”
Lin Tianlu nodded slightly, his heart filled with emotion.
Unknowingly, several months had passed since he first entered Lunar Valley.
Seeing that the Valley Master and Eighth Elder could move freely in the outside world recently, it seemed that Lunar Valley was also flourishing.
“However—”
Yun Yue raised an eyebrow and reminded him: “After passing through Wuchang Province, we still have to make a detour to Yizhu County in Maohuan Province, to visit Mount Min where Miss Yang is.”
Lin Tianlu’s expression turned slightly serious, and he nodded: “In that case, we’ll have to travel day and night without rest on our way back.”
“But I don’t know much about Mount Min…”
Yun Yue’s face showed a hint of confusion and worry: “Although Miss Yang seems agreeable and her words sincere, the secrets of Mount Min, and why she insisted on you going there personally, are still unsettling.”
Although she had lived for a thousand years, she didn’t know much about Mount Min.
It wasn’t that she was ignorant of the world, but Mount Min was truly mysterious and unpredictable, its true nature unknown.
It seemed like a truly reclusive faction, never participating in any power struggles, yet every few decades or centuries, an Azure Lady of Mount Min would appear, holding an umbrella, wandering the world alone, like a fleeting passerby.
But because of this, this strange faction was even more unpredictable, and no one dared to provoke them easily.
“I heard Miss Yang mention that Mount Min has an immense collection of books, containing many valuable and ancient texts.”
Lin Tianlu mused: “Perhaps there are some records of ancient secrets that would be beneficial to us.”
Moreover, after spending so much time together—
They had a clear understanding of Miss Yang’s character.
“With you there, it will surely be safe.” Yun Yue sighed softly: “I hope I’m just being overly cautious, perhaps Miss Yang is simply waiting for us at Mount Min.”
She suddenly said thoughtfully: “I wonder if Miss Chi has ever heard of Mount Min?”
Lin Tianlu said in surprise: “I haven’t asked her, after all, the demon and ghost world was created by the ancient eight clans, and she’s been living in seclusion on Immortal Phoenix Mountain since then, she probably—”
He paused slightly, his expression turning serious: “I’ll ask her after we return to the villa.”
“There’s no need to rush.”
Yun Yue smiled gently: “For now, why don’t you accompany Ruoyu and the others to enjoy the scenery in the back mountain?”
Lin Tianlu’s heart stirred, and he bent down and kissed her forehead.
“Mmm?”
The fox woman quickly covered her forehead, blushing slightly, her eyes full of playful reproach: “Are you trying to tease me again, Tianlu?”
“Don’t think you can escape by transforming into a fox.” Lin Tianlu smiled and took her hand: “Let’s go for a stroll together.”
“…Mm.”
…
As night deepened, the villa was once again brightly lit.
With the maids’ preparations, everyone quickly sat down for a sumptuous dinner. Although the atmosphere was initially a bit awkward, Chi Lingyuan and Yun Yue, with their sharp minds, quickly revived the conversation.
Mother Tan also deliberately avoided mentioning last night’s incident, a gentle smile on her face, gradually regaining her usual dignified and elegant demeanor, constantly offering food and showing concern.
Upon hearing that Lin Tianlu and his group would be leaving Qingcheng in two days to return home for the New Year, she was slightly stunned, but she quickly nodded in agreement.
Having been comforted and enlightened, Mother Tan believed that she had calmed down and wouldn’t overthink things anymore.
…
After the leisurely and pleasant dinner, night had fallen.
Led by several maids, Lin Tianlu arrived at Chi Lingyuan’s courtyard.
But as soon as he entered, he couldn’t help but exclaim softly.
He saw Chi Lingyuan and Mother Tan sitting together in the pavilion, brewing tea, the warm steam rising. They seemed to have just bathed and changed, both dressed in loose and elegant white gauze robes, fluttering gently in the night breeze, like two fairies under the moonlight, one cold, one warm, one red, one blue, a perfect contrast and harmony.
“Why are you two…”
“We were having such a pleasant conversation that we decided to enjoy some tea and chat under the moonlight, Madam Tan.”
Chi Lingyuan smiled gently and poured him a cup of tea: “You should spend time with your wives today, Master Lin, so naturally, I should keep Madam company.”
“You’ve gone to such trouble, Miss Chi.”
Mother Tan chuckled softly and put down her teacup, asking curiously: “What brings you here, Tianlu?”
Lin Tianlu nodded: “I wanted to ask Miss Chi about Mount Min.”
“Mount Min?”
But Chi Lingyuan’s eyebrows furrowed slightly, and she looked at him: “That place still exists?”
Lin Tianlu asked in surprise: “You know about Mount Min, Miss Chi?!”
“I do.”
Chi Lingyuan took a sip of tea and said slowly: “But I don’t know much about it. Although that place still exists today, in ancient times, it was just an ordinary mountain, only rumored to be the dwelling of a female cultivator with extraordinary cultivation, who repelled some villains and gained some fame.”
She shook her head slightly and continued: “But besides that, I don’t have any other impressions of this so-called Mount Min. I was just curious when you suddenly mentioned it, Tianlu, I didn’t expect this unknown Mount Min to still exist.”
Her expression turned slightly complex.
After all, so many immortal sects, clans, and even ancient races from ancient times had been completely annihilated, the world changing drastically, yet this small mountain had survived for tens of thousands of years, it was truly unexpected.
“As for what happened during those thousands of years, I don’t know. Perhaps you’ll have to go there personally to find out the truth, Tianlu.”
“Thank you for the information, Miss Chi.”
Lin Tianlu smiled: “It’s good to be prepared.”
Mother Tan frowned: “Is this trip dangerous?”
“Don’t worry, Mother Tan, we were invited by a friend. I just came to ask Miss Chi since she’s so knowledgeable.”
“That’s good.”
She suddenly asked again: “But although you mentioned ‘Lunar Valley’ before, I only know that it’s Ruoyu’s sect. Are there any other acquaintances there?”
Lin Tianlu replied: “Ruoyu’s adoptive mother is an elder in Lunar Valley, this trip can also be considered a family visit.”
“Ruoyu’s… adoptive mother?”
Mother Tan pondered for a moment and then asked casually: “What is your relationship with her, Tianlu?”
“This—”
Lin Tianlu twitched the corner of his mouth and chuckled awkwardly: “My relationship with Martial Aunt is very good.”
“That’s good, family should be harmonious.” Mother Tan’s expression relaxed, and she said softly: “Go back and rest now, Tianlu. Shuya just married you, she must be lonely. And you should also spend more time with Ruoyu and Yishi, don’t neglect them.”
“Thank you for your concern, Mother Tan.”
Lin Tianlu sighed softly and cupped his hands: “But you didn’t eat much during dinner, Mother Tan, I’ll go to the kitchen and make you some light night snacks.”
“Tia—”
Mother Tan was about to stop him, but seeing that he had already left, she couldn’t help but press her lips together tightly.
Chi Lingyuan, watching from the side, smiled playfully, resting her chin on her hand: “Tianlu has been glancing at you constantly since dinner, Mother Tan, clearly concerned and caring.
How do you feel? A bit better?”
“Tianlu is a good person.”
But Mother Tan’s tone turned strangely ambiguous, her eyes flickering: “But that title, ‘Martial Aunt’… makes my heart… clench.”
—A strange premonition.
As if this ‘Martial Aunt,’ whom she had never met, would become her… ‘rival’!
Seeing her silently crushing the teacup in her hand, Chi Lingyuan’s smile froze slightly, and she couldn’t help but smile wryly.
She had a long way to go.
…
The second watch approached, and darkness fell upon the villa.
Lin Tianlu had finished bathing and changing, dried his hair, and returned to the bedroom.
His conversation with Mother Tan had gone smoothly, easing her worries and concerns, which was a relief.
“—Hmm?”
Lin Tianlu paused slightly, looking at the bed with a puzzled expression.
Hua Shuya, who should have been asleep, was sitting up, her beautiful face glowing faintly in the dim moonlight, her eyes shy and affectionate.
