Chapter 372: Transformation Inspiration, A Pre-Departure Feast
The sun rose higher, the afternoon growing warmer.
After lunch and the exchange of gifts, Lin Tianlu and Hua Shuya left the Hua Mansion.
Hua Yanxing silently watched them depart, leisurely sipping his tea.
“Yanxing, are you truly willing to give your precious granddaughter to this man?”
A hoarse voice suddenly murmured from the side of the lake pavilion, a faint, flickering shadow appearing and disappearing. If any demon or ghost were to look closely, they would see several weathered old men sitting in the vast courtyard.
“Naturally.”
Prince Hua raised an eyebrow and smiled confidently: “Although I’ve only just met this Lin boy, I can see that he’s kind, humble, and respectful. Shuya will surely have a happy life with him.”
“But the more we investigate his background, the stranger it seems, as if it’s being deliberately concealed, shrouded in mystery…”
“Celestial beings are not to be judged by ordinary standards.”
The old prince shook his head and chuckled: “And in these chaotic times, fame, fortune, and background are meaningless, only strength and cultivation can ensure safety and peace. With Shuya by his side, she’ll be protected from any harm.”
“…You’re quite open-minded.”
“If I weren’t open-minded, how could I have sworn brotherhood with all of you?” The old prince chuckled and poured them tea: “I’ve troubled you all with this incident. You should return to your territories before more trouble arrives.
If you need any help, my Hua family will do our best to assist you.”
“You’re the one in the most danger.”
The hoarse voice echoed softly: “Although this crisis has been resolved, the traitors and spies within your mansion haven’t been found yet. And the conflict between the ancient realm and the Luo Xing is intensifying within the Fengchen Kingdom, dragging many other factions into it. It’s only a matter of time before Qingcheng is caught in the crossfire, even your title as Prince Zhengyang won’t protect you.”
“Indeed…”
Hua Yanxing looked up and drained his teacup, sighing deeply: “But we’ve never feared death.”
The old man sitting opposite him silently sipped his tea, murmuring softly like the wind:
“Crimson blood stains the river red, a loyal heart faces the rising sun… I hope you can fulfill your youthful aspirations, Yanxing.”
…
Inside the villa.
Mao Ruoyu and Cheng Yishi, having finished lunch, were sitting in the pavilion, resting, waiting for the exquisite pastries and tea that the maids had just served.
“Madams, please try our pine nut lily crisp, date paste pastries, lucky cakes, harmony soup, and blooming prosperity.” Two maids stood beside them, introducing the dishes as they placed the plates of pastries on the table.
The dazzling array of delicacies made the two women’s eyes widen slightly.
The ingredients and materials used in the mansion were all of the highest quality, their appearance alone suggesting the skills of an imperial chef.
And—
Mao Ruoyu unconsciously rubbed her flat stomach, the smile on her face freezing slightly.
She… couldn’t possibly eat so much…
“Did you two make these pastries?” Cheng Yishi suddenly asked, looking at them with interest: “I remember… your name is Fen’er, right? And yours is Qing’er?”
“You remember us, Madam?!” The pretty maid exclaimed joyfully.
And the other maid, Qing’er, quickly bowed respectfully: “I am indeed Qing’er.”
“You two were helping at the wedding banquet the other day, I remember you clearly.”
Cheng Yishi chuckled: “Thank you for your hard work these past few days.”
“It was our duty, Madam, there’s no need for thanks.”
Qing’er bowed seriously.
Looking at their different appearances and charms, Cheng Yishi smiled faintly, a thought crossing her mind.
As a fellow woman, she could more or less tell that these two maids were looking at her husband with… admiration…
As if they were looking at their beloved.
“Were you both… taken in and raised by Mother Tan?”
“Yes!”
“Then perhaps we’ll meet again in the future.”
Cheng Yishi replied softly.
And Mao Ruoyu quickly smiled gently and said: “There’s no need to be so formal, ladies, why don’t you join us and try these delicacies? There’s so much, Yishi and I can’t possibly finish it all.”
Qing’er lowered her head and said respectfully: “I wouldn’t dare to presume, we servants have our own—”
“Just try some.”
Before she could finish speaking, a delicate pastry was offered to her lips.
Qing’er was stunned, staring blankly at Mao Ruoyu, who had suddenly stood up and approached.
Feeling the faint, elegant fragrance and seeing the beautiful woman’s gentle smile, she couldn’t help but feel her heart tremble slightly, her face flushing.
Although she had heard about Madam Mao’s beauty from the other maids in the villa, seeing it up close, she finally understood what true beauty meant, her gentle and seductive charm captivating, even she, as a woman, couldn’t help but be mesmerized.
And—
“Although you address me as ‘Madam,’ we were just ordinary commoners a few days ago, there’s no need for such formalities.” Mao Ruoyu smiled gently, taking Qing’er’s hand, and whispered reassuringly: “And since you were raised by Mother Tan, we can be considered family. There are no outsiders here, so there’s no need to be so reserved.”
“…Th-Thank you for your kindness, Madam.”
Qing’er’s face flushed red as she opened her mouth slightly and took a bite of the pastry.
Savoring the sweet taste, her heart was filled with emotion.
It was only such a kind and beautiful woman who was worthy of the Young Master. They were truly a perfect match.
“Little girl, would you like to try some as well?”
Cheng Yishi smiled and offered a pastry to Fen’er beside her.
The adorable maid immediately nodded with a bright smile, taking the pastry and eating it happily.
Seeing her cheerful and familiar demeanor, Cheng Yishi couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly.
She was quite similar to her own personal maid, although—
Her maid always made her so angry. If she could learn even a bit of these maids’ obedience and considerateness, she would be truly grateful.
“However, is it really alright for Her Highness and Miss Chi to spar? Will they be safe?”
Fen’er looked towards the courtyard, murmuring: “Although Her Highness is a martial arts grandmaster, I heard that Miss Chi’s background is quite extraordinary…”
“It’s just a friendly spar, there’s no need to worry.”
Cheng Yishi took a sip of tea, her gaze also shifting towards the spacious courtyard.
…
Two voluptuous and alluring figures stood facing each other, their skirts and hair swaying gently in the wind, their graceful figures incredibly seductive.
Chi Lingyuan smiled, crossing her arms, her ample bosom pressed against the fabric of her clothes, creating a breathtaking curve.
“Madam Tan, why don’t you draw your sword?”
“…”
Mother Tan lightly gripped the hilt of the sword at her waist, her eyebrows furrowed slightly, her body tense like a drawn bow, ready to strike, yet she hadn’t drawn her sword.
Because she could feel—
That the Miss Chi before her exuded an unfathomable and flawless aura.
Perhaps the moment she drew her sword, the outcome of this spar would be decided.
“To have reached the Grandmaster Realm in this era, Madam Tan, truly impressive, both your talent and hard work.” Chi Lingyuan spread her hands and explained: “Your meridians are open, your sword intent condensed, you’ve almost reached the limit of a mortal body. But with your recent breakthrough, your realm is still slightly unstable.”
“…But the gap between us is still too vast.”
Mother Tan’s eyes flickered, and she murmured: “Even if I reach the peak of the Five Meridian Grandmaster Realm, I probably wouldn’t be able to withstand a single blow from you, Miss Chi.”
This afternoon spar, although intended for relaxation and practice, after experiencing the difference in their strength firsthand, she truly felt the weakness of a mortal.
Even when fighting against those demons and ghosts in Wuxing City, she hadn’t felt such an insurmountable gap.
“So, Madam Tan, you should start exploring the Transformation Realm.”
Chi Lingyuan smiled and tapped her forehead: “There’s no spiritual energy in this world, so further improvement is indeed very difficult. However, now that you have Yin energy within you, it’s enough for you to glimpse the path to the Transformation Realm.”
“Transformation Realm…”
Mother Tan’s expression turned serious as she murmured inwardly.
This wasn’t the first time she had heard of the “Transformation Realm.”
As the sole successor of the Qinxin Sword Sect, she had naturally heard of this legend since childhood, that there was a realm even higher than the Five Meridian Grandmaster.
As a daughter-in-law of the Hua family, she had also heard the old Prince self-deprecatingly admit that he was far from reaching the Transformation Realm.
And how could she—
“The transformation of the physical body and the manifestation of the sea of consciousness and mind, these are the key elements of the Transformation Realm.”
Chi Lingyuan said casually: “Only by achieving these can one truly transcend their mortal body, gradually entering the realm of the extraordinary, glimpsing the path to longevity.”
“What realm are you at, Miss Chi?”
“My spirit roams freely, my body contains five spirits, I can be considered to have touched upon the threshold of immortality, still a step away from complete transcendence.”
“Then, Tianlu, he…”
“He’s above me.”
Chi Lingyuan’s lips curved into a smile, as if deliberately provoking her: “Since you call yourself Tianlu’s godmother, Madam Tan, your current strength is still far from sufficient.”
“Hmph!”
As expected, Mother Tan snorted coldly, her face darkening, and she suddenly drew her sword and charged forward, unleashing a series of cold and ruthless sword strikes.
Chi Lingyuan smiled and condensed spiritual energy in her palm, dodging and weaving nimbly, occasionally deflecting the attacks with her palm, effortlessly neutralizing Mother Tan’s fierce swordsmanship, not even a strand of her hair or her skirt being touched.
But with decades of martial arts experience, Mother Tan didn’t become impatient or reckless. As she attacked, she carefully observed and adjusted her movements, circulating her internal energy and Yin energy, until her eyes narrowed, and she thrust her sword forward, like a fleeting ice crystal in the sunlight, a cold sword light grazing past the red-haired beauty’s ear.
“—You truly are talented, Madam Tan.”
Chi Lingyuan slightly moved the sword away from her face and chuckled: “But you still have a long way to go before reaching the Transformation Realm.”
“…Thank you for your guidance, Miss Chi.”
Mother Tan suppressed her emotions and sheathed her sword gratefully.
To be able to spar with such a powerful martial arts expert was a great opportunity.
…
As night approached.
The villa became lively again, maids serving dishes one after another, filling the tables with food.
Lin Tianlu and the others looked at the sumptuous feast, momentarily speechless.
This banquet was almost identical to the wedding banquet from the other day.
“Mother Tan, isn’t this a bit too…”
“You’re leaving tomorrow, Tianlu, I naturally have to treat you to another meal as your godmother.” Mother Tan gestured for everyone to sit down, a smile appearing on her cold and mature face: “If we don’t celebrate now, who knows when we’ll meet again, we should cherish this moment.
And with the Spring Festival approaching, and you having come to offer your New Year’s greetings today, let’s consider this dinner a reunion feast.”
“That’s true.”
Yun Yue chuckled softly: “Let’s eat, everyone, don’t waste Mother Tan’s efforts.”
Lin Tianlu understood and quickly sat down, picking up his rice bowl and about to take some food.
“Tianlu, try this dish.”
“Ah… Thank you, Mother Tan.”
Lin Tianlu quickly took the meat offered by Mother Tan.
Seeing him enjoy the food, Mother Tan’s smile widened, her eyes gentle as she continuously picked up food and placed it in his bowl.
“This fish is incredibly fresh and tender, try some, Tianlu.”
“This crispy fried meat is delicious, have some more.”
“Jade and White Soup, good for your throat and stomach.”
…
Lin Tianlu chuckled awkwardly, accepting her “hospitality,” eating bite after bite.
And Mother Tan seemed to be enjoying herself immensely, her face filled with a warm and motherly smile, constantly offering him food and soup, even playfully scolding him for eating too fast and wiping his mouth with a handkerchief.
Her actions, both noble and dignified, and kind and gentle, made Mao Ruoyu and the others, who were sitting beside him, stare blankly.
She was truly like a caring and attentive mother, yet also incredibly beautiful and charming, creating a strange atmosphere between them.
“Lan’er, bring the tonic soup.”
“Yes, Madam.”
With a wave of Mother Tan’s hand, Lan’er quickly brought a pot of soup to the table and lifted the lid.
A cloud of hot steam rose, a rich and meaty aroma filling the air.
Mao Ruoyu sniffed it lightly and couldn’t help but cover her mouth with her hand, exclaiming softly: “Such a strong smell of alcohol!”
Looking at the thick soup in the pot, they saw many nourishing herbs and ingredients.
Lin Tianlu asked in surprise: “This soup is…”
“Specially made for you, Tianlu.”
Mother Tan smiled gently, stood up gracefully, her voluptuous figure swaying slightly, and filled a jade bowl with the thick soup.
“This soup contains various nourishing herbs and precious ingredients, especially… a few pieces of ‘king of whips,’ simmered for twelve hours to achieve this gelatinous and smooth texture.”
She handed him the bowl and spoon with a playful smile.
“…”
Lin Tianlu’s expression froze.
And Mao Ruoyu and Cheng Yishi, who were sitting beside him, blinked their eyes repeatedly, wondering what “king of whips” was.
Could it be…
“It’s for strengthening the kidneys and nourishing the body.”
Hua Shuya also put down her chopsticks, her face slightly flushed, stealing glances at him.
Master, are you really going to drink it?
“It does smell quite good.” Chi Lingyuan’s playful voice suddenly echoed.
She wrinkled her nose slightly and said with a chuckle: “Just a single sip of this soup would make even a three-year-old child feel hot all over, and even the most feminine eunuch would feel his blood boil and his Yang energy surge.”
Lin Tianlu immediately chuckled awkwardly: “Mother Tan, there’s no need for this soup. I-I don’t need any… kidney tonics…”
“Be obedient, Tianlu.”
But Mother Tan’s expression turned slightly stern, and she said softly: “You’ve married four wives, and you’re… active every night, you need to nourish your body. If something goes wrong, how will you keep your wives happy and satisfied in the future?”
“Ah——”
Hearing this, Mao Ruoyu and the others quickly covered their faces, their ears burning hot.
“No matter how high your cultivation is, your essence and Yang energy are not limitless, you have to learn how to nourish them.”
Mother Tan’s eyes narrowed slightly, and she said softly: “Come, drink this soup. If you continue to hesitate, I’ll personally feed you, my dear godson.”
Saying this, she picked up the spoon, blew on it gently, and after the soup cooled down a bit, brought it to his lips.
Lin Tianlu could only force a smile, wanting to take the bowl and spoon himself, but seeing Mother Tan’s firm expression, not letting go of the bowl at all, even bringing it closer to his lips,
He had no choice but to open his mouth and drink the soup with a wry smile.
Now he could truly feel…
…that Mother Tan’s personality was quite strong and domineering, truly like a strict mother.
“The taste might be a bit strange, but it’s for your and your wives’ future happiness, you have to endure it.” Mother Tan’s eyes were gentle and moist as she murmured: “Open your mouth, I’ll feed you until it’s finished.”
“A-All of it?”
“Naturally.”
Mother Tan nodded matter-of-factly: “You’re the only man in this villa, Tianlu, who else would drink it?”
Lin Tianlu chuckled awkwardly and continued to drink the soup.
Hua Shuya and Mao Ruoyu wanted to say something, but Mother Tan suddenly glanced at them coldly: “And there’s also your Yin nourishing porridge, you each have to drink a pot as well!”
“Eh!?”
Thump!
A large pot of porridge was suddenly placed on the table.
Mao Ruoyu and Cheng Yishi’s expressions froze, beads of cold sweat forming on their foreheads.
Mother Tan tonight… was a bit scary.
…
After the banquet, Lin Tianlu helped his three wives, who were slightly unsteady on their feet, back to their room. In the now tidy main hall, only Mother Tan and Chi Lingyuan remained.
And—
Yun Yue gracefully returned to the hall.
Mother Tan quickly asked: “Are Tianlu and Shuya alright?”
“They’re not ordinary people, they won’t have any problems.”
Yun Yue murmured softly: “After the effects of the medicine wear off, they’ll sleep soundly. You can go back and rest, Mother Tan, I’ll take care of them, they’ll be fine.”
“…Thank you, Miss Yun.”
Mother Tan sighed softly: “Although Tianlu is quite mature, having such a virtuous wife like you by his side puts my mind at ease.”
Yun Yue smiled gently.
It seemed that Tianlu’s impending departure tomorrow was making this cold and elegant woman anxious.
Chi Lingyuan leaned against the table, resting her chin on her hand, and chuckled: “Leaving aside Shuya and the others, Tianlu is truly overdoing it.”
“Why?”
“Mother Tan, haven’t you personally experienced Tianlu’s… vigor?” Chi Lingyuan teased: “Such astonishing Yang energy isn’t something that can be affected by a few bowls of soup. It will only make him even more… energetic tonight. It’s those girls… or perhaps you, Mother Tan, who should be worried~”
Mother Tan’s cold and calm face immediately flushed crimson, and she gave Chi Lingyuan a shy and playful glare.
But she quickly composed herself, gently touching her chest, her breathing slightly ragged, regaining her composure and pushing aside the memories of last night’s passionate encounter.
“You’re deliberately teasing me, Miss Chi.”
“I just wanted to see how strong your willpower is now, Mother Tan~”
“…I won’t… do anything reckless with Tianlu again.”
Mother Tan sighed softly.
Then, she looked at Yun Yue seriously: “Miss Yun, remember to prioritize safety during your travels these next few months, don’t put yourselves in danger.
No matter what, I wish you a safe journey.”
