Chapter 388: The Tides of Battle, Fortune and Misfortune Intertwined p2
Demons and ghosts were born either from the transformation of mortal souls or from the condensation of Yin energy. It was precisely because of this difficulty that they held a high status in this world and were blessed by heaven and earth.
Even ghost practitioners, after reaching a high level of cultivation, were no weaker than demons and ghosts, but where did such a large number of them come from?
“This question has puzzled many factions for a thousand years.”
The dignified woman chuckled softly: “During the Thousand Year War, the Luo Xing suddenly emerged at the end, sweeping through the Fengchen Kingdom with unstoppable force, even quelling the wars in the surrounding countries. How many ‘envoys’ and ‘Soultakers’ do you think the Luo Xing has, girl, to be able to defeat all the factions of the Fengchen Kingdom?”
“This…”
“Underestimating the Luo Xing is foolish.”
The dignified woman put down her book, picked up a brush, and gracefully wrote a few words.
The young maid beside her suddenly understood: “So that’s why you told us not to act rashly, Master?”
“Let’s see what this woman is planning and then decide. If she doesn’t act against us, it’s fine to cooperate with the Biluo Manor for a while.”
“But besides the battle in the county, there’s also the Black Snake Beauty, what do you plan to do with her, Master?”
“This woman’s identity and background are quite intriguing.”
The dignified woman said slowly: “However, she probably won’t survive tonight.”
The young maid exclaimed softly: “Wouldn’t that be a waste? She still has so much…”
“Whether she’s valuable or not has nothing to do with whether she lives or dies. Even if she’s dead, her body is still useful to us.”
The dignified woman held the brush and pondered for a moment, then quietly put it down.
“But send someone to observe. If she’s still alive, extract her memories and soul. I want to know what secrets are hidden within that broken knife hilt she’s been searching for, what makes her so confident in challenging the Luo Xing.”
Two figures silently retreated from a dark corner of the room.
But just then, another young woman hurriedly entered and knelt down, saying respectfully: “Master, there are outsiders approaching the county.”
“Who?”
“I don’t know.” The young woman said anxiously: “We’ve tried our best to investigate, but we can’t break through the barrier they’ve set up. We only know that they’re traveling in a carriage, moving steadily, seemingly unfazed by the battle in the county.”
“Qingfeng County is currently enveloped in a formation, and all the mortals are unconscious. To be able to enter the county now, they must be powerful cultivators.”
The young maid’s expression was serious, and she said in a deep voice: “Just keep an eye on them from afar, there’s no need to alert them and cause trouble. This battle is between the Luo Xing and the Biluo Manor, not us.”
“Wait—”
But the dignified woman suddenly frowned and looked up: “Recall our men, there’s no need to monitor that carriage.”
“Master?”
“Even if it’s just a possibility, we can’t take that risk.”
The dignified woman’s expression turned serious as she abruptly closed the book on the table, saying each word slowly and clearly: “The ‘guests’ in that carriage are very likely the Mystic Scholar, Lin Tianlu, and his group. We can’t afford to offend them.”
“Wha—”
Hearing this, the two young women in the room gasped, their eyes widening in shock, a heavy silence falling upon them.
After a moment of stunned silence, the kneeling young woman quickly stood up and retreated.
And the young woman standing beside the dignified woman asked anxiously: “Master, the ‘Mystic Scholar’ you mentioned, is he the same Lin Tianlu who caused such a commotion in Fengtai County with his earth-shattering sword strike?”
“Indeed.”
“But this person is elusive, his movements unpredictable, many factions have tried to track him, but he vanished without a trace, like he disappeared into thin air, how could he suddenly…”
“I’m just speculating.”
The dignified woman’s voice turned serious: “But I heard that Xima Prefecture is Lin Tianlu’s hometown, and based on the timing, it’s indeed possible that he’s passing through here. And I’ve also heard that he’s incredibly perceptive and powerful, we can’t afford to provoke him carelessly.”
As soon as she finished speaking, the young woman who had left suddenly returned.
But her face was now incredibly pale, as if she was about to cry.
Seeing her expression, the dignified woman’s heart sank, her face darkening: “That carriage—”
The young woman’s voice trembled, and she said with a mournful expression: “It’s… it’s parked downstairs.”
…
The dignified woman was momentarily speechless.
The maid beside her asked anxiously: “M-Master, what should we do…?”
“I’ll go and meet this Lin Tianlu.”
The dignified woman’s expression gradually calmed down, and she tightened her fur-lined robe, taking the lead and walking out of the private room, descending the stairs.
Looking down, she could vaguely see the outline of the carriage parked outside the quiet inn, and a tall and straight figure standing in the cold winter wind.
—She couldn’t sense any killing intent.
He was even patiently waiting outside, seemingly without any hostile intentions.
She composed herself and walked towards the door with steady steps.
Only then did she clearly see the scholar’s face, and her eyes flickered with surprise.
—He looked even younger than she had imagined.
And his expression and demeanor were completely different from the powerful and intimidating figure described in the rumors. On the contrary, at first glance, he seemed quite gentle and refined, his expression kind and gentle, not at all like a ferocious villain.
“This madam must be… the owner of this inn?”
Lin Tianlu smiled gently, cupping his hands: “I apologize for disturbing you so late at night, Madam.”
“I haven’t gone to bed yet, sir, there’s no need to apologize.” The dignified woman lowered her eyes slightly and curtsied: “But may I ask why you’ve come here so late?”
“I happened to be passing through Qingfeng County and encountered this conflict.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled: “And as I was passing by in my carriage, I happened to notice your presence, so I came to inquire.”
The dignified woman’s eyes flickered, and she murmured: “There’s nothing much to say, it’s just a conflict between local demon and ghost factions, vying for power and resources. After all, with the current chaotic situation in the world, such conflicts are unavoidable.”
“Then what are your thoughts, Madam, as a demon yourself?”
Hearing this, her expression froze slightly.
Her identity had been easily seen through.
She suppressed her emotions and said calmly: “I’ve been running this inn for many years, sir, I have no interest in power struggles.
I don’t want to get involved in the conflicts between those demons and ghosts. I’ve just instructed my maids to stay inside and sent a few out to observe, so we don’t get dragged into it.”
“I see.”
Lin Tianlu nodded in understanding.
The dignified woman wiped the cold sweat from her palm, about to speak again, when the unfathomable Mystic Scholar before her smiled gently and cupped his hands: “You’re quite noble and virtuous, Madam, not wanting to be associated with those villains, truly admirable.”
“S-Sir…”
“I apologize if my words were presumptuous.” Lin Tianlu smiled and cupped his hands: “But since you want to stay out of the conflict, Madam, you should leave this place quickly with your maids. This place is too dangerous. Those villains, lost in their bloodlust, won’t show any mercy. It’s still early, you can still escape.”
“And besides—”
He pointed at the ground beneath their feet, his tone turning serious: “As a demon, you should understand the power of formations, Madam. There’s a hidden formation beneath this inn, ready to be activated.”
The dignified woman’s pupils constricted, and she instinctively looked down.
This place had been tampered with!?
Not by the Luo Xing, but by Li Caidie… When did this woman become so cunning and unpredictable, for her to not even notice?!
“Leave quickly, Madam, before the formation is activated.”
Lin Tianlu said seriously: “After all, this inn is just a building, your safety is most important.”
Saying this, he quickly cupped his hands: “I won’t disturb you any longer, farewell, Madam.”
“S-Sir!”
Seeing Lin Tianlu turn to leave, the dignified woman reached out and said, her voice slightly hesitant: “Are you… continuing your journey?”
“With such a major incident, I naturally have to go and have a look.” Lin Tianlu turned around and smiled: “I can’t let them activate such a dangerous formation in this town, the consequences would be unimaginable.”
Saying this, he climbed back onto the carriage, shook the reins, and quietly departed.
The dignified woman stood there, staring blankly at the departing carriage, as if in a daze.
This man… was truly different from the rumors.
There was no fierce or ruthless aura about him, nor any arrogance or disdain. Just a few words with him made one feel a gentle warmth, her previous anxiety and apprehension dissipating, replaced by a sense of ease.
This feeling… was incredibly comfortable.
“M-Master, Lin Tianlu has left, should we…”
“Leave the inn, but don’t alert the enemy.” The dignified woman murmured: “The situation here might change, we, the Ji Red Workshop, have to be prepared.”
The young maid beside her asked in surprise: “Do you truly intend to get involved in this battle, Master?”
“No.”
But the dignified woman shook her head.
“Not in this conflict, but with Lin Tianlu.”
“Lin… Tianlu?”
“This man… is worth it.”
The dignified woman narrowed her eyes and said with conviction: “I have a premonition that this man’s visit to Qingfeng County isn’t a bad thing for us, on the contrary, it might even be an… opportunity!”
“And this opportunity is right before us. Whether it’s a blessing or a curse depends on whether we can seize it!”
