Chapter 392: Still Needs to Grow, Return to Lunar Valley
Although it was night, a candle flickered brightly inside the carriage.
Half an hour had passed since the incident in Qingfeng County. After a hasty rest, the group quietly left the city in their carriage, continuing towards Shilin County, which was close to Lunar Valley.
However—
Inside the carriage.
Bai Xin sat huddled in a corner, her arms crossed, her brows slightly furrowed, a look of discomfort on her face.
Although the fox demon, Yun Yue, had transformed back into her fox form and was sitting outside with Lin Tianlu, the carriage was still filled with young and beautiful women.
Among them was Mao Ruoyu, an “old acquaintance,” Hua Shuya, whom she had met briefly before, and Cheng Yishi, a “stranger” whose name she knew but had never interacted with.
She wasn’t good at socializing and hadn’t made any close friends during her years of traveling. And now, being surrounded by Lin Tianlu’s wives made her feel incredibly awkward… and a bit annoyed.
That beast in scholar’s clothing, Lin Tianlu, although he appeared gentle and refined, still had three wives and a concubine, truly despicable.
And looking at the way that fox demon was flirting with him, their relationship must be quite intimate as well.
“Little Sister Xin, please accept this gift.”
Just then, Mao Ruoyu took out a cloth-wrapped gift box from her bag and handed it over with a smile.
“My husband and I spent a long time choosing this in Jiangnan, we think it’s the most suitable for you.”
“I… since when did I ask for a gift from you?”
Bai Xin pursed her lips slightly and murmured: “And why do you keep calling me ‘Little Sister?’ It’s a bit… unsettling.”
“It’s been a while since I’ve seen my junior sister, naturally, I miss you~”
Seeing Mao Ruoyu’s gentle and affectionate smile, Bai Xin sighed inwardly, unable to maintain her cold demeanor, and reluctantly took the gift box.
But feeling its weight, her expression turned subtle, and she whispered: “Did you really prepare something valuable? There’s no need—”
“It’s nothing too extravagant.”
Mao Ruoyu leaned closer, a doting smile on her face: “But if you’re curious, Little Sister Xin, why don’t you open it and have a look?”
“A-Alright…”
Bai Xin pursed her lips and carefully unwrapped the cloth with mixed feelings.
A square, embroidered wooden box came into view, seemingly crafted by a master, its appearance exquisite.
She slowly opened the lid and saw a neatly folded, turquoise green fabric inside.
“This is—”
Bai Xin, curious, touched the fabric with her fingertip, feeling its smooth and delicate texture, like flowing water, its patterns embroidered exquisitely. Even a glance was enough to tell that it was the work of a skilled craftsman.
“A dress made especially for you, Little Sister Xin.” Mao Ruoyu chuckled: “This fabric is the finest in the region, it’s called ‘Water Cloud Silk.’ It’s cool and refreshing even in summer, strong yet soft, incredibly comfortable to wear.
And I checked carefully, it seems to be infused with Yin energy, resistant to blades and tears, perfect for both everyday wear and travel.”
Bai Xin was speechless, she picked up the dress and examined it briefly, its size seemingly fitting her perfectly.
But—
“How did you know my size?” Bai Xin asked with a strange expression: “I don’t think I told you.”
Mao Ruoyu chuckled, covering her mouth with her hand: “I still remember clearly seeing Little Sister Xin hanging upside down from the roof, just a little thought, and I could figure it out~”
“…”
Bai Xin’s face flushed red, almost wanting to throw the gift box back.
She hadn’t expected this woman to remember that embarrassing scene so clearly!
But after taking a few deep breaths, she calmed down, rubbing her temples with a slightly troubled look.
“So, you asked a local tailor to—”
“My husband and I made it together.”
“Hmm?”
Bai Xin was stunned.
She quickly looked at the beautiful woman beside her and asked in surprise: “You and that scholar outside… made this dress?”
“To be precise, we did have some help.” Mao Ruoyu smiled faintly: “My husband asked the shopkeeper about sewing techniques and measurements, and then he started working on it. I embroidered the floral patterns later.”
“It took quite a while.”
Cheng Yishi, sitting opposite them, chuckled softly: “But what should have taken several days, my husband almost finished it in the shop, it really surprised the shopkeeper.”
Bai Xin’s expression turned even more complex, the dress in her hands suddenly feeling much heavier.
This dress was actually made by them, husband and wife.
“…Thank you for your efforts.”
Mao Ruoyu pointed inside the box: “Take a closer look, Little Sister Xin.”
“Is there anything else?” Bai Xin picked up the dress and looked inside the box, seeing a rolled-up… whip at the bottom.
“I didn’t know what kind of weapon you use now, Little Sister, but remembering that you used a whip before, I thought of buying one for you.”
Mao Ruoyu smiled gently: “You just said your weapon was destroyed, so you can use this whip for now. Although it’s just an ordinary whip, it’s better than nothing.”
Bai Xin lowered her eyes slightly, her gaze flickering, but she quickly looked away and put the dress and whip back into the box.
“Thank you.”
“It seems you like it.”
Mao Ruoyu smiled and helped her rewrap the gift box, teasing: “But you should change your stubborn personality, Little Sister.”
“I’m not stubborn…”
Bai Xin’s voice was weak, clearly lacking conviction, a helpless look on her face.
Seeing the harmonious interaction between the two martial sisters, Cheng Yishi, who was sitting opposite them, smiled faintly, nodding thoughtfully.
Although Ruoyu had said that her relationship with this junior sister wasn’t very close, it seemed… to be improving.
Perhaps with more time, they could let go of their past grudges and become close again.
“However, I still don’t know why you’re here in Qingfeng County.”
Mao Ruoyu suddenly asked: “The Biluo Manor is challenging the Luo Xing, and the Ji Red Workshop is watching from the sidelines, but why are you involved, Bai Xin? Those rogue demons, ghosts, and practitioners might be seeking power and profit, but you—”
“It’s a mission from the Valley Master.”
“Mission?”
Bai Xin’s sudden response surprised Mao Ruoyu.
“Why would the Valley Master suddenly send you to Qingfeng County to interfere in this conflict? Doesn’t she advocate for the disciples of Lunar Valley to stay out of worldly affairs?”
“The Valley Master didn’t ask me to fight or kill.” Bai Xin said indifferently: “She just wanted me to find a few ‘treasures’ outside and bring them back to Lunar Valley, they’re apparently very useful. But after some investigation, I found a clue suggesting that one of these treasures is hidden in Qingfeng County, so I came here to search.”
She reached into her bosom and took out a broken knife hilt: “With the help of Li Caidie from the Biluo Manor, I successfully found this.”
Mao Ruoyu and the others couldn’t help but look at it closely, their expressions turning strange.
This object looked quite old, but it just seemed like an ordinary, broken piece of metal.
Would the Valley Master really send Bai Xin on such a long and arduous journey just for this insignificant trinket?
“I know you’re curious.” Bai Xin’s eyes flickered, and she said calmly: “But this is just a medium, a clue, the real treasure is still out there.”
“I see.”
Mao Ruoyu murmured in understanding: “So because of this, you temporarily obeyed the mistress of Biluo Manor and fought against those two demons and ghosts?”
“I was just stalling for time.”
Bai Xin frowned and said in a deep voice: “But I didn’t expect that woman to be so crazy, trying to activate that secret ritual and absorb everything, even willing to destroy the entire town.”
Mao Ruoyu’s heart stirred, and she quickly smiled gently and said reassuringly: “Alright, it’s all over now, just relax, Little Sister. How is everyone in Lunar Valley these days? It’s been months since we last saw Martial Aunt and First Elder at the wedding.”
“I visited once, Ninth Elder is doing well. Although she hasn’t been going out, she was painting and writing poetry in the courtyard, quite leisurely.”
Bai Xin said slowly: “As for First Elder, she’s been cultivating in seclusion since returning from the wedding, I rarely see her… Or rather, I rarely saw her even before.”
“Are the other elders doing well?”
“They’re fine.”
Bai Xin glanced sideways at the driver’s seat outside the curtain: “And a while ago, I heard that the Valley Master and Eighth Elder left Lunar Valley together. The Valley Master has returned, but I haven’t seen Eighth Elder yet, she probably still has some important matters to attend to.”
“Eighth Elder is still outside?” Mao Ruoyu was slightly surprised.
Could she also be searching for some treasure, like Bai Xin?
“By the way!”
Mao Ruoyu clasped her hands together and quickly asked again: “It seemed that the Valley Master brought back a few injured guests to Lunar Valley, how are their injuries now?”
“I haven’t seen them myself, but I heard from my junior sisters that two of them have already left.”
“They’ve already left?”
The carriage curtain was suddenly lifted, and Lin Tianlu poked his head in, asking in surprise: “They didn’t stay in Lunar Valley?”
Bai Xin nodded slightly and gave him a playful glare: “As for the whereabouts of the other woman, I don’t know. After all, I left the valley a while ago and came to Qingfeng County. You can see for yourselves when you arrive in a few days.”
Saying this, she added coldly: “You really are a womanizer.”
Lin Tianlu couldn’t help but chuckle awkwardly.
It wasn’t convenient to explain this matter, the more he said, the more complicated it would become.
“But you saved my life this time, so I’ll turn a blind eye to this.” Bai Xin pulled the curtain and snorted softly: “Focus on driving, be careful not to hit anyone in this dark night.”
…
The next morning arrived.
With New Year’s Eve just three days away, the streets and alleys of Shilin County, which they were passing through, were already decorated with festive lanterns and ornaments, the atmosphere lively and bustling. Many children, dressed in new clothes, were playing and laughing.
Lin Tianlu and his group drove through the county, their spirits lifted by the festive atmosphere. They stopped briefly in a small alley and bought some New Year’s goods, including decorations, fireworks, and firecrackers.
Thankfully, the spacious carriage provided by Mother Tan could hold all their purchases.
“You’re quite generous with your spending.”
A cold and indifferent voice suddenly came from nearby.
Lin Tianlu had just put a box of fireworks into the carriage when he glanced sideways and saw Bai Xin sitting gracefully on the railing of an inn, her long, black dress outlining her figure, her crossed legs swaying gently, her fair and delicate skin faintly visible, incredibly alluring.
Although not as stunning as a mature woman, she still possessed a unique charm.
Bai Xin, her hands resting on the railing, her head slightly raised, looked down at him with a condescending gaze, and said casually: “Are you really planning to set off those fireworks in Lunar Valley?”
“I heard that the valley is usually quite quiet, with no festivities during the New Year, just a special dinner, I thought I’d add some festive cheer.”
Lin Tianlu patted the wooden box beside him: “The elders are experienced and probably won’t be interested. But there are many young disciples in the valley, some of them still quite innocent, I’m sure they’ll enjoy the fireworks.”
“If you anger those elders who prefer peace and quiet, I won’t speak up for you.”
“I’ll ask them first, I won’t do it if they object.” Lin Tianlu chuckled and cupped his hands: “But thank you for your concern, Little Sister Bai.”
“It would be good for you to be scolded by the elders.”
Bai Xin raised her hand, brushed back her hair, which was swaying gently in the breeze, and looked towards the bustling street with a slightly distant gaze.
The streets and alleys were filled with shops and stalls, hawkers’ calls and the joyful chatter of the crowd echoing endlessly, making her feel a bit emotional.
“Is this your first time seeing such a lively Spring Festival scene, Little Sister?”
“…Come to think of it, yes.”
Bai Xin’s eyes flickered slightly, and she murmured: “I was taken in by the elders and brought to Lunar Valley when I was young, and I’ve been cultivating there ever since. I’ve only recently been allowed to leave the valley, I’ve never truly experienced the Spring Festival among mortals.”
Seeing her slightly melancholic expression, Lin Tianlu softened his tone: “Ruoyu and the others are buying New Year’s goods on the street now, why don’t you go with them, Miss?”
“I don’t want to buy anything.”
Bai Xin withdrew her gaze, crossed her legs, and looked down at him with a faint smile: “You sly scholar, are you trying to say something sweet to move my heart? I’m not like that foolish Mao Ruoyu, I won’t be swayed by your words.”
Lin Tianlu couldn’t help but smile: “Since you’re unwilling, Miss, I won’t force you, I’ll go and browse the shops myself later.
However, sitting so casually on the railing, Miss, aren’t you worried about attracting unwanted attention…?”
“These mortals can’t see me.”
“I see.”
Lin Tianlu rearranged the wooden boxes and turned around, casually saying: “But you should still be mindful of your posture, Miss. If any demon, ghost, or practitioner happens to pass by, they might see… something they shouldn’t.”
Bai Xin paused slightly.
Then, her face flushed crimson, and she quickly lowered her head, pulling her skirt down to cover her legs.
“You…!”
“Please keep an eye on the carriage, Miss, I’ll go and buy you some snacks as an apology.”
Lin Tianlu smiled, waved his hand, and quickly disappeared.
Bai Xin glared at his retreating figure, her face still red, and muttered inwardly: “This presumptuous man!”
“Neigh—”
Meixia, in front of the carriage, glanced sideways, a strange, human-like expression on her horse face as she snorted softly.
…
A while later.
“This…”
Bai Xin’s expression was subtle, and she hesitated: “Did you really buy this for me?”
“Of course.”
Lin Tianlu smiled, holding up a stick of glutinous rice balls covered in sesame seeds: “I was just browsing the stalls, and this local snack caught my eye. Everyone, both adults and children, seemed to be enjoying it, so I bought some for you to try.”
“…It looks alright, but do you even know if it tastes good?”
“I saw the old man make it with my own eyes, he used plenty of ingredients, it should be delicious.”
Reassured, Bai Xin still looked slightly hesitant as she took the glutinous rice balls: “You’re treating me like a child.”
Tinkle—
But a crisp, wind chime-like sound suddenly echoed.
Bai Xin was slightly stunned and looked down to see a small wind chime hanging from the bottom of the stick, seemingly made of jade and gold threads, swaying gently in the breeze, emitting a pleasant and soft sound.
“This is…”
“A New Year’s gift.”
Lin Tianlu smiled: “There was a stall selling trinkets and jade ornaments beside the food stall, and I thought this looked quite nice, so I bought it for you as a New Year’s gift.
Try it on later, if you like it, keep it.”
Saying this, he continued loading the New Year’s goods onto the carriage.
“…”
Bai Xin took the wind chime and held it gently in her hand.
After a moment of silence, she couldn’t help but sigh softly: “Such a meaningless gesture.”
“But you seem quite happy, Miss, that’s enough.”
Lin Tianlu smiled and was about to say something more when he suddenly looked up and quickly went to help Mao Ruoyu and the others with their purchases.
“You’ve bought quite a lot of things today, ladies.”
“Mostly poultry, duck, and cured meats.” Mao Ruoyu chuckled: “We have to prepare a good New Year’s Eve dinner at Master’s place, we can’t always impose on them.”
…
Bai Xin, sitting on the railing, watched them chatting and laughing affectionately, a faint smile appearing on her lips as she took a bite of the glutinous rice ball.
Savoring the sweet and fragrant sesame flavor, she felt a warmth spreading through her heart, and she snorted softly: “Your taste isn’t bad this time, I’ll let you off the hook.”
“Girl!”
Lin Tianlu suddenly turned around and beckoned: “Don’t just sit there, it’s time to go, don’t let anyone kidnap you!”
Bai Xin almost bit through the stick, a vein throbbing on her forehead as she glared at him before reluctantly leaping onto the driver’s seat.
This presumptuous man, he really did treat her like a child!
…
Late at night, in the quiet and secluded mountain villa.
Faint candlelight flickered in the ancient spring bathhouse. A graceful and alluring figure, dressed in a short purple robe, her long, bare legs moving gracefully, her full hips swaying, quietly approached the pool with silent steps.
“It’s rare for you to come looking for me, Jingyun.”
A straight and slender figure sat quietly in the hot spring, her long, black hair spread out on the water. Even though she was soaking in the medicinal bath, her ample bosom still rose proudly above the surface, swaying gently.
She brushed the hair from her face and glanced over indifferently: “I thought you would be too busy celebrating Lin Tianlu’s return to even notice anyone else.”
“—Eighth Elder.”
Wu Jingyun gently placed the wooden basin in her hand down and knelt down beside the pool, a grateful look on her mature and beautiful face: “Thank you for your help along the way, taking care of Tianlu and Ruoyu.”
Eighth Elder lowered her eyes slightly and said calmly: “It wasn’t much help, with his cultivation and abilities, those demons and ghosts were nothing to him.”
“Although Tianlu is powerful, he’s not invincible, he can’t always protect Ruoyu and the others.” Wu Jingyun shook her head.
She knew very well that although those rogue demons, ghosts, and practitioners outside weren’t as powerful as Tianlu, their cunning schemes and plots were difficult to guard against.
If they were caught off guard, it could lead to trouble.
Her thoughts stirring, she quickly murmured: “I, as their elder, must thank you properly for this.”
“If you want to thank someone, thank the Valley Master.”
Eighth Elder tilted her head slightly and said frankly: “She’s the one who instructed me to accompany you and deal with any trouble.”
“I understand.”
Wu Jingyun blinked her beautiful eyes and asked softly: “How are your injuries?”
“Almost fully healed.”
Eighth Elder said indifferently: “They weren’t that serious, just a bit tiring.”
Then, she suddenly changed the subject:
“Instead of worrying about me, Jingyun, you should go and help the Valley Master and the others.”
“…There’s no need for my help right now.” Wu Jingyun’s eyes flickered slightly, as if deep in thought: “Where is First Elder now?”
“Her?”
Eighth Elder touched the healed wounds on her shoulder and said calmly: “I heard that Lin Tianlu is back, she probably snuck out to… find them.”
“First Elder—”
Wu Jingyun’s eyes narrowed slightly.
