Chapter 395: Reunion Joy, Late Night Shadows
“Hu—”
Lin Tianlu carried several large boxes of fireworks and other miscellaneous items into the storage shed in the backyard, dusted off his hands, and prepared to move the food ingredients into the kitchen.
But just as he turned around, his footsteps stopped abruptly.
A voluptuous figure stood at the door of the shed. A gentle breeze rustled her black hair and skirt, her beautiful face adorned with a soft and gentle smile: “Tianlu, it’s been a while.”
“Martial Aunt.”
Lin Tianlu was slightly stunned, then a bright smile appeared on his face as he bowed: “You’re as beautiful as ever, Martial Aunt.”
“Such flattery as soon as we meet?” Wu Jingyun chuckled softly, covering her mouth with her hand: “Just like those girls said, you’ve become quite the smooth talker, you know how to please women now.”
Lin Tianlu couldn’t help but chuckle awkwardly.
As if remembering something, he quickly asked: “Martial Aunt, were there three women brought back here a while ago…?”
“They left after their injuries healed.”
Wu Jingyun explained softly: “There’s no need for you to worry, Tianlu, they all have our Lunar Valley tokens, if they’re in danger, we’ll know.”
Lin Tianlu scratched his head and sighed inwardly.
He wasn’t worried about the two demons and ghosts, but that little girl had also left without saying goodbye.
“However, seeing that you’re all safe and sound puts my mind at ease.”
Wu Jingyun blinked her beautiful eyes, walked towards him quietly, reached out and touched his arm, and said with admiration: “You look much stronger than before, Tianlu, more manly. It seems Ruoyu and the others have taken good care of you.”
Then, she chuckled: “I just saw Ruoyu and the others, they also look… healthier, it seems you’ve all been enjoying yourselves during your travels.”
Lin Tianlu pushed those thoughts aside and chuckled: “We’ve indeed traveled to many provinces, counties, and towns this past month, enjoying the scenery and tasting many local delicacies.”
“It’s good to see the world.”
Wu Jingyun’s expression became even gentler, her eyes filled with affection, and she reached out to straighten his clothes: “I’m also curious about your experiences during this journey, and what wondrous sights you’ve seen.”
Although they were thousands of miles apart, she had still received news and reports from Bai Xin and the others, knowing about Lin Tianlu’s “reputation” outside.
She felt a sense of pride, and also a hint of envy.
But Lin Tianlu just chuckled: “Although we had many experiences, it might not be as wonderful as you imagine, Martial Aunt.”
“It’s fine~”
Wu Jingyun smiled gently: “Just tell me about the food and local customs, I haven’t left the valley for a long time, and I don’t know what new delicacies there are. I have to learn more to prepare a good New Year’s Eve dinner for you all.”
She glanced at the wooden boxes that had just been carried into the shed: “But I wonder what’s in these boxes? I saw many more outside in the courtyard.”
“These are decorations, lanterns, paper cuttings, and couplets. I’ll decorate the courtyard later.” Lin Tianlu smiled and pointed at another box: “And these are fireworks and firecrackers, to celebrate the New Year, I was planning to share them with the younger disciples in the valley. But if you prefer peace and quiet in Lunar Valley, there’s no need to take them out…”
“You’re so thoughtful, Tianlu.”
Wu Jingyun said softly: “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of the fireworks. The disciples have been cooped up for a whole year, it’s fine to let them relax for a few days, I don’t think the other elders will mind too much.”
Lin Tianlu smiled and opened another wooden box: “And this is ‘Sinking Moon Heartwood’, excellent for carving and incense making, these are the finest quality.
Although there’s something similar in Lunar Valley, I think they each have their own unique qualities, so I asked Shuya’s aunt for some.”
“This…”
Wu Jingyun looked at it curiously, seeing the smooth and round pieces of wood inside the box, their luster like porcelain, quite beautiful.
As the box opened, a faint and pleasant fragrance filled the air, not pungent, but warm and sweet.
“This is indeed excellent wood.”
“If you like it, Martial Aunt, I can try carving a few brushes for you after the New Year, they will surely be to your liking.”
“I’ll have to trouble you then, Tianlu.” Wu Jingyun couldn’t help but smile, her eyes soft and gentle.
“And the ones outside… are poultry and meat.”
Lin Tianlu closed the box: “I was just about to take them to the kitchen, and I happened to see you, Martial Aunt.”
Wu Jingyun couldn’t help but smile: “Although we don’t lack food in Lunar Valley, it’s very thoughtful of you, Tianlu, I naturally have to accept this gift… Hmm?”
Her eyelashes trembled slightly, and she looked at his ear with surprise:
“Did you meet with First Elder before entering the valley, Tianlu?”
“Ah… She was the one who brought us in.”
Lin Tianlu shrugged: “First Elder seemed much more… lively than before, she even teased us along the way.”
“She’s only like that in front of you, she’s usually quite proper.” Wu Jingyun sighed helplessly: “She probably said some strange things, just ignore her.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled awkwardly.
Those words…
It would be a disaster if he took them seriously.
“Alright, Tianlu, go and wash up and change your clothes.” Wu Jingyun’s expression returned to its usual gentleness: “Since you’ve brought so many ingredients, let me prepare a welcome dinner for you all.”
…
A while later.
Lin Tianlu, having just washed his face, arrived at the kitchen and, looking around, couldn’t help but make a strange expression.
“H-Husband, you’re here?”
Cheng Yishi happened to be carrying a plate, a slightly awkward smile on her face.
She wasn’t wearing her usual elegant clothes but was dressed simply, her hair tied up, a floral apron around her waist, quite the virtuous and gentle wife.
However—
She wasn’t the only one in the kitchen.
Hua Shuya was carefully chopping scallions and meat, Mao Ruoyu was skillfully stir-frying dishes, and Martial Aunt was kneading dough, seemingly preparing some kind of pastry.
As for Yun Yue, she was currently in her fox form, lying lazily by the water basin, seemingly helping to fetch water.
…She looked more like a lucky charm.
“I thought you and Shuya were enjoying the scenery in the courtyard, Yishi.”
Lin Tianlu smiled faintly: “I didn’t expect you to be helping in the kitchen as well?”
“Martial Aunt and Ruoyu are cooking, it would be rude of me to just wander around outside.” Cheng Yishi chuckled: “It’s just a pity that I’m not very good at cooking, so I can only help with serving tea, washing dishes, and other small tasks.”
Lin Tianlu leaned closer and gently kissed her forehead: “It’s very thoughtful of you, my wife.”
“A-Alright, everyone’s watching.” Cheng Yishi said shyly, a playful glare in her eyes.
Hua Shuya, who was closest to them, quickly looked away, blushing slightly, her chopping slowing down.
“Let me help as well.”
Lin Tianlu smiled, rolled up his sleeves, and walked to the stove: “Ruoyu, let me do the stir-frying, it must be tiring for your arms and wrists.”
Mao Ruoyu blinked her eyes playfully: “Then I’ll have to trouble you, husband.”
Wu Jingyun, standing beside them, shook her head and chuckled, her eyes soft and gentle, her heart filled with warmth and joy.
With the family reunited, the usually quiet and cold kitchen had become so lively, filled with laughter and chatter, such a warm and happy scene.
Kneading the dough in the basin, she felt a surge of joy, her heart filled with sweetness.
“Master, let Ruoyu help you shape these ‘little flowers’~”
Mao Ruoyu smiled and leaned closer to Wu Jingyun, her movements swift and skillful as she started working on another piece of dough.
“You girl—” Wu Jingyun’s voice was soft and gentle as she lifted a strand of Mao Ruoyu’s hair with her pinky finger: “You haven’t changed at all after your travels, your cooking skills have even improved.”
“I’m still far from Master’s level.”
Mao Ruoyu smiled sweetly.
Lowering her eyes slightly, she leaned against Wu Jingyun’s shoulder and whispered: “I still have much to learn from you, Mother.”
“…”
Wu Jingyun’s kneading paused slightly.
After a moment, her eyes shimmered with moisture, and she whispered playfully: “Silly girl.”
But she couldn’t suppress the smile on her face, her cheeks flushed, a happy and seductive look in her eyes.
Crack!
A crisp sound suddenly echoed.
Everyone turned their heads to see Cheng Yishi, a look of embarrassment on her face, holding two broken pieces of porcelain, her face splashed with water: “Th-The floor is a bit slippery, I lost my footing and stumbled…”
Wu Jingyun smiled gently: “It’s fine, just think of it as a good omen for peace and safety.”
“I’ll help!”
Lin Tianlu, still stir-frying, raised his hand without looking back: “Wait for me, Yishi, I’ll help you wash the dishes later!”
“M-Master, these chili peppers and scallions… they’re making my eyes water…”
Hua Shuya looked at him, her eyes teary, her face red from the pungent smell.
“Coming, coming! I’ll be right there!”
Lin Tianlu quickly finished cooking, plated the dishes, and then, with lightning speed, appeared beside Hua Shuya, swiftly chopping the chili peppers before disappearing and reappearing beside Cheng Yishi, helping her wash the dishes.
Mao Ruoyu and Wu Jingyun exchanged glances and couldn’t help but chuckle softly.
Tianlu, as a husband, was truly… busy and hardworking.
…
As night fell, a mist enveloped Lunar Valley.
But inside the courtyard, the lights were bright, and a warm steam rose from the table laden with a sumptuous feast, the dishes shimmering with beautiful colors.
Wu Jingyun raised her wine cup, her beautiful eyes sweeping over everyone at the table, then settling on Hua Shuya with a smile: “Now, should I congratulate you on your wedding, girl?”
“Mmm…”
Hua Shuya blushed, but she still raised her cup for a toast, smiling shyly: “Thank you, Martial Aunt.”
“Alright, let’s eat.” Wu Jingyun smiled gently: “Tianlu made most of the dishes today, you girls should praise him, he worked very hard, running around everywhere.”
Mao Ruoyu smiled sweetly and placed a piece of fish in Wu Jingyun’s bowl: “Please try it first, Master, and then—”
She turned her head and offered another piece of fish to Lin Tianlu, smiling: “Enjoy, my husband~”
Wu Jingyun’s heart warmed, seeing their affectionate interaction. She put the fish in her mouth, savoring the rich flavor and tender texture, incredibly fresh and delicious.
“Husband, try this dish as well.” Cheng Yishi, sitting beside him with a gentle smile, elegantly offered him a dish.
“I’ll eat everything, don’t worry!”
Lin Tianlu chuckled and started eating enthusiastically.
Mao Ruoyu glanced sideways at Cheng Yishi, forcing a smile.
And Cheng Yishi also smiled at her, her gentle eyes seemingly sparking with electricity, as if they were secretly competing.
“…”
Wu Jingyun, sitting in the main seat, chuckled inwardly, shaking her head helplessly.
These two girls, they had been so close and caring towards each other while cooking, and now they were “fighting” again.
“In the end, it’s Shuya who’s the most relaxed and carefree.”
Wu Jingyun picked up a meatball and placed it in Hua Shuya’s bowl, saying gently: “You’ve been working hard practicing your martial arts, eat more and regain your strength.”
Hua Shuya smiled faintly: “Thank you, Martial Aunt.”
Although there were only five people at the table, the spacious hall was filled with warmth and laughter on this winter night.
…
And outside the main hall of the villa.
A graceful figure stood quietly in the peaceful and serene night, her pure white robe fluttering gently in the breeze, a gauze shawl draped over her arms and around her waist, the curves of her hips incredibly alluring, like a meticulously crafted jade sculpture, shimmering faintly in the moonlight. Her long and slender legs were perfectly straight, her demeanor elegant and dignified.
“Aren’t you going to find Tianlu tonight, Valley Master?”
The figure of Second Elder slowly emerged from the dark hall.
She was still leaning on her wooden staff, her steps steady as she walked towards the Valley Master.
“Let Jingyun and the others enjoy their reunion tonight.” A faint smile appeared on the Valley Master’s lips, her eyes shimmering with a mysterious light, her hair swaying gently, a pair of crescent moon earrings dangling from her ears.
“It wouldn’t be appropriate for us to interrupt.”
“Jingyun…”
Second Elder’s gaze drifted towards a distant, brightly lit courtyard: “Jingyun has truly changed these past few days.”
In the past, although Wu Jingyun wasn’t completely silent, there had always been a hint of sadness in her eyes, her personality cold and aloof. But now, her radiant and joyful demeanor was truly genuine.
“It’s a good thing for Jingyun to be happy again.”
The Valley Master lowered her eyes slightly and chuckled: “I’ll go and talk to Tianlu tomorrow afternoon. As for those other matters, we can discuss them after the New Year, there’s no rush.”
Second Elder smiled gently: “It seems you also care quite a bit about Tianlu, Valley Master.”
“After all, he saved Wulei’s life, and he’s also our Lunar Valley’s benefactor, as the Valley Master, I naturally have to repay him.” The Valley Master also looked towards that courtyard and said softly: “And it’s not just Jingyun, many of our elders have also benefited from Tianlu’s kindness. At least you, Second Elder, look much healthier now, your lifespan even increased.”
Second Elder used to be hunched over and frail, her face weathered, as if she were nearing the end of her life.
But now, her back was straight, and her face looked younger, full of vitality.
“That Tianlu boy is truly a good person.” Second Elder chuckled: “Young, yet also sensible and respectful.”
“With his connection to the Wan Sheng Immortal Sect, he’s naturally extraordinary.”
Second Elder paused slightly and chuckled: “So, are you planning to watch Tianlu and his family from afar tonight, Valley Master?”
The Valley Master said softly: “The path of cultivation is long and arduous, I’ll return to the hall and meditate later.”
“Then what about the thing Bai Xin girl was searching for outside…?”
“It’s a fake.”
The Valley Master’s expression remained unchanged, and she said indifferently: “It was switched by Li Caidie, that abandoned pawn of the Ji Red Workshop. It should be in their hands now.”
Second Elder frowned slightly: “Should I go and retrieve the real one?”
“No need.”
The corners of the Valley Master’s lips curved into a faint smile: “A single Fate Star Cursed Tool isn’t that important to us.”
Second Elder’s eyes flickered, her heart trembling slightly, and she whispered in suppressed shock: “Valley Master, could it be that you’ve already—”
“Lunar Valley has become a ‘separate realm,’ no longer bound by the rules of the demon and ghost world.”
The Valley Master lowered her eyes and smiled gently: “Wulei, by absorbing the resentment of the Moon Soul Sacred Sect and breaking through the rules, has established the foundation of this separate realm, like an anchor. I no longer need to be cautious, I can just follow her path.”
Second Elder’s expression turned slightly serious, and she said with concern: “Please be careful, Valley Master. It’s said that there will be a terrifying tribulation lightning when one approaches the Shattered Realm. For the sake of our Lunar Valley, please be cautious.”
“Shattered Realm?”
But the Valley Master just smiled meaningfully: “Wulei has already reached that realm.”
Second Elder was silent for a moment, her eyes widening gradually.
After a while, she sighed softly: “You’ve truly been hiding this from us, Valley Master.”
So her cultivation was even higher than First Elder’s!
“The level of one’s cultivation isn’t important to us.” The Valley Master’s expression softened, and she smiled gently, taking Second Elder’s arm: “After all, we, Lunar Valley, have made an agreement with Tianlu, we will no longer participate in worldly conflicts and just live a peaceful life. With this small piece of land as our separate realm, our legacy will continue forever.
As for now—”
She lowered her voice, turned to leave with Second Elder, and whispered: “Let’s leave the night to Tianlu and those girls.”
…
The night deepened, and silence fell upon Lunar Valley.
The stars and moon shone brightly, the mist lingering, a beautiful and dreamlike nightscape.
After helping to decorate the courtyard with New Year’s decorations, Lin Tianlu washed up and returned to the spacious and bright courtyard. Looking up, he saw a breathtaking night sky rarely seen in the outside world.
As if a brilliant river of stars was flowing through the sky, a truly magnificent sight.
Lin Tianlu casually sat down on the railing of the corridor, gazing at the beautiful night sky with interest. Sensing carefully, he realized that the mist permeating the starry sky was actually incredibly dense spiritual energy: “There’s truly been a change.”
He had sensed something different the moment he entered Lunar Valley.
Like some kind of barrier, yet also different.
According to First Elder, it was probably a formation set up to utilize the spiritual energy?
But now, regardless of its effectiveness, the scenery of Lunar Valley was truly breathtaking, a rare sight in the world.
“Tianlu, you’re not asleep yet?”
Lin Tianlu turned to see Wu Jingyun quietly approaching, dressed in a thin gauze robe, her arms crossed, her hair styled in a bun with a braid hanging down, her deep and beautiful eyes filled with tenderness.
She followed his gaze and looked up at the sky, as if suddenly realizing something: “It seems you’ve also noticed the change in the scenery here, Tianlu.”
“What do you think, Martial Aunt?”
“It’s beautiful, naturally.” Wu Jingyun unconsciously touched her chest and smiled faintly: “However, it’s still not as wonderful as our current happiness.”
Looking at the beautiful woman standing beside him, her mature and alluring charm, her slightly revealed figure, Lin Tianlu couldn’t help but feel a subtle sense of excitement and awkwardly looked away.
Wu Jingyun seemed to see through his thoughts, she lowered her head slightly, chuckled softly, covering her mouth with her hand: “Are you shy now, Tianlu?”
“Cough! It’s been a while since I last saw you, Martial Aunt, so…”
Before Lin Tianlu could finish speaking, she continued gently: “Do you know what Ruoyu told me while we were bathing just now?”
Lin Tianlu hesitated for a moment and asked curiously: “About your travels?”
“Yes.”
Wu Jingyun smiled and nodded: “From your departure from Changling, all the way to Qingcheng in Qingyang Province, she told me many interesting stories, and also about your wedding with Shuya.”
As she spoke, she walked towards him gracefully, her fair legs faintly visible beneath her skirt, smiling as she took his arm and led him towards the pavilion in the courtyard.
“It’s just a pity that those girls were tired from the journey and fell asleep halfway through, I only heard bits and pieces.”
Night fell, and the moonlight shone down.
The captivating beauty looked at him, a seductive smile on her face: “Why don’t we sit down and enjoy the moonlight, Tianlu? Tell me more about your journey.”
Lin Tianlu quickly composed himself and sighed softly: “I’ll gladly tell you everything, Martial Aunt. Although it might not be that exciting…”
“Even trivial matters are fine.” Wu Jingyun, her arm linked with his, walked into the pavilion with a seductive smile and sat down opposite him: “I’m not interested in fighting and killing, Martial Aunt only cares about your well-being.”
Her eyes flickered, and she leaned closer, a playful and doting smile on her face, whispering in his ear: “And Ruoyu also told me some… bedroom secrets—”
Her delicate fingers gently caressed his skin, a subtle fragrance lingering in the air, her ample bosom pressing against him invitingly.
But Wu Jingyun quickly pulled back, adjusting her robe and waving her sleeve, pouring them tea, a meaningful smile on her face: “The night… is still young~”
Lin Tianlu couldn’t help but swallow hard.
