Chapter 396: Warm Affection, A Visit
Lin Tianlu’s worries proved unfounded, at least for the time being.
As he recounted the events of their journey, Wu Jingyun listened attentively, her chin resting on her hand like a curious young girl.
She sighed softly when he spoke of the brutal killings, and her smile was warm and gentle when he talked about the more mundane and everyday occurrences, teasing him playfully, the atmosphere between them becoming more and more relaxed and intimate.
Unknowingly, the third watch of the night had arrived, the starlight becoming brighter.
…
A while later.
“—Such a long journey is truly memorable.”
Wu Jingyun sipped her tea and sighed softly: “And I also met some interesting friends along the way.”
Lin Tianlu smiled and nodded.
Regardless of their status or background, he had met all sorts of people on this journey, old and young, men and women, a true reflection of the human experience.
Wu Jingyun blinked her beautiful eyes curiously: “But, besides that Madam Tan and Miss Chi, there’s also a mountain spirit girl inside you now, Tianlu?”
“Yes.” Lin Tianlu touched his chest and looked inward briefly, seeing the misty mountainscape.
On the peak of Immortal Phoenix Mountain, the mountain spirit girl was sitting quietly amidst the green bamboos, her eyes closed in meditation, enjoying the gentle breeze, her expression calm and peaceful.
“She’s been very quiet since entering my body.”
“A mountain spirit…”
Wu Jingyun frowned slightly: “Is she truly alright inside you, Tianlu?”
“It’s fine.” Lin Tianlu smiled: “Of course, whether she stays or not depends on her own wishes.”
“As long as you’re sure, Tianlu.”
Wu Jingyun’s lips curved into a smile, a hint of indulgence in her eyes.
She looked up at the starry sky and sighed: “It’s getting late, if you’re tired, Tianlu, go back and rest, it will be warmer sleeping with Ruoyu and the others.”
She blinked her beautiful eyes thoughtfully and continued:
“Tomorrow morning, Ruoyu and I will prepare the New Year’s Eve dinner. You can go and visit the other elders, Tianlu, how about that?”
“Other elders?” Lin Tianlu was slightly stunned and hesitated: “I did want to visit Fifth Elder and…”
“Visit the other elders as well.”
Wu Jingyun’s voice was gentle: “After all, we in Lunar Valley are like a family, and the elders have lived together for centuries, like sisters. Even Second Elder and the others watched our generation grow up, like aunts. You should naturally pay them a New Year’s visit, Tianlu.
And don’t worry, they won’t turn you away.”
She smiled indulgently: “Even Third Elder and Fourth Elder, who were… influenced by First Elder before, still care about Lunar Valley. Although they haven’t met you, they’re grateful for your help. If you visit them, they’ll surely welcome you.”
Lin Tianlu pondered for a moment and then nodded with a smile: “You’re right, Martial Aunt. But I’m not very familiar with those elders, I don’t know what gifts to bring…”
“Just some poultry, meat, or fish would be fine, there’s no need to be so nervous.” Wu Jingyun chuckled softly, covering her mouth with her hand: “Just your presence is enough.”
“Alright.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled awkwardly: “I don’t think the elders would turn me away.”
“If they do, I’ll take you back and teach them a lesson.” Wu Jingyun’s eyes softened, and she said with a playful glare: “And then we can ignore them and celebrate the New Year peacefully at my place.”
And then, her eyes flickered, and she suddenly asked: “Has that spirit girl recovered yet?”
Lin Tianlu frowned slightly: “She’s still inside the jade pendant, without any movement, I don’t even know if she can truly form a physical body.”
If it weren’t for the fact that he could still sense Yu Xuanling’s consciousness within the jade pendant, he would have thought something had gone wrong.
“First Elder and I have tried our best, but perhaps you can go and see the Valley Master tomorrow, Tianlu.” Wu Jingyun suggested: “She’s the most knowledgeable person in Lunar Valley, and she’s also skilled in countless ancient secret techniques. Perhaps she can help that girl.”
“Alright.” Lin Tianlu nodded slightly: “I’ll ask her tomorrow.”
Then, he smiled gently: “You should also go back and rest now, Martial Aunt, it’s getting late. You still have to help Ruoyu and the others clean up the courtyard tomorrow morning.”
But Wu Jingyun gently grabbed his sleeve, a seductive smile appearing on her face, her eyes alluring as she leaned closer.
“Rest is good, but before we sleep, how about I help you… relieve some stress, Tianlu?”
“Martial Aunt, this… Hiss—”
Lin Tianlu gasped, his face showing a complex expression as he stiffened, sitting back down. Just as he was about to speak, a fragrant silk scarf brushed against his face, a seductive scent enveloping him.
“Is this… really appropriate?”
“There’s no need to overthink things, Tianlu.”
A soft chuckle echoed beside his ear: “I’m just helping you relax, close your eyes and enjoy it.”
A moment later, in the dimly lit pavilion, a graceful figure leaned forward, her body swaying rhythmically, soft, wet sounds echoing.
Her delicate hands moved like they were playing a flute or xiao, a gentle and ambiguous warmth lingering in the night air.
…
After a while, a silver thread of saliva stretched between their lips, falling onto her ample bosom, like a delicate silver chain.
In the silent night, Wu Jingyun’s eyes opened slightly, a seductive glint in them, as she gently touched her lips with her finger, a faint smile playing on her lips.
This seductive and silent allure made Lin Tianlu’s lower back tingle, a warmth spreading through his body.
“—Alright, let’s go back and rest.”
Wu Jingyun’s seductive look faded as she carefully straightened his clothes, murmuring softly: “You’ll be able to sleep soundly tonight, sweet dreams.”
But seeing that he hadn’t moved, she couldn’t help but smile indulgently, gently tapping his forehead with her finger: “Do you want me to… help you for a while longer? It’s not good to be too indulged~”
“Cough!”
Lin Tianlu’s face flushed with embarrassment, a warmth spreading through his lower back, and he quickly stood up with an awkward chuckle.
This seductive allure was truly… too much.
“But aren’t you going back, Martial Aunt…?”
“I’ll stay here for a while longer.”
Wu Jingyun sat sideways with her legs crossed, brushing her hair lightly with a smile: “I usually stay up late anyway.”
Lin Tianlu calmed himself slightly, pondered for a moment, and then took off his outer robe, draping it over her shoulders like a warm blanket, covering her voluptuous figure.
“It’s cold at night, take care, Martial Aunt.”
“…Mm.” Wu Jingyun was slightly stunned, then she gently touched the warm robe, her eyes shimmering with a gentle and grateful smile as she watched Lin Tianlu walk towards his bedroom.
After the courtyard became quiet again, she poured herself a cup of tea, her eyes soft and gentle.
“Miss Yun, you’ve been watching for a while now, why don’t you come out and enjoy the moonlight with me?”
“How can I refuse your invitation, Martial Aunt?”
With a flicker of light, Yun Yue, dressed in a loose moon-white robe, quietly appeared in the pavilion, sitting down gracefully with a smile.
But before Wu Jingyun could speak, she picked up a delicate pastry from the stone table, took a bite, and closed her eyes with a satisfied sigh: “Your cooking skills are truly amazing, Martial Aunt. During this entire journey, only your and Ruoyu’s pastries have truly impressed me.”
“…”
Wu Jingyun stared at her for a moment.
Then, she couldn’t help but smile faintly, reaching out and gently wiping the crumbs from Yun Yue’s lips: “If you like it, Miss Yun, I’ll make more for you later.”
“Thank you~”
Yun Yue picked up her teacup, a mature and calm smile on her lips: “With Martial Aunt taking care of things, our family will be even more at peace.”
Their eyes met, and they exchanged smiles without needing words, raising their teacups in a toast, enjoying the beautiful starry sky and moonlight in peace and tranquility.
…
The next morning.
“Hu—”
Cheng Yishi splashed water on her face, gently wiping it dry with a soft towel.
Looking at the quiet and serene backyard garden, she couldn’t help but smile faintly.
This place was truly blessed.
According to her husband and Martial Aunt, Lunar Valley was now filled with abundant spiritual energy, even more fresh and pleasant than before, every plant lush and green, incredibly beautiful.
However, the only downside—
“I’m still a bit nervous.”
Cheng Yishi patted her cheeks and sighed softly.
Although she had been given a comfortable bedroom, with a soft bed and a fragrant room, she hadn’t slept well last night, waking up shortly after dawn.
“Ruoyu and Shuya are still sleeping soundly.” Cheng Yishi sighed.
Those two were still fast asleep, without any intention of waking up. Even Shuya, who was usually so diligent, was sleeping in late. It seemed that Lunar Valley truly felt like… home to them.
Smoothing her clothes, Cheng Yishi strolled along the corridor, looking at the surrounding scenery with interest.
Although she couldn’t go outside the courtyard yet, Martial Aunt’s residence was quite spacious, with beautiful scenery, quite relaxing.
“They must really enjoy the peace and quiet here.”
Cheng Yishi stopped and looked up at the misty morning sky outside the courtyard.
After a moment, she couldn’t help but chuckle softly.
If she could find such a secluded paradise, leaving behind all the worldly troubles, and live in seclusion with everyone, it would be a truly blissful life.
Unknowingly, she had arrived at the main hall, and glancing sideways, she was surprised to see Lin Tianlu and Wu Jingyun already sitting there.
“You’re up early, Martial Aunt.”
Cheng Yishi quickly stepped forward and bowed: “Good morning.”
“We’re practically family now, there’s no need for such formalities.”
Wu Jingyun said gently: “I just made some breakfast, Yishi, come and join us.”
“Mm.” Cheng Yishi smiled and sat down obediently beside her.
But she looked at Lin Tianlu, his expression subtle and silent, and asked curiously: “Husband, why do you have such a… strange expression?”
Wu Jingyun chuckled softly: “It’s just that this breakfast is… special.”
“Special?”
“It’s a bit bitter.” Lin Tianlu put down his empty bowl and grinned, his lips twitching slightly: “And it has a… fishy taste.”
“Eh?”
Cheng Yishi blinked her beautiful eyes, even more curious.
She knew that Martial Aunt’s cooking skills were even better than Ruoyu’s, but why was this breakfast porridge so bitter and unpleasant?
“It’s good medicine, after all.” Wu Jingyun chuckled: “And I added a few special ingredients, it will refresh your breath and nourish your lungs, the aftertaste is quite pleasant.”
“Ah——”
Lin Tianlu touched his throat and, as she said, felt a sweet and refreshing sensation spreading through his body with each breath, a pleasant coolness.
He couldn’t help but exclaim in surprise: “It’s true!”
“So magical?”
Cheng Yishi also looked surprised.
The medicinal cuisine of Lunar Valley had such wondrous effects?
But…
She quickly asked, puzzled: “Martial Aunt, is my husband ill? Why did he suddenly need to eat this special medicinal porridge?”
She looked at Lin Tianlu with concern.
She had fallen asleep early last night and hadn’t noticed if her husband was feeling unwell.
“You misunderstand, Yishi!” Lin Tianlu quickly said with an awkward chuckle: “I’m perfectly healthy, I’m not sick.”
“But… why did you…”
“He’s too… exceptional, so he needs medicinal cuisine to balance him out.” Wu Jingyun chuckled and explained: “After a month, Tianlu’s Yang energy has become even more abundant. Although it doesn’t affect him, it can be… difficult for you, Yishi.”
Cheng Yishi was stunned.
Then, she suddenly understood the meaning behind her words, and she blushed furiously, murmuring: “M-Martial Aunt, this…”
“Compared to Ruoyu and Shuya, you, who are almost a demon, are more sensitive to Yang energy.”
Wu Jingyun smiled gently: “Haven’t you noticed, Yishi, that although your cultivation is improving, you’re still easily… exhausted?”
“I-I…” Cheng Yishi’s face turned even redder, and she stammered: “I did feel a… slight…”
“It’s difficult to adjust one’s cultivation or physique, but we can use medicinal cuisine to improve your condition.” Wu Jingyun explained calmly: “Tianlu’s Yang energy is incredibly abundant now, difficult to control, so he needs something to… balance it out, that’s the principle behind cultivating Qi and consolidating one’s foundation.”
“I-I understand.”
Cheng Yishi’s face was completely red.
“Of course.” Wu Jingyun quickly smiled: “You should also exercise more, Yishi, a stronger body will… be more beneficial. First Elder mentioned this earlier, you can practice with her when you have time after the New Year.”
“…”
Cheng Yishi silently ate her porridge with her head lowered, shrinking her shoulders slightly.
Seeing her demeanor, Wu Jingyun couldn’t help but chuckle, glancing at Lin Tianlu:
“Let’s go out after breakfast. The elders usually only sleep for a few hours and are already awake.”
“I’ll go and choose some gifts for them.”
Lin Tianlu took a bite of a spring roll and stood up, waving his hand with a smile: “Enjoy your breakfast, Yishi, Martial Aunt.”
“Don’t rush.”
Wu Jingyun called out gently, then she looked away and said softly: “Yishi, come with me and let’s explore Lunar Valley, familiarize yourself with the scenery.”
“…Okay.”
Cheng Yishi composed herself and nodded obediently.
But then, a curious look appeared on her face: “Martial Aunt, do the disciples also have to continue their cultivation during the New Year?”
“It’s not that strict.” Wu Jingyun smiled: “But the villa is quite quiet, and they won’t be leaving their residences. Most of the younger disciples will be playing together in their courtyards, there’s no need to worry about encountering them, we’ll be alone.”
Cheng Yishi pursed her lips slightly and nodded softly.
Since they would be alone, she had to take this opportunity and get closer to Martial Aunt.
…
“Hu—”
Lin Tianlu, carrying a gift box, walked out of the residence and straightened his collar, letting out a sigh of emotion.
Ruoyu truly was raised by Martial Aunt, spending time with her was like flirting with a seductive demoness. If he wasn’t careful, he would be captivated by her charm, drawn into her embrace, and become intoxicated, his mind hazy, as if floating in the clouds, incredibly comfortable and pleasant.
This meticulous care and affection, truly intoxicating and blissful, like being immersed in warm honey, unknowingly sinking deeper and deeper, until enveloped by boundless tenderness and love.
“If I stay in Lunar Valley for a few more months, I’m afraid I’ll become hopelessly addicted.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled wryly and shook his head.
But although his heart was filled with emotion, he was also incredibly grateful, cherishing this moment of peace and tranquility.
He wouldn’t lie, such a life was truly blissful and enjoyable.
He stretched slightly, putting those thoughts aside, and looked at the winding paths.
The residences in Lunar Valley were scattered throughout the valley, the paths winding and complex, he had to be careful not to get lost.
“Fifth Elder’s Jade Luo Courtyard should be in this direction.”
Recalling his memories, he quickly set off, walking towards Jade Luo Courtyard.
…
A while later, in front of the courtyard.
Lin Tianlu paused slightly, looking at the familiar gate, straightened his clothes, and slowly walked up the steps, preparing to knock.
“—Huh?”
But as he knocked, his expression suddenly changed.
The gate… wasn’t locked.
With a gentle push, it opened with a creak, revealing the rows of ancient trees in the courtyard.
“Could it be that Fifth Elder’s Jade Luo Courtyard is always unlocked?”
Lin Tianlu recalled that the gate seemed to have opened automatically with a Yin technique when he visited before.
But now…
“That’s strange.” Lin Tianlu’s expression turned slightly serious, and as he entered the courtyard, his gaze swept over his surroundings vigilantly.
He couldn’t sense Fifth Elder’s aura, and instead, there was a strange and unfamiliar presence in the main hall.
“Is it a disciple of Lunar Valley, or another elder?”
He was about to go and investigate when he suddenly exclaimed softly and looked back.
The half-opened gate had silently closed, a gust of Yin wind blowing through the courtyard, the previously sunlit space now shrouded in a dark and gloomy atmosphere, the rustling leaves and flowers adding to the eerie chill.
Lin Tianlu silently looked around, a thought crossing his mind.
—The effect of lighting on the atmosphere was truly significant.
The same courtyard, just moments ago, had seemed vibrant and full of life, a rare sight in winter.
But now it seemed desolate and lifeless, the path between the trees like a road to nowhere, just looking at it made him feel a chill running down his spine, as if faint wails were echoing in his ears, a connection to the underworld.
However, seeing this eerie scene, Lin Tianlu’s heart calmed down.
“—So you cast some kind of Yin technique after I entered?”
Since it was man-made, there was naturally a way to counter it.
He looked around with interest, a relaxed smile quickly appearing on his face, and then walked towards the main hall, cupping his hands and saying in a clear voice: “I am Lin Tianlu, here to pay a New Year’s visit, I hope the elder inside can forgive my intrusion and dispel any misunderstandings.”
“…”
There was no response.
Lin Tianlu’s smile didn’t fade as he continued walking calmly.
He wanted to see what this elder, whose identity was unknown, was planning.
