Chapter 400: An Elder’s Unusual Behavior, A Joyful Gathering p1
Lin Tianlu was speechless for a moment, but he quickly cupped his hands and chuckled:
“Eighth Elder, why do you suddenly want to spar—”
“Do you… not want to?”
Eighth Elder parted her lips slightly, her expression cold and aloof, as she stood up gracefully, her long, silk dress swaying gently like tassels.
Lin Tianlu sighed softly and said respectfully: “If you insist, Eighth Elder, I naturally have no objections.”
“Good.”
Eighth Elder brushed her hair back elegantly, her delicate foot tapping lightly on the ground as she appeared before him in a flash.
Only then did Lin Tianlu realize that this Eighth Elder was taller than he had imagined, only slightly shorter than himself, her straight and slender figure and the curves of her legs beneath her skirt incredibly striking.
However, if they were to spar—
“If you’re unwilling, then we won’t spar.”
Eighth Elder suddenly changed the subject, her expression indifferent: “Spend the night with your wives, cherish your bonds.”
She wasn’t going to force him?
Lin Tianlu was slightly stunned, suppressing his surprise, and said seriously: “I’ll keep your words in mind, Elder.”
“I appreciate your visit, you can go back now.” Eighth Elder nodded slightly, her ghostly eyes calm and unperturbed: “We can talk again after the Spring Festival.”
“Understood.”
“And… where is that woman called ‘Youluo’ now?”
“Miss Youluo has already left, I don’t know where she went.”
“Be careful of such a woman with unknown origins.” Eighth Elder’s voice was cold: “Don’t open your heart to her so easily, don’t trust her blindly.”
Lin Tianlu looked slightly surprised, this elder… seemed quite concerned about him?
It wasn’t the “sweet talk” of Third and Fourth Elders, but genuine concern— “You should go back now.”
Eighth Elder patted his shoulder: “Give my regards to Jingyun and the others.”
“This…” Lin Tianlu hesitated for a moment, then put aside his thoughts and cupped his hands: “Eighth Elder, I’ll come and visit you again tomorrow. If you want to spar, I’ll gladly accept.”
“Alright.”
After a brief exchange of greetings, they parted ways without another word.
…
Lin Tianlu left Purple Fragrance Courtyard alone, looking back with a puzzled expression, scratching his head.
After this visit, he was truly confused.
This Eighth Elder was indeed cold and aloof, as Fifth Elder had said, but she also seemed quite considerate, a strange contradiction.
“I don’t think… I’ve met this elder many times before.”
Lin Tianlu was a bit bewildered, even more puzzled.
Where did this concern and goodwill come from?
“Hey, were you startled by Ying’er’s behavior?”
A playful and teasing chuckle suddenly came from behind him.
Lin Tianlu turned around to see First Elder standing there, one hand on her hip, a frivolous smile on her face.
She had taken off her purple-black armor and was now wearing a robe and skirt, a golden sash around her waist, her delicate shoulders and collarbone like polished jade, her long purple hair tied up, her eyes even more mysterious and alluring, her every smile and frown captivating.
Lin Tianlu grinned: “I’m the one who’s startled now, First Elder.”
“Hmph~”
First Elder raised an eyebrow: “Why would I be so scary?”
“It’s been a while since I last saw you dressed like this, First Elder, it’s a bit… surprising.” Lin Tianlu chuckled and praised: “You look like a young maiden.”
“Your flattery won’t work on me.”
First Elder chuckled and casually tossed something to him.
Lin Tianlu caught it and asked in surprise: “What is this?”
“A token.”
First Elder raised an eyebrow playfully: “Since you’re now the son-in-law of our Lunar Valley, it wouldn’t be convenient for you to have someone open the gate for you every time you visit. Just infuse this token with your spiritual energy, and it will open the passage to Lunar Valley. You can also use it to enter some of the libraries and secret areas within the valley.”
Lin Tianlu smiled and carefully put the token away: “Thank you for your consideration, First Elder.”
“You should thank Jingyun.”
First Elder said casually.
Then, she crossed her arms, her head slightly raised, and said meaningfully: “Ying’er is different from ordinary demons and ghosts, her origins are quite extraordinary. Although she’s an elder of our Lunar Valley, her true form is… a dragon.”
Lin Tianlu’s eyes widened in surprise: “A dragon?”
The ‘Ying’er’ that First Elder mentioned should be Eighth Elder, but her true form… was actually a legendary ‘dragon’?
“Of course, she’s not like those dragons from folk tales that control wind, rain, and the seas.” First Elder raised her hand and touched her chin lightly: “But rather, a demonic being evolved over thousands of years, only knowing killing and fighting. Compared to any weapon in this world, her kind is the sharpest and most bloodthirsty.”
“…”
Lin Tianlu was quite surprised.
He hadn’t expected that cold and aloof Eighth Elder to have such an extraordinary background.
“But, why would Eighth Elder be so… concerned about me…?”
“Perhaps there’s something about you that attracts her.”
First Elder smiled mischievously: “Of course, Ying’er’s thoughts are quite simple now, kindness is kindness, and enmity is enmity. Since you’re our Lunar Valley’s benefactor, she will naturally treat you as her savior, willing to do anything for you.”
“Hu—”
But just then, a chilling gust of Yin wind suddenly blew.
Lin Tianlu’s expression froze slightly, and he turned around with an awkward chuckle, seeing that the gate of Purple Fragrance Courtyard had silently opened. Eighth Elder emerged like a phantom, her hair flying wildly, her beautiful face cold and serious, her eyes, as if tainted by baleful energy, staring intently at them: “First Elder. Since when have you become so talkative?”
“I was just telling Tianlu the truth.” First Elder’s smile didn’t change, and she spread her hands casually: “And since you’ve decided to show yourself, Ying’er, I just happen to have something to discuss with you.”
Eighth Elder lowered her eyes slightly and asked indifferently: “What is it?”
“Come to Jingyun’s courtyard with me.”
“…Hmm?”
Eighth Elder frowned slightly and mused: “What do you mean? Tianlu is having a family reunion with Jingyun and the others tonight—”
“A New Year’s Eve banquet, the more the merrier~” First Elder twirled a strand of hair around her finger, a sweet smile on her face: “We elders naturally have to join in the fun.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.” Eighth Elder snorted softly: “How can we disturb Tianlu and his family?”
“Don’t be so serious, Ying’er~”
First Elder rolled up her sleeve, revealing her delicate, jade-like arm, and chuckled: “If you refuse to come, I’ll just have to ‘drag’ you there~”
“In that case, you’re not going either.”
Eighth Elder’s expression turned even colder, a fighting stance faintly forming: “Stay here, I’ll keep watch, you’re not going anywhere.”
Seeing the sudden tension between the two elders, their auras clashing, Lin Tianlu, who was standing beside them, was a bit stunned, and he quickly said: “Wait! Please don’t fight, elders!”
Seeing them both turn to look at him, Lin Tianlu quickly cupped his hands: “Please don’t be angry. I’m truly grateful for your concern, but please listen to me.”
Eighth Elder’s movements paused slightly, her eyes flickering: “Speak.”
Lin Tianlu wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and said sincerely and seriously: “Although a small family gathering is indeed warm and cozy, it’s not as lively as a big family reunion. Since First Elder has extended the invitation, Eighth Elder, why don’t you join us? We can all have dinner together, have a few drinks, and become closer like family, helping and supporting each other.”
First Elder’s smile widened, and she glanced at the tall and beautiful woman opposite her with a playful look.
Eighth Elder was silent for a moment.
Then, she lowered her arms as if giving up, her expression calm as she nodded slightly: “Since Tianlu has invited me, I have no objections.”
“Let’s go~”
First Elder suddenly chuckled, reaching out, and Eighth Elder was pulled towards her as if grabbed by an invisible hand. With a tug, her wrists were firmly held.
Eighth Elder frowned slightly, but she didn’t resist.
Lin Tianlu couldn’t help but chuckle awkwardly: “There’s no need to be so rough, First Elder.”
“I’m just teaching her a lesson.”
First Elder held her arm tightly and snorted softly: “I’ve watched her grow up since she was a child, and now she dares to lose her temper with me.”
Eighth Elder pursed her lips slightly and didn’t say anything more, letting First Elder drag her away, as if the previous conflict had just been a playful banter.
Lin Tianlu watched the two women leave, shaking his head and chuckling.
The relationship between these elders was truly… interesting.
“Hey, you… brat, why are you walking so fast?!”
A moment later, First Elder’s annoyed voice echoed.
Eighth Elder was walking with a straight back and long strides, while First Elder, who was holding her arm, looked quite small beside her, her steps faltering, almost as if she was being dragged along, her feet barely touching the ground. She couldn’t help but chuckle wryly and clap her hands repeatedly: “Tsk! Put me down!”
“Since we’re going to Tianlu’s place, we can’t be slow.” Eighth Elder’s expression remained unchanged, her steps not slowing down: “Walk faster, so we can help with the preparations.”
“Hey! Brat! You’re doing this on purpose—”
“…”
Lin Tianlu quickly followed, his lips twitching, trying to suppress his laughter.
The more he interacted with these elders, the more he realized that they were sometimes no different from energetic young girls, equally playful and mischievous. Even this seemingly cold and aloof Eighth Elder now seemed… a bit two-faced.
…
Returning to the courtyard, Lin Tianlu exclaimed softly.
Two other elders were sitting in the main hall, sipping tea.
“Second Elder, Sixth Elder?”
“Hehe, you’ve finally returned from your visits, Tianlu?”
Second Elder put down her teacup, a kind and gentle smile on her face: “We came uninvited, I hope we’re not disturbing you.”
Sixth Elder beside her nodded slightly in greeting.
“It’s my honor to have you here, elders.” Lin Tianlu’s thoughts stirred, and he quickly smiled gently: “There are still a few empty seats at tonight’s banquet, it will be more lively with you two joining us.”
Saying this, he hesitated slightly and added: “But you came here directly, what about the other elders…”
“Yujun, and the Song sisters, are helping in the kitchen. They arrived even earlier than us.”
Second Elder chuckled: “Now, all the Lunar Valley elders, except Seventh Elder, are here. There’s no need for you to worry, Tianlu.”
Lin Tianlu hesitated: “Is it… inappropriate to not invite Seventh Elder?”
“She needs to… supervise the younger disciples tonight. Those older disciples can’t control them.” Second Elder shook her head and chuckled: “With her there, those girls won’t cause any trouble. Besides, Little Xi is quite shy and introverted, she prefers spending time with the disciples she’s familiar with.”
Lin Tianlu nodded thoughtfully, not pressing the matter further.
“Then, what about the Valley Master…?”
“She’s still busy, but she’s almost finished.” Second Elder smiled gently: “Perhaps she’ll come and see you later.”
“That’s good.”
Lin Tianlu’s expression turned slightly serious, and he cupped his hands: “Then please wait here for a while, elders, I’ll go and help in the kitchen, so we can start the banquet early.”
…
