Chapter 143: The End of Jianggai, A Calm Departure
Lin Tianlu stared intently at Ye Xiao.
Ye Xiao’s face was pale, his body trembling slightly under the unspoken pressure. He didn’t dare to say a word.
Until Lin Tianlu patted his shoulder.
“I hope you’ll keep your word.”
Lin Tianlu’s voice was calm and even. “Don’t disappoint me.”
Ye Xiao straightened his back and gritted his teeth. “I won’t let you down, Master Lin. I will guide the Crimson Feather Sect towards the righteous path!”
“Good.”
Lin Tianlu smiled faintly and led Mao Ruoyu away.
Shang Yan quickly called out, “Sir, are you…”
“The Path of the Netherworld is broken. There’s no need for me to stay any longer. We’ll be leaving tomorrow morning.”
Lin Tianlu looked back and smiled. “This place is a mess. I’ll leave the cleanup to you, Old Master. Perhaps we’ll visit Jianggai again when we have time.”
Without another word, they turned and walked away, their figures fading into the darkness.
Only after they had completely disappeared did Ye Xiao let out a long sigh, nearly collapsing to the ground, his face pale with relief. “That Master Lin… is truly terrifying!”
“…”
But Shang Yan remained silent, his hands clasped behind his back.
He had interacted with Lin Tianlu before and knew that although he possessed great power, he was a kind and gentle man.
His actions, though earth-shattering, had ultimately benefited the people of Jianggai, protecting them from the dangers of the Path of the Netherworld and the Netherworld itself.
The demons, ghosts, and ghost practitioners present might not have cared.
But he understood…
The immense gratitude the people of Jianggai owed to Lin Tianlu.
And yet, he had left without seeking recognition or reward, his demeanor calm and unassuming. Such grace and humility were truly admirable.
Looking at the chaotic scene on the riverbank, Shang Yan couldn’t help but sigh.
“The world… is truly changing.”
…
The next morning…
The inn was still quiet and deserted, but the eerie Yin energy that had lingered over the town had dissipated.
The townspeople didn’t know what had happened, nor had they heard the earth-shattering sounds of the previous night.
They only knew that the authorities had lifted the curfew, and they joyfully returned to their peaceful lives, the town gradually regaining its usual bustle.
“—The events of the past two days were truly unbelievable.”
Inside the inn…
A man named Xie Wen sat by a table, sipping his warm tea. “I didn’t expect that Lingluo woman to be so ambitious, trying to sacrifice the entire town of Jianggai for her own gain. And who would have thought that the Path of the Netherworld would be destroyed, even that elusive Venerable Yu appeared.”
“The Netherworld’s unrest, the power struggles… even if the world doesn’t experience the rumored upheaval, it’s still enough to cause trouble for many.”
Meng Jiangliang, who was sitting across from him, shook his head and sighed. “For independent practitioners like us, the future is truly uncertain.”
Hearing this, both of their expressions turned grim.
Although they had achieved a decent level of cultivation due to their age, going against those powerful factions was like an ant trying to shake a tree.
They could still maintain a superficial harmony for now, but if their interests clashed, it would quickly turn into a deadly battle.
“If you’re lost and uncertain about the future, why not find a stable occupation?”
A chuckle broke the silence.
They turned around to see a handsome scholar sitting at a nearby table, enjoying breakfast with a black-haired woman.
Xie Wen’s eyes flickered, his heart filled with surprise.
He hadn’t even noticed the scholar’s arrival, nor the woman’s…
But now, looking closely, he realized that the woman was surrounded by Yin energy and possessed extraordinary cultivation. He quickly averted his gaze to avoid any misunderstanding.
“Sir—”
“Don’t be nervous. I just happened to overhear your sighs and troubled expressions. That’s why I offered my opinion.”
The scholar picked up a peanut and chewed it slowly. “If you truly want to avoid worldly affairs, why not find a peaceful village and become farmers? Life might be simple, but at least it’s safe and secure. You won’t have to worry about fighting and killing every day.
With your abilities, farming would be easy. And if you find the right person, you can marry, settle down, and live a peaceful life. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?”
Meng Jiangliang, who was usually stoic and reserved, said in a low voice, “Sir, you don’t understand our situation. We can’t escape the tides of the world.”
“Is it the world that’s dragging you into this vortex, or… yourselves?”
The scholar glanced at them, his calm eyes unreadable. “If your hearts are still filled with conflict, even if the world is peaceful and everyone lives in harmony, you’ll still sit here, sighing and lamenting, feeling that your skills are wasted.”
Meng Jiangliang subconsciously clenched his fist.
Xie Wen’s expression changed, and he quickly bowed. “Please guide us, Sir.”
“There’s no need for guidance.”
The scholar looked away, his voice relaxed. “When you’ve finally extinguished the “evil” aura in your hearts, you can truly let go of worldly affairs. Whether you choose to live a secluded life in the mountains or blend into society, it’s your choice.”
“…”
Xie Wen and Meng Jiangliang fell silent, lost in thought.
Just as Meng Jiangliang was about to ask for further guidance, he noticed that the mysterious couple had quietly left their seats and were walking towards the exit.
“Sir!”
“The world is vast. There’s no need to be concerned.”
The scholar waved his hand dismissively without turning around. “If you can control your Yin energy and cultivate in the mortal world, that would be a good thing.”
They watched as the scholar and the beautiful woman left, their hearts filled with a strange mix of emotions.
…
After a long silence, Xie Wen sighed. “That scholar truly possesses an extraordinary aura. His words were insightful and thought-provoking.”
“He’s a true master.”
Meng Jiangliang’s face was filled with respect.
He turned to Xie Wen. “Brother Xie, perhaps… we truly need to cultivate our minds.”
“The world is chaotic and unpredictable. If we rush into it blindly, we might not survive.”
Xie Wen sighed deeply, as if releasing years of pent-up frustration.
After a while, he chuckled. “I’ll travel with you, Brother Meng, far away from this troublesome world… Besides, I’m tired of these power struggles. I would rather enjoy a cup of tea and a warm drink in peace.”
“Where are you going, Brother Xie?”
“To Liaochang in Maohuan Province.” Xie Wen finished his tea, his eyes distant. “That’s my hometown. I want to go back and see the scenery.”
“Alright.”
Meng Jiangliang was silent for a moment, then bowed. “I’ve learned a lot from working with you these past two years, Brother Xie. May we stay in touch.”
“Of course. You’re my only true friend, Brother Meng.” Xie Wen sighed. “If I ever settle down and start a family, I’ll send you an invitation. And if I die in my hometown, leaving only dust behind… I hope you’ll pour a cup of wine on my grave.”
“…Take care.”
They raised their cups in a toast.
A moment later, they disappeared.
They were far older than their appearances suggested. There was no need for tears or regrets.
A few simple words were enough to express their friendship, a bond that would last a lifetime.
“…”
At that moment, a lone figure holding an umbrella arrived.
She glanced at the table, still warm from their presence, then turned to look in the direction the carriage had disappeared.
After a long pause, Yang Chanzhen finally took a step forward, following them from afar.
She didn’t know…
Whether she was following the words her mother had left her decades ago, or the uncertain yearning in her heart.
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