Chapter 171: Elder Conflict, Diversionary Tactics
Every single person who arrived was a woman. The marks of time were evident on their faces, and two of them were elderly women with solemn expressions and unfathomable auras.
These were the elders of the Lunar Valley.
“Why has Second Elder summoned us here?”
“Naturally, it’s to discuss the future of the estate.”
The leading old woman stood on the jade platform, her staff striking the ground. “A great change is upon us. Our Lunar Valley has enjoyed peace and seclusion for a thousand years. Now, we must decide how to face this new era, how to reclaim the glory of the Moon Soul Sacred Sect.”
Her words cast a somber mood over the chamber.
“Second Elder, you are the eldest and most experienced among us.”
A middle-aged woman stepped forward, her expression serious. “You shouldn’t speak so recklessly.”
“Fifth Elder, you disagree?” The Second Elder glanced at her.
“I do.”
The Fifth Elder frowned. “Why discuss such a dangerous topic? Our Lunar Valley has always remained secluded, avoiding conflicts with the outside world. Rash actions will only bring disaster. And if any of our disciples are harmed, how can we bear the guilt?”
“Do you all share this sentiment?”
The Second Elder’s gaze swept across the room.
The other elders remained silent, but their expressions spoke volumes.
“Sigh…”
The stern look on her face softened, and she sighed. “The younger generation has lost its fighting spirit. Such a golden opportunity, and they don’t even want to fight for it, content to live out their days in peaceful obscurity. You… are even more like old women than us.”
“Aunt Li, we’re just cautious.”
The Fifth Elder’s voice was soft and placating. “We truly dislike unnecessary conflict. Please understand, Aunt Li. Don’t be angry.”
“…Looking at you all, how can I be angry?”
The Second Elder shook her head helplessly and tapped her staff on the ground. “I summoned you here tonight to choose new elders. Elder One and I are getting old. We can’t manage all the disciples anymore. It’s time to select some talented individuals from the younger generation.”
“You’re still young, Aunt Li!”
A beautiful woman walked over and hugged the Second Elder’s arm, smiling. “With a little magic, you could easily regain your youthful beauty.”
“What’s the point of deceiving ourselves?” The Second Elder chuckled. “If you have any candidates in mind, speak up. We can train and guide them, so they can mature quickly.”
“Shouldn’t we wait for Elder One and the others?”
“They’re busy stabilizing the Soul Moon technique with the Valley Master. We can’t disturb them.”
“In that case… I think Bai Xin is a good candidate. She’s the most talented among the younger generation.”
“She’s still too young and impulsive. She can’t handle the responsibilities of an elder. Perhaps in a few decades…”
…
Seeing the tense atmosphere lighten, the Ninth Elder sighed in relief.
The elders of the Lunar Valley didn’t all share the same ambitions. Some wanted to remain secluded, while others yearned for power and adventure.
But they respected each other and avoided conflict.
The Second Elder’s gaze suddenly shifted to the Ninth Elder. “Jingyun, you seem distracted today.”
The Ninth Elder’s heart skipped a beat, but she maintained her composure and shook her head. “I just can’t think of any suitable candidates at the moment. And since everyone else has offered their suggestions, I’ll consider them carefully before expressing my opinion.”
“Is that truly the reason?”
The Second Elder smiled mysteriously. “Or is it because your beloved disciple, Mao Ruoyu, has returned to the Lunar Valley?”
The other elders gasped in surprise, clearly familiar with the name.
The Ninth Elder’s face paled.
“Hehe, Jingyun. You tried to hide it, but you can’t deceive me.” The Second Elder chuckled. “I assume you two have been enjoying your reunion?”
“I—”
“Relax. Although Mao Ruoyu left the Lunar Valley, I wouldn’t kick her out now that she’s back. She’s welcome to stay for a while. But—”
The smile on the Second Elder’s face vanished. “You’ve been hiding a man in your courtyard for days! Don’t you intend to send him away?!”
“Second Elder, Tianlu is Ruoyu’s fiancé, practically my son-in-law. How could I send him away?”
The Ninth Elder bit her lip helplessly. “And I’ve been watching him closely these past few days. He hasn’t done anything inappropriate. He’s a kind and gentle man. He won’t cause any trouble for the Lunar Valley.”
“Enough!”
The Second Elder’s voice was sharp. “Mao Ruoyu can stay, but that man must leave!”
As soon as she finished speaking, she vanished in a flash of light.
The Ninth Elder’s expression changed drastically, and she was about to give chase, but she stopped abruptly.
The other elders had surrounded her, their faces filled with helpless smiles.
“So that’s why Second Elder summoned us…”
“Jingyun, it was already a stretch allowing Ruoyu to stay. How could you bring a stranger here? If the Valley Master finds out, you’ll be punished.”
“Calm down, Jingyun. Second Elder knows what she’s doing. She won’t harm your son-in-law—”
“Get out of my way!”
The Ninth Elder roared, her voice filled with anger, and a surge of Yin energy erupted from her body.
Seeing her fury, the other elders exchanged glances and sighed. They had no choice but to try and stop her.
…
In the courtyard…
Lin Tianlu put down his book and looked towards the gate.
After a moment of silence, he stood up, his eyebrows raised in surprise. “I didn’t expect a visitor at this late hour. But the master of this house is away. Please come back tomorrow.”
“You… Are you Mao Ruoyu’s fiancé?”
A deep and raspy voice echoed through the courtyard, chilling and menacing.
“I am.”
Lin Tianlu smiled faintly and bowed slightly. “It seems you’re here for me.”
“You know the rules of the Lunar Valley. Outsiders are forbidden.”
A hunched figure emerged from the shadows, his eyes cloudy and deep, as if filled with disturbing visions.
“I just learned about them.”
Lin Tianlu’s expression remained calm, his voice steady. “Please forgive my transgression, Elder.”
“Hehe, just as Jingyun said, you’re composed and well-mannered. A good match for that Ruoyu girl.”
The Second Elder raised her withered fingers. “But you should wait for her outside the valley.”
As soon as she finished speaking, her figure shimmered and vanished.
Then…
Her fingers touched Lin Tianlu’s chest, a pale mist swirling around them.
—Slap!
But the Second Elder’s face suddenly contorted in shock.
Because her arm… had been caught by the scholar!
“Elder, you’re getting old. You shouldn’t make such sudden movements. You might hurt your back. Why don’t you sit down and rest for a while?”
Lin Tianlu gently pushed her hand away, a warm smile on his face, and guided her towards a stone bench in the pavilion.
The Second Elder: “…?”
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