Chapter 209: Weaving Intentions
Lin Tianlu bowed respectfully, his voice calm and steady. “There’s no need for thanks, Elder. It was my duty. After all, the First Elder showed me kindness, offering me a place in the Lunar Valley and even giving Ruoyu and the others a chance to undergo the trial. I owed her a debt of gratitude.
And when I saw her lose control, I couldn’t just stand by and watch.”
Seeing his humble and composed demeanor, the Fifth Elder was impressed.
No wonder the other elders, and even the Valley Master, favored him. His character was impeccable.
And he was handsome and incredibly powerful. For the Lunar Valley to have such a son-in-law was truly…
“That Ruoyu girl has brought us a great blessing.”
The Fifth Elder sighed with emotion.
Then she chuckled self-deprecatingly. “You’ve shown such kindness towards the Lunar Valley, Master Lin, all because of Ruoyu. And yet, we elders have been so presumptuous, acting as if we have the right to judge and interfere, disregarding her years of hardship and suffering, using our connection to her to make demands.”
“You’re too kind, Elder.”
Lin Tianlu smiled gently. “Ruoyu still cares deeply about the Lunar Valley. She was happy to return and reunite with the Ninth Elder. We’re practically family now.
And the elders I’ve met have all been kind and welcoming. I’m truly grateful.”
He was being sincere.
Although he had only been in the Lunar Valley for less than half a month, the elders he had met were all mature and understanding, treating him with respect and kindness. He felt a sense of warmth and belonging, as if he were among family.
The Fifth Elder’s expression softened, her eyes warm.
“It seems I’ve been too focused on my own perspective… But, Master Lin, you don’t have to worry about the other elders. Just remember Jingyun’s kindness.”
She sighed softly. “Jingyun is the youngest among us, but also the most mature and reserved. She rarely interacts with others. She doesn’t even have a single disciple. But perhaps it was fate that brought her and Ruoyu together. They formed a close bond, like mother and daughter. We all saw their affection for each other.
And when Ruoyu became rebellious, yearning for the outside world, questioning our traditions and wanting to leave the Lunar Valley… Jingyun was the one who supported her the most.”
“They had no blood relation, yet Jingyun respected Ruoyu’s decisions, caring for her deeply, never showing any disapproval. And after Ruoyu left…”
The Fifth Elder’s eyes dimmed, and she sighed. “She shut herself away in her private chamber, refusing to see anyone. When we visited, she was always melancholic, sometimes even weeping in secret, as if she wanted to leave with Ruoyu.”
Her expression turned serious. “Jingyun truly cares about Ruoyu. Her feelings are genuine. You must cherish her, Master Lin, and understand her loneliness.
And seeing how gentle and affectionate she is towards you, it’s clear that she considers you her precious son-in-law, wanting to protect and care for you. Don’t disappoint her, Tianlu. Her love is true and deserves your respect.”
Hearing this story, Lin Tianlu nodded seriously. “I’ll keep that in mind, Elder. I’ll treat Martial Aunt well.”
“Calling her ‘Martial Aunt’…”
The Fifth Elder paused, then chuckled. “It’s appropriate for now, but you should address her more intimately later.
And I should also mention… her full name is Wu Jingyun. Her past is similar to Ruoyu’s. She was also orphaned during a time of war and taken in by the Lunar Valley. Perhaps it was her difficult childhood that made her so reserved and aloof, even within the safety and comfort of the valley.”
Lin Tianlu said thoughtfully, “So that’s why Martial Aunt enjoys literature so much—”
“She was the only daughter of a wealthy family. She grew up surrounded by books and developed a love for learning. And after coming to the Lunar Valley, she would often spend her time reading and studying. She was incredibly diligent.”
The Fifth Elder’s eyes were distant, as if she was recalling the past. “The other elders would often scold me, telling me to learn from Jingyun’s dedication. And when her cultivation surpassed mine, I was quite jealous for a while.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled softly.
He hadn’t expected to hear such stories about the elders.
“It seems you and Ninth Elder have a good relationship, Fifth Elder.” Yun Yue suddenly spoke, glancing at the calligraphy and paintings on the walls.
The Fifth Elder’s melancholy faded, and she smiled. “These are all Jingyun’s works. Some were gifts, and some I begged her to make for me. She might seem cold and distant, but she’s truly kind. She would always find time to create these for me, and I display them prominently, so I can admire them every day.”
Lin Tianlu nodded thoughtfully and bowed slightly. “Thank you for taking care of Martial Aunt, Fifth Elder.”
“Don’t tell Jingyun that. I don’t want her glaring at me. It’s quite scary.”
The Fifth Elder winked playfully. “Well, now that you’re here, I have something to discuss with you. Follow me.”
She turned and walked away, and Lin Tianlu and Yun Yue exchanged glances, then followed her.
…
The Jade Luo Courtyard was truly a beautiful place, its vast gardens filled with colorful flowers, their vibrant hues glowing under the moonlight, like a dreamlike wonderland.
A sweet fragrance filled the air, calming and refreshing.
But as midnight approached, the courtyard was quiet and serene.
“Such beautiful flowers are rare in autumn and winter.”
Lin Tianlu couldn’t help but sigh.
Yun Yue’s eyes flickered, and she murmured, “It seems that a powerful Yin technique is preserving these flowers, preventing them from wilting, maintaining their vibrant colors and fragrance.”
“You have sharp eyes, Azure Fox. As you said, this garden is maintained by Yin techniques, keeping it in perpetual bloom, its fragrance always fresh.”
The Fifth Elder paused, her gaze lingering on a nearby flower.
She touched a petal, and it transformed into shimmering particles, swirling around her fingertip like a miniature flower crown. “Sixth Elder enjoys gardening. She helped create this courtyard.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled. “The elders of the Lunar Valley are all so talented.”
“These are just our hobbies, ways to pass the time and find solace.”
The Fifth Elder’s gaze turned distant, her expression melancholic.
After a moment…
She looked down at the flower crown, a faint smile on her face. “Sometimes, I envy Jingyun.”
Lin Tianlu’s heart skipped a beat, and he said softly, “Are you thinking about the past?”
“It’s just a fleeting thought.”
The Fifth Elder flicked her finger, and the flower crown scattered in the wind. “She has found happiness, reunited with her disciple, and even gained a wonderful son-in-law… I truly envy her.”
Her expression turned complex, a shadow of sadness crossing her face.
Silence fell upon the courtyard, the only sound the rustling of leaves in the autumn breeze.
Lin Tianlu raised his hand, and the scattered petals flew back, converging at his fingertips, forming a beautiful flower. He offered it to the Fifth Elder.
“If you don’t mind, Elder, when Ruoyu and I visit, we can bring you some gifts from the outside world. We can also sit and chat, sharing stories.”
The Fifth Elder was stunned, and she instinctively took the flower, her voice a soft murmur. “You…”
“I can sense your loneliness, Elder.”
He smiled gently. “Letting go of your burdens and enjoying life… it’s a good way to find solace. Suppressing your emotions will only make things worse.”
The Fifth Elder remained silent.
After a while, she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, inhaling the flower’s fragrance, a faint smile appearing on her face, fragile and fleeting.
“You’re truly perceptive, Master Lin. You’ve seen through my heart.”
“It was just a guess, Elder. I hope I didn’t offend you.”
“Of course not. In fact, I should thank you. If your words are true…”
The Fifth Elder placed the flower back in its place, her eyes sparkling with a renewed light.
But then she suddenly slapped her cheek.
She took a deep breath and quickly regained her composure, her usual gentle smile returning. “Forgive me, showing such weakness before you. It’s unbecoming of an elder. But—”
She winked playfully. “Don’t forget your promise, Master Lin~”
Lin Tianlu nodded slightly. “I won’t.”
“Oh my~ Just as Xin’er said, you always say the most charming things, Master Lin. It’s quite overwhelming.”
The Fifth Elder’s smile widened, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “Perhaps soon, even Jingyun will be blushing around you.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled awkwardly. “That’s…”
“Alright, I’ll stop teasing you. Please don’t mind me.”
The Fifth Elder glanced at Yun Yue, who was still smiling calmly, seemingly unfazed.
She chuckled softly and changed the subject. “Since you know that Sixth Elder is skilled in gardening, and Jingyun excels at calligraphy and painting, why don’t you guess what I’m good at?”
“Embroidery and sewing.”
“Eh?”
The Fifth Elder was stunned, surprised that he had guessed correctly, without even a moment’s hesitation.
“How—”
“Your subtle gestures and movements revealed it, Elder. That natural grace and precision can only be achieved through years of practice.” Lin Tianlu mimicked her earlier movements. “And your aura, so focused and precise yet also ethereal and fleeting… you must be a master seamstress.”
“This is…”
The Fifth Elder was speechless. She instinctively touched her right hand, her voice filled with wonder. “You’re truly observant, Master Lin.”
She waved her hand, and bolts of colorful fabric flew through the air, swirling around them.
“Since you’ve already guessed, there’s no need to keep it a secret. I’m the most skilled seamstress in the Lunar Valley. And I called you here today to make some wedding robes for you, as a congratulatory gift.”
A warm smile appeared on her face. “Although I’ve already taken your measurements, it’s always better to have a fitting. Let me know if there’s anything you want to change.”
Lin Tianlu’s expression turned strange. “Thank you for your kindness, Fifth Elder. But are we going to try on the robes right now…?”
“Remove your clothes first.” The Fifth Elder’s words surprised him. “It will be more accurate this way.”
Seeing his awkwardness, she chuckled and gestured towards a nearby flower bed. “Let’s go over there.”
Yun Yue watched them leave, a smile on her face. But then she felt a gaze on her.
“Eh?”
She pointed at herself, her eyes wide. “Do I have to—?”
“Miss Yun Yue’s figure is similar to Ruoyu’s. She can be my model.”
The Fifth Elder smiled mischievously. “And if I make a few extra robes, perhaps you can use them as well, Miss Yun Yue.”
“…”
Yun Yue blushed, her expression flustered.
But she quickly regained her composure, her hand brushing against her shoulder, and her robe slipped to the ground, revealing her flawless body, her figure curvaceous and alluring, her skin smooth and radiant. Her ample bosom and hips were perfectly proportioned, her legs long and slender, like a masterpiece sculpted by the heavens.
Even the Fifth Elder couldn’t help but admire her beauty.
With such a captivating figure, if she unleashed her full charm, she could easily ensnare any man, a true temptress.
But…
“I must show her my skills as well.”
The Fifth Elder’s eyes narrowed, and she flicked her sleeve, sending a shower of silver needles flying through the air, swirling around them like a silver dragon.
Bolts of colorful fabric flew towards them from all directions, converging and interweaving, forming a shimmering barrier, countless threads of silver light darting through the air.
Yun Yue spread her arms, and she was surprised to see a piece of azure fabric appearing on her stomach, expanding rapidly, clinging to her skin.
She looked at the Fifth Elder, her eyes closed, her fingers twitching slightly, as if she was controlling thousands of needles with her mind, the colorful threads weaving themselves into intricate patterns, a display of extraordinary skill and precision.
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