Chapter 229: A Master’s Surprise, A Gathering Storm
Lin Tianlu stepped down from the carriage and cautiously approached the fallen figure.
“Are you alright, Senior?”
“Of course.”
A slightly muffled voice responded.
The old man, who had been lying face down in the dirt, slowly sat up, crossed his legs, and took a deep breath, exhaling a long stream of air that formed a swirling dragon shape in the air, a display of impressive internal energy control.
Except for the dirt on his forehead, he seemed perfectly composed.
“I never thought I, a seasoned martial artist, would stumble like this. How… unexpected.”
His voice was calm and even, as if he wasn’t bothered by the incident at all.
The black-haired old man stood up and dusted himself off.
“Young man, the roof of your carriage is quite slippery. You should warn people about it.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled awkwardly. “We were about to, but you were too fast.”
Who would have thought that a master cultivator would perform a faceplant?
“…Just forget about it. Farewell.”
The old man bowed curtly, turning to leave.
But Lin Tianlu quickly appeared before him, blocking his path. He bowed slightly. “If you don’t mind me asking, Senior, where are you headed?”
“Hmm?”
The old man paused, a flicker of surprise in his eyes.
This seemingly frail young man had just displayed remarkable speed and agility.
No, he hadn’t even seen him move!
“I… Who—!”
The old man’s expression suddenly changed, and he turned towards the carriage, his hand drawing the ancient sword strapped to his back. It spun through the air, landing perfectly in his grasp.
His internal energy surged, his aura intensifying, his sword intent sharp and focused.
“You’re being too cautious, Senior.”
Hua Shuya jumped down from the carriage and bowed respectfully. “I was just curious, seeing that you also carry a sword. I didn’t mean to offend you.”
“You—”
The old man’s eyes narrowed, his gaze filled with shock and disbelief.
This young woman possessed a profound sword intent, her movements fluid and graceful, her aura ethereal. And most importantly… from the carriage behind her, he sensed a terrifying power!
It was elusive and unfathomable. Even with his sword intent at its peak, he could only perceive a swirling vortex of energy, threatening to consume everything in its path.
“Senior, why are you just standing there?”
“Ah!”
The old man suddenly gasped, turning to see the young scholar standing beside him, his hand on his shoulder.
He looked back at the carriage, but the terrifying aura was gone, as if he had imagined it.
Was it truly just an illusion? Or was there… a hidden master inside the carriage?
“Senior?”
“I-I’m fine.”
The old man’s body trembled as he took a few steps back.
His expression flickered, and he bowed respectfully. “May I ask your name, young man?”
“My name is Lin Tianlu, from Changling County.”
“Changling?” The old man’s eyes narrowed. “You’re a local?”
“Indeed. I’m returning home with my family and companions. I’ve seen many martial artists traveling towards Changling. May I ask what’s happening, Senior?”
Seeing that the young man was friendly and polite, the old man relaxed slightly and replied, “I don’t know what the others are planning. I just heard that many experts will be gathering in Changling. I’m hoping to find some worthy opponents to test my skills.”
“So there really is a gathering of martial artists…”
The old man hesitated for a moment, then lowered his voice. “Young man, is there a hidden master inside that carriage?”
“A hidden master?”
Lin Tianlu’s eyebrows rose in surprise, and he chuckled. “It’s just my family, Senior.”
“…I apologize for my presumption.”
The old man bowed deeply, his face flushed with embarrassment. “I was too hasty and careless. Please forgive me. I won’t disturb you any further. Perhaps we’ll meet again in Changling.”
“Farewell, Senior.”
Lin Tianlu smiled and bowed in return.
The old man nodded curtly and vanished, his movements even faster than before.
“…”
Lin Tianlu’s smile faded, and he looked towards the distance, his eyes narrowed.
“This is getting out of hand.”
Unlike the Path of the Netherworld ritual organized by the demons and ghosts, this sudden gathering… was attracting even mortal martial artists.
Would Changling County remain peaceful?
He thought of Cheng Yishi, his brow furrowed slightly.
Although she was intelligent and resourceful, he wasn’t sure if she could handle this situation.
“Senior, who was that old man?”
“Just like the others, he’s coming to Changling for this gathering.” Lin Tianlu turned to Hua Shuya, his voice serious. “Let’s hurry. Miss Cheng is alone in Changling, and she possesses Yin energy. It’s not safe for her.”
Those Grandmaster level martial artists could sense Yin energy. If Cheng Yishi encountered one…
It could be troublesome.
Hua Shuya’s expression changed, and she quickly jumped back into the carriage, taking the reins. “Let’s go, Senior! If there’s an emergency, we can catch up later.”
“Alright.”
…
Changling County.
The Ascension Immortal Restaurant, by the Ningguan River, was bustling with activity under the midday sun.
Tables and chairs filled the restaurant and spilled out onto the street, packed with martial artists and scholars, their laughter and chatter echoing through the air.
But the atmosphere inside the restaurant was more subdued.
The diners here were mostly wealthy merchants and landowners from the surrounding towns and villages. Closer to the main table were government officials and other prominent figures, their status evident.
“It’s quite lively.”
The maid, dressed in an autumn robe, peeked out of their private room curiously.
She saw many high-ranking officials she would normally never have the chance to meet.
If it weren’t for this occasion, she, a mere servant, would never be sitting here, among these wealthy and powerful individuals. But now…
“Miss, are you sure it’s alright for us to be here?”
Sensing her mistress’s gaze, she quickly turned back, her voice low. “The governor of Xima Prefecture is in the next room!”
“There’s no need to be nervous.”
Cheng Yishi sipped her tea calmly. “As long as we keep a low profile, no one will bother us.”
“But what if someone comes looking for us?”
The maid sighed, her face filled with worry.
The past ten days had been the most stressful of her life.
Although nothing bad had happened to their family, the situation in Changling County had become increasingly tense.
After Prince Pei’s son announced his recruitment drive, countless strangers had arrived in town, powerful figures and skilled martial artists, none of them easy to deal with. Conflicts were common, and the atmosphere was charged with tension, a sense of impending doom hanging over the town.
And with her mistress’s reputation for beauty, many unwanted suitors had come knocking, hoping to catch a glimpse of the most beautiful woman in Changling.
Although it hadn’t caused any major problems, it was still a nuisance. At least the maid found it quite stressful.
And she couldn’t shake the feeling…
That Prince Pei’s son had been lingering around the Cheng residence lately.
Sometimes he would visit, offering his greetings, other times he would intervene on their behalf, driving away troublesome merchants or martial artists. And after helping them, he would always stay for a while, chatting casually.
His actions, neither too friendly nor too distant, made the maid feel uneasy.
Although he was polite and well-mannered, and his appearance was certainly charming, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. If it weren’t for her mistress’s calm and collected demeanor, she would have already told him to leave them alone.
…Although, as a mere servant, saying such disrespectful words to a prince would probably result in her immediate execution.
“Don’t worry about that.”
Cheng Yishi glanced at her maid’s worried face and smiled faintly. “With the prince’s presence in Changling, those petty criminals won’t dare to cause trouble. And who would dare to act recklessly in such a public place?”
“You’re just trying to reassure yourself, Miss.” The maid grumbled. “If we had a choice, we wouldn’t be here.”
They hadn’t come to this banquet willingly.
It was an invitation from Prince Pei’s son, a private room specifically reserved for them. They couldn’t refuse.
Even the county magistrate wouldn’t dare to offend the prince, let alone a family like theirs.
“It’s a chance to enjoy the Ascension Immortal Restaurant’s cuisine. There’s no need to complain.”
Cheng Yishi smiled, picking up a piece of celery. “Instead of worrying, let’s just enjoy the food. It would be a waste to leave on an empty stomach. Besides—”
She glanced at the aloof figure sitting across from them.
Yang Chanzhen sat quietly, her umbrella by her side, sipping her wine, her veiled face and alluring attire creating an aura of mystery.
“With Miss Yang here, there’s no need to worry.”
“There are many powerful ghost practitioners in this restaurant. It’s still dangerous.” Yang Chanzhen’s voice was cold and ethereal.
“I’m grateful for your protection, Miss Yang.”
Cheng Yishi smiled faintly.
Knock, knock, knock.
A quick, urgent knock echoed through the room.
Cheng Yishi turned to see a hidden door opening, revealing a familiar face.
She stood up in surprise. “Innkeeper Ji?”
It was the owner of the Ascension Immortal Restaurant.
“It’s me, Miss Cheng!”
“Why are you here…?”
Ji Hang wiped the sweat from his brow, his expression serious. “Miss Cheng, I chose this private room for Prince Pei’s son specifically because of this secret passage. It leads directly to the riverbank, allowing you to escape unnoticed.”
Cheng Yishi blinked her beautiful eyes, then bowed respectfully. “Thank you for your concern, Innkeeper Ji.”
She understood his intentions. He was here to help her escape.
“Since you understand, Miss Cheng, then hurry!” Ji Hang said urgently. “Once you reach the river, take a boat and go downstream, as far away from Changling as possible. It’s best not to return for a while, at least not until this situation is resolved. If Master Lin returns and finds you in danger…”
“Thank you for your kindness, Innkeeper Ji.” Cheng Yishi smiled gently. “But if I escape, you’ll be punished. I can’t do that to you.”
“What punishment could they possibly inflict on an old man like me?!”
Ji Hang’s voice was filled with urgency. “Just go, Miss Cheng! The people at the Golden Phoenix Tower downstream will help you. It’s a safe escape route. It’s far more dangerous to stay here!”
The prince’s intentions were clear, even to outsiders.
He had been visiting the Cheng residence frequently. He was clearly interested in the beautiful Miss Cheng.
That was why Ji Hang was trying to help her escape.
Even if it was just to repay a small part of the kindness she had shown him in the past.
“Innkeeper Ji, you have children to think about.” Cheng Yishi’s expression turned serious. “Leave now, before someone sees you.”
A gust of wind suddenly swept through the room, pushing Ji Hang back into the secret passage, the hidden door slamming shut.
The maid whispered, “Miss, why didn’t we…?”
“There’s not enough time, and his plan isn’t well thought out.”
Cheng Yishi’s eyes flickered, and she smiled calmly. “Besides, someone’s already here.”
As soon as she finished speaking, the door to the private room opened.
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