Chapter 14: A Lingering Fragrance
Daybreak arrived, the sun shining brightly.
Although the threat of the evil spirit had been eliminated from Changling County, the incident caused quite a stir, rumors spreading like wildfire.
Whispers and speculations filled the streets and teahouses. People gathered outside the charred remains of the fabric shop, curious to see the aftermath of the ghostly fire.
Among the bustling crowd, an elderly man in simple clothes, carrying a long sword on his back, took off his straw hat and crouched down in front of the shop, carefully picking up a pinch of ash from the ground.
“Illusory flames, harmless to flesh and bone. Yin energy lingers, accompanied by a haunting scream.”
He stroked his white beard, his aged face etched with concern. “These are the ashes of a vanquished Evil Spirit. To think that a master capable of subduing such a fearsome creature resides in this humble Changling County.”
The old man looked up at the charred building, a glint of excitement in his eyes. “Judging by the power of those illusory flames, this was no ordinary feat. Though the outer flames wouldn’t harm mortals, being caught within them would lead to a fiery death. Even a Pure Yang realm martial artist would struggle against this dual-natured Yin fire.
Yet, this person walked through the flames unharmed and even vanquished the Evil Spirit within. Truly extraordinary!
Unfortunately, such a master must be elusive. I wonder how I could meet them and learn from their wisdom.”
He sighed, stood up, and dusted off his hat, preparing to leave.
But then, he overheard a conversation nearby.
“That scholar really rushed into the burning shop alone… and saved Shopkeeper Zhang?”
“We all saw it with our own eyes. There’s no doubt about it.”
Two young men in simple clothes were sitting at a breakfast stall, chatting quietly.
One of them, a tall and muscular man, leaned in and whispered, “The ghostly flames were terrifying. No one dared to approach the shop. But that scholar charged in without hesitation, risking his life to save those trapped inside. And he emerged without a single burn.
Many elders are saying that the fire was caused by a demon or ghost, and that the scholar must possess immense righteous energy and abundant Yang energy to be immune to those sinister flames.”
His companion took a bite of his steamed bun and said in awe, “I didn’t expect such a virtuous and talented master to appear in our remote town. To be able to ward off evil and extinguish flames with pure righteousness… it’s truly admirable. I wonder which academy he teaches at, or if he’s a newly appointed scholar?”
“I’m not sure. But I heard from others that he seems to be from another town…”
“Gentlemen.”
A deep, resonant voice came from behind them. The two turned around in confusion and saw an elderly man with a white beard approaching them quickly, his face lit up with excitement.
Looking closer, they noticed that although the old man’s clothes were dusty from travel, his every movement exuded an air of grace and wisdom.
A sense of respect welled up within the muscular man, and he quickly stood up and bowed. “Sir, you are…”
“I’m just a humble villager from the mountains. I’m passing through Changling County. I overheard you talking about the fire at the fabric shop last night. Could you tell me where I can find the person who saved those people?” The old man’s voice was filled with urgency and hope.
Seeing his eagerness, the muscular man scratched his head and hesitantly pointed in a direction.
“I don’t know that gentleman personally, Sir. I only heard from the neighbors that he seems to be living on Stone Workshop Street, on the north side of town. But I’m not sure about the exact location…”
He was about to shake his head apologetically when both he and his companion froze.
The old man had vanished into thin air, right before their eyes!
“T-this— A ghost?!”
Their faces turned pale with terror as they stumbled back, screaming and fleeing in panic.
But the old man was already gone, lost in the bustling crowd.
His steps were strange and ethereal, his movements swift and unpredictable, his figure like a phantom, impossible to track.
…
Inside a fragrant boudoir…
A soft moan escaped Mao Ruoyu’s lips as her eyelashes fluttered, and she slowly woke up.
She rubbed her forehead, her expression dazed, as she sat up in bed. Her long black hair cascaded down her shoulders, and her loose robe revealed a glimpse of her ample bosom, rising and falling with her breath, a tempting sight.
“H-how did I get home?”
After a moment of confusion, the memories of last night flooded back.
Her face turned pale, her throat dry.
“That scholar—”
She swallowed hard.
Although she hadn’t seen it with her own eyes…
That evil spirit… had undoubtedly been vanquished by that scholar with a single gesture!
“Madam Mao, you’re awake?”
A cheerful voice suddenly came from outside, making Mao Ruoyu jump, her face pale with fear.
The door opened quietly, and Lin Tianlu entered the room, carrying a tray of breakfast.
“Y-you, you, you, why are you in my house?!” Mao Ruoyu quickly pulled the blanket over herself.
Lin Tianlu set the tray down, quickly averting his gaze, and smiled apologetically. “You fainted last night near the fire, Madam Mao. I asked some kind-hearted women to help you home.
Don’t worry, Madam, I didn’t do anything inappropriate. Those women helped you change your clothes. But… it was indeed improper of me to enter your room without permission.”
He bowed slightly, his face flushed with embarrassment. “I brought you some warm porridge and pastries. You seem to be lacking in energy, Madam. Please eat something to nourish yourself. I’ll also bring you some tonic medicine later.”
Mao Ruoyu was stunned. After Lin Tianlu retreated from the room, she quickly said, “Mr. Lin… I-I’m sorry. I was a bit disoriented just now. Please forgive me.”
“It’s alright, Madam. Just rest and have something to eat. I’ll be waiting in the main hall.”
After the door closed softly, Mao Ruoyu blinked her beautiful eyes in confusion.
He hadn’t killed her with a flick of his finger?
…
Lin Tianlu sat in the main hall, reading an ancient book to pass the time.
Although the regular script had initially made his head spin, thanks to the memories of his predecessor, he was gradually getting used to it.
Reading these ancient texts had a certain charm.
But the illustrations… he couldn’t appreciate them. They were all too abstract.
“Ahem…”
Half an hour later, a soft cough broke the silence.
A voluptuous figure emerged from the corner, her graceful silhouette accentuated by a thin silk robe, her hair braided and draped over her chest. Mao Ruoyu smiled apologetically, bowing slightly, her voice soft and melodious. “Mr. Lin, I apologize for my behavior earlier.”
“There’s no need to apologize, Madam.”
Lin Tianlu closed his book and bowed in return. “I was touched by your concern, Madam Mao, for following me to the fire last night despite the danger. This is just a small token of my gratitude.
But your house seems a bit deserted. Many rooms are empty, covered in cobwebs and dust. I had some free time, so I cleaned up the house for you.”
Mao Ruoyu’s expression changed slightly, and she quickly said, “Please don’t blame me, Sir. It’s just that I… like you, just moved back to Changling County recently. And as a weak woman, I don’t have the strength to do much housework. That’s why the house is so dusty.”
Lin Tianlu nodded thoughtfully. “You have a delicate constitution, Madam. It’s indeed not suitable for you to do strenuous work. If you need any help, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
“I’m ashamed to have troubled you with such trivial matters, Sir.”
Mao Ruoyu bowed deeply in gratitude.
Lin Tianlu smiled. “There’s no need to be so formal, Madam. It’s normal for neighbors to help each other. But there’s something I’m curious about, if you don’t mind me asking.”
“Please ask, Mr. Lin.”
“I searched the entire house last night, but I didn’t see your daughter anywhere.”
Lin Tianlu asked, his voice filled with concern,
“Madam, where is your child?”
Mao Ruoyu’s face paled, and her hands clenched tightly beneath her sleeves.
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