Chapter 56: The Viper Lurks, A Fleeting Encounter
“Why does he possess Yin energy… Is he human or ghost?!”
Cheng Yishi felt a surge of caution.
At that moment, the man smirked and suddenly swung his arm.
A barrage of sharp blades flew towards them!
Cheng Yishi’s expression changed, and without hesitation, she pulled Mao Ruoyu behind her. Clang, clang, clang!
The sharp daggers were deflected, falling to the ground and dissolving into wisps of gray mist.
“…”
She exhaled softly, glancing at her right hand.
A delicate glove, as smooth as silk, now covered her hand. The diamond-shaped jade markings on the back of her hand, which had appeared this morning, shimmered faintly. Yin energy flowed through them, forming countless invisible threads that wove themselves into the shape of a glove.
Her control over Yin energy had improved significantly.
“Interesting…”
The man chuckled menacingly, drawing another blade and charging towards them.
Mao Ruoyu, shielded behind Cheng Yishi, quickly formed hand seals, her face grim.
With her level of cultivation as a ghost practitioner, she couldn’t possibly fight a real ghost. She didn’t know where this ghost had come from, but she had to buy some time…
“Eh?”
But Mao Ruoyu was suddenly stunned.
Her simple binding technique had just severed the man’s left arm!
She was bewildered.
When had her basic technique become so powerful?
“Heh… heh…”
The man stumbled back, ignoring his injury, his head bowed, a sinister smile on his face. He suddenly raised his right arm, and several flashes of light shot towards them!
The blades were about to strike their foreheads. Mao Ruoyu’s pupils constricted, and she was about to cast another spell to defend themselves.
Clang!
But Cheng Yishi intervened again, deflecting the blades.
Mao Ruoyu looked at her in surprise, then quickly regained her composure and cast her spell.
Boom!
In an instant, the ghost was completely destroyed, before it could even launch another attack.
After confirming that the gray mist had completely dissipated, she finally relaxed.
“This ghost… is it gone?”
Cheng Yishi’s voice was filled with confusion.
She had expected a fierce battle, but this ghost had been surprisingly weak.
If she had her axe, she could have easily split it in half with a single swing.
“Its Yin energy has dissipated. It’s truly gone.”
“Why would a ghost suddenly appear on the street and attack us?”
“Perhaps it was just a coincidence. After all, we’re the only ones here with Yin energy.” Mao Ruoyu brushed her hair back. “You can’t judge a ghost’s actions based on common sense. Although this street is crowded, it doesn’t pose a threat to ghosts.”
As she said, even though there had been a sudden conflict on the bridge just now, the passersby hadn’t noticed anything.
But she still carefully scanned the surroundings, making sure there were no other dangers.
After searching twice and finding no other ghosts or ghost practitioners, she finally relaxed.
Then, she glanced at Cheng Yishi’s right hand.
To be able to deflect a ghost’s weapon so easily, that thin glove must be extraordinary.
But…
“Thank you, Miss Cheng. You saved me just now.”
“There’s no need for thanks. Sir wouldn’t be happy if you were hurt.”
Cheng Yishi discreetly clenched her right hand, and the silk-like fabric dissolved into gray mist, forming faint markings on her skin before retracting into her sleeve.
This demonic power was truly difficult to control.
She composed herself and turned to Mao Ruoyu, her eyes narrowing slightly. “But… you’re also a ghost practitioner, Madam.”
“This power… is a gift from Sir.”
Mao Ruoyu calmed down and, after a moment of silence, spoke again, her tone softening. “I was being impulsive and disrespectful earlier, Miss Cheng. I apologize for my words.”
“I didn’t…”
Cheng Yishi started to speak, but then she just snorted softly. “Let’s go back to the restaurant. Sir must be worried.”
Watching her turn and walk away, Mao Ruoyu blinked her beautiful eyes.
This Miss Cheng didn’t seem as cold and fierce as she appeared.
Thinking back on her words, she realized that Cheng Yishi had been concerned about Lin Tianlu’s safety. Even though they had argued, she had still intervened when they were in danger. Her actions contradicted her words.
“Perhaps I was being too aggressive towards her… Eh?”
Both women suddenly stopped in their tracks, their expressions changing.
Because they saw a young man rushing towards the couple under the willow tree, his fists raised.
“You cheating bastards! I’ll beat you to death!”
The seemingly delicate man pinned the couple to the ground and started punching them, attracting a crowd of onlookers.
Mao Ruoyu and Cheng Yishi watched the scene unfold from afar, seeing the young man, Wang Qiu, raining blows on the young woman, turning her face into a swollen mess.
“He deserves it!”
They said in unison.
Then, they looked at each other, snorted softly, and continued walking.
But after a while, they both took out something from their pockets and offered it to each other.
“Madam Mao, please accept this bracelet.”
“Miss Cheng, please keep this hairpin.”
They both froze, exchanging puzzled glances.
So, she had gone shopping…
To buy a gift for her?
“…”
They silently accepted each other’s gifts, the atmosphere a bit awkward.
Mao Ruoyu sighed softly, then smiled faintly. “Thank you for the gift, Miss Cheng.”
“…Thank you for yours as well.”
They walked side by side, their hearts filled with complex emotions.
…
Inside another restaurant, not far from the bridge…
“—How interesting.”
A handsome young man with striking features and luxurious clothes sat by the window, watching the two women walking away with amusement.
“I didn’t expect that Cheng girl to possess such potent Yin energy. It’s quite surprising.”
“And that woman with her, Mao Ruoyu, I remember she was just a low-level, unaffiliated practitioner. To think she has cultivated her Yin techniques to such a level. The ghost I sent was just a common spirit, not even an Evil Spirit. Yet it was no match for them…”
“Master Yan Yi, those two women are close to Lin Tianlu.”
“Lin Tianlu, Lin Tianlu… I’ve heard that name dozens of times since arriving in Changling County.” The handsome man, Yan Yi, smiled faintly. “I saw him on the street earlier. He is indeed as handsome and charismatic as the rumors say. But I couldn’t see through his abilities. What a pity.”
He closed his fan with a snap. “Jiang Zhi, send someone to test him again.
If he’s just a fraud, we can ignore him. But if he truly possesses some power, we’ll eliminate him. And investigate that thunder incident. Be quick about it. The ‘Human Soul Repository’ cannot be lost.”
“Yes, Master Yan Yi!” The middle-aged man standing beside him bowed deeply and quickly left.
“Heh~”
Yan Yi turned his head towards the Ascension Immortal Restaurant, a playful smile on his lips. “Lin Tianlu, don’t die too quickly. It’s rare for me to find some entertainment in this boring Changling County. I hope you’re actually worth my time.”
He licked his lips, a seductive smile on his face. “Otherwise, I’ll have to make you suffer and see what kind of pathetic expressions you make.”
…
Lin Tianlu leaned against the railing on the top floor of the restaurant, gazing at the beautiful river scenery.
He could see boats of all sizes drifting along the Ningguan River, their lanterns glowing brightly, figures moving within them.
A soft voice whispered beside his ear, “Senior, are you thinking of your family?”
“Family?”
Lin Tianlu pondered for a moment, then chuckled softly. “There’s no need to worry about that, Miss Hua. I’m alone in this world.”
Hua Shuya lowered her eyes, not knowing what to say.
But Lin Tianlu quickly asked, “I’ve been living with you for so long, Miss Hua, but I don’t know much about your family. Although the Mid-Autumn Festival isn’t as important as the Lantern Festival, it’s still a time for family reunions. You haven’t mentioned going home. Will your family be upset?”
Hua Shuya shook her head.
“My family… is complicated. The atmosphere is always tense. It doesn’t really matter if I go back or not.”
“It seems you have your own troubles, Miss Hua.”
Lin Tianlu didn’t pry.
In a prestigious family like hers, power struggles were inevitable.
With her straightforward and honest personality, she wouldn’t last long in that environment. They would devour her whole.
Hua Shuya hesitated for a moment, then said softly,
“I heard that you’re planning a trip, Senior?”
“Just a short trip to Fuyang Prefecture, to explore the mountains and see if I can find anything interesting.” Lin Tianlu rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “It should take about half a month to get there and back. Of course, there might be some unexpected delays.”
“Are you… coming back, Sir?”
“Of course.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled. “You even bought me this house, Miss Hua. I wouldn’t abandon it so easily.”
Hua Shuya relaxed.
But…
She blushed slightly and said softly, “If you’re going to Fuyang Prefecture, Senior, could you… take me with you?”
“Hmm?”
Lin Tianlu raised an eyebrow. “You want to come too, Miss Hua?”
“T-the journey is quite long. You might need some… assistance along the way, Senior.” Hua Shuya mumbled shyly. “I still have much to learn, but… I’ve learned a few things from Madam Mao.”
“You’ve already done so much for me, Miss Hua. How could I burden you further?” Lin Tianlu bowed slightly. “Besides, we’ll be traveling through the mountains, and I’m afraid…”
“Don’t forget, Senior, I also climbed Mount Taiyi to meet you.”
Hua Shuya’s eyes were filled with determination. “A mere mountain path is nothing. As long as I can travel with you, Senior, even if we have to walk to the ends of the earth, I’ll follow you anywhere.”
Her unwavering words left Lin Tianlu speechless.
After a moment of thought, he chuckled. “Alright, if you want to come with me, Miss Hua, I won’t stop you.”
The girl beamed with joy.
“But the journey is long. You’ll have to endure some hardships with me, Miss Hua.”
“It’s alright! As long as I’m with you, Senior, there’s no hardship I can’t endure.” Hua Shuya’s cheeks were flushed, her beauty even more captivating.
As if emboldened by the wine, she bit her lip and gently placed her hand on his, which was resting on the railing.
Lin Tianlu was startled and looked at her in surprise.
But the girl didn’t shy away. She tilted her head slightly, her eyes sparkling.
“Miss Hua, do you know my background?”
“No, Sir.”
“Do you know that I’m alone and penniless?”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Do you know if I’m hiding anything from you?”
Hua Shuya smiled gently. “Why does it matter? I just know that you’re you, Senior. Ever since we met, you’ve filled my heart with admiration. That’s enough for me.”
“You’re too trusting, Miss Hua. It’s easy to be deceived.” Lin Tianlu chuckled.
“My strength is weak, but I trust my eyes.”
Hua Shuya whispered, “Senior…”
“Ahem!”
A sudden sound came from behind them.
Lin Tianlu turned his head and saw Cheng Yishi standing there, her hand covering her mouth as she coughed lightly, a playful smile on her face.
“It seems… I’ve come at a bad time?”
Lin Tianlu chuckled. “What if I said, ‘You’ve come at the perfect time’?”
“Then I’ll just have to go with the flow~” Cheng Yishi winked, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
She glanced at Hua Shuya, whose courage seemed to have vanished. The girl was blushing furiously, her hand covering her forehead, as if about to faint from embarrassment.
Her shy demeanor amused Cheng Yishi. This girl was truly innocent.
But…
She turned to look at Mao Ruoyu, who had also returned.
Their eyes met, and they both smiled “warmly” at each other, their thoughts racing.
This woman… was her true rival!
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