Chapter 70: Fate’s Intertwining, Stepping into a Maiden’s Chamber
The evil ghost in the old mansion was gone, the lingering Yin energy dispersed.
Lin Tianlu glanced at the translucent figures of the martial artists, who bowed to him in gratitude before turning into wisps of smoke and fading away.
He returned the gesture, a sigh escaping his lips.
Whether young or old, skilled or not, these men had been righteous warriors, their hearts filled with courage. They had come here to protect the innocent, regardless of their motives.
Their tragic deaths were a reminder of the dangers of this world.
“Brother Guo, we only met two days ago, but we connected like old friends. Allow me to offer you this last drink.”
Mei Hong’an poured some wine onto the ground, his expression solemn as he bowed, bidding farewell to his deceased companion.
“…”
As the last of the souls departed, Lin Tianlu turned to leave.
“Master, wait!” Mei Hong’an called out, putting away his flask.
“Is there something else?”
“Could I… become your disciple?!”
Mei Hong’an bowed deeply. “Your Diamond Finger Kung Fu is truly powerful and awe-inspiring! I long to learn it!”
Lin Tianlu chuckled. “There’s no such thing as Diamond Finger Kung Fu. I was just making things up.”
And that “Golden Touch” nonsense… it was all a joke.
“But your cultivation is so profound, Master. You defeated that terrifying creature with ease. Even if you just taught me a single move, I would be eternally grateful—”
“I already have too many disciples. Please, keep your offer.”
Lin Tianlu waved his hand dismissively and left the mansion.
He wouldn’t take on a disciple so casually.
Besides, he had other matters to attend to.
…
But…
“That ghost is gone, brother.”
Lin Tianlu turned around, a hint of amusement in his voice. “You can go home now. There’s no need to follow me.”
Ever since they left that nameless mansion, this burly man had been trailing behind him, his face filled with fear.
His imposing features and his timid demeanor were a strange combination.
Mei Hong’an shuddered and chuckled nervously, bowing. “Sir, please forgive my rudeness. It’s not that I’m a coward, but that ghost was truly… terrifying!
I wouldn’t dare to walk alone on this deserted road at night.”
Lin Tianlu sighed. “I’ll teach you a technique that will banish your fear.”
“Please, Master, tell me!”
Mei Hong’an’s eyes lit up with hope.
Lin Tianlu cleared his throat and shouted towards the distance, “There’s someone here!”
“Huh?”
Mei Hong’an was confused.
He looked back.
Three night watchmen, carrying heavy wooden staffs, were running towards them.
“Halt! Who goes there?!”
“Wandering the streets after curfew! By order of the county magistrate, you’ll receive thirty lashes! Get down on the ground and accept your punishment!”
“W-wait, I’m here to fight evil—”
Before he could finish speaking, he was pinned to the ground by two of the men, their staffs raised high.
Thwack, thwack, thwack, thwack, thwack!
“M-Master, help me! Eh?”
Mei Hong’an’s eyes widened.
Lin Tianlu was gone.
“Wait, did you see another man with me…? Ah! Stop hitting me!”
“Another man?”
The three night watchmen looked at each other, their expressions strange. “You’re the only one here. There’s no one else. Are you trying to trick us?! Beat him harder!”
…
Lin Tianlu glanced back, chuckling softly, then continued on his way.
Thirty lashes would be a good lesson for this reckless warrior.
Wandering around alone at night was dangerous, even for a skilled martial artist. If he hadn’t intervened, this man would have already joined his dead companion.
This punishment would teach him a valuable lesson.
Before worrying about those scary ghosts, he should first consider the strength of those wooden staffs.
As for now…
He walked through the silent streets, soon reaching his destination.
The Spring Surge Workshop.
The brothel’s doors were closed at this hour.
But a faint Yin energy emanated from the building, making the air around it feel cold and eerie.
“Sneaking into a brothel at night… this could ruin my reputation.”
Lin Tianlu rubbed his chin, muttering to himself. “Should I cover my face so no one recognizes me?”
But he didn’t know anyone in Ganchang Village. It probably wouldn’t be a problem.
“Forget it, that would make me look like a thief.”
He shook his head with a chuckle and, without further hesitation, jumped over the wall.
Looking around, he noticed the elegant decorations and spacious courtyard.
As he entered the building, he was greeted by a lavish interior, adorned with silk curtains and beaded drapes. The red stage in the main hall was particularly striking, seemingly designed to highlight the beauty of the performers.
“This Spring Surge Workshop has put a lot of effort into their ambiance.”
He could faintly hear the sound of a xiao flute.
Lin Tianlu followed the sound, his brows furrowing slightly as he noticed the Yin energy emanating from the upper floors.
He ascended the stairs, taking advantage of the late hour when everyone was asleep.
“On the top floor… It’s the woman I saw earlier.”
He reached a room at the end of the hallway.
As he was about to knock, the door opened silently, a creaking sound that echoed through the quiet night, adding to the eerie atmosphere.
Lin Tianlu was startled, then chuckled softly.
It seemed that the occupant was expecting him tonight and had even prepared a “welcome.”
“I apologize for intruding upon you so late, Miss.”
He stepped inside and bowed slightly.
Bang!
The door slammed shut behind him, and a chilling wind swept through the room.
“Hehe~”
A soft, seductive chuckle echoed through the air.
Lin Tianlu turned his head and saw that the room was larger than he had expected, divided by screens and draped with gauzy curtains that fluttered in the night breeze. A woman’s figure was faintly visible behind the curtains. It was the beauty he had seen at the restaurant.
But unlike before, when she had been clad only in a silk robe, she was now dressed in an elegant green dress, a thin shawl draped over her shoulders, her black hair styled in a bun with a golden hairpin. She looked refined and dignified, but her attire still couldn’t hide her alluring curves, her figure accentuated by the moonlight.
She put down the jade xiao flute she had been playing, turned to look at him, and smiled faintly.
She sat down gracefully in front of a guqin, her slender fingers plucking the strings, creating a sound like rippling water.
“I didn’t expect to meet someone as extraordinary as you in this remote place, Sir. It’s truly my fortune.”
Her voice was soft and ethereal, with a hint of seductive charm.
Lin Tianlu bowed respectfully. “I also didn’t expect to encounter a… female ghost in this small village.”
The music stopped abruptly.
The woman behind the curtains said softly, “You already knew my true nature when we met earlier, Sir?”
“Such a strong Yin aura, only a ghost could possess it.”
Lin Tianlu smiled. “And the brothel is filled with Yin energy, even woven into a subtle spell formation to cloud the minds of the guests. It’s all quite clear to me.”
“Since you already know, there’s no need for explanations, Sir.”
The woman chuckled seductively.
Before Lin Tianlu could speak, the music resumed, its tempo quickening.
“Since I allowed you to enter so easily, Sir, I’ve naturally made preparations.
You seem to be just a scholar, although with some unusual abilities. But I wonder… have you ever experienced true pleasure?”
Zheng—
The sound of the guqin echoed through the air, and the room seemed to ripple like water.
Chilling Yin energy condensed into threads, weaving a strange and seductive illusion around him.
Unlike Xiao Lanzhu’s crude and superficial techniques, this woman’s approach was far more subtle and insidious, targeting his mind and soul.
Those with weak willpower, even those with great strength, might succumb to this strange Yin energy without even seeing her beautiful face, their minds slowly poisoned and controlled.
—This is quite interesting.
Lin Tianlu observed the illusion with a thoughtful expression.
After a moment, he casually pulled up a chair, sat down, and grabbed a handful of sunflower seeds from a nearby bowl.
The music was quite good. He would enjoy it for a while longer.
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