Chapter 133: The Past of the Shang Family
In the lobby of the inn, Lin Tianlu sat alone, leisurely sipping his tea.
Madam Mao had already finished her breakfast and was resting in her room. He didn’t want to disturb her…
He had wanted to stay with her longer, but she had insisted on him leaving, which left him a little confused.
Judging by her flushed face, perhaps she was just too shy?
He looked at the clear tea in his cup, sighing softly, his expression complex.
—He hadn’t expected to become a “scumbag” in this life.
Although polygamy was allowed in this era, it was still inappropriate to have taken advantage of two innocent women without giving them a proper title.
He would have to sit down and talk to both of them when they returned to Changling.
No matter what, he had to take responsibility for his actions, instead of letting Miss Cheng and Madam Mao silently bear the burden.
And…
Lin Tianlu gently stroked the fur of the fox curled up on his shoulder, lost in thought.
He had only glimpsed the tip of the iceberg of this world’s secrets. If he were to follow the guidance of the Heart Sea Soul Pendant, as that mysterious woman had suggested, he might uncover more.
His curiosity about the events of the past thousand years was growing.
But at that moment, he smiled and took out another teacup, filling it with tea.
“Old Master, you’ve been waiting outside for a while. Why don’t you come in and have a chat? I have no intention of turning away guests.”
Lin Tianlu stood up and bowed. “I left in a hurry last night and didn’t have time to say goodbye properly. I’m relieved to see that your injuries are healing well.”
As soon as he finished speaking, Shang Yan’s figure silently appeared, walking quickly into the inn.
He smoothed his sleeves and bowed respectfully. “Thank you for your help last night, Master Lin.”
“There’s no need for formalities, Old Master. Please have a seat.”
Lin Tianlu smiled and gestured towards a chair, pushing the teacup towards him. “This Jianggai County, after all, was protected by you and your granddaughter.”
The resolute figures of the grandfather and granddaughter, standing their ground against the black mist, had left a deep impression on him.
“I’m ashamed to say…”
Shang Yan sat down and shook his head with a wry smile.
“The little tricks my granddaughter and I used had little effect on the closing of the Netherworld. It was all thanks to Miss Yang and Master Lin’s efforts. Otherwise, everyone in Jianggai County, both mortals and ghost practitioners, would have been consumed by the Netherworld Miasma.”
Although he had quickly fled with his granddaughter, he had been closely observing the battle.
He had witnessed their victory and seen Lin Tianlu casually destroy the Netherworld passage…
Even now, he was still shaken by the sight, awestruck by Lin Tianlu’s power.
Lin Tianlu pondered for a moment, then asked curiously, “Old Master, why do you care so much about Jianggai County? Is it just because of the Path of the Netherworld ritual?”
Shang Yan was taken aback by the question.
After a moment of silence, he sighed softly and said, “The Path of the Netherworld ritual is just a ritual. But… Jianggai County holds many memories for me.”
Seeing his complex and melancholic expression, Lin Tianlu was surprised.
“Master Lin, you might find it strange that a ghost like me would care so much about a mortal town.”
Shang Yan chuckled, a hint of self-deprecation in his voice. “When I was young, I was born into a wealthy family, arrogant and conceited. Until I was betrayed and murdered. I was reborn as a ghost, fueled by rage and hatred, and committed many wrongs.
But… by chance, I met a woman who changed my heart. Her kindness and love made me want to be a better person, so I decided to marry her.”
Lin Tianlu was intrigued. “What happened next?”
“A love between a human and a ghost is always difficult. She couldn’t bear children, and I couldn’t give her a proper title.”
Shang Yan’s eyes were clouded with memories. “But she didn’t care about any of that. She ignored wealth, status, and titles. She stayed by my side, always supporting and understanding me. We spent decades together, and I came to see Jianggai County as my second home.
Even though she has long since passed away, the memories of our time here, the streets and the scenery, remain vivid in my heart.
Before she died, she told me that Jianggai was her hometown, the place where she grew up…
So I vowed to protect her beloved land for a hundred years, to fulfill her last wish.”
His calm and aged voice spoke of a beautiful love story, worthy of praise.
Lin Tianlu listened quietly, then bowed respectfully. “Your devotion is admirable, Old Master Shang.”
A hundred-year promise, a testament to his love.
“It’s just an old man’s stubbornness.”
Shang Yan finished his tea in one gulp.
“But, Miss Shang Han is—”
“I found her abandoned ten years ago.”
Shang Yan sighed. “She was sick and frail, a pitiful sight. I took pity on her and raised her as my own granddaughter. She’s become my pride and joy.”
“She’s a good girl. Despite her young age, she has a positive attitude. She’s sure to achieve great things in the future.”
“Thank you for your kind words, Master Lin.”
Shang Yan smiled and bowed. “But I don’t wish for Han’er to achieve greatness. I just want her to live a peaceful life, find a good husband, and grow old together. That would be a fulfilling life.”
Lin Tianlu nodded in agreement.
To live a long and peaceful life with loved ones was perhaps the greatest happiness in this world.
But he took a sip of tea and chuckled softly. “Old Master, you didn’t come here just to express your gratitude, did you?”
“I won’t lie to you, Master Lin. I do have a favor to ask.”
Shang Yan hesitated for a moment, then continued, “Although the Lingluo’s plot was foiled yesterday and the Yin energy is receding, the Path of the Netherworld ritual was still affected. Only a portion of it can be opened, and there might be unexpected dangers.
When the Path of the Netherworld opens tonight, many factions might be lurking in the shadows. I hope… that Master Lin can watch over Han’er during the ritual, to protect her from any harm.”
Lin Tianlu raised an eyebrow. “You’re worried about Miss Shang Han’s safety? But why did you fight against the Netherworld with her last night…”
“Han’er arrived unexpectedly, and the situation was urgent. I didn’t have time to stop her.”
Shang Yan sighed. “Scolding her would have been a waste of time. We had to do our best to stop the spread of the Netherworld Miasma. Perhaps we could have found a way to survive. If I had another chance, I wouldn’t let Han’er risk her life.”
“I see…”
This old man was decisive in his actions.
“Don’t worry, Master Lin. I didn’t come empty-handed.”
Shang Yan took out a jade pendant from his sleeve.
Lin Tianlu’s eyes widened.
He could sense a strong Yin energy emanating from the pendant, and…
a faint trace of scorching heat.
“I acquired this pendant a few years ago. It’s filled with Yin energy and even contains a bit of Crimson Sun Essence. It’s a perfect gift for Master Lin.”
Shang Yan chuckled softly. “Your companions cultivate Yin energy. This pendant will enhance their abilities.”
“This gift is too valuable…” Lin Tianlu tried to refuse, but Shang Yan insisted, his expression serious. “Master Lin has saved the people of Jianggai, your kindness is immeasurable. If you don’t accept this small token of gratitude, I won’t be able to sleep peacefully.”
Lin Tianlu smiled helplessly. “Then I humbly accept.”
Shang Yan sighed in relief.
“If you’re not busy, Master Lin, you’re welcome to visit my academy in the next few days. The scenery is beautiful now, perfect for a family outing.”
“I’ll visit you soon.”
“Then I won’t disturb you any longer, Master Lin. I still have to oversee the Path of the Netherworld ritual. Farewell.”
“Farewell, Old Master.”
…
Lin Tianlu stood up and bowed, watching as Shang Yan left the inn.
This old man was truly a kind and admirable person.
Only then did he turn his attention to the side.
A graceful figure sat quietly in a corner of the inn, holding an umbrella, silent and unmoving.
Not only did the innkeeper not notice her, but even Shang Yan, who had just left, hadn’t sensed her presence.
“Miss, your presence here is no coincidence, is it?”
Lin Tianlu bowed slightly. “Or are you just looking for a place to rest?”
“I’m here for you.”
Yang Chanzhen’s eyes were calm. “But Old Master Shang was having a pleasant conversation with you. I didn’t want to interrupt.”
“I apologize for making you wait, Miss.” Lin Tianlu smiled apologetically. “What brings you here today?”
“Nothing important.”
Yang Chanzhen’s voice was calm and even. “I just wanted to see you.”
Lin Tianlu: “…”
Did that sound… a little strange?
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