Chapter 157: Unforgettable Kindness
Good, strange Go!
Wang Qiu focused his attention on the game. At first glance, every move seemed to follow the rules, but upon closer inspection, he realized the complexity and ever-changing nature of the situation. It was far beyond any ordinary Go game.
He gathered his courage and asked tentatively, “D-dare I ask, Elder Nie, who has the upper hand in this game?”
A flicker of embarrassment crossed Nie Qingyuan’s face.
But after taking a sip of tea, he admitted frankly, “I’m afraid I’m at a disadvantage.”
Wang Qiu’s heart skipped a beat, his eyes filled with disbelief.
Truly incredible!
He had been Elder Nie’s student for several years and had witnessed his master’s brilliance firsthand. His knowledge and strategic thinking were unparalleled, far exceeding ordinary people. He was arguably the most talented person in Changling… no, perhaps even in the entire Fengchen Kingdom.
—He had achieved the prestigious title of Hanlin scholar in his youth, and after starting a family, he had been highly valued by the previous emperor, earning the respect and admiration of the court officials. He had practically been a shadow prime minister, his achievements legendary.
But he had grown tired of the power struggles and intrigues of the court and chose to retire to his hometown.
Even in his old age, although he could no longer wield a sword, his knowledge had become even more profound. He was well-versed in astronomy, geography, and human nature, and his Go skills were exceptional.
During his time as a student, Wang Qiu had always been able to get answers to his questions, admiring his master’s wisdom.
But now…
“Young Master Wang, pay close attention.” Nie Qingyuan chuckled. “Master Lin’s Go is ever-changing. If you can learn even a little from him, it would be a great opportunity.”
Lin Tianlu felt embarrassed and chuckled awkwardly.
“You’re exaggerating, Elder Nie.”
He had simply incorporated some of his own thoughts and strategies into the game, trying to be more creative.
“—I will certainly do my best to learn!”
But Wang Qiu’s reaction was even more exaggerated. He bowed deeply, his expression serious.
Seeing his enthusiasm, Lin Tianlu shook his head with a wry smile and focused back on the game.
The three of them continued playing in silence.
…
One game, two games, three games…
Nie Qingyuan’s composure gradually crumbled, beads of sweat appearing on his forehead. He held a black stone in his hand, his expression troubled, unable to find a good move.
Finally, he put down the stone and sighed deeply.
“I’ve lost again.”
Wang Qiu was speechless.
Elder Nie had been defeated five times in a row, without even gaining a slight advantage!
“Good game, Elder Nie.”
“Sigh! I need to practice more.”
Nie Qingyuan lamented, stroking his beard.
Whoosh
A small and agile figure leaped down from the wall, landing gracefully in Lin Tianlu’s arms.
Nie Qingyuan looked at the creature in surprise. “What is this…?”
“A little fox I adopted while I was traveling.”
Lin Tianlu stroked Yun Yue’s soft and smooth fur. “She’s probably bored at home and came to play with me.”
Seeing the fox curled up comfortably in Lin Tianlu’s arms, her tail swaying gently, Nie Qingyuan couldn’t help but admire, “She’s quite intelligent. No wonder you chose to adopt her, Master Lin.”
“It’s my good fortune.” Lin Tianlu chuckled. “My home is much livelier now, thanks to this little fox.”
Nie Qingyuan laughed heartily. “A spiritual creature can bring good luck and harmony to a family. Cherish her, Master Lin.”
“I will certainly take good care of her.”
Yun Yue glanced at him, nuzzling his hand playfully.
Nie Qingyuan smiled kindly, then turned to Wang Qiu, who was staring at them with a dazed expression. “Young Master Wang, you didn’t come here just to visit me, did you?”
“Ah… I-I was saved by Master Lin a while ago.”
Wang Qiu quickly regained his composure and said seriously, “I couldn’t sleep last night after hearing that he had returned. I came here this morning to express my gratitude.”
He sat up straight and bowed deeply to Lin Tianlu. “Thank you for your great kindness, Master Lin! I’m eternally grateful! If you ever need anything, my family… no, I will do my best to repay your kindness!”
Lin Tianlu chuckled. “There’s no need for such formality. It was just a small act of kindness.”
“But to me, this kindness is unforgettable!”
Nie Qingyuan asked curiously, “It seems something happened that I’m not aware of?”
Wang Qiu bowed slightly and, after receiving Lin Tianlu’s consent, recounted his recent experience.
…
After hearing what had happened, Nie Qingyuan’s face was filled with shock.
“Young Master Wang… was poisoned with such a vicious Gu technique?!”
“Indeed.”
Wang Qiu sighed. “If it weren’t for Master Lin, I wouldn’t have known the truth until I died.”
“Then you truly owe him a debt of gratitude.”
Nie Qingyuan pondered for a moment, then asked, “Now that the Gu poison has been removed, what are your plans for the future, Young Master Wang?”
Wang Qiu’s face darkened, and he clenched his fists.
“I… will never marry again!”
His words surprised both Lin Tianlu and Nie Qingyuan.
“Young Master Wang, what do you mean—”
“I have no interest in women anymore. Just looking at them makes me feel disgusted.”
He touched his forehead, his voice heavy. “Although I feel ashamed towards my ancestors, my mind is made up.”
Nie Qingyuan’s expression was complex.
He understood what Wang Qiu had gone through. To be betrayed and humiliated by a woman… even a saint would be furious, let alone a young and passionate man.
“Then what are your plans for the future, Young Master Wang?”
“Thanks to Master Lin’s guidance, I will focus on managing my family business and live up to my parents’ expectations.”
Wang Qiu turned to Lin Tianlu, his expression serious. “Master Lin, my foundation is still weak. But once I’ve achieved something, I will invite you to my home as a guest of honor.”
“I’ll be looking forward to it.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled. “But, Young Master Wang, don’t let this experience make you think that all women are malicious.
There are countless women in this world. Some are cruel, but many are kind and compassionate. You still have a long life ahead of you. Perhaps one day, you’ll meet a woman who will love and cherish you.”
“…I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Alright, it’s getting late. Young Master Wang, Elder Nie, I’m going home for lunch and a rest.”
Lin Tianlu stood up and bowed, and Yun Yue obediently jumped onto his shoulder.
“Farewell, Master Lin.” Nie Qingyuan smiled and returned the gesture. “I’ve taken up too much of your time. I apologize to your wives for my intrusion.”
Wang Qiu hesitated, then bowed farewell.
…
As they left the courtyard, Yun Yue whispered in Lin Tianlu’s ear,
“That old man is quite knowledgeable.”
“He’s experienced a lot and has studied for decades. It’s natural for him to be knowledgeable.”
“But his aura is strange. He’s lost most of his Yang energy. He’s more like a woman than a man.” Yun Yue sighed. “If he were truly a woman, judging by his figure, he would be quite attractive.”
“Is there a way to restore his Yang energy?”
“He’s been affected by Yin techniques for many years. His body has already taken shape. It’s difficult to reverse it with ordinary methods. That old Daoist you mentioned, the one who created that unique dual cultivation cauldron, wouldn’t let him regain his masculine appearance so easily.”
Lin Tianlu nodded thoughtfully.
“It seems I should advise him to practice martial arts.”
If Wang Qiu became a muscular and burly man, no one would call him “attractive” anymore.
Even with delicate features, his imposing physique would probably scare people.
Lin Tianlu poked the little fox’s belly. “Why don’t you stay home and rest?”
“Shuya keeps giving me strange looks. It’s a bit embarrassing.”
Yun Yue said awkwardly. “I wanted to help her get closer to you, but she seems shy. It backfired.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled helplessly.
It was rare to see this fox embarrassed.
“But when are we going to visit the Lunar Valley?”
“If the weather is good, we can—”
*Rumble!*
A clap of thunder echoed through the air.
They looked up to see the previously clear sky darkening, clouds gathering, a storm brewing.
Lin Tianlu shrugged. “It seems we’ll have to wait a little longer.”
“Autumn weather is unpredictable.”
As they were talking, they suddenly stopped.
“Yishi?”
Lin Tianlu said in surprise, “You’re here so early today?”
Cheng Yishi gathered her hair, blown by the wind, and smiled. “Business is slow at home these days. I have some free time, so I thought I’d come and see you all. Besides—”
She narrowed her blood-red eyes, staring intently at Yun Yue. “I had a long talk with Madam Mao last night, but I only had a chance to greet this fox beauty briefly. And I left in a hurry this morning. Now, I want to have a proper chat with her!”
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