After Failing to Find Immortality 158

Chapter 158: Reunion and Departure

Inside the pavilion…

Cheng Yishi sat opposite Yun Yue, studying her with a serious expression.

Yun Yue, now in her human form, smiled gracefully, her demeanor calm and composed.

“Yishi, speak your mind. Tianlu and Shuya are helping in the kitchen, and we’re alone here.”

“You’re more mature than I imagined, Miss Yun Yue.”

Cheng Yishi smiled politely.

She hadn’t had the chance to observe Yun Yue closely during their brief encounter last night.

But now, she noticed that beneath the fox demon’s seductive charm, there was also a gentle and refined aura, even more pronounced than when she had first met Mao Ruoyu.

This woman…

Was a formidable rival!

And there was a strange sense of familiarity.

As she sat down, fragmented memories flickered in her mind, as if she had truly spent six months with Yun Yue, almost making her call her “Sister Yun.” She quickly regained her composure.

Although the situation was strange, she maintained her elegant smile. “Sir has told me about what happened in Jianggai County, so I know your story, Miss Yun Yue. But I’m curious, what are your feelings towards Sir?”

“Tianlu?”

Yun Yue raised an eyebrow and pondered for a moment. “To be honest… I’m fond of him.”

“Because of those six months in the dream realm?”

“Yes.” Yun Yue chuckled softly, a hint of shyness in her voice. “I intended to use it to influence Ruoyu’s heart, but I was the one who fell for him, captivated by his kindness and warmth.”

Seeing the genuine emotion on her face, Cheng Yishi clenched her fists.

“Then you should know… what happens to those who try to steal another woman’s husband.”

“I’m somewhat familiar with the customs of the mortal world.”

Yun Yue watched as Cheng Yishi stood up and walked towards her, sensing the menacing aura emanating from her. She simply smiled gently and opened her arms.

“If you want to hit or scold me, Yishi, I won’t resist.”

Cheng Yishi was taken aback. “What are you…”

“I understand your anger.” Yun Yue’s gaze was soft. “I won’t let Tianlu see this.”

“Y-you—”

Cheng Yishi was speechless.

What was this woman thinking?!

Yun Yue stood up and faced her directly.

Seeing that Cheng Yishi hesitated to strike, she chuckled mischievously and pulled her into an embrace.

“You’re all bark and no bite, Yishi. So cute~”

“L-let go of me!”

Cheng Yishi struggled to break free, her face flushed as she straightened her clothes and glared at Yun Yue.

What was wrong with this fox woman? Hugging her like that right after they met!

She hadn’t seemed so clingy before… Eh?

Cheng Yishi froze, her hand on her forehead, her mind blank.

Memories surfaced, gradually becoming clearer.

Moments of laughter and anger, everyday conversations, all came flooding back. Yun Yue’s gentle smile, her warm and comforting embrace, it was all so nostalgic.

She stumbled back, forcing a smile. “How could this be…”

Yun Yue leaned closer and whispered something in her ear.

“…”

Just a few words, and Cheng Yishi’s face flushed crimson. She quickly covered Yun Yue’s mouth with her hand. “Don’t say it!”

Yun Yue chuckled softly and removed her hand. “It seems you also have those six months of memories from the dream realm, Yishi.”

“But how…”

“Perhaps there’s a connection between you and Tianlu that allowed those memories to return to you.”

Cheng Yishi suddenly realized that half of her soul was with Lin Tianlu, residing in that mysterious immortal mountain.

She shook her head, overwhelmed. “L-let me calm down… this is too—”

“Shh~”

But Yun Yue, feeling a surge of affection, wrapped her tails around Cheng Yishi and pulled her back into the pavilion, her voice soft and soothing as she stroked her hair.

“Relax, Yishi. Just rest in my arms~ If you’re feeling overwhelmed, close your eyes and take a nap~”

“…”

Cheng Yishi’s lips twitched, wanting to protest.

But feeling the warmth of Yun Yue’s embrace, she sighed helplessly and forced herself to calm down.

If those memories weren’t just a figment of her imagination, then perhaps everything that had happened in the dream realm… was real.

A wave of drowsiness washed over her, and she closed her eyes, drifting off to sleep.

Yun Yue looked down at the sleeping girl in her arms, gently stroking her hair, a contented smile on her face.

“She’s so innocent and adorable when she’s asleep.”

…

Several days passed quickly.

The rain had been relentless, the autumn wind howling, the weather growing colder.

Finally, after five days, the rain stopped, and the sun broke through the clouds, casting a warm glow over the damp courtyard.

Inside the pavilion…

Mo Duan’yan sat straight-backed, her expression serious as she watched the man sitting opposite her.

“Not bad. You’ve made good progress these past few days.”

Lin Tianlu put down the book in his hand and nodded approvingly.

Mo Duan’yan beamed with joy, but she quickly composed herself and bowed respectfully. “Thank you for your teachings, Sir. I’ve been troubling you.”

Seeing her respectful demeanor, Lin Tianlu chuckled inwardly.

The constant rain had kept the town quiet, but this girl had still come to help with the cleaning every day. Seeing her diligence and sincerity, he had decided to teach her some classics and literature.

To his surprise, she was incredibly intelligent, with a sharp mind and a remarkable memory.

She had learned a lot in just a few days.

“Most girls your age wouldn’t have the patience to sit and study so diligently.”

“This is a rare opportunity to learn from you, Sir. I won’t disappoint you.”

“Studying the classics is mutually beneficial. I’ve also learned a lot from you.”

Lin Tianlu smiled and took a sip of tea. “How are you settling in Changling County?”

“The neighbors are friendly, and I haven’t encountered any trouble.”

Mo Duan’yan tilted her head slightly and whispered, “But with all this rain, I’ve heard some strange rumors. It seems there’s a woman in white who’s been traveling through the villages, offering food and even saving two families from a landslide.”

“A woman in white?”

Lin Tianlu raised an eyebrow, his eyes flickering as he glanced at the fox demon dozing on the veranda.

“Perhaps it’s just a kind-hearted young lady.”

“She must be very compassionate.”

Lin Tianlu pondered for a moment, then asked, “Would you like me to teach you some swordsmanship, girl?”

Mo Duan’yan was stunned.

Then she quickly shook her head. “Please don’t, Sir. You’ve already shown me great kindness. If you continue to bestow favors upon me, I’ll never be able to repay you.”

Lin Tianlu chuckled. “Even if it means your swordsmanship improves dramatically?”

“Absolutely not.”

Mo Duan’yan didn’t hesitate. She lowered her head and said seriously, “Swordsmanship requires hard work and self-discovery. If I rely solely on your guidance, I’ll become a puppet without my own will and spirit, dependent on others instead of striving to improve myself.

You’ve already shown me the path, Sir. I will do my best to learn and grow on my own. I wouldn’t dare to ask for more.”

“Good girl.”

Lin Tianlu nodded approvingly.

He patted her head gently. She was truly a bright and sensible child.

Mo Duan’yan lowered her head even further, her shoulders hunched, her face hidden behind her bangs, a faint blush creeping onto her cheeks.

After a moment of silence, she whispered, “Sir, I’ll be leaving Changling County this afternoon to return to my sect.”

“Because of the Double Ninth Festival?”

“Yes. There will be a grand banquet and some rituals.” Mo Duan’yan nodded slightly. “I won’t be able to leave the sect until the New Year.”

Lin Tianlu stroked his chin. “Sounds busy.”

“I-if you have time, Sir, you can visit our sect. It’s my birthday after the New Year.” Mo Duan’yan fidgeted with her fingers. “I’ll be sure to welcome you and show you around the mountains.”

“I’ll be looking forward to it.”

“Mm!”

Seeing her bright smile, Lin Tianlu picked up the sword that was lying nearby.

“S-Sir?”

“Although you said you didn’t need any guidance, I haven’t seen your swordsmanship in a while. I have some free time today. Let’s have a spar. Consider it morning exercise.”

Lin Tianlu smiled and placed the sword in her hand. “Show me what you’ve learned.”

Mo Duan’yan was stunned for a moment, then she nodded eagerly. “Yes, Sir!”

…

Blade lights flashed, her figure moving gracefully.

She performed an extraordinary sword technique, her movements flowing and elegant, like a dance, her aura ethereal.

With a final flourish, she sheathed her sword and looked at him expectantly, her eyes shining like a curious little animal.

“Beautiful.”

Lin Tianlu applauded sincerely.

Mo Duan’yan blushed and bowed respectfully. “Thank you, Sir.”

“But as a sword technique, it’s still lacking.”

Lin Tianlu broke off a tree branch and swung it casually.

Mo Duan’yan watched intently. At first glance, his movements seemed simple and ordinary.

But upon closer inspection, his footwork and body movements were incredibly precise and coordinated, as if following some profound principle. Every step seemed to draw upon the surrounding energy, and although he was only holding a branch, it created an illusion of a sharp blade, its aura almost tangible. Mo Duan’yan’s heart trembled, and her own sword hummed in response.

This swordsmanship was similar to her family’s style, yet also different.

“With these adjustments, your sword technique will be much more effective.”

After finishing his demonstration, Lin Tianlu dropped the branch and chuckled. “It’s quite good for exercise and health.”

Mo Duan’yan’s eyes flickered, her heart filled with awe.

If she wasn’t mistaken, he had just created new moves within her existing technique, seamlessly improving it, as if it was meant to be performed this way!

“Sir, this is too—”

“It’s just exercise. There’s no need to be so surprised.”

Lin Tianlu stretched his neck and shook his hands. “Remember to exercise every morning, girl. It’s good for your health and well-being.”

Mo Duan’yan lowered her head, knowing that he was downplaying his actions to ease her burden.

After a moment, she bowed deeply.

“Thank you for your guidance, Sir. I’ll remember your words.”

“There’s no need to be so formal. Just smile.” Lin Tianlu said with a chuckle. “Do you want to say goodbye to Ruoyu?”

“…No, Madam Mao treats me like family. I can’t bear to say goodbye to her directly.”

Mo Duan’yan took a deep breath and bowed. “I’ll be back soon, Sir, with a gift from my sect.”

Lin Tianlu chuckled. “There’s no need for a gift. Just come back safe and sound. Ruoyu will be happy to see you.”

“I-I’ll remember that.”

Mo Duan’yan blushed and hurried away, her sword in her arms.

But as she reached the gate, she looked back at him, her hand on her chest, her face flushed. “Sir… I’ll see you after the New Year.”

“I’ll have a lucky red envelope waiting for you.”

Mo Duan’yan’s heart was filled with a mix of sadness and joy as she rushed away, her cheeks burning.