After Failing to Find Immortality 16

Chapter 16: Seeking Guidance

Hua Shuya stumbled backward until her back hit a pillar, her arm tingling with numbness.

She winced, discreetly flexing her sword hand.

This old man… possessed profound strength.

Despite his aged appearance, his internal energy cultivation was clearly above the Azure Spirit realm, far surpassing hers!

If he hadn’t been holding back, and if she hadn’t used her newly grasped Sword Intent, he would have disarmed her within a few moves, rendering her helpless.

“I never thought I’d be mistaken. You’re so young, yet your cultivation is so advanced. Truly impressive.” The old man sheathed his sword and said calmly, “Was it you who vanquished the Evil Spirit at the fabric shop last night?”

“Evil Spirit?”

Hua Shuya frowned. “What are you talking about?”

“Hmm?”

The old man was surprised by her reaction.

This girl wasn’t the master who had defeated the Evil Spirit?

Then who—

“Eh? We have a guest?”

A strange voice suddenly came from behind them.

The old man’s expression changed drastically, and he turned around to see Lin Tianlu.

“This… how is this possible?!”

The man was slender, with a handsome face, the very image of a refined scholar.

But his steps were silent, his aura deep and unfathomable. The old man hadn’t sensed his approach at all. If Lin Tianlu hadn’t spoken, he wouldn’t have even known he was there!

The more he looked at him, the more he felt a sense of unfathomable depth, as if his own sword intent and spirit were being drawn in, trapped in a dark and inescapable cage.

Who was this man?

The old man’s pupils constricted, sweat beading on his forehead, his heart filled with apprehension.

He had roamed the martial world for decades, encountering countless experts, but he had never met anyone so strange and unpredictable!

He tightened his grip on his sword hilt, a faint sword light flickering in his aged eyes as he channeled his full strength.

“Senior, you’re back?”

Hua Shuya’s delighted voice startled the old man.

Senior?

“Why are you both holding swords?”

Lin Tianlu walked into the courtyard, his hands behind his back, his gaze sweeping back and forth between them.

Had they been fighting?

He discreetly focused his gaze, his hand hidden within his sleeve.

Before either of them could speak, he swiftly snatched the sword from the old man’s hand.

“Sir, you’re quite old. It’s dangerous to be carrying such a sharp weapon. If you accidentally injure someone, the medical expenses wouldn’t be cheap.”

The old man: “…”

Lin Tianlu sighed inwardly with relief.

Thankfully, the old man’s reflexes were slow. Otherwise, he would have been worried about getting cut.

“Miss Hua, you should put your sword away too. It’s not appropriate to fight with an elderly man. Besides, wielding weapons is dangerous. If the authorities see this, you might end up in jail.”

“I-I…”

“Senior, this man seems to be looking for you.” Hua Shuya, seeing that the situation was under control, sheathed her sword.

“Looking for me?”

Lin Tianlu was stunned.

His mind raced, and he bowed slightly to the old man, a smile on his face. “May I ask why you’ve come, Sir?”

“You, you…”

The old man instinctively clenched his right hand, speechless.

He was utterly shocked.

He considered himself a master swordsman. Few martial artists in the world could disarm him.

But this white-clad scholar…

Had effortlessly taken his sword.

He hadn’t even resisted… No, he hadn’t even reacted in time!

Realization dawned on him, and cold sweat trickled down his back. He bowed deeply, his voice trembling. “I apologize for my transgression, Master. I was merely trying to test your skills, but I never imagined that the rumors about an expert in Changling County were true. My knowledge is truly limited.”

“Uh?”

Lin Tianlu was confused.

What was this old man up to?

He was puzzled, but he said politely, “There’s no need for such formality, Sir. Please, relax.”

“You are truly benevolent, Master.”

The old man breathed a sigh of relief and bowed to Hua Shuya. “And to you, young lady, I apologize for my offense. I was merely impressed by your skills.”

“It’s alright, Sir. Don’t worry about it.” Hua Shuya returned the gesture, her voice calm and composed.

Seeing the old man’s respectful attitude towards Lin Tianlu, her tense expression softened.

“Let’s not stand here. Why don’t we sit down and have a chat?” Lin Tianlu suggested.

The old man’s face lit up, and he quickly agreed. “Excellent, excellent!”

…

After they were seated, the old man introduced himself and explained his purpose.

Only then did Lin Tianlu realize that this seemingly scruffy old man wasn’t a troublesome neighbor, but a wandering martial arts master named Mo Hong.

He wasn’t sure if it was true…

Lin Tianlu discreetly observed the old man.

He didn’t look like a martial arts master at all. He looked more like an ordinary grandfather who needed help walking.

He glanced at Hua Shuya, who was sitting beside him.

The girl nodded slightly, confirming the old man’s words.

“But what is your purpose here, Sir?” Lin Tianlu asked curiously.

“To be honest, Master, I’ve been wandering the world for many years, seeking to improve my swordsmanship and break through my current limitations.”

Mo Hong sighed. “But after years of traveling, I haven’t found any opportunities. Instead, I’ve encountered countless demons and ghosts, making me feel even more trapped in my current realm.

I just arrived in Changling County, intending to rest for a few days before continuing my journey. But I heard about the strange fire at the fabric shop last night. The shop was burned to ashes, yet the shopkeeper was unharmed. I asked around and learned about your heroic deed, Master.”

Mo Hong bowed respectfully. “It’s a blessing for the people of Changling County to have a master like you residing here.”

“It was just a coincidence.” Lin Tianlu chuckled awkwardly, waving his hand dismissively.

“But you came here specifically to find me, Sir, because…”

“I’m here seeking guidance to break through my current limitations.” Mo Hong said in a deep voice. “I had a brief spar with this young lady earlier. To possess such skill at such a young age, she must have received your guidance, Master. I wonder… could you also offer me some pointers?”

Looking at the eagerness in the old man’s eyes, Lin Tianlu was speechless.

Guidance?

Guidance for a martial arts master?

He was already nervous about sparring with Hua Shuya. Discussing martial arts with an elderly man would be ridiculous.

If he accidentally injured the old man, he wouldn’t be able to bear the responsibility.

“I’m sorry, Sir.”

Lin Tianlu shook his head helplessly. “I was fortunate enough to gain some abilities to deal with demons and ghosts through a stroke of luck. But I’m not skilled in martial arts. Miss Hua’s achievements are all due to her own talent. It has nothing to do with me.”

Mo Hong’s expression changed slightly, and he quickly said, “But your aura is so natural and unfathomable, Master. You must have reached a transcendent realm. Just being able to talk to you for a while would be an honor!”

“You’re exaggerating, Sir.”

Lin Tianlu pondered for a moment, then chuckled softly. “Alright, since you insist on staying, I won’t stop you. If it’s just a casual conversation, I have some free time.”

Mo Hong’s eyes lit up, and he stood up abruptly. “Excellent! I’ll go prepare some food and wine. I’ll come back later to seek your guidance!”

“Ah… Take care, Sir.”

Lin Tianlu stood up and bowed, watching the old man leave.

He left quite decisively.

But his steps… were almost like a child skipping, full of energy.

This didn’t seem like a martial arts master at all.

Hua Shuya, who was standing beside him, pursed her lips and whispered, “Senior, he’s truly powerful. But… not as powerful as you.”

“Then it’s fine.”

Lin Tianlu sighed softly.

If he couldn’t even compare to a scholar, how strong could he be?