After Failing to Find Immortality 161

Chapter 161: In Shilin County

Rumble, rumble…

The sound of the carriage wheels echoed through the mountain pass.

The three travelers had left Changling County and were heading towards the border of Xima Prefecture.

Lin Tianlu was driving the carriage while reading a book, his eyes scanning the pages occasionally.

It wasn’t a traditional ghost story, but a heartwarming biography about human relationships. However, it still contained some suggestive and romantic scenes.

Perhaps this was a common interest among writers?

But he had to admit, adding a touch of spice to the story could be a great motivator for writing.

The author’s descriptions were vivid and detailed, a departure from the previous writing style, as if the characters and scenes were coming to life on the page. It was clear that the author had been inspired, their words flowing effortlessly.

And the language used to describe those intimate moments was truly impressive.

Of course, aside from the romantic aspects, the story also explored themes of love and sacrifice, making it a worthwhile read.

“—Sir, it’s getting late. Why don’t you rest for a while?”

A soft voice whispered in his ear, and he felt a warm presence pressing against his back.

Lin Tianlu turned to see Mao Ruoyu leaning against him, her face flushed, her breath warm on his neck. “It pains me to see you sitting outside all day, exposed to the wind and sun.”

“It’s just a short ride. I’m fine.”

“You’re not taking care of yourself, Sir. I don’t want you to overwork yourself.”

Her eyes were filled with desire as she murmured, “Come inside the carriage. Let me undress and embrace you, tend to your every need, make you forget all your worries.”

“Madam, why are you… Hmm?”

He noticed something strange about her eyes. “Your eyes are glowing red again, Madam.”

“Eh?”

Mao Ruoyu touched her eyes instinctively.

She blinked, her expression dazed as she snapped out of her strange trance. The red glow in her eyes faded.

She had been resting with her eyes closed, and she had only wanted to check on him after hearing the wind howling outside.

But the words that came out of her mouth were…

Lin Tianlu put down his book and sighed. “It seems this Moon Shadow Breath is truly causing you some trouble, Madam. It’s good that we’re going to the Lunar Valley.”

Mao Ruoyu’s face flushed crimson, and she quickly explained, “Sir! I didn’t mean to say those things—”

“Don’t worry.”

Lin Tianlu smiled and took her hand. “I understand your feelings, Madam. We’ll take care of this strange condition when we reach the Lunar Valley tomorrow.”

Mao Ruoyu nodded shyly, her heart fluttering.

Recalling the words she had spoken in her trance, she felt incredibly embarrassed.

And most importantly…

Miss Hua and Sister Yun were inside the carriage. She couldn’t face them now, she didn’t know what expression to make.

The carriage wasn’t that big, and she hadn’t lowered her voice. They must have heard everything.

“Relax, Ruoyu. Come and take a nap in my arms~”

Several fluffy fox tails emerged from behind her, gently wrapping around her limbs. With a startled cry, she was pulled back into the carriage.

“W-wait! Sister Yun, this is too embarrassing…”

“My tails are very comfortable to sleep in~”

“B-but Miss Hua is right there—”

“Ahem… I don’t mind.”

…

Hearing the sounds of protest gradually fading from inside the carriage, Lin Tianlu chuckled and took out another book from his luggage.

Although the Moon Shadow Breath was strange, he had checked several times and was confident that Madam Mao was safe. She was just experiencing some emotional instability, which could be easily soothed.

But then he raised an eyebrow as he felt a fluffy fox tail brushing against his arm playfully.

He looked over to see the tail poking out from a gap in the carriage curtain.

“This fox demon is quite restless.”

He placed the tail on his lap and started stroking it.

Its soft and silky texture was incredibly pleasant to touch. He scratched it occasionally, making the tail twitch, which amused him.

…

Shilin County.

Located on the border of Xima Prefecture, it was a remote and sparsely populated town.

As night fell, Lin Tianlu and the others finally found an inn after a day of traveling. Yun Yue accompanied Mao Ruoyu, who was drowsy, to their room.

In the inn’s restaurant, Lin Tianlu and Hua Shuya were having dinner.

“Shuya, you seem much more energetic after your nap. Are you getting along better with Miss Yun Yue?”

“She’s very kind and gentle.”

Hua Shuya blushed and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “But sometimes… she’s a bit too carefree.”

While Yun Yue was napping in the carriage, her robe had slipped off her shoulder, revealing her bare skin. It had been a bit awkward.

“She spent too long alone in the Netherworld. She’s not used to social etiquette. I’ll remind her.”

Lin Tianlu took a bite of his food.

Hua Shuya pondered for a moment, then asked, “Senior, even I noticed Madam’s strange behavior today. Are you sure this Moon Shadow Breath is harmless?”

“There are many strange things about Madam’s current condition. We’re just speculating.”

He shook his head.

In fact, her strange behavior had started back in Jianggai County, but he hadn’t paid much attention to it at the time.

And perhaps… it wasn’t the Moon Shadow Breath that was affecting her emotions?

Was it the jade pendant she wore, or the mysterious woman residing within it?

There were many questions, but they would have to wait until they reached the Lunar Valley to find answers.

“Senior, although I’ve heard from Madam about the Lunar Valley, are they… friend or foe?”

“We’ll be fine. Don’t worry.”

Lin Tianlu chuckled. “If there’s any trouble, I’ll try to reason with them.”

Hua Shuya nodded slightly, her hand tightening around the sword resting on her lap.

…

At the same time, a man wearing a straw raincoat and a bamboo hat entered the restaurant. He sat down and called out to a waiter.

“What can I get you, Sir?”

“Just some ordinary snacks and wine.”

The man in the raincoat placed a few copper coins on the table and took a sip of tea. “I’d also like to ask, has anything strange been happening in Shilin County lately?”

“Strange?” The young waiter looked confused. “Nothing major has happened in Shilin County. Just some minor disputes between neighbors… Oh, I heard they caught a group of bandits a few days ago. They’re all locked up in jail now.”

“Thank you.”

The man in the raincoat bowed slightly.

The young waiter smiled cheerfully. “If you’re interested in ghost stories, Sir, you should visit Changling County. I’ve heard some interesting rumors lately. It’s quite lively there.”

“…”

Seeing that the strange man didn’t say anything more, the waiter felt a bit awkward. He collected the coins and walked away.

But he didn’t notice that the middle-aged man under the hat was pale, his hand trembling as he wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.

Because Changling County…

…was like a recurring nightmare to him, Hu Sang.

He could still remember the deafening thunder, the overwhelming Yin energy that had even damaged his magical artifacts. He had encountered a powerful Evil Spirit while fleeing, barely escaping with his life after a fierce battle.

Even though it had been over a month, the experience still haunted him. Whenever he heard the name “Changling,” he couldn’t help but shudder in fear.

“Hmm?”

Hu Sang paused, his hand on his teacup, and looked up. He saw Lin Tianlu and Hua Shuya sitting at a nearby table.

His eyes widened in surprise.

These two young people possessed excellent constitutions, and their faces radiated a righteous aura. They were clearly extraordinary individuals.

“I didn’t expect to encounter such talented individuals in this small town!”

…

As Lin Tianlu was eating, he glanced at Hu Sang curiously.

“You’ve been staring at us, Sir. Is there something you want to say?”

“Hehe, my name is Hu Sang. I’m a wandering Daoist priest.”

He removed his hat, trying to appear friendly.

But at the same time, he discreetly released his aura, creating a mysterious and imposing presence. He said in a deep voice, “I can sense your extraordinary potential. With proper guidance and training, you could achieve great things. Are you interested in learning the Dao, to acquire skills that will protect you for a lifetime?”

Lin Tianlu put down his chopsticks and exchanged glances with Hua Shuya.

Then he smiled and bowed slightly.

“Sorry, but we’re not interested.”

“…”