After Failing to Find Immortality 164

Chapter 164: The Lunar Valley’s Changes

Even Lin Tianlu was surprised by her words.

He had expected anger, reprimands, or even cold warnings. But instead, she had simply sighed.

This Ninth Elder seemed… surprisingly understanding.

Mao Ruoyu clung to her arm, her voice shy. “Master, you’re not angry?”

“Why would I be angry? Marriage is a natural part of life. And you’re not a demon or ghost, but a ghost practitioner. It’s perfectly fine for you to follow the customs of the mortal world.”

The Ninth Elder smiled indulgently and tapped Mao Ruoyu’s forehead. “You’re actually a bit late at your age. I thought you would have been married and had children by now. But it seems you’ve just found your soulmate.

Although you’ve become quite alluring, Ruoyu, your beauty and figure are at their peak. This is the perfect age for marriage.”

“M-Master…”

Mao Ruoyu blushed.

“I’m truly happy that you came back to visit, Ruoyu.”

Seeing her shyness, the Ninth Elder smiled gently and stroked her head. “I’m happy for you, finding a husband.”

…

After a heartfelt reunion, the Ninth Elder turned to Bai Xin.

“Bai Xin, I’ll take care of them. You can leave now.”

Bai Xin bowed respectfully. “Yes, Elder.”

Before leaving, she glanced at Lin Tianlu, her expression strange, and mouthed a silent warning, then vanished.

Lin Tianlu understood her message.

‘Be careful. Don’t anger the elders.’

After Bai Xin left, the Ninth Elder’s expression turned serious. “The rules of the Lunar Valley forbid disciples from interacting with mortals, let alone forming relationships with them. But Ruoyu left the Lunar Valley years ago. She’s no longer bound by our rules, so I won’t punish you.

But you—”

The Ninth Elder hesitated for a moment, then shook her head.

“Although I’m curious about what kind of man you are, to have captured Ruoyu’s heart, she’s clearly in love with you. It would be pointless for me to interfere and cause conflict.”

Lin Tianlu smiled and bowed. “You’re truly kind, Ninth Elder.”

“You’re handsome and refined, at least you look good standing next to Ruoyu.”

The Ninth Elder smiled gently. “Come to my private chambers with Ruoyu later. We’ll have a chat. After all, I’m practically her mother. We need to discuss this marriage.”

Lin Tianlu straightened his back and bowed respectfully.

He wouldn’t act frivolous in front of his potential mother-in-law. He wanted to make a good impression.

“But—”

The Ninth Elder suddenly turned to Hua Shuya, her eyes narrowed suspiciously. “Although Ruoyu said you’re her friend, I don’t think it’s that simple.”

Hua Shuya opened her mouth, her expression troubled.

The Ninth Elder frowned. “What’s your relationship with this man?”

“Senior has taught me a lot and even saved my life.” Hua Shuya said seriously. “To me, Master Lin is both a teacher and a brother, someone I respect deeply.”

“It’s more than that!”

“Master, please don’t make things difficult for Miss Hua.”

Mao Ruoyu stepped forward, her voice soft. “She’s a good friend, like a sister to me. Please be understanding, Master.”

“You two…”

The Ninth Elder’s expression turned strange as she looked back and forth between them, then at Lin Tianlu.

Lin Tianlu could only chuckle awkwardly.

After a moment of silence, the Ninth Elder sighed helplessly. “Well, we can discuss this later. I won’t target you, Miss Hua. Don’t worry.”

“Thank you, Elder.”

“You’re the best, Master~”

Mao Ruoyu smiled sweetly and hugged the Ninth Elder again.

The Ninth Elder chuckled and tapped her nose playfully.

But then her expression turned serious. “But follow me closely, you three. Don’t wander around. There are some important matters to attend to in the valley.”

Mao Ruoyu’s face was filled with surprise. “What’s going on, Master? Why all the commotion?”

“It’s been a month since the previous Saintess passed away.”

“The Saintess?” Mao Ruoyu gasped.

She had never met the previous Saintess during her ten years in the valley. She didn’t feel any sadness at her passing, but…

This meant that the Lunar Valley was about to choose a new Saintess.

And this… was the time for the selection ceremony?

Hum—!

A wave of energy surged through the estate, and streaks of light rose into the sky, forming a faint crescent moon.

Lin Tianlu looked up, surprised.

“What is that?”

“I’ve never seen that before.” Yun Yue, disguised as an ordinary fox, whispered in his ear. “Perhaps it’s one of the changes that have occurred in the Moon Soul Sacred Sect over the past thousand years.”

“It’s quite beautiful.”

Lin Tianlu stroked his chin, impressed.

Meanwhile, the Ninth Elder began chanting, her hands forming intricate seals. Mysterious runes appeared around her, and with a wave of her hand, they flew towards the giant crest in the sky, vanishing within it.

Similar streaks of light rose from various parts of the Lunar Valley estate, converging towards the crest.

“It’s a pity.”

The Ninth Elder lowered her hand and looked at Mao Ruoyu. “If you were still the Saintess candidate, you would be the one receiving the blessing in the main hall right now.”

Mao Ruoyu smiled faintly. “Master, Junior Sister Bai Xin is more suitable for the position of Saintess than I am.”

“That girl… She’s much more temperamental than you.”

The Ninth Elder shook her head and sighed, then beckoned them forward. “Follow me. The restrictions will be lifted soon, and the estate will be bustling with activity. You should stay in my private chambers for now.”

…

The size and scale of the Lunar Valley estate were truly beyond imagination.

Countless buildings stood tall, connected by a labyrinthine network of corridors and pathways, making it difficult to navigate. An outsider would easily get lost in this maze-like structure.

Following the Ninth Elder, they finally reached a grand and ancient-looking mansion.

Stepping inside, they realized that it was like a palace courtyard, peaceful and serene, with only the sound of flowing water.

“This is my private chamber. No one else comes here. You can rest here safely.”

The Ninth Elder turned around and smiled. “I’ll prepare some refreshments. Wait for me in the main hall.”

“There’s no need to go through so much trouble, Master… Hmm?”

Mao Ruoyu suddenly froze, her face flushing slightly.

The Ninth Elder hurried over to her, her brow furrowed with concern.

“What’s wrong?”

“Please excuse us, Elder.”

Lin Tianlu bowed respectfully. “There’s another reason for our visit. Ruoyu has been acting strangely lately, her thoughts and emotions are unstable. It might be related to the Moon Shadow Breath.”

“How could the Moon Shadow Breath…”

She pondered for a moment. “Bring Ruoyu to my bedroom and let me examine her.”

“Thank you, Ninth Elder.” Lin Tianlu and Hua Shuya bowed gratefully.

“We’re reunited after so many years. I won’t let anything happen to Ruoyu.”