After Failing to Find Immortality 166

Chapter 166: A Kind Martial Aunt, A New Morning

This scholar…seemed to possess something extraordinary.

The Ninth Elder silently withdrew her Yin technique, lost in thought.

She had been so focused on Ruoyu that she hadn’t paid much attention to this scholar before. But now, looking closely, she noticed a righteous aura surrounding him, a subtle yet undeniable charm. Even without any Yin energy cultivation, he possessed a profound and unfathomable aura.

“You’re just a scholar, yet you seem to know a lot about the Realm of Demons and Ghosts.”

Lin Tianlu smiled faintly. “I’ve learned a few things from Ruoyu and other friends.”

“Was it that Miss Yun Yue who taught you?”

“Indeed.”

The Ninth Elder narrowed her eyes, her mind racing.

But after a moment of silence, she flicked her sleeve and sighed.

“Forget it, forget it!”

She had wanted to provoke him, to see how he would react.

Or perhaps unleash her killing intent, threaten his life, and see if he would show any weakness.

But she dismissed those thoughts one by one.

After all, Ruoyu had returned to the Lunar Valley to see her, which had already touched her deeply. And Ruoyu had found a man she loved. The Ninth Elder didn’t want to hurt her or break them apart.

Causing Ruoyu pain would only hurt her as well.

In the end, she couldn’t bring herself to test him.

“Since you’re the man Ruoyu loves, I won’t be rude to you. Consider the test… passed.”

Lin Tianlu was surprised.

He bowed gratefully. “Thank you for your understanding, Elder.”

“You’ve already been intimate with Ruoyu. There’s no need for formalities. It would be too awkward. Ruoyu would think I’m deliberately making things difficult for you.”

The Ninth Elder waved her hand dismissively. “Just call me Martial Aunt from now on.”

“Martial Aunt.” Lin Tianlu addressed her as instructed.

She bit her lip, nodding slightly, a strange feeling stirring within her.

It was the first time in centuries that someone had called her that.

“Ahem!”

She quickly cleared her throat and composed her features, her expression stern. “Although I’ve acknowledged your relationship, I still have to warn you. As her husband, you must cherish and protect your wife. Don’t neglect her, and never harm her!”

“I understand, Martial Aunt. I’ll keep your words in mind.”

“I don’t expect you to achieve fame or fortune, nor do I require a lavish dowry. Just be with her, cherish her, and grow old together. That’s all I ask.”

The Ninth Elder sighed softly.

This feeling of seeing her “daughter” get married was truly complex and difficult to describe.

“I won’t forget your words, Martial Aunt.”

“It’s good that you’re so sensible.”

The Ninth Elder’s gaze shifted to Yun Yue, who was smiling silently.

Yun Yue covered her mouth with her hand and bowed slightly. “Please don’t mind me, Ninth Elder. I was just enjoying your conversation.”

“Tianlu, remember, if you truly marry multiple wives, you can’t neglect any of them.”

Her gaze met his, her voice calm. “The girl inside, Hua Shuya, and Miss Yun Yue… treat them all equally. Don’t favor one over the others.”

Yun Yue was startled, and a blush crept onto her cheeks.

“Tianlu and I haven’t…”

Lin Tianlu bowed seriously. “I understand, Martial Aunt.”

His simple words made Yun Yue’s face flush even redder. She couldn’t deny it anymore, and she just smiled helplessly.

“—It’s good that you’re honest and straightforward.”

The Ninth Elder’s expression softened, her voice gentler. “I’ll choose an auspicious date for you tomorrow. When you return to Changling, you and Ruoyu can get married. There’s no need for a grand ceremony. Just invite some close friends and family and have a simple banquet.

I’ll be sure to visit and give you a wedding gift.”

“I understand, Martial Aunt.”

“You’re… so agreeable. You’ll agree to anything I say?”

“As long as it’s not against my conscience, as long as it makes you and Ruoyu happy, I’ll do my best.”

Seeing his calm and sincere demeanor, the Ninth Elder smiled with satisfaction.

His humble and respectful attitude made him quite likeable.

“Alright, it’s getting late. You can stay in the guest room next door. Rest well, and let me know if you need anything. We’ll talk more tomorrow morning.”

“You should rest too, Martial Aunt.”

“But, this Miss Yun Yue—” The Ninth Elder looked at Yun Yue and sighed. “I hope you truly have good intentions and can behave yourself in the same room as Tianlu.”

“Don’t worry, Elder. I’ll be quiet and discreet.”

Yun Yue chuckled softly and transformed into a fox, jumping onto Lin Tianlu’s shoulder.

The Ninth Elder glanced at them, then turned and walked away, her alluring figure disappearing into the night.

…

The next morning…

Faint chatter could be heard throughout the Lunar Valley estate.

In the quiet and peaceful courtyard, Lin Tianlu watched with interest as the Ninth Elder practiced her calligraphy.

Despite being a woman, her hand was steady, her brushstrokes strong and powerful, each stroke imbued with a profound energy. Her calligraphy was truly impressive.

Even an untrained eye could see her mastery of the art.

Lin Tianlu couldn’t help but admire her skill.

Even Elder Nie from next door might be slightly inferior to her.

Every stroke contained a unique rhythm and energy, perfectly balanced and flawless.

After finishing the poem, the Ninth Elder gently placed her brush on the inkstone.

“Tianlu, you’ve been watching me write for a while now. What are your thoughts?”

She gathered her hair and turned to look at the young scholar.

Although they had only chatted briefly last night, she had a good impression of this refined and elegant scholar. At least his words and actions didn’t offend her.

This morning, she decided to test him further, to see if his literary skills were truly as impressive as they seemed.

Lin Tianlu chuckled. “Your calligraphy is truly remarkable, Martial Aunt.”

“Is that all?”

The Ninth Elder smiled faintly. “They say that every stroke of a calligraphy master contains profound meaning and philosophy. And when those strokes form words and sentences, they can convey even deeper emotions and ideas. Don’t you sense any profound wisdom in my poem, Tianlu?

I’ve lived in the Lunar Valley for almost a hundred years, and I’ve been practicing calligraphy and poetry for decades. Although I can’t compare to those legendary poets of the past, I’m still confident in my ability to create a certain ambiance.”

“Your skills are beyond my comprehension, Martial Aunt.”

“Why don’t you share your thoughts anyway?”

“To me, your calligraphy is bold and expressive, full of grandeur and confidence. But there’s also a hint of sadness and loneliness in the poem.”

Lin Tianlu stroked his chin, his face thoughtful. “It’s like a lament, a cry for connection, a yearning for a kindred spirit, but ultimately, a resignation to solitude.”

“…”

The Ninth Elder’s smile froze.