Chapter 170: Feelings of the Heart, Hidden Turmoil
The following days passed peacefully for Lin Tianlu and his companions, who remained within the confines of the estate courtyard. The Ninth Elder took care of their every need, providing them with food, clothing, and shelter, creating a serene and relaxing environment.
Occasionally, the Ninth Elder would leave to attend to matters within the valley. But she spent most of her time with them, engaging in intimate conversations with Mao Ruoyu, sharing heartfelt moments, and fostering a warm and close relationship with Lin Tianlu.
Bai Xin would occasionally peek in, observing their harmonious interactions with a scoff and a cold glare before quickly leaving.
Four days passed quickly, and another clear night descended upon the Lunar Valley.
…
Inside the pavilion by the pond…
Hua Shuya, now dressed in an elegant Lunar Valley robe, sat quietly, her sword resting on her lap. Her bare shoulders and fair skin glowed under the moonlight, her long, black hair cascading down her back like a waterfall. With her eyes closed, she seemed to blend seamlessly with the night, her aura ethereal and aloof.
The refreshing and calming energy of the courtyard aided her cultivation, and she would often meditate in her free time.
But…
She opened her eyes and sighed softly.
Although Madam Mao had been kind and considerate, always by her side, the constant talk of marriage made her heart ache with a faint sense of loneliness.
She had thought that she wouldn’t be affected by this, that she would simply offer her blessings and wish them a lifetime of happiness. But seeing their growing intimacy, and even the Ninth Elder’s approval and encouragement…
A pang of envy surged within her.
“My sword intent is still not pure enough. That’s why I’m having these distracting thoughts.”
“I didn’t know that Miss Shuya also talks to herself.”
“Ah!”
Hua Shuya jumped in surprise, turning to see Lin Tianlu standing behind her with a smile.
“Senior, you…”
She glared at him playfully.
He had startled her.
But then, remembering her thoughts, she blushed and looked away.
“Shouldn’t you be with Madam, Senior?”
“I came here to see you.”
Lin Tianlu smiled gently and sat down beside her. “I feel much more at ease with you accompanying us on this trip.”
Hua Shuya blinked her beautiful eyes. “Why do you feel at ease, Senior?”
“You were the first person I met in this world, Miss Shuya. Your presence is reassuring.” Lin Tianlu patted her shoulder and chuckled. “So don’t frown. I’m here with you.”
“Ah!”
She quickly covered her face with her hands.
But then, realizing it was pointless, she lowered her hands, her face flushed. “You saw me acting so childishly, Senior. I wasn’t really…”
“You can’t hide your thoughts from me, Miss Shuya.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled. “After knowing you for several months, how could I not understand your feelings?”
Hua Shuya lowered her head slightly, her fingers fidgeting shyly. “Senior…”
“I was… too oblivious before.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled awkwardly. “Perhaps I also had some… fantasies.”
To be admired and desired by a beautiful young woman, any man would feel flattered. And Hua Shuya had gradually revealed her feelings, making it impossible for him to ignore them.
He cherished her pure and innocent affection.
“Our journey together, those moments we shared… they were truly special to me.”
He looked at her intently. “I didn’t want to be direct, but now that I’ve made my relationship with Ruoyu clear, I—”
“Please wait.”
Hua Shuya reached out and covered his lips with her hand.
Lin Tianlu was startled.
“You’re so kind and considerate, Senior, it makes me shy.” The girl smiled faintly, her eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief. “There’s no need to be so formal. Just follow your heart. When you and I truly…”
Her face flushed crimson, and her voice was barely a whisper. “…Tell me those words then, Senior.”
Lin Tianlu gently removed her hand from his lips. “Are you sure you won’t feel hurt, Miss Shuya?”
“I’m just envious of your harmonious relationship with Madam and the Ninth Elder. There’s no hurt.”
Hua Shuya smiled brightly.
Crack!
The sound of a twig snapping suddenly broke the silence.
They turned around to see a familiar figure standing in the shadows.
“Ah—”
Mao Ruoyu emerged from the bushes, her smile strained. “What a coincidence! I just needed to use the restroom and I bumped into you two. Shouldn’t you be resting?”
“M-Madam?!” Hua Shuya was surprised.
Then, realizing the situation, she blushed and waved her hands frantically. “I wasn’t doing anything with Senior—”
“Relax, Shuya.” Mao Ruoyu quickly reassured her, chuckling helplessly. “I was just hiding in the bushes, wanting to see how you two were getting along. I accidentally stepped on a twig. How embarrassing.”
She walked over to the pavilion and took Hua Shuya’s hand, a playful smile on her face. “I apologize for interrupting your private conversation, but my master told me there’s a hidden hot spring in the backyard. Why don’t we go and try it out?”
“Eh?”
Hua Shuya was dragged away, her mind still reeling. As they left the pavilion, she turned to Lin Tianlu and waved goodbye. “S-Senior, I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”
“Get some rest, you two.” Lin Tianlu smiled and waved back.
As they walked away, Mao Ruoyu glanced back at him, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
It was as if she was saying,
‘Keep up the good work~’
“That Shuya is truly a pure and righteous soul.”
Yun Yue’s figure materialized beside him, jumping onto his shoulder. “Perhaps that’s why she was able to comprehend such profound sword intent, despite being a mortal.”
Lin Tianlu nodded in agreement.
But then he chuckled. “Ruoyu mentioned a hidden hot spring. Aren’t you interested, Miss Yun Yue?”
“They’re having a girls’ night. I’ll stay here and keep you company, Tianlu.”
Yun Yue whispered softly in his ear. “You shouldn’t be alone on this long night.”
“Thank you.”
Lin Tianlu stood up and stretched, glancing at the estate gate. “But I haven’t seen Martial Aunt much today. It seems she’s busy with something.”
…
Inside a secluded palace…
Streams of fire, like flowing water, emerged from cracks in the ground, creating a mystical and intricate pattern that illuminated the grand and ornate chamber.
The Ninth Elder, her face solemn, descended from the air, her toes gently touching the surface of the central pool, creating ripples.
Several other figures appeared around her.
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