Chapter 172: The Elder’s Test, A Change of Heart
The Second Elder froze, her heart filled with astonishment.
Although her attack wasn’t meant to be lethal, it was still beyond the capabilities of ordinary mortals. A single touch could freeze both body and soul, allowing her to easily remove him from the Lunar Valley.
But she hadn’t expected this scholar to withstand it, completely unharmed!
She couldn’t sense any Yin energy fluctuations from him. Could he possess some strange natural ability?
And she hadn’t even noticed him guiding her to the bench. She had simply sat down without thinking.
What kind of sorcery was this?
When she finally snapped out of her daze, she saw a teacup placed before her.
As he calmly poured her some tea, her expression turned serious. “You… You realized I attacked you?”
“Of course.”
Lin Tianlu put down the teapot and chuckled. “But I have sharp eyes, and I could tell that you didn’t intend to harm me, Elder.”
The Second Elder narrowed her eyes. “You’re not an ordinary mortal.”
“Perhaps I’m somewhat extraordinary. But you’re Ruoyu’s elder, so I must treat you with respect.”
Lin Tianlu’s expression turned serious. “But Ninth Elder hasn’t returned yet. Is she alright?”
“I wouldn’t harm Jingyun. I just asked the other elders to keep her occupied for a while.”
The Second Elder’s voice lowered, and a strange aura seemed to fill the air.
Ghostly whispers and shadows flickered around them, and the lanterns suddenly went out, plunging the courtyard into darkness, illuminated only by the pale moonlight.
She flicked her sleeve, and a wave of Yin energy surged towards the pavilion, like a pale tide, its power overwhelming, enough to shatter the spirit of even a Crimson Demon!
This should teach this boy a lesson…
“There’s no need for these scare tactics, Elder.”
Lin Tianlu took a sip of tea and sighed. “Why don’t we have a proper conversation?”
“…”
A bead of cold sweat trickled down the Second Elder’s forehead.
Her eyes widened in shock and disbelief.
Ordinary Yin techniques had no effect on him. He was simply laughing at her attempts. His cultivation was far beyond her imagination!
Despite her astonishment, she maintained her composure.
“Why have you come to the Lunar Valley?”
“Don’t you know already, Elder?”
Lin Tianlu smiled gently. “Ruoyu heard that something had happened to the Lunar Valley and was worried. That’s why we came here, to check on you all.”
The Second Elder’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. “Is that all?”
“Ruoyu also has some injuries that need treatment from Ninth Elder.”
Lin Tianlu said honestly, “Please rest assured, Elder. We have no ill intentions towards the Lunar Valley. If you’re still worried, you can keep an eye on us for the next few days. We won’t leave this courtyard.”
The Second Elder’s expression flickered.
She was starting to have second thoughts.
It wouldn’t be wise to antagonize someone so unfathomable. And the Soul Moon formation was still incomplete. Any disturbances within the valley could have disastrous consequences.
But ignoring them would be a violation of the rules.
After a moment of silence, she said in a low voice,
“Boy, I’ll give you one last test. If you can withstand it, I’ll forgive your transgression.”
Lin Tianlu was surprised, but he smiled and nodded. “Please proceed, Elder.”
Hum!
A swirling mist, speckled with faint sparks, appeared in the Second Elder’s palm.
Her eyes narrowed, and she struck out with her palm.
The mist surged towards Lin Tianlu, a gentle breeze blowing through the courtyard.
This was a secret technique she had developed herself, not meant for combat, but for probing the mind and spirit.
“…”
As the mist dissipated, Lin Tianlu opened his eyes and smiled faintly. “Is the test over, Elder?”
“Hoo—”
The Second Elder exhaled slowly, the stern look on her face softening as she said with a sigh, “You’re a strange one, boy… But as promised, I won’t bother you anymore.”
“Thank you for your understanding, Elder.”
“I should be the one apologizing. My attitude was rather harsh.”
The Second Elder chuckled helplessly, sighing inwardly.
She realized that she had made a mistake.
She couldn’t sense any malice or ill intentions from this boy. His aura felt refreshing and comforting, a rare quality.
Thinking back to her harsh words, she felt a pang of guilt.
She, a centuries-old elder, had actually lowered herself to bicker with a young man. It was shameful.
“Sigh! I was rude. I won’t disturb you any further.”
The Second Elder stood up, leaning on her staff. “You and Mao Ruoyu can stay for a while longer. I’ll explain the situation to the other elders and the Valley Master. Don’t worry.”
Lin Tianlu was about to thank her when he noticed her discomfort. She was clutching her lower back, taking deep breaths.
“Elder, are you alright?”
“It’s just an old ailment, the pains of old age.”
The Second Elder waved her hand dismissively.
But Lin Tianlu’s eyes flickered, and he activated his enhanced vision, seeing a faint, swirling aura around her lower back, clinging to her spine like a stubborn parasite.
He pondered for a moment, then stepped forward. “Let me help you, Elder.”
“There’s no need… Hmm?”
The Second Elder was startled.
His hand gently touched her lower back, and a surge of energy flowed through her body, like a jolt of electricity. She heard a cracking sound, as if her bones were realigning, and the pain that had plagued her for years vanished instantly!
Her eyes widened in shock as she turned to look at the young man beside her, his smile gentle and reassuring.
“Let me help you outside, Elder.”
“…Alright.”
As they walked, the Second Elder felt her steps becoming lighter, her stiff back feeling more relaxed than ever before.
By the time they reached the gate of the private chamber, her ailment was completely gone, and her hunched back had straightened considerably.
Lin Tianlu released her and bowed slightly.
“Take care, Elder.”
“You…”
The Second Elder turned to look at him, her expression complex. “What’s your name?”
“My name is Lin Tianlu, from Changling County.”
“Tianlu… A good name.”
She sighed softly and bowed respectfully. “Tianlu, I apologize for my rudeness earlier. And thank you for healing my ailment. I don’t know how to repay such kindness.”
Lin Tianlu smiled. “You’re Ruoyu’s elder. It was just a small favor.”
Seeing his humble and polite demeanor, the Second Elder felt even more ashamed and impressed.
That Ruoyu girl… had truly found a good husband!
“Tianlu!”
A startled cry rang out.
The Ninth Elder suddenly appeared, rushing towards them, her clothes disheveled, her eyes frantic as she checked Lin Tianlu for injuries.
Seeing that he was unharmed, she was stunned, then she looked at the Second Elder in confusion. “Aunt Li, you—”
“I’ve been defeated. I won’t hold their transgression against them anymore.”
The Second Elder smiled mysteriously. “Jingyun, cherish this son-in-law of yours. He’s a true gem. Treat him well and build a good relationship with him, for the sake of our Lunar Valley.”
The Ninth Elder watched as her thin and frail figure disappeared into the distance, her mind blank.
What had just happened?
Why had the Second Elder’s attitude changed so drastically?
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