Chapter 174: Hot Spring Baptism, An Open-Minded Elder
With the curtain pulled aside, Lin Tianlu emerged, dressed in a bathing robe.
“I didn’t expect there to be a real hot spring here.”
He looked around the spacious and elegant courtyard, impressed.
This private estate belonging to a single elder even had a hidden world within its backyard.
And the scale of this place was astonishing, rivaling any modern bathhouse. Although it was open-air, he could only see a few faint figures in the distance, not feeling much awkwardness.
He had imagined a small pool, but this was far grander.
Lin Tianlu dipped his fingers into the spring water, admiring its clarity and warmth.
Although he had read about hot springs in books, experiencing it firsthand was quite enjoyable.
“Tianlu, come and join me.”
A gentle voice startled him, and he turned around instinctively.
The Ninth Elder was approaching, dressed in a sheer white robe, her jade-like skin and alluring figure faintly visible through the steam. Her hair was tied up in a loose bun, and a soft smile graced her lips.
“Martial Aunt, what are you—”
“Now that things have calmed down with the other elders, and the scenery is so beautiful, I thought we could have a chat, Tianlu.”
Lin Tianlu quickly averted his gaze, chuckling awkwardly. “Martial Aunt, isn’t it a bit inappropriate to meet like this, at a hot spring?”
Seeing that he didn’t linger on her appearance, the Ninth Elder’s eyes twinkled with approval.
“I’m much older than you, and we ghost cultivators of the Lunar Valley don’t pay much attention to worldly customs. It’s fine for us to share this hot spring.”
She glanced at the faint figures in the distance, her brow furrowed slightly. “Didn’t Miss Yun Yue notice the Second Elder’s arrival?”
With her extraordinary cultivation, she could have easily confronted the Second Elder. Yet she had left Tianlu alone and unguarded. This puzzled the Ninth Elder.
“I asked her to stay with Ruoyu and Miss Shuya, to protect them. With Miss Yun Yue there, they’ll be safe.”
The Ninth Elder’s heart softened.
“It seems I misjudged Miss Yun Yue.”
She looked back at Lin Tianlu, her voice filled with approval. “But, Tianlu, for being so responsible, I should reward you.”
With that, she walked towards the edge of the pool and stepped into the water gracefully.
As the water reached her thighs, she sat down, her robe becoming translucent, revealing glimpses of her fair skin. Water droplets clung to her delicate skin, making it glow.
She trailed her fingers through the water and smiled faintly. “We’re both clothed, Tianlu. There’s no need to be so uncomfortable. Just relax and be yourself.”
Lin Tianlu coughed awkwardly and entered the pool as well.
Of course, he sat far away from her, to avoid any awkwardness.
“If you’re not comfortable, we can use a screen.”
The Ninth Elder smiled gently, and with a wave of her hand, ripples spread through the water.
A thin curtain of water rose between them, obscuring their view of each other, leaving only faint, blurry silhouettes.
Lin Tianlu sighed in relief.
“I was careless today, putting you in danger, Tianlu.”
The Ninth Elder’s voice was soft and apologetic. “After giving it some thought, I think it’s best to teach you a suitable cultivation technique.”
“A cultivation technique?”
Lin Tianlu was startled and quickly waved his hands. “There’s no need to trouble yourself, Martial Aunt. It’s too much—”
“It’s not a secret technique of the Lunar Valley. It’s a technique I developed myself. You don’t have to worry about any repercussions.”
The Ninth Elder chuckled softly. “I’ve noticed that you enjoy reading, often forgetting to eat and sleep. This ‘Clear Cloud Formula’ can help you regulate your energy, nourish your blood, and improve your health.
And it can also help you resist mind-altering techniques used by demons and ghosts.”
Lin Tianlu hesitated, then bowed respectfully. “Martial Aunt, you’ve already shown us so much kindness. I can’t accept such a valuable gift.”
“Tianlu!”
The Ninth Elder’s voice was filled with gentle reproach. “Why are you being so formal? And I was wrong to put you in danger today. I can’t rest easy unless I make it up to you.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled helplessly. “Since you insist, Martial Aunt, I can’t refuse.”
Seeing him relent, the Ninth Elder smiled indulgently. “If there’s anything you don’t understand about the technique, just ask. I’ll be happy to explain it to you.”
“Where is the technique…”
“Look at the water curtain, Tianlu.”
“Hmm?”
Lin Tianlu blinked in surprise. Words, formed from swirling water, were appearing on the curtain.
The Ninth Elder’s control over water was truly remarkable. Even the characters were perfectly formed, without any distortion.
The entire Clear Cloud Formula was displayed on the water curtain.
“Tianlu, study the technique carefully. I’ll protect you while you cultivate.”
The Ninth Elder silently formed hand seals, activating a hidden mechanism within the hot spring.
Precious medicinal liquids seeped into the water around Lin Tianlu, and she discreetly used her powers to enhance his cultivation, hoping to help him reach the second level of the Clear Cloud Formula—Clear Mind and Vision.
That was why she had suggested the hot spring. The Lunar Valley’s spring water could help purify the body and strengthen the foundation.
But…
“Martial Aunt, I’ve already memorized the Clear Cloud Formula.”
“Eh?”
The Ninth Elder let out a surprised gasp, her eyes wide.
Lin Tianlu savored the profound principles within the technique, his voice filled with admiration. “This technique is truly remarkable, Martial Aunt. It incorporates many Daoist principles and harmonizes with the natural world, a perfect balance of heaven, earth, and man. It’s an excellent cultivation technique.”
“H-how is this possible?”
The water curtain dissipated, and the Ninth Elder quickly swam towards him, reaching out to touch his forehead.
But as her hand made contact, she quickly withdrew it, as if she had been shocked. Her face flushed crimson, and her eyes widened in surprise. “Tianlu, you…”
She could sense a faint, clear aura emanating from him, along with a powerful Yang energy.
He had mastered the Clear Cloud Formula in just a few breaths?!
The Ninth Elder was astonished.
The Clear Cloud Formula didn’t have any strict requirements, but it still required a solid foundation in knowledge and understanding of its principles. And one needed exceptional comprehension to cultivate it, to purify the mind and dispel impurities.
But Tianlu had mastered it so easily…
A wave of joy washed over her.
“You truly are gifted, Tianlu! Your talent is exceptional!”
Lin Tianlu chuckled awkwardly. “It’s not talent, Martial Aunt. I just enjoy reading and have learned a few things.”
“There’s no need to be humble—Hmm?”
The Ninth Elder was about to speak again, but she suddenly stopped.
Sensing his powerful Yang energy through the water, her heart skipped a beat.
After a moment of silence, she looked at him, her eyes filled with a playful warmth. “You’re so full of vigor, Tianlu. It seems I was careless, keeping you occupied for so long.
I’ll take Hua Shuya with me now, so you and Ruoyu can enjoy some… quality time together. I’ll wake you up for breakfast tomorrow morning.”
Her eyes twinkled mischievously as she rose from the water, her movements graceful and alluring.
“I’ve cast a soundproof barrier around the courtyard. Enjoy yourselves~”
She smiled suggestively and left.
Lin Tianlu was speechless.
“Martial Aunt…”
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