Chapter 177: An Exceptional Talent, The Mysterious Valley Master
In a quiet pavilion outside the library…
A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, carrying a touch of autumn chill.
Lin Tianlu sat at a table, his expression focused as he read the book, his brow furrowed in thought. He occasionally picked up his brush and added annotations or corrections, meticulously going through every page.
The Ninth Elder sat opposite him, watching in silence, her heart filled with a growing sense of astonishment.
This cultivation manual was a culmination of her life’s learnings. Although she had tried to simplify and condense the content, it was still quite complex and difficult to understand. Few disciples in the valley had mastered it.
Even experienced ghost practitioners would need months of study to grasp its basics. But Tianlu had only glanced through it briefly and had already understood its essence, even identifying errors and suggesting improvements.
He was truly…
“That should be enough.”
Lin Tianlu put down his brush and handed the book back to her respectfully. “Please take a look, Martial Aunt, and see if there are any errors in my annotations. If you find anything wrong, just use your magic to erase them.”
“…Alright.”
The Ninth Elder took the book and examined it carefully, her brow furrowed in thought.
After a long silence, her expression turned to one of surprise.
His annotations weren’t random scribbles. He had pointed out several genuine errors and omissions in her work.
And his corrections and suggestions were insightful, transforming the text, making it clearer and more concise. Rereading it, she felt a sense of enlightenment, her Yin energy flowing more smoothly and effortlessly.
“This book is truly a valuable resource, Martial Aunt. Its scope and depth are impressive.”
Lin Tianlu smiled faintly. “But there are a few parts that focus too much on the superficial, without delving into the underlying principles. It makes the text seem a bit convoluted.”
“—You’re right.”
The Ninth Elder put down the book and sighed softly. “I wanted to broaden your knowledge, Tianlu, but it seems I’ve learned something from you instead. I’m truly humbled.”
“You’re open-minded to accept my suggestions, Martial Aunt. That’s a sign of true wisdom.”
“Still flattering me?” The Ninth Elder glared at him playfully. “There’s no need for formalities between us. I’m truly impressed by your talent.
With such abilities, Tianlu, if you put in some effort, you could achieve great things and bring honor to your family.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled and shook his head. “Fame and fortune don’t matter to me, Martial Aunt. I’m content with my simple life with Ruoyu and the others.”
“You’re… quite devoted to your family.”
The Ninth Elder chuckled softly. “That’s a good thing.”
Lin Tianlu looked at the grand library, shrouded in mist, and sighed. “The Lunar Valley has been hidden here for nearly a thousand years. Its foundation is truly extraordinary. Seeing it firsthand is even more impressive.”
“You know about the Moon Soul Sacred Sect. But it was far more prosperous than the Lunar Valley.”
The Ninth Elder picked up the book, her voice wistful as she recalled the past. “But what good was it? A thousand years ago, the Moon Soul Sacred Sect was humiliated and nearly destroyed. Its wealth and power couldn’t protect it. It was only after our predecessors escaped and sought refuge here that we were able to recover.”
The events of a thousand years ago sounded truly tragic.
Although she only spoke briefly, her words hinted at the horrors they had endured.
“I heard that the world will change drastically next year. What are your plans, Martial Aunt?” Lin Tianlu asked seriously. “Will you emerge from seclusion, or remain hidden in this valley?”
“I have no desire to get involved in worldly affairs.”
The Ninth Elder sighed softly. “But no one knows what the future holds. We can only wait and hope that a new Saintess will be chosen soon, to guide us through these uncertain times.”
At that moment, a faint ripple spread through the air.
Lin Tianlu raised an eyebrow. “What was that?”
The Ninth Elder’s expression turned strange.
“There’s a disturbance in the Moon Aura. It seems something unexpected has happened.”
“Is it an emergency?”
She quickly shook her head. “This level of fluctuation is normal. I’m just surprised… that the Valley Master has summoned me, and she wants you to come as well.”
“Me?”
Lin Tianlu was surprised.
He hadn’t done anything wrong, had he?
“I can’t disobey the Valley Master’s orders.”
The Ninth Elder apologized. “Come with me to the main hall, Tianlu. The Valley Master is a kind person. She won’t harm you.”
“Alright.”
…
The main hall…
Or rather, an underground palace.
Lin Tianlu followed the Ninth Elder through a long and silent tunnel, until they reached a vast and brightly lit chamber.
A magnificent jade pavilion stood at the far end of the hall, a faint figure visible within.
A blazing fire burned in the central altar, surrounded by intricate formations and swirling runes.
“Valley Master.”
The Ninth Elder bowed respectfully. “You summoned me. What is it?”
“Yesterday, I heard from the Second Elder… that Ruoyu has returned to the valley.”
A soft and ethereal voice echoed from behind the jade screen.
The Ninth Elder nodded slightly. “Ruoyu heard about the incident in the valley and came to visit with her friends and family.”
“That girl is still sentimental. But she’s too kind for her own good. Such a waste of talent.”
The mysterious woman sighed softly. “Treat her well during her stay, and try to mend your relationship. But—”
Her tone suddenly changed, turning cold.
“Although the Second Elder vouched for them, I never said… that outsider could go unpunished!”
The Ninth Elder’s expression changed, and she quickly said, “Valley Master, he’s already intimate with Ruoyu. And he’s a talented young man. I’m keeping an eye on him. He won’t cause any trouble for the valley.”
“I trust your judgment. But violating our rules must be punished. It’s a matter of principle, isn’t it?”
The mysterious woman chuckled. “If we let this slide, the disciples will start bringing outsiders into the valley all the time.”
The Ninth Elder bit her lip and lowered her head. “Then punish me, Valley Master. Tianlu didn’t know the rules. And they’re not members of the Lunar Valley.”
“Very well.”
A ripple of energy spread through the air.
But as the Ninth Elder closed her eyes, bracing for the punishment, the ripple was effortlessly dispelled by a wave of her sleeve.
She gasped in surprise. “Tianlu?! You—”
“Valley Master, please forgive the elder.”
Lin Tianlu stepped forward, his posture straight, his voice calm and respectful. “She was just being hospitable, following the customs of the Lunar Valley. It would be embarrassing for her to be punished in front of her juniors.”
“Oh?”
The mysterious woman behind the screen chuckled. “You’re not an ordinary mortal. You were able to break through my Yin technique.”
“I just know a few tricks.”
Lin Tianlu’s expression remained calm. “Please reconsider, Valley Master.”
“…”
Silence filled the chamber.
“Pfft—”
But then the mysterious woman burst out laughing. “Alright, Tianlu, there’s no need to be so serious. I’ll stop.
The punishment I mentioned was just a small illusion. It would have only given Jingyun a slight headache.”
“Uh?”
Lin Tianlu was stunned.
That… was considered a punishment?
The Ninth Elder walked over to him, chuckling helplessly. “Didn’t I tell you? The Valley Master is kind. She wouldn’t harm us.”
“…”
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