Chapter 178: The Origin of the Saintess, A Mutually Beneficial Proposal
Lin Tianlu felt a strange mix of emotions.
Shouldn’t the leader of a powerful sect be more mysterious and aloof?
But this Valley Master seemed…
…rather playful.
“I heard the Second Elder singing your praises last night, and I was quite curious. So I decided to test you myself.”
The Valley Master chuckled. “It seems you truly respect Jingyun. And your character and abilities are impressive. You and Ruoyu are indeed a good match.
If my actions earlier offended you, I apologize.”
“There’s no need for that, Valley Master.”
Lin Tianlu composed himself and bowed respectfully. “I was also a bit impulsive. Please forgive me.”
“…You’re truly remarkable.”
The Valley Master paused, then chuckled softly. “No wonder Jingyun favors you so much. You’re well-mannered, kind, and intelligent. I’m relieved that Ruoyu has found such a good man.”
The Ninth Elder, standing behind him, couldn’t help but smile.
Lin Tianlu was surprised.
“Valley Master, your relationship with Ruoyu—”
“We haven’t met. But I watched her grow up. I have a certain fondness for her. And I was the one who chose her as the Saintess candidate, so I naturally paid attention to her.”
Seeing an opportunity, Lin Tianlu’s expression turned serious.
“Valley Master, I have a question.”
“Go ahead~”
“Why was Ruoyu chosen as the Moon Shadow Saintess?”
The Valley Master was surprised. She hadn’t expected this question.
But she quickly smiled and countered, “Why do you think the Moon Shadow Saintess exists?”
“For that crescent moon in the sky.”
“You’re quite observant.”
The Valley Master said with admiration. “Indeed, the Soul Moon formation requires the Moon Shadow Saintess to complete the final step. It’s a tradition passed down from the Moon Soul Sacred Sect for a thousand years. She serves as a pillar and symbol, offering prayers and sacrifices to receive blessings and guidance from our ancestors.”
Lin Tianlu pondered for a moment.
Then he bowed again. “I believe there’s a deeper meaning behind the Saintess.”
“You’re quite perceptive.”
The Valley Master chuckled. “But it’s a secret of our sect. I can’t just tell you.”
“Ruoyu’s constitution is affecting her. She needs the Moon Shadow Breath to stabilize her mind and body. I need to understand it better. Please enlighten me, Valley Master.”
“Hmm?” The Valley Master was surprised. “Her eyes are still glowing red?”
The Ninth Elder stepped forward. “Yes. She’s experiencing strange symptoms, her condition unstable.”
“This is…”
The Valley Master paused, her voice turning serious. “It seems Ruoyu’s talent is even greater than I imagined.”
This was related to her talent?
As Lin Tianlu pondered this, the Valley Master continued,
“Have you seen our Moon Shadow Secret Art?”
“I’ve seen it once.”
Lin Tianlu bowed respectfully. “It seemed to transform the user’s lower body into a giant snake tail, covered in scales, incredibly powerful.”
“As you saw, the Moon Shadow Secret Art is indeed related to ‘snakes.’”
The Valley Master said slowly, “Our Moon Soul Sacred Sect, tracing back thousands of years, was one of the founding clans of the Realm of Demons and Ghosts. We inherited the ancient will, controlling the spirits of mountains and rivers, a matriarchal lineage.”
“All our members are women, cultivating Yin energy and transforming into their primal snake forms, wielding the power of heaven and earth.”
She explained patiently, “Snakes are inherently lustful, and they are also the mothers of all creation. Our secret arts are in harmony with the cycle of nature, a force of life and renewal.”
She sighed softly.
“And that Ruoyu girl, even without cultivating our techniques, is incredibly Yin and seductive, her nature maternal and alluring, perhaps even unparalleled in the past thousand years.
But the mortal world can’t tolerate such an ‘anomaly.’ Without the Moon Shadow Breath to balance her, she could become a great danger.”
Lin Tianlu’s eyes flickered, and he said seriously, “That’s why we’re here, Valley Master. I want to ask if Ruoyu can learn to cultivate the Moon Shadow Breath, to ensure her safety.”
The Valley Master chuckled, as if she had anticipated this request. “Why don’t you talk to Ruoyu and convince her to stay and complete her training as the Saintess?
With her extraordinary talent, she could even transcend the thousand-year tribulation and reach even greater heights.”
“But Ruoyu can’t stay in the Lunar Valley forever.”
“That’s the problem—”
The Valley Master said calmly, “There’s no benefit for us. Why should we help an outsider?”
Lin Tianlu stared at the jade screen, his face thoughtful.
“…”
Just as the Ninth Elder was about to intervene, he suddenly said, “You don’t mean that, Valley Master.”
“Hmm?”
The Ninth Elder was surprised.
Silence fell upon the chamber.
“…Why do you say that?”
“I have a certain gift. I can sense your true intentions, Valley Master. And I understand why you summoned me.”
Lin Tianlu smiled faintly, his expression unreadable, and bowed slightly. “I will maintain a good relationship with the Lunar Valley. Ruoyu will visit often. And if you ever need help, I’ll do my best to assist you.”
This Valley Master was a clever woman.
She knew that pushing too hard would be counterproductive.
Their brief exchange had probably revealed something to her. Her gentle tone was an attempt to build rapport and find common ground.
“—Interesting~”
The Valley Master chuckled softly. “You’re quite perceptive, Master Lin. To decipher my thoughts from just a few words.”
“Are you satisfied with my offer, Valley Master? Or do you require something else—”
“That’s enough. It’s a good start.”
The Valley Master smiled mysteriously. “With your help, Master Lin, the Lunar Valley will be much safer.”
“Your easy agreement makes me uneasy, Valley Master.”
Lin Tianlu narrowed his eyes, a smile playing on his lips. “Is there something more behind this Moon Shadow Saintess?”
His pointed question made the Valley Master chuckle.
“Don’t worry, the Moon Shadow Saintess isn’t a tool for power and control. She’s a safeguard, a way to preserve our lineage.
If we ever face an insurmountable threat, the Saintess can escape with the ‘Soul Moon’ she cultivates within her body. She can rebuild our sect in a safe place, ensuring our survival.”
Lin Tianlu frowned.
So the Saintess was a “backup” for the Lunar Valley?
To reveal such a secret… this Valley Master was truly bold.
Or perhaps, she had other plans.
But…
“What about the thousand-year tribulation you mentioned, Valley Master?”
“That’s a long story…”
The Valley Master’s voice turned playful. “To put it simply, a group of fools messed with forbidden techniques a thousand years ago, causing a backlash from heaven and earth. The Yin energy of this world became chaotic and unstable, making it impossible to break through to realms beyond the Savage Realm. Even the most talented demons and ghosts are trapped.”
“So the great upheaval that’s supposed to happen next year… is caused by this thousand-year tribulation?”
“You’re quite well-informed, Master Lin.”
The Valley Master said frankly, “There’s a connection. These two events will happen simultaneously.”
“I understand. Thank you for explaining.” Lin Tianlu bowed slightly.
“It’s been an interesting conversation, Master Lin.” The Valley Master said with amusement. “How about I offer you a mutually beneficial proposal?”
“What do you have in mind, Valley Master?”
As soon as he finished speaking, a ripple appeared on the jade screen.
Then, to Lin Tianlu’s surprise, a figure emerged from the pavilion.
Her long robe swayed gracefully, her beauty radiant. Her slit skirt revealed glimpses of her long, slender legs, her appearance and ethereal aura captivating.
“Hehe~”
The mysterious woman walked towards him, covering her mouth with her hand as she chuckled softly. “Are you surprised?”
“I didn’t expect you to be so young, Valley Master.”
Lin Tianlu averted his gaze, his heart filled with astonishment.
“Those who reach higher realms of cultivation naturally maintain their youthful appearance. I owe my beauty to the Moon Shadow Breath.”
The Valley Master smiled curiously and gently squeezed his arm. “You’re quite strong, and your Yang energy is so vibrant.”
The Ninth Elder quickly pulled her away. “Valley Master, please be mindful of propriety.”
“You’re so protective, Jingyun.” The Valley Master’s eyes twinkled playfully. “Are you worried that Master Lin might be tempted?”
“I’m not worried.”
The Ninth Elder frowned.
She sensed something different about the Valley Master today.
Lin Tianlu smiled calmly and bowed slightly. “Perhaps we could have a proper conversation after you’ve dressed appropriately, Valley Master.”
“Hehe, as you wish.”
The Valley Master chuckled and waved her hand. An elegant robe flew from a distance and wrapped around her body.
Then she smiled. “It would be a shame to waste Ruoyu’s talent. And she has a connection to the Lunar Valley. Instead of making her the Saintess, I’ll prepare a special ‘Soul Moon Trial’ for her, to reactivate the Moon Shadow Breath within her body. What do you think?”
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