Chapter 179: Lunar Valley’s Turmoil, The Trial Begins
As Lin Tianlu and the Ninth Elder left the main hall, the Valley Master’s smile faded, her gaze turning distant and thoughtful.
A hunched figure emerged from the shadows behind her, her voice deep and gravelly. “You seemed to have reached an understanding with Jingyun and the others. Why do you look so troubled?”
The Valley Master turned to her. “Sixth Elder, you just met with Lin Tianlu. What are your impressions?”
“He’s extraordinary.”
The Sixth Elder lowered her cloudy eyes. “His demeanor and aura are far beyond that of an ordinary scholar. And he remained calm and composed when he entered the main hall, only showing surprise, not fear. He must have seen many grand occasions.
And most importantly… he managed to win Jingyun’s favor in just a few days. That’s no easy feat.”
“You’re right.”
The Valley Master chuckled softly. “He’s truly remarkable.”
The Sixth Elder’s eyes flickered. “What have you discovered?”
“His aura is elusive and unfathomable. Although he only used a simple technique, I couldn’t sense any energy fluctuations. I almost missed it.”
“You mean—”
“He’s far more powerful than we imagined.”
The Valley Master sighed. “He saw through my intentions, but I can’t see through his. And he even gave me a way out, out of respect for my position as an elder.”
“He’s that unfathomable?”
The Sixth Elder frowned. “Are you confident that you can control him?”
“It would be a close fight. And with Jingyun on his side, it would be pointless to antagonize him.”
The Valley Master smiled easily. “But why should we make an enemy of him?”
“His background is unclear. Although the Second Elder vouched for him, he’s still—”
“Don’t underestimate Jingyun and the Second Elder. They’re both intelligent women. They can tell who’s trustworthy and who has malicious intentions.”
The Valley Master turned and walked towards the altar, her steps graceful.
“He cares about Mao Ruoyu. We’ll use that to our advantage and build a good relationship with him. Even if he doesn’t become an ally, it won’t hurt to be on good terms.”
“So you’re going to allow Ruoyu to undergo the trial?”
“She has extraordinary talent. The Moon Shadow Breath is practically tailor-made for her.”
The Valley Master chuckled. “She’s Jingyun’s disciple, after all. It’s not a big deal to help her. And if she succeeds, it will benefit us as well. It might even stabilize the ‘Moon Aura’ and enhance the quality of the Soul Moon.”
The Sixth Elder watched as she walked away, her voice hesitant. “Are you… sure about this?”
“There’s no turning back now.”
The Valley Master glanced back at her, her smile gone. “Inform the Third and Fourth Elders. And don’t reveal anything.”
“Understood.”
The Sixth Elder sighed softly.
After she vanished, the Valley Master was alone in the grand hall.
She looked at the blazing fire in the altar, murmuring, “The greatest variable… did you foresee this?”
The hall remained silent, no response.
…
Outside the hall…
Lin Tianlu had only taken a few steps when he felt a strange gaze on him. He chuckled and turned to the Ninth Elder. “Martial Aunt, you’ve been staring at me since we left the hall. Is there something on my face?”
“I’m just surprised by your abilities, Tianlu.”
The Ninth Elder said softly, “These past few days, I truly thought you were just an ordinary scholar.”
“This…”
Lin Tianlu chuckled awkwardly. “You never asked, Martial Aunt. I didn’t want to brag.”
Seeing her constantly discussing poetry and literature, he had assumed that she was more interested in those things. He wouldn’t have randomly boasted about his skills in exorcism and combat.
Not all elders enjoyed fighting and killing.
“…It seems I misjudged you.”
The Ninth Elder’s eyes softened. “I was touched by your actions earlier, standing up for me.”
“You’ve been taking care of me, Martial Aunt. It was the least I could do.” Lin Tianlu sighed helplessly. “Although the Valley Master didn’t actually intend to punish you.”
“Your intentions are what matter.”
The Ninth Elder’s expression turned serious. “But be careful with your words around the Valley Master, Tianlu.”
“Do you have any advice, Martial Aunt? Is there something wrong with the trial?”
“I just feel… that the Valley Master is acting strangely today.”
She frowned, glancing back at the entrance of the main hall. “With the Soul Moon formation nearing completion, I’m worried that she might have other plans. Be careful, Tianlu.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled. “You’re telling me to be wary of the Valley Master, Martial Aunt?”
“She might be my elder, but you’re my son-in-law. I have to look after you. Who else in this vast estate would care for you?”
The Ninth Elder smiled gently and patted his chest. “Go back now and tell Ruoyu and the others the good news. Prepare yourselves for tonight.”
“Of course.”
…
Late at night, under the bright moonlight…
Lin Tianlu and his companions returned to the mysterious palace.
He had already told them about the trial, and they had decided to accept the challenge.
Rumble
The golden flames in the altar burned even brighter, a warm wind swirling through the chamber. Intricate formations and shimmering runes appeared above them, a magnificent sight.
“—Come forward, Ruoyu.”
Seeing that the ritual was ready, the Valley Master beckoned from the altar. Lin Tianlu turned to Mao Ruoyu and said softly, “Be careful. Safety first.”
“I will, Sir.”
Mao Ruoyu took a deep breath, removing her outer robe, leaving only a thin, sheer garment. She walked towards the altar, her steps graceful.
This opportunity had been earned by her beloved. She wouldn’t disappoint him. And as a former disciple of the Lunar Valley, she still remembered the rituals and etiquette.
Hua Shuya watched her go, her face serious. “Will she be alright?”
The Ninth Elder reassured her gently. “As I said before, this ‘trial’ is more like a gift. With Ruoyu’s temperament, she’ll pass easily.”
Lin Tianlu remained silent, his gaze fixed on Mao Ruoyu.
The hall was silent, only the crackling of the flames.
“—You’ve changed so much.”
Mao Ruoyu looked at the white-haired woman standing on the altar and bowed respectfully. “Valley Master, thank you for this opportunity.”
The Valley Master smiled and waved her hand dismissively. “There’s no need for formalities. Helping you is also a blessing for our Lunar Valley.”
“Is it because of Sir—”
“He’s truly an extraordinary man. Even I can’t fully understand him.”
The Valley Master chuckled. “But you also possess incredible talent, Ruoyu. With proper cultivation, you can achieve great things.
Take a seat. The ritual is simple. I’ll infuse you with the Moon Shadow Breath, and you can circulate your old technique. The Saint Energy will calm your mind and body, alleviating the effects of your constitution.”
“Yes, Valley Master!”
Mao Ruoyu nodded slightly and sat down on a cushion near the altar.
A faint mist rose around her, and glowing runes appeared on the floor beneath the altar.
The Valley Master raised her hand, and a stream of energy, infused with starlight and moonlight, flowed from above, cascading over Mao Ruoyu’s body like a waterfall.
…
A while later…
Mao Ruoyu opened her eyes, a flash of gold and red disappearing from them.
“Haa—”
She could feel the Moon Shadow Saint Energy flowing through her body, soothing and comforting, a familiar sensation.
She looked down to see shimmering ribbons of energy, like silk, swirling around her.
The Valley Master’s eyes narrowed, her expression filled with surprise.
She had only intended to infuse her with a small amount of Moon Shadow Breath, but the effect was astonishing!
But then she smiled with satisfaction. “I didn’t expect you to be able to materialize Yin energy, Ruoyu. Impressive.”
“Valley Master…”
“Don’t worry.”
She helped Mao Ruoyu to her feet. “Your constitution will gradually harmonize with the Moon Shadow Breath.”
“Thank you for your kindness, Valley Master.”
“Now, the trial will help you comprehend our secret arts and truly master the Moon Shadow Breath.”
The Valley Master’s gaze shifted to Hua Shuya. “Why don’t you join Ruoyu in the trial, young lady?”
“Hmm?”
Hua Shuya was startled, surprised to be addressed.
She quickly regained her composure and bowed respectfully. “I’m not a member of the Lunar Valley, Valley Master. It’s not appropriate for me to—”
“It’s fine. You’re Ruoyu’s friend. Consider it a welcome gift.”
The Valley Master smiled kindly. “Your constitution is also quite unique. You don’t need to cultivate the Moon Shadow Breath. Learning a few of our techniques will be enough to benefit your swordsmanship.”
Hua Shuya looked at Lin Tianlu and the Ninth Elder.
Seeing that they had no objections, she nodded slightly.
“…Alright.”
Hua Shuya took a deep breath and walked towards the altar.
As she stood beside Mao Ruoyu, the Valley Master formed hand seals, and strange lights emerged from the altar, enveloping the two women until they vanished.
…
A buzzing sound filled her ears.
Hua Shuya opened her eyes, her vision blurry, and looked at the strange and beautiful world around her, her expression filled with surprise. “Where are we—?”
Mao Ruoyu gathered her hair and said softly, “I’ve never seen this place before, but it must be one of the Lunar Valley’s sacred grounds, accessible only to the elders.”
They were standing in a dark and eerie realm, illuminated only by a full moon hanging high in the night sky.
The ground beneath their feet wasn’t solid, nor was it water. It felt strange and unstable.
Hua Shuya gripped her sword tightly. “Madam, what should we do?”
“According to the trial procedure, we might encounter heart demons.”
Mao Ruoyu chuckled. “But don’t worry, we can easily defeat them. Although it’s a trial, it’s ultimately a gift from the Valley Master. After we defeat the heart demons, the moon will bathe us in its light, and we can… Ugh?!”
Her expression suddenly changed, and she clutched her chest, stumbling back.
“Madam?!”
Hua Shuya quickly rushed to her side, her voice filled with concern. “What’s wrong?”
“My chest hurts… It feels like something…”
Mao Ruoyu’s face turned pale, her body trembling. With a cry of pain, a cloud of black mist erupted from her chest, flying several meters away.
Hua Shuya’s eyes widened in alarm, and she reached out to check her wound, but she was surprised to see that there was no injury.
“Madam, what was—”
“I-I don’t know…”
Mao Ruoyu gasped, her face covered in cold sweat. Her color seemed to be returning. She looked at her chest, her heart still pounding.
She had never experienced anything like this during her training in the sacred grounds. It had felt like her body was being torn apart!
“Hehe, hehehe~”
A seductive laugh suddenly broke the silence.
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