After Failing to Find Immortality 195

Chapter 195: Freed From Confinement

Her soft voice was like a silken thread, weaving its way into his mind.

Even a simple greeting from her could easily ensnare an ordinary person, making them lose themselves in her allure.

Lin Tianlu narrowed his eyes. “Are you the Valley Master of the Lunar Valley?”

“Of course.”

The gray-haired woman smiled faintly. “If I weren’t, why would I be imprisoned here?”

“You’re much calmer than I expected, Valley Master.”

“Your aura is different from the First Elder’s. And your gaze is gentle and peaceful, not at all threatening.” The Valley Master’s voice was calm and unhurried. “You came here to rescue me, and you even carefully removed my gag. You must be a kind person.”

Lin Tianlu averted his gaze, closing his eyes to avoid any awkwardness.

“These restraints are truly…”

“The First Elder was worried that I might break free, so she took precautions.”

The Valley Master’s smile was serene. “Why don’t you release me from these chains first, Master Lin? It’s a bit awkward to talk like this.”

“Bear with me.”

Lin Tianlu carefully removed the two jade needles that were embedded in her temples, and the cloth covering her eyes slipped down, revealing a pair of bright red eyes.

She gasped softly, her body trembling slightly, and looked up at him, her eyes sparkling with a hint of warmth. “Thank you. There are still many restraints on me. It will take some time.”

“The First Elder didn’t hold back.”

“It was just a minor inconvenience. Don’t worry about it.”

As Lin Tianlu removed the chains one by one, the Valley Master’s expression remained calm, as if she didn’t care about her predicament.

She looked at him, her eyes soft, and smiled faintly. “You’re quite handsome, Master Lin, and your cultivation is remarkable. Even I can’t see through you.”

“You flatter me, Valley Master.”

Lin Tianlu touched the rune on her chest, crushing it with his fingers. “But you seem to be aware of everything that’s happening in the Lunar Valley.”

“Although my senses and movements were sealed, I could still project my consciousness.”

The Valley Master smiled faintly. “You sensed my presence in the main hall yesterday, Master Lin, and you responded.”

“Indeed.”

He had sensed a strange presence within the altar when they first arrived.

He had felt a gentle breeze on his cheek, like a silent greeting. So while talking to the First Elder, he had also been communicating with the imprisoned Valley Master.

His final farewell had been addressed to both of them.

But he hadn’t wanted to interfere, being an outsider in an unfamiliar environment.

“It’s a blessing for the Lunar Valley that Ruoyu, after all these years, has returned with such a fine fiancé.”

“You know Ruoyu, Valley Master?”

“That girl possesses a unique talent, and she has a special connection to our Lunar Valley. I’ve been watching her for a long time.” The Valley Master chuckled softly. “Allowing her to leave and experience the world was a wise decision. Without her, the Lunar Valley would be in chaos right now.”

This Valley Master was as gentle and kind as the Ninth Elder had described.

Lin Tianlu gently lifted her legs. “Forgive me, Valley Master.”

“There’s no need.”

With a thought, his broken sword appeared, spinning gracefully as it sliced through the remaining chains, shattering the restraints. The Valley Master’s limp body fell into his arms.

He carefully placed her on the jade platform.

The Valley Master flexed her numb wrists and crossed her legs, a bright smile on her face. “You’re truly a gentleman, Master Lin, kind and considerate. No wonder the elders praise you so highly and are willing to bend the rules for you.”

“You flatter me, I’m just—”

“But you won’t even look at me?”

Lin Tianlu’s expression turned awkward.

How could he look at her?

She was practically naked, her skin exposed. Meeting her gaze would only make things more awkward.

“You’ve shown great kindness to the Lunar Valley. It’s fine for you to see me like this.” The Valley Master chuckled softly, trailing her fingers along her smooth legs, her voice laced with a hint of teasing. “Besides, you’ve already seen me in a rather… compromising position, haven’t you? There’s no need to be so shy.”

“—There’s no need to test me, Valley Master.”

Lin Tianlu quickly composed himself and bowed slightly. “Although your figure is beautiful and alluring, I have no improper thoughts. Please don’t worry.”

“Oh?”

The Valley Master raised an eyebrow and stared at him, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

“…”

After a moment, her expression softened, and she said with admiration, “You truly possess a righteous heart, Master Lin, unfazed by temptation. I’m impressed.”

Then her voice turned apologetic. “But please forgive me, Master Lin. My energy is unstable right now. My body is emitting a seductive aura, a remnant of the Moon Shadow techniques. It can cloud the minds of others. I didn’t mean to tempt you.”

This constitution… it was similar to Ruoyu’s.

Lin Tianlu smiled faintly. “I don’t mind, Valley Master. There’s no need to apologize. But—”

His expression turned serious. “Everything that happened today… was it all part of your plan?”

The Valley Master was startled.

Then she casually brushed her hair aside, a strange smile on her lips. “What makes you say that, Master Lin?”

“You’re too calm, as if nothing has happened.”

Lin Tianlu’s voice was serious. “Your words and actions are too deliberate, as if you knew everything in advance. But if you truly knew everything, why would you allow yourself to be imprisoned by the First Elder?”

For the leader of a thousand-year-old sect to be caught off guard so easily… it was hard to believe.

And there was a hidden depth to her, a calculating glint in her eyes, despite her gentle smile.

The Valley Master chuckled softly, her eyes narrowing. “You’re quite perceptive, Master Lin. You can see right through me.”

Lin Tianlu frowned. “You’re not even trying to hide it?”

“You saved me from that prison, Master Lin. Why would I deceive you?” The Valley Master stretched languidly, her movements seductive, her alluring figure on full display.

She smiled gracefully. “I knew everything that was happening. I just didn’t interfere. I let events unfold naturally.”