Chapter 197: The Storm Subsides
The sudden conflict and battle had clearly caused some chaos in the Lunar Valley.
Although the Soul Moon had been shattered and the crisis averted, the shockwave had awakened the sleeping disciples, filling the estate with fear and anxiety. And with several elders still unconscious, the atmosphere was tense and uncertain.
It wasn’t until the Valley Master reappeared, her voice calming and reassuring as she used a powerful Yin technique to address her disciples, that order was restored.
…
A while later…
The Valley Master, her voluptuous figure draped in a light purple veil, walked towards them slowly, supported by the Second Elder.
She looked at the First Elder, who was kneeling on the ground, restrained by the Ninth Elder, and a faint smile appeared on her lips. “Wu Lei, you caused quite a commotion today.”
The First Elder’s face was filled with shame as she bowed her head. “Sister, I was careless and almost caused a disaster. I’ll accept any punishment without complaint.”
“You’re right. You deserve to be punished.”
The Valley Master’s eyes twinkled, her smile widening. “For humiliating me in front of my disciples, you’ll be confined to the Cold Prison for a few days, to reflect on your actions. Otherwise, I won’t be able to forgive you.”
The First Elder looked up in surprise. “Sister?”
The Second Elder was also startled. “Valley Master, isn’t that punishment too lenient?”
“It’s fine.”
The Valley Master shook her head, her smile fading. “This incident wasn’t entirely Wu Lei’s fault. The Soul Moon was corrupted. It couldn’t be helped. And I, as the Valley Master, was negligent in my duties, which led to this disaster.
There’s no need to punish her severely. If anyone deserves to be punished, it’s me.”
The Ninth Elder spoke up. “There’s no need to blame yourself, Valley Master. I’ve heard from Tianlu what happened. As long as everyone is safe, we can consider this incident resolved. A minor punishment as a warning will suffice.”
The Second Elder nodded in agreement.
“Let’s put aside our personal matters for now.”
The Valley Master’s voice turned serious. “I’ll need your help, elders, to calm the disciples and repair the damaged buildings. After that, we’ll choose a new Saintess and create a new Soul Moon formation, a new legacy for our Lunar Valley.”
The Second Elder’s eyes widened. “Valley Master, are you truly going to…”
“It’s time to let go of the past. The Lunar Valley can’t be chained to it forever.”
At that moment, a figure rushed towards them. It was the Fifth Elder, her beautiful face filled with worry.
She hurried over to the Valley Master and asked anxiously, “How are you feeling, Valley Master?”
“I’m fine. I’m recovering.” The Valley Master smiled faintly. “But you were attacked and put to sleep. Are you feeling alright?”
“I sensed something was wrong with their behavior, so I took precautions and purged the toxins from my body.”
The Fifth Elder looked around at the ruined courtyard, her brow furrowed deeply.
She had rushed over as soon as she woke up, already aware of the situation. But the damage was even worse than she had imagined.
“Who subdued the First Elder and the others—?”
“It was Lin Tianlu and his companions.” The Second Elder tapped her staff on the ground, her voice filled with awe. “Especially that Lin Tianlu. He’s incredibly powerful.”
“He was the one…”
The Fifth Elder was astonished. “Where are they now?”
“I sent them back to the Ninth Elder’s private chamber to rest. They’ve been working hard all night.” The Valley Master said gently. “Yujun, tell your disciple Bai Xin to be more respectful towards Master Lin. He’s practically family now. There’s no need for hostility.”
The Ninth Elder couldn’t help but smile.
The Fifth Elder’s heart skipped a beat.
She hadn’t expected the Valley Master to show such favor towards that scholar. And for the Lunar Valley, which had been secluded for a thousand years, this was a sign of a deepening relationship, a significant change.
For him to earn the Valley Master’s approval… he must be truly extraordinary!
She said seriously, “I’ll talk to Xin’er.”
The Valley Master nodded, then turned to the Ninth Elder. “Jingyun, remember to treat your son-in-law well. He has a deep connection to the Lunar Valley. Don’t neglect him.”
“I’ll take good care of Tianlu.” The Ninth Elder bowed respectfully, her face beaming with joy.
It was a great honor for her beloved son-in-law to be recognized by the sect.
…
In the courtyard of the private chamber…
Since it was located on the outskirts of the estate, it had been spared from the Soul Moon’s influence and remained peaceful.
Lin Tianlu, dressed in clean clothes, returned to the pavilion with a teapot, pouring hot tea into several cups.
He glanced to the side and saw Yun Yue and Hua Shuya, one on each side, resting their heads on Mao Ruoyu’s lap, their hair and robes intertwined, their faces calm and serene, their beauty ethereal and otherworldly, like a painting of celestial maidens.
He lowered his voice and asked, “Are they asleep?”
“Yes.”
Mao Ruoyu looked down at the two sleeping faces, her expression gentle. “Sister Yun wasn’t seriously injured, but her soul is weakened. She needs to rest for a few days. And Shuya fought alongside me in the sacred ground and then in that battle. She’s exhausted.”
She gently stroked their hair, like a mother caring for her children.
Lin Tianlu blew on his tea and offered it to Mao Ruoyu with a smile. “You’re truly becoming a virtuous wife, Ruoyu.”
Mao Ruoyu took the teacup, her expression softening, her usual coldness melting away.
“But—”
Lin Tianlu glanced at their clothes and hair. “I’m curious, what happened in the sacred ground? Why have you and Shuya transformed?”
Their silver hair and embroidered robes were quite striking, but he hadn’t wanted to ask earlier, amidst the chaos.
“It’s… a bit complicated.”
Mao Ruoyu’s eyelashes fluttered, her voice soft.
Lin Tianlu frowned. “Did something happen?”
“It’s my fault. After absorbing the Moon Shadow Breath, my soul… split.”
Mao Ruoyu’s voice was calm, her aura ethereal. “Especially after entering the sacred ground, the Yin energy there triggered the separation. My other half materialized, and we fought against Shuya and me.”
“Your soul split?”
Lin Tianlu was surprised.
Such a strange and bizarre phenomenon!
“But my soul is whole again now, our minds merged.”
Mao Ruoyu’s voice softened slightly. “Don’t worry, I’m still myself. Both consciousnesses are now one. And with the Moon Shadow Breath to balance me, there won’t be any more problems.”
“I’m glad you’re alright.”
Lin Tianlu sighed in relief and gently caressed her cheek, his voice warm. “Although there was some chaos today, it gave me a chance to meet the elders and the Valley Master, to earn their trust.
You should be able to visit Ninth Elder freely now, Ruoyu, without worrying about the valley’s rules.”
Mao Ruoyu was startled.
She looked down, her heart filled with warmth and gratitude.
She had seen everything Lin Tianlu had done these past few days, his respectful and courteous behavior towards the elders, his unwavering support.
A warm feeling spread through her body. The man she loved cared so much about her.
“I don’t know how to repay your kindness, Tianlu.”
“There’s no need for repayment.”
Lin Tianlu leaned closer and gently cupped her face, his voice soft. “I would do anything for my beloved wife.”
Mao Ruoyu’s eyes sparkled, her coldness melting away, replaced by a gentle warmth and a hint of seductive allure.
Their gazes locked, their love unspoken as they leaned closer.
As their lips met, Mao Ruoyu’s body trembled slightly, her cheeks flushing, her beauty even more captivating.
She closed her eyes, her long lashes fluttering against her cheeks, her response shy and hesitant, but filled with a growing passion.
But lost in the moment, neither of them noticed…
A golden-red aura was swirling around Mao Ruoyu, her silver hair gradually turning black.
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