Chapter 201: A Friendship Beyond Years
Lin Tianlu had anticipated the Lunar Valley’s acceptance and support.
After all, the elders and the Valley Master were reasonable and understanding individuals. After he had helped them through this crisis, they wouldn’t turn against him or impose unreasonable restrictions.
From now on, they could interact freely, without any reservations.
But…
“Why is Ruoyu the Moon Shadow Saintess?”
Lin Tianlu was surprised.
The Valley Master replied with a serious expression, “That was decided last night, after a discussion with the elders.
Miss Mao’s constitution and soul are perfectly compatible with our Lunar Valley’s techniques. There’s no one else in this world with such extraordinary talent. She’s the ideal candidate for the Moon Shadow Saintess.”
“But Ruoyu is no longer a disciple of the Lunar Valley. This Saintess title…”
“We’ll simply reinstate her as a disciple.”
The Valley Master said frankly, “If we need to avoid suspicion, we can give her the title of ‘Outer Disciple.’ The other elders won’t object. She’s always been well-liked.”
That works too?
Lin Tianlu’s lips twitched, his expression amused.
But the position of Saintess…
“Don’t worry, Master Lin. I won’t confine her to the valley just because she’s the Saintess.”
The Valley Master smiled faintly. “The Soul Moon ritual needs to be modified. There’s no need for the Saintess to remain in seclusion anymore. And since she’s going to be your wife, I wouldn’t want to separate you two.”
Lin Tianlu’s eyes narrowed. “Then what’s the purpose of making her the Saintess?”
“She will inherit my legacy.”
The Valley Master’s words surprised him.
“Your legacy?” Lin Tianlu’s expression turned serious. “What do you mean, Valley Master?”
“It’s just a precaution, to ensure the survival of the Lunar Valley.”
The Valley Master stood up, her robe flowing around her, her expression calm. “Miss Mao has a deep connection to the Lunar Valley, and her constitution is similar to mine. Passing on my legacy to her wouldn’t be a problem. If anything happens to me, the Lunar Valley will continue to thrive.”
A backup plan…?
Lin Tianlu pondered her words.
“Of course, there’s another reason.”
The Valley Master smiled and walked towards him, her finger gently tapping his chest. “And that reason… is you, Master Lin.”
Lin Tianlu’s eyes flickered. “You want to forge a closer relationship between me and the Lunar Valley.”
“Your cultivation is astonishing… no, you’re practically a divine being. Even the First Elder and I combined couldn’t easily destroy the Soul Moon. But you shattered it with a single strike. Your power is truly terrifying.”
The Valley Master narrowed her eyes, her lips curving into a seductive smile. “So naturally, we want to be on good terms with you, Master Lin.
With your help, we can ensure the safety and prosperity of the Lunar Valley in these turbulent times, allowing us to continue living in peace and seclusion.”
Lin Tianlu was startled.
After a moment of silence, he murmured, “So you’ve already decided on a path for the Lunar Valley’s future?”
“Indeed.”
The Valley Master tapped her fingers together, her voice meaningful. “Last night, I made an agreement with the elders. The Lunar Valley will remain secluded and avoid all conflicts with the outside world. We won’t interfere in the power struggles of the mortal realm.
We seek only peace and prosperity for our people, harmony within our valley.”
She tilted her head slightly, her smile enigmatic.
“Are you satisfied with our decision, Master Lin?”
“Whether I’m satisfied or not is irrelevant, Valley Master. It depends on your own choices.”
Lin Tianlu met her gaze, his expression calm. “If you still harbor ambitions of power and conquest, this Soul Moon incident… could easily happen again.”
“Of course.”
The Valley Master lowered her eyes and said softly, “If I wasn’t certain of my decision, I wouldn’t have told you this.”
She walked towards the entrance of the hall, her movements graceful and elegant.
She looked at the serene scenery outside and chuckled softly. “After living for a thousand years, witnessing the rise and fall of empires, my heart has grown weary. All that matters now, for the people of the Lunar Valley… are the bonds we share.”
She turned to look at him, her golden-red eyes like a starry sky.
The passage of time had left its mark on her, her aura ancient and ethereal.
Despite the Moon Shadow Breath’s ability to preserve her youthful beauty, despite her immense power…
In this moment, she was just a woman, yearning for connection.
Looking at her flawless face, Lin Tianlu suddenly asked, “Are you seeking protection, Valley Master?”
“No.”
The Valley Master smiled, her beauty breathtaking. “I’m seeking friendship.”
Lin Tianlu raised an eyebrow.
Friendship?
The Valley Master gathered her hair, blown by the morning breeze, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “I know you’re a kind and gentle man, Master Lin. I wouldn’t impose on you. So how about a compromise? Let’s be friends, despite the age difference.”
This woman was truly perceptive.
Lin Tianlu understood her intentions and chuckled. “Friendship isn’t something that can be forged overnight, Valley Master.”
“I know.”
She blinked her beautiful eyes. “But we have plenty of time. And with Ruoyu as our connection, we’ll have many opportunities to get to know each other.”
Seeing her sincerity, Lin Tianlu smiled and bowed slightly. “I wouldn’t dare to call myself your friend, Valley Master. After all, you’re still so young and beautiful. If we ignore our age difference, no one would be able to tell.”
“You’re quite the charmer, Master Lin.”
The Valley Master chuckled softly. “But as an elder, I can’t let you call me ‘friend’ without offering something in return. If you ever need anything, just ask. I’ll do my best to help you.”
“Thank you for your kindness, Valley Master. But I don’t have any requests at the moment… Wait.”
Lin Tianlu paused, his face thoughtful.
The Valley Master looked at him curiously. “What is it, Master Lin?”
“I just remembered something.” He continued, “I’ve been searching for a place, but I haven’t been able to find it. It’s as if it doesn’t exist. But you’re knowledgeable and skilled in divination, Valley Master. Perhaps you’ve heard of it.”
The Valley Master nodded thoughtfully. “Tell me the name of this place.”
“Hidden Dragon Abyss.”
Lin Tianlu spoke the name, the place Yu Xuanling had mentioned.
“Hidden Dragon… Abyss?”
The Valley Master’s expression turned strange.
Lin Tianlu’s heart skipped a beat, and he asked urgently, “Do you know anything about it, Valley Master?”
“Of course.”
She nodded slowly, a mysterious and seductive smile appearing on her lips. “After all, the Hidden Dragon Abyss…
…is right behind our Lunar Valley.”
“What—?!”
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