Chapter 205: Morning Warmth
“I never thought my cultivation, stagnant for ten years, would have a chance to break through.”
The Ninth Elder sighed, her gaze shifting to the handsome young man beside her. “Tianlu, how can I ever repay you for this opportunity?”
This breakthrough, thanks to her son-in-law, filled her with a complex mix of emotions.
But Lin Tianlu just smiled faintly.
“As you said, Martial Aunt, we’re practically family now. There’s no need for such formalities.”
His words startled the Ninth Elder, and she sighed softly.
“The more I get to know you, Tianlu, the more I realize how sweet and thoughtful you are. Your words always warm my heart.”
“It’s my duty as your son-in-law to make you happy, Martial Aunt.”
Seeing his gentle smile, the Ninth Elder chuckled and adjusted his slightly disheveled collar. “Before you shower me with compliments, Tianlu, you should pay more attention to your other beloved women.
It’s certainly enjoyable to have beauties in your arms, to indulge in romantic affairs. But young maidens are delicate creatures. You must treat them with patience and care, don’t neglect their feelings. No matter how eloquent you are, you still have a responsibility to ensure their happiness and well-being.”
Lin Tianlu’s expression turned serious. “You’re right, Martial Aunt.”
The Ninth Elder smiled and took out a thin silver chain from her robe, placing it in his hand.
“This is—”
“A gift from the First Elder.”
“The First Elder?”
Lin Tianlu raised an eyebrow. “How is she doing?”
“The Valley Master showed mercy and didn’t punish her severely. But as a lesson, she’s still confined to the Cold Prison for a while.” The Ninth Elder chuckled. “And with nothing else on hand, she offered this chain as a gift.
Just accept it, Tianlu. It’s a token of her gratitude, thanking you for sparing her life.”
“She never intended to kill me, so there was no need for me to be ruthless.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled. “I hope this incident won’t affect the relationship between the elders.”
“Don’t worry. We’ve lived together for centuries. Our bonds are stronger than you think. And this incident was mostly caused by the Soul Moon’s influence. No one blames her.”
“That’s good—”
But Lin Tianlu hesitated for a moment, then continued, “But I’ve heard about the thousand-year tribulation. Will it affect your breakthrough, Martial Aunt?”
The Ninth Elder smiled faintly. “Don’t worry. The breakthrough should be smooth. And even if it’s not, the Valley Master and the others will protect me. Besides, we have the First Elder as an example now… She has already entered the Nightmare Realm.”
So the First Elder had used the power of the Soul Moon to break through.
Lin Tianlu suddenly understood.
He hadn’t noticed much of a difference, so he had almost forgotten about it.
“Alright, I’m going to the main hall to take care of some matters. Stay here and spend some time with Ruoyu and the others, Tianlu.” The Ninth Elder waved her hand with a smile.
She said she would see him later and vanished into thin air.
Lin Tianlu watched her go, his mind racing.
Although Martial Aunt had said not to worry, this breakthrough… it couldn’t be that simple, could it?
He would have to learn more about it and see if he could help.
But…
He suddenly smiled. “Miss Bai Xin, why are you hiding? Come on out.”
“…”
Silence filled the courtyard.
After a while, Bai Xin emerged from the shadows by the gate, her face filled with a complex mix of emotions. She was still wearing her black dress.
“How did you know I was here?”
“I saw you.”
Lin Tianlu’s expression was strange. “I was just curious why you were pacing back and forth in front of the gate, looking so troubled.”
“You…”
Bai Xin’s face flushed with embarrassment. She hadn’t expected him to notice.
She took a deep breath and glanced at him. “I just… never expected something like that to happen yesterday.”
“You’ve heard about it, Miss Bai Xin?”
“I sensed something was wrong. There was a sudden surge of energy from the main hall, and the ground was shaking. I wanted to check on the situation, but there was a thick blood mist surrounding the area. I couldn’t get close. And I had to take care of my unconscious master and the other disciples. I didn’t know what to do.”
Bai Xin bit her lip and lowered her eyes. “I only heard from Master this morning that you were the one who saved the Lunar Valley.”
Lin Tianlu smiled gently. “It was just a small effort.”
“There’s no need to be so humble.”
The young woman sighed and curtsied slightly. “Thank you.”
Lin Tianlu was surprised. “Miss Bai Xin—”
“It’s only right for me to thank you. If it weren’t for you, the Lunar Valley would have been destroyed.”
Bai Xin’s usual hostility was gone, replaced by genuine gratitude. She looked at him, her face filled with shame. “I misjudged you before, thinking you were just a lecherous and vulgar man. I now realize… how narrow-minded I was.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled. “You’re much more straightforward now, Miss Bai Xin.”
“—Hmph!”
The girl blushed, clenching her fists, and glared at him. “But even though I’m grateful, I still don’t like you!”
Lin Tianlu just smiled and waved his hand dismissively. “We’ll become friends eventually.”
Bai Xin pursed her lips and remained silent, her cheeks puffed out.
“…”
But after glaring at him for a while, her anger subsided, and she sighed softly. “Remember to treat Ruoyu well. Don’t let her get hurt. If anything happens to her, I won’t forgive you.”
Her tone was less aggressive than usual.
She hesitated for a moment, then murmured, “If you have time, bring Ruoyu and the others to visit Fifth Elder. She’s skilled in making clothes and jewelry. She can make some wedding gifts for you.”
Although she wasn’t very expressive, her kindness was evident.
This “junior sister” still cared deeply about Mao Ruoyu.
Lin Tianlu nodded seriously and bowed slightly. “Thank you for the invitation, Miss Bai Xin. We’ll be sure to visit.”
Bai Xin opened her mouth, as if she wanted to say something more.
But after a moment of hesitation, she simply curtsied and whispered, “See you later.”
Then she vanished.
Lin Tianlu was surprised, then he turned towards the veranda, sensing someone approaching.
Mao Ruoyu was walking towards him, her steps unsteady.
“Sir, I thought I saw someone here.”
She was dressed in a loose robe, her hair slightly disheveled. She yawned and rubbed her eyes, her expression puzzled.
Lin Tianlu smiled gently. “It was your junior sister. She came to thank me, but she was too embarrassed to face you, so she left in a hurry.
We’ll visit her together in a few days.”
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