Chapter 212: After the Storm
“Is she alright?”
Lin Tianlu felt a pang of concern and carefully picked up Yun Yue.
But after observing her closely, he realized…
She was simply sleeping soundly.
Her breathing was slow and even, almost a gentle snore, and she was murmuring softly in her sleep, her voice sweet and alluring.
“Am I… surprisingly good at this?”
Lin Tianlu murmured, a strange expression on his face.
But then he noticed a faint mark on Yun Yue’s forehead.
It looked like a crescent moon, interwoven with intricate runes, its aura mysterious.
“Something’s different… her aura is more stable and refined. Not only have her injuries healed, but her cultivation has even improved.”
Lin Tianlu looked at the ear pick in his hand and chuckled helplessly.
What a strange coincidence.
He didn’t dwell on it, carrying Yun Yue back to her room so she could rest.
…
A heavy downpour had swept through the valley during the night, making the air colder.
But by morning, the sun was shining again, casting a warm glow over the courtyard.
Lin Tianlu woke up early and stretched, enjoying the fresh air and the feeling of rejuvenation.
But then he noticed a familiar figure sitting quietly in the pavilion.
The Ninth Elder sat gracefully, her legs crossed, a warm smile on her face. “Tianlu, did you sleep well?”
“Very well, thank you.”
Lin Tianlu smiled and bowed slightly. “You’re up early as always, Martial Aunt.”
“At my age, I don’t need much sleep. An hour or two is enough.”
The Ninth Elder smiled and beckoned him over. “Come here, Tianlu.”
“What is it, Martial Aunt?”
She pushed a steaming bowl of porridge towards him. “Try this.”
Lin Tianlu walked over to the pavilion and looked at the porridge, his eyes widening in surprise. “Martial Aunt, you made this so early…?”
“It’s not breakfast. It’s a nourishing tonic I prepared last night.”
The Ninth Elder rested her chin on her hand, a playful smile on her lips. “You’ve been working hard these past few nights, battling Ruoyu in bed. You need to replenish your energy. And unlike Ruoyu’s sweet tonic, mine is more potent, guaranteed to invigorate you.”
“…”
Lin Tianlu chuckled awkwardly.
Like master, like disciple. They even had similar ways of showing their concern.
But since it was a gift from an elder, he couldn’t refuse. He picked up the bowl and finished the porridge slowly.
“—Hmm?”
His eyes lit up.
This taste…
“Ruoyu told me that she made you a sweet tonic, focusing on a smooth and delicate flavor. So I decided to make a savory meat porridge, rich and flavorful. Do you like it?”
“It’s delicious!”
The porridge was perfect, thick and creamy, yet not mushy, its flavors blending seamlessly.
Lin Tianlu savored the lingering taste and couldn’t help but praise, “Your cooking skills are truly exceptional, Martial Aunt, rivaling even Ruoyu’s.”
The Ninth Elder beamed with joy, her voice soft. “If you like it, I’ll bring you more when I visit Changling County.”
“Hmm?”
Lin Tianlu was startled.
Changling County?
“Martial Aunt, aren’t you forbidden from leaving the Lunar Valley?”
“The Valley Master and the elders made an exception for me.”
The Ninth Elder couldn’t contain her smile. “I can visit you in Changling whenever I have time.”
Lin Tianlu said seriously, “Congratulations on regaining your freedom, Martial Aunt. You can finally relax and enjoy the outside world, and spend more time with Ruoyu.”
“I’m not a naive young girl anymore, yearning for adventure.”
She chuckled and shook her head. “I’m not just leaving the valley to take care of Ruoyu, but also you, Tianlu. They say having an elder in the family is like having a treasure. I can help you with any troublesome matters.”
Her thoughtful words touched Lin Tianlu’s heart.
This Martial Aunt was truly kind and caring, despite her initial coldness.
“And your wedding with Ruoyu is next month. As her master, I should be there to help. I wouldn’t want you two to be overwhelmed.”
The Ninth Elder said thoughtfully, “Although neither of you have any relatives to invite, the wedding banquet shouldn’t be too simple. We should celebrate with some close friends.”
Lin Tianlu took a deep breath and bowed respectfully. “Thank you for your concern, Martial Aunt.”
“…When are you planning to leave the Lunar Valley?”
“Now that the situation has been resolved, there’s no need for us to stay any longer. We’ll be leaving this afternoon.”
“It’s good that you’re returning soon. That other girl in Changling must be waiting anxiously.” The Ninth Elder’s eyes twinkled mischievously, making Lin Tianlu blush.
“Martial Aunt, I—”
“Don’t worry, you’ve already told me about her. And I heard more from Ruoyu last night. That Miss Cheng, she seems quite talented and beautiful, a suitable wife for you.”
The Ninth Elder’s voice was calm and even. “A true man should stand tall and proud, and having multiple wives is in accordance with ancient customs. And with your talent and cultivation, Tianlu, you’re far from ordinary. For those women, it’s a blessing to be with you.”
Lin Tianlu was about to speak when the Ninth Elder suddenly turned her head, looking towards the courtyard entrance. “Tianlu, have you noticed the changes in the valley?”
“Changes?”
He pondered for a moment, then nodded. “The Lunar Valley is filled with spiritual energy now, far more abundant than before. It’s truly a blessed land.”
The Ninth Elder’s expression turned serious. “Do you know what this means?”
“The thousand-year tribulation, the secret of the Realm of Demons and Ghosts.”
Lin Tianlu said calmly, “The core of the ley line, sealed deep beneath the earth, contains an immense amount of spiritual energy, yet it remained dormant. There’s only one explanation—”
“The source of this energy was intentionally sealed.”
“Perhaps it’s not just the Lunar Valley, but the entire Xima Prefecture, even the entire Fengchen Kingdom.”
Lin Tianlu’s eyes narrowed, his voice deep. “Demons and ghosts are rampant, yet mortals have no means of resisting them. The sealed spiritual energy… is the reason.”
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