Chapter 227: An Icy Beauty, A Moonlit Drink
Late at night…
Lin Tianlu and his companions stopped at an inn along the way to rest.
“…”
Mao Ruoyu held a teacup, her gaze fixed on Yun Yue, who was sitting on the bed, her mind racing.
Yun Yue sat quietly, her eyes closed, her expression serene and otherworldly, like a figure in a painting.
After a moment of silence, she opened her eyes, her crimson gaze meeting Mao Ruoyu’s.
Mao Ruoyu smiled gently and sat down beside her, reaching out to caress her cheek.
“What are you doing?”
“Just trying something…”
Mao Ruoyu’s voice was soft. “You don’t mind this, do you, Sister Yun?”
Lin Tianlu had demonstrated this earlier during their journey.
Yun Yue’s surprised and bewildered expression had been quite adorable. Mao Ruoyu had even tried it herself, and Yun Yue hadn’t resisted, like a cute and cuddly doll.
“We’re like sisters. It’s fine for you to touch me.”
Yun Yue’s voice was flat and emotionless, like a clear spring.
Mao Ruoyu smiled faintly. “It’s rare to see you like this, Sister Yun. Aside from your initial surprise, you seem to be enjoying it now.”
She had been worried at first.
She had feared that this changed Yun Yue would be cruel and ruthless, prone to violence.
Or perhaps she would have forgotten their shared experiences, her words cold and distant, hurting them deeply.
But after spending a day with her, she had realized…
That Yun Yue’s true nature hadn’t changed. As Lin Tianlu and Yun Yue herself had said, it was just her way of expressing herself that was different. Beneath her cold exterior was still the same warm and caring heart.
Perhaps this was the effect of the demon bloodline and the Yin energy?
The demon bloodline enhanced one’s seductive nature, while the Yin energy amplified one’s coldness and detachment.
She and Hua Shuya had also become more reserved and aloof after absorbing a large amount of Yin energy, their emotions muted, except when they were with Lin Tianlu and their close friends.
And it seemed to be the same for Yun Yue.
But her powerful Yin energy, at the peak of the Savage Realm, and her nine hundred years of resentment, couldn’t be dispelled so easily.
“…”
Yun Yue remained silent, her eyes downcast.
Seeing her silence, Mao Ruoyu smiled mischievously. “You’re like a little sister now, Sister Yun, quiet and shy.”
Yun Yue tilted her head slightly. “I’m like a little sister?”
“According to my husband, your current demeanor is quite adorable. It makes people want to protect you.”
“I don’t need protection.”
Yun Yue blinked her crimson eyes, her voice soft. “I’m still your elder sister.”
Mao Ruoyu chuckled and gently rubbed her cheek. “You don’t seem very much like an elder sister now.”
“You’re being mischievous, Ruoyu.”
“Ahem!”
Mao Ruoyu quickly withdrew her hand, her face flushed.
But it was rare to be able to touch Sister Yun’s cheek…
“Huh?”
She suddenly noticed something strange about Yun Yue’s attire.
“What is it?”
“I didn’t notice before, but your clothes are different, Sister Yun.”
Mao Ruoyu’s eyes widened in surprise.
She had been so focused on trying to reconnect with Yun Yue that she hadn’t paid attention to her clothes.
But now, looking closely, she realized how… revealing they were.
Although it was an elegant black and gold robe, the sides were completely open, revealing her bare skin, her curves on full display, her breasts full and perky, her skin smooth and flawless. The skirt was slit high, revealing her thighs, the ribbons accentuating her curves.
It was even more revealing than her previous outfit, accentuating her femininity and allure.
Under the moonlight, the sheer fabric shimmered, making her almost irresistible.
Mao Ruoyu quickly averted her gaze, realizing how seductive Yun Yue looked. She said awkwardly, “Sister Yun, perhaps you should change your clothes tomorrow.”
“My clothes?”
Yun Yue’s voice was flat. “Why should I change?”
“They’re a bit… too revealing.”
Mao Ruoyu was about to explain that fashion had changed in the past thousand years when Yun Yue interrupted her, her voice soft. “I’ve maintained an illusion. Ordinary people can’t see me. Only you three can.”
“E-even so, you should still cover up…”
Seeing Mao Ruoyu’s flushed face and pointing at her chest, Yun Yue blinked, then with a flick of her wrist, black fabric materialized, covering her exposed skin.
Mao Ruoyu sighed in relief and gently patted Yun Yue’s cheek. “You’re so considerate, Sister Yun.”
“Should I cover my face too?”
“…”
…
As the night deepened…
Lin Tianlu sat at a round table, sipping his wine.
He savored the warm, mellow flavor and couldn’t help but praise, “Innkeeper, this wine is excellent. Better than many of the expensive wines I’ve tasted. You’re a skilled brewer.”
“You flatter me, Sir.”
The middle-aged man sitting opposite him chuckled and bowed slightly. “It’s just a hobby. I’m glad you enjoy it. I was worried it wouldn’t be to your liking.”
This man was the innkeeper.
They had chatted briefly earlier, and Lin Tianlu had been surprised to discover that he was a scholar, quite knowledgeable. They had quickly found common ground and decided to share a drink.
Lin Tianlu chuckled and popped a peanut into his mouth. “It’s rare to find an innkeeper with such knowledge. Haven’t you ever considered taking the imperial examinations?”
“Those exams are not easy to pass.”
The innkeeper shook his head with a wry smile. “My family couldn’t afford for me to spend years studying. I had to work to support them. It took me more than ten years to build this inn.”
“You have the aura of a scholar, Master Lin, your words and demeanor refined and elegant. You must be a talented student, perhaps even a government official—”
“You flatter me, Innkeeper. I’m just a failed scholar, no different from you.”
Lin Tianlu smiled and raised his cup, clinking it against the innkeeper’s. “I’m just returning home with my family and companions, passing through this town.”
“That’s a shame…”
The innkeeper’s face showed a hint of regret. “With your talent, Master Lin, it’s truly a waste.”
“There’s no need for regrets. There are many more talented scholars in this world. And I’m not interested in a government career. If I were an official, I would probably be overwhelmed.”
Seeing his calm and sincere expression, the innkeeper felt a surge of admiration and bowed respectfully. “I admire your attitude, Master Lin.”
He couldn’t resist the allure of power and status.
How many scholars dedicated their lives to studying, just for the chance to become an official?
For this man to be so indifferent to fame and fortune…
Lin Tianlu refilled his cup and chuckled. “Fame and fortune don’t matter to me, Innkeeper. I’m content with my simple life, thanks to the women who care for me.”
“With your charm and good looks, Master Lin, it’s natural for women to be drawn to you.”
The innkeeper glanced towards the entrance, where a slender figure stood silently, her sword in her arms, her posture unwavering in the night wind.
“But that young lady…”
“She’s just worried about bandits. This is a remote area.” Lin Tianlu smiled helplessly. “I told her to rest, but we were attacked in Anshi County earlier, so she’s probably still on guard.”
“Anshi County?”
The innkeeper’s eyes widened in surprise. “I’ve heard some rumors. Is the situation there truly that bad? Bandits operating within the town itself?”
“It was quite chaotic a few days ago. But a new magistrate arrived, and things have improved.”
Lin Tianlu explained, “I’m sure he’ll restore order soon.”
“That’s good to hear.”
The innkeeper sighed in relief. “This town isn’t far from Anshi County. If there was chaos there, it would affect my business. Even the other side of the county is… Hmm?”
He suddenly paused and asked, “You said you’re returning home, Master Lin. Where are you headed?”
“Changling County.”
“Changling…”
The innkeeper frowned, his expression thoughtful.
Seeing his reaction, Lin Tianlu asked curiously, “Do you have friends or family in Changling, Innkeeper?”
“No, I wasn’t going to ask for your help, Master Lin. But I’ve heard some rumors about Changling County.”
Lin Tianlu’s hand froze on his cup, his expression turning serious. “What rumors?”
“I don’t know the details. This inn is quite remote. I only hear snippets of information from travelers and merchants passing through.”
The innkeeper paused, trying to recall the details. “It seems a distinguished guest has arrived in Changling County, a prince, perhaps. And he’s been sending out invitations, recruiting talented individuals? Something like a hero’s assembly.”
“In Changling County?”
“I’m not sure of the exact location. But he’s definitely staying in the county.” The innkeeper sighed. “I heard that many wealthy families and even government officials from neighboring provinces have been visiting him. It must be quite a spectacle.”
A prince, holding a hero’s assembly in Changling County?
Lin Tianlu found it strange.
“You seem puzzled by this assembly, Master Lin.”
The innkeeper chuckled. “I am too. It seems rather odd. Why would someone of his status hold such an event? If he’s looking for talented individuals, he could just post notices. This assembly seems more like a publicity stunt.”
Lin Tianlu smiled faintly. “You’re quite perceptive, Innkeeper.”
“What are your thoughts, Master Lin?”
“This hero’s assembly is just a facade.”
Lin Tianlu pondered for a moment. “I don’t know much about this prince, but there must be some internal power struggle within the royal family. He’s probably seeking support in the south. And Changling is his first stop, using this assembly to gain recognition… even if it’s not entirely positive.
As for his true intentions—”
He raised his hand and made a downward motion. “—Recruitment. Building momentum.”
The innkeeper nodded slowly. “You make a good point, Master Lin. A member of the royal family wouldn’t be so foolish. He must have a plan. But if he’s just recruiting soldiers, this hero’s assembly seems a bit… ineffective.”
“Perhaps that’s what he wants.”
Lin Tianlu stroked his chin, his voice meaningful. “Even we, who know nothing about his background, can guess his intentions. This recruitment strategy is clearly a failure. Perhaps it’s just a diversion, a way to conceal his true motives. He wouldn’t want his plans to be so easily discovered.”
“You’re right, Master Lin!”
The innkeeper’s eyes widened in realization. “There must be a deeper plot.”
“And this plot…”
Lin Tianlu smiled, his voice playful. “Probably involves something supernatural.”
“You jest, Master Lin.” The innkeeper chuckled and raised his cup. “Cheers!”
“Cheers!”
They clinked their cups and drank.
Lin Tianlu finished his wine in one gulp, his eyes narrowing slightly.
A prince…
Leave a Reply