Chapter 231: Chilling Intent, Hasty Retreat
“…”
The room suddenly fell into a deathly silence. This pin-drop silence even froze the noise coming from the first-floor hall. No one present reacted; their faces still held expressions of bewilderment.
What… just happened?
The Prince… was sent flying with one punch?!
The next moment, the guards who had accompanied Pei Yan snapped back to their senses, their faces filled with shock as they cried out, “Your Highness!”
“Cough, cough, cough!”
Pei Yan had crashed halfway through the wall, painfully coughing up blood.
Seeing his miserable state, the guards, filled with rage and alarm, reached for the swords at their waists: “How dare you injure His Highness, you villain—”
“Brandishing swords and blades in this restaurant is quite dangerous.”
Lin Tianlu casually weighed the weapons in his hand. “I’ll confiscate these for now and return them to you later.”
“Wha—”
The guards’ right hands grasped at empty air. Their expressions changed drastically, and they looked at their waists in terror.
The swords that had been at their waists had vanished without a trace, now appearing in the other man’s hands?
When did this person take their weapons?!
“—Damn it!”
They gritted their teeth, channeling their Qi, and assumed fighting stances, charging forward together. Their Azure Spirit Realm cultivation was on full display.
But as soon as they moved, their eyes bulged, their bodies stiffened as if struck by lightning, and they trembled before collapsing to the ground.
Lin Tianlu’s eyes flickered, and he glanced sideways at Yang Chanzhen, who was still seated at the table. He could faintly see wisps of Yin energy emanating from beneath her long sleeves.
Their gazes met briefly, and the Azure Lady of Mount Min gave a subtle nod, as if in greeting.
Cheng Yishi, finally recovering from her shock, murmured in astonishment, “Tianlu, you…”
“Let’s finish dealing with this trifling matter first, and then we can catch up properly later.”
Lin Tianlu gave a gentle smile.
Then, his gaze shifted to the left side of the restaurant, and he chuckled softly, “Since you gentlemen are so concerned, why not show yourselves?”
“Boy, how dare you!”
A cold, low shout suddenly rang out, and a chilling aura descended like a heavy pressure.
But before it could reach the others present, Lin Tianlu had already taken a step forward, his hands slightly raised.
Whoosh!
Suddenly, his figure blurred momentarily before reappearing.
And in his hands, he firmly gripped the shoulders of two people, landing steadily back on the ground with them.
Looking closely, two white-haired elders had appeared beside him, both with extraordinary auras. But their faces were filled with dazed confusion, clearly not expecting to suddenly appear here. They even maintained their spell-casting postures, the condensed Yin energy reduced to mere wisps of fragmented light.
“Gentlemen, as you age, you should learn to go out and interact with people more, enriching your later years. You can’t just stay cooped up in a corner and grow old alone.”
Lin Tianlu smiled, patting their shoulders. “Don’t be so shy. Everyone here is very friendly and understands the importance of respecting the elderly and cherishing the young.”
“You, you—”
Their eyes widened, staring at the man beside them in utter terror.
An indescribable, terrifying pressure washed over them. Although they couldn’t sense any extraordinary cultivation from this scholar, at this moment, they couldn’t muster the slightest resistance!
“Seeing as your legs are trembling, why don’t you sit down and rest for a while?”
Lin Tianlu’s smile was gentle and humble as he guided them to a nearby tea table. “I just happen to have a few words for your master. Just sit here and listen… However, I’ll confiscate this dangerous weapon first. It wouldn’t be good if someone got hurt accidentally.”
As he spoke, he casually pulled an antique dagger from the sleeve of one of the elders.
“…”
The two elders could only stare wide-eyed, their faces covered in cold sweat, silently watching as Lin Tianlu turned and walked towards the Prince, who was struggling to extricate himself from the wall.
“Cough, cough… who, who are you?!”
Pei Yan clutched his swollen face, spitting out two mouthfuls of blood, his words slurred. “Why did you suddenly attack me—”
“I just returned from a long journey and have already heard some rumors on the streets.”
Lin Tianlu smoothed his sleeves, crouched down, propped himself up with one hand, and smiled. “It seems Your Highness has been plotting against Miss Cheng and frequently harassing her, causing her much distress.”
“I, I would never do such a despicable thing! I simply admire Miss Cheng’s character and temperament. Everyone appreciates beauty. Is it wrong for a gentleman to seek beauty?”
“That does sound reasonable. But do you know that Miss Cheng is already betrothed?”
“Beauties have always belonged to those who are capable. What’s wrong with me paying her a visit!”
The Prince instinctively retorted, about to stagger to his feet, but his pupils suddenly constricted as he stared at Lin Tianlu with suspicion, “Could you be—”
Lin Tianlu smiled, patting his arm. “Give up your dirty thoughts. We don’t have time to play your childish games. As a prince, you should focus on matters befitting your status, and not make a fool of yourself.”
“…”
The Prince’s already askew face became even more distorted, a myriad of expressions flashing across it.
Only then did he realize the true identity of the person before him.
It was the very same Mr. Lin he had been trying to ‘befriend.’
His thoughts raced. He surreptitiously glanced at the guards lying on the ground and the two immobilized elders. Taking a deep breath, he hurriedly cupped his hands and said, “Mr. Lin, please forgive my previous disrespectful words. There must be some misunderstanding. It’s definitely not what you think—”
“What else do you have to say in your defense?”
The smile on Lin Tianlu’s face gradually disappeared.
“I…”
Pei Yan had just opened his mouth when his face drastically changed, sweat pouring down his forehead.
At this moment, he felt an indescribable, terrifying pressure descend upon him, making it almost impossible to stand. His soul trembled, as if it would be crushed into dust in the next instant. Even uttering a single word became incredibly difficult.
“I’ve heard of Prince Pei’s reputation, a learned, refined, and humble gentleman.”
Lin Tianlu glanced at his collar with an impassive expression. “But now it seems it’s just an empty title, a two-faced hypocrite. Do you think I can’t see through your schemes? Or do you think… that I would give you face because of your princely status and not expose you, politely reasoning with you?”
Pei Yan’s face turned pale as he opened his mouth, “Not…”
“Unfortunately, I don’t care about your princely status at all. And don’t even think about bringing your dirty tricks to Changling again. This isn’t a place where you can act recklessly.”
Lin Tianlu narrowed his eyes slightly and sneered. “Until we meet again, Prince Pei. You don’t need to come looking for me. I’ll come find you in a few days. I hope that next time we meet, you won’t disappoint me again.”
Thud!
As soon as he finished speaking, Pei Yan’s knees buckled as if all strength had been drained from them. He collapsed to the ground, his lips trembling, his pupils constricted, unable to utter a word, only maintaining a posture of cupped hands.
Lin Tianlu then retracted his chilling gaze and turned to look at the two elders, who were gradually regaining their mobility.
“Your master seems to be suffering from a lack of strength. Why don’t you help him back to rest properly? As for this so-called banquet, let the guests disperse after they’ve had their fill. Don’t disturb the local residents any further, understood?”
“…Understood.”
One of the elders cautiously stood up, bowed respectfully, and quickly walked out with his companion, hurriedly helping the immobile Pei Yan flee from the private room.
The guards who had collapsed on the ground also managed to regain consciousness, scrambling out of the room, unwilling to stay a moment longer.
…
It was only then that Nie Qingyuan’s slightly astonished voice broke the silence.
“Mr. Lin, is that really you?”
“Master Nie, if not me, then who?”
Lin Tianlu smiled gently again, cupping his hands towards him. “It’s been a while. You look to be in even better health.”
“You, you—”
Nie Qingyuan stared blankly at the large hole in the wall and then at the seemingly frail Lin Tianlu. After a moment of silence, he murmured, “This is the first time I’ve seen Mr. Lin so… angry.”
“You’ve caused a huge disaster!”
Governor Xue also gradually came to his senses. Looking at the mess, his face turned extremely ugly. “You actually struck the Prince of Pei’s legitimate son…”
“Xue, this person is Miss Cheng’s beloved, the Mr. Lin I mentioned earlier.”
Nie Qingyuan quickly introduced him.
Governor Xue’s expression froze, his face changing constantly.
This turn of events was truly unexpected.
How could he have known that the Prince of Pei, who had just arrived, would be thrown out like trash, and this so-called Mr. Lin would display such unimaginable methods in front of everyone.
This, this…
It was truly unbelievable!
Even after many years in officialdom, he didn’t know how to handle the current situation.
“Master Nie, and Governor Xue. I was indeed too reckless just now, disturbing everyone’s meal.” Lin Tianlu stepped forward and apologized. “If that Prince of Pei has any sense left, he wouldn’t dare to act rashly now. You can rest assured and continue your meal. If…”
“Ah! I came here solely to smooth things over for Miss Cheng. How could I care about some banquet?”
Nie Qingyuan waved his sleeve and smiled nonchalantly. “Now that Mr. Lin has returned and taken control of the situation, I will naturally not stay any longer and will return home to rest. As for how to handle the matter of the Prince of Pei, I presume Mr. Lin has a plan?”
Lin Tianlu chuckled softly, “I naturally wouldn’t do anything rash or foolish.”
Seeing that he was still as calm and composed as usual, Nie Qingyuan stroked his beard and smiled with satisfaction. “It seems I was overly worried.”
Having known him for several months, he naturally understood that although Mr. Lin was usually laid-back and carefree, he was by no means a vulgar or impulsive person. Every word and action must have been carefully considered, so there was no need for him, an old man, to worry.
“Teacher, what should we do about this situation—”
However, Governor Xue still looked hesitant and conflicted, his words trailing off.
Although he had heard of Mr. Lin’s name, he didn’t have a clear understanding of him. A commoner suddenly striking a member of the imperial family couldn’t simply be ignored. Even if he truly possessed extraordinary abilities, how could this situation be handled?
“Xue, the events that transpired today are indeed quite extraordinary.” Nie Qingyuan chuckled. “But after decades as an official, you should learn to remain calm and composed in the face of unexpected situations.”
Governor Xue could only force a smile, glancing back at the stunned guards at the door. “Prepare some generous gifts to be sent to the Prince’s residence after the banquet. Say it’s a token of our concern. If the Prince asks about my whereabouts, say that I was frightened, my old illness relapsed, and I’m currently recuperating at a friend’s house, unable to travel.”
“Ah… y-yes!”
The guards finally snapped out of their daze, bowing profusely, sweat dripping from their foreheads. Exchanging glances, they were utterly shocked.
This kind of thing…
They had never seen anything like it in their lives!
Nie Qingyuan’s eyes flickered, and he smiled kindly, gesturing with his hand. “Xue, let’s depart now and continue our conversation at my residence. As for this place, let’s leave it to Mr. Lin and Miss Cheng. They will naturally handle it appropriately.”
“I understand.”
Governor Xue reacted quickly, understanding his teacher’s subtle reminder. After formally bowing to Lin Tianlu and Cheng Yishi, he quickly followed Nie Qingyuan out of the private room.
Upon reaching the corridor, he glanced around and was surprised to find that the banquet in the main hall was still lively, the guests seemingly unaffected, as if they hadn’t noticed the conflict on the second floor.
Recalling the ‘magic’ he had just witnessed, Governor Xue felt a cold sweat run down his back, quickening his pace as he left.
…
Lin Tianlu watched them leave Ascension Immortal Restaurant before turning to look at the beautiful young woman standing silently behind him.
Cheng Yishi smiled slightly, about to speak, when she saw Lin Tianlu raise his right hand and flick his finger towards her forehead.
Tap!
“Hmm?”
The young woman quickly covered her forehead, pouting slightly. “Tianlu, you just returned after so long, and the first thing you do is flick my forehead?”
Lin Tianlu frowned, “Why are you acting so meek and submissive again?”
“I just wanted to have him killed—”
Cheng Yishi paused, then sighed softly, “I made you worry, Tianlu. I didn’t protect myself well and let things escalate to this point.”
A hint of apology and unease flickered in her eyes as she thought about how to continue explaining.
But she soon let out a muffled sound. When she realized what was happening, she found herself tightly embraced.
The young woman’s eyes widened slightly, momentarily bewildered, as she heard a low murmur by her ear, “No need to say anything else. I’m just glad you’re safe.”
Cheng Yishi’s eyelashes trembled, and she chuckled softly, “Tianlu, you were quite dashing just now, appearing like a divine soldier descending from the heavens.”
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