Chapter 28: Confinement of the Soul, A Return to Ordinary Life
The chains swirled in the air like a dancing dragon, their metallic clinking echoing through the cellar. They pulled a shadowy figure from Cheng Yishi’s body, drawing it towards the ethereal mountain silhouette behind Lin Tianlu. The figure rippled and then vanished without a trace.
“Hoo—”
Lin Tianlu exhaled slowly, closing his eyes in contemplation.
As he observed Mount Taiyi within him, he saw a snow-white lotus blooming on the previously barren cliff, its petals unfurling with delicate beauty.
He hadn’t expected the dormant mountain within him to possess such a profound ability.
This elegant lotus was formed from Cheng Yishi’s soul and spirit!
“…Mr. Lin, why… am I not dead?”
Cheng Yishi’s confused voice broke the silence.
Lin Tianlu opened his eyes, his gaze calm. “You’ve just walked through the gates of hell. Do you really want to die again?”
“I-I’m already dead?”
Cheng Yishi’s confusion deepened.
“You said you spent your entire life consumed by hatred, driven only by revenge for your mother. And now, with your vengeance fulfilled, your ties severed, on the verge of becoming a vengeful spirit, you claim your wish is granted and you only seek death.”
Lin Tianlu sighed. “Have you ever… lived for yourself?
Lost in hatred and obsession, you haven’t even experienced the beauty of this world, the wonders of nature, the joys of life. To end your short life like this, do you truly have no regrets?”
Cheng Yishi opened her mouth to speak, but then she fell silent, a look of sorrow on her face.
Looking back on her life, it was indeed as he had described… bleak, meaningless.
“Your life as ‘Cheng Yishi’ ends here.”
Lin Tianlu turned and walked away, his hands clasped behind his back.
“I’ve given you a second chance at life. Don’t waste it on thoughts of suicide. Use the rest of your days to reflect on the weight of this gift.”
“Mr. Lin, wait!”
Cheng Yishi called out, seeing him about to leave. “We’re just strangers. Why go through so much trouble to save me—”
Lin Tianlu paused, turning back to smile gently.
“Do I need a reason to save someone?
Those who attempt suicide… aren’t always truly ready to die.”
He waved his hand dismissively and left the cellar without another word.
Hua Shuya, who had been watching silently, bowed respectfully to Cheng Yishi before following Lin Tianlu.
“…”
Cheng Yishi stood there for a long time, stunned.
She looked down at her hands, their color slowly returning, her gaze unfocused.
The coldness that had gripped her body was gone. The restlessness and anxiety that had plagued her every night had vanished.
A sense of peace settled over her, a tranquility she had never experienced before. She recalled a faint memory of laughing with her mother when she was a child.
After a long silence, Cheng Yishi slumped down, tears streaming down her face, a mixture of laughter and sobs escaping her lips.
“Mother…
I was truly… a fool…”
…
The night was quiet, a thin mist hanging in the air.
Everyone in the Cheng mansion was asleep, the house unguarded. Lin Tianlu and Hua Shuya left without encountering any obstacles.
“…”
Hua Shuya walked beside Lin Tianlu, unable to contain her curiosity any longer. “Senior, why do these demons and ghosts exist?”
Even though the two culprits were dead, she felt no joy.
The lives they had taken couldn’t be brought back, the pain they had caused couldn’t be undone. That father and daughter had harmed countless beings, shattered countless families.
“That’s just how the world is.”
“So… those innocent people are just killed, becoming food for these ghosts?”
“Miss Hua, there’s no need to dwell on it. All we can do is follow our hearts and help those in need.” Lin Tianlu smiled gently and patted her shoulder. “There are countless injustices and conflicts in this world, countless innocent lives lost. If we were to grieve for every single one, trying to solve every problem, we would be overwhelmed, even if we had a thousand arms and a thousand bodies.”
Hua Shuya took a deep breath.
“I apologize for worrying you, Senior. I’m just… feeling a bit down.”
“It’s understandable. Witnessing such a tragedy would affect anyone.”
Lin Tianlu’s expression turned serious. “But remember this, Miss Hua. Your righteous spirit, your desire to help others, that’s one of the driving forces behind your martial arts progress. Even after seeing the cruelty and darkness in this world, never lose your compassion. Hold onto your heart.”
Hua Shuya pondered his words, her hand unconsciously moving to her chest.
“Thank you for your guidance, Senior.”
“It wasn’t guidance. I just wanted to offer you some comfort.”
Seeing his warm and gentle smile, Hua Shuya quickly averted her gaze, her face flushing, her heart racing.
But after calming down, she couldn’t help but ask softly,
“Senior, why… did you spare Miss Cheng?”
“Didn’t you show pity for her earlier?”
“I just couldn’t bear to see a girl with a conscience die. But she… she’s still a ghost.”
“You’re right.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled. “But she’s not truly a ghost. Although she’s been corrupted by Yin energy, she can still return to her human form if we suppress it.
So I gave her a second chance at life. As for what she chooses to do with it, that’s her own decision.”
Of course, Mount Taiyi within him had already absorbed a part of Cheng Yishi’s soul, trapping it within the mountain. If she dared to use her Yin energy to harm others, he could instantly crush her soul with a thought.
Her life was in his hands.
But he needed to study this Mount Taiyi and its secrets. This sudden power was a complete surprise to him.
“You’re truly benevolent, Senior!”
Hua Shuya nodded, a smile on her lips. She also wouldn’t have wanted to kill Cheng Yishi.
But Lin Tianlu quickly frowned, lost in thought.
If he had listened to Cheng Yishi and killed her, would he have committed murder?
He muttered to himself.
It seemed he needed to learn about the laws of this dynasty. He didn’t want to accidentally become a criminal.
…
They walked side by side, and before they knew it, they were back at his house.
But they stopped in their tracks, seeing a small figure huddled in front of the gate, shivering in the cold night air.
“Mr. Lin!”
The child looked up, his face lighting up with joy. “You’re safe!”
Lin Tianlu was surprised. “What are you doing here?”
“I heard from the other beggars that you went to the Cheng residence with Mr. Cheng in a carriage.” The boy smiled sheepishly. “I was really worried, but I didn’t dare to go near the Cheng mansion… so I waited here for you to come back.”
He then asked eagerly, “Mr. Lin, is it true that there’s a ghost haunting the Cheng residence?”
“There was.” Lin Tianlu nodded slightly. “But don’t spread this around. It’s a family matter.”
“I-I understand.” The boy quickly covered his mouth and whispered, “Are you and this sister alright?”
“Of course.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled and patted his shoulder. “Come inside and warm yourself up.”
“Eh?” The child was stunned for a moment.
“You played a part in resolving this matter. You deserve to come in, warm up, and have some food.”
“S-Sir?! This is too…”
“Don’t worry. I’m not one for stuffy traditions.”
After they entered the house, Hua Shuya quickly put down her sword and went to the kitchen to steam some buns.
The boy huddled nervously in a corner, not daring to sit down, afraid of dirtying the chairs.
Only after the warm buns were served did he bow repeatedly in gratitude. He didn’t linger, quickly grabbing the buns and excusing himself.
“That child…”
Hua Shuya watched his small figure disappear into the night, her voice filled with a gentle surprise.
Lin Tianlu chuckled. “He’s a kind and honest boy, without the usual street-smart demeanor. He’s quite sincere.”
“He waited outside the gate because… he was worried about us?”
“He must have been anxious, thinking we might be in danger at the Cheng residence. That’s why he waited for us.”
“He must be a good boy to earn such concern from you, Senior.” Hua Shuya smiled faintly, unconsciously tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. But then she noticed she was sweating slightly and blushed, lowering her voice. “Senior, I’ll go bathe and change my clothes. There’s still blood on my sleeves.”
“Go ahead. And get some rest. You need to calm your mind.”
“Mm.”
Soon, Lin Tianlu was alone in the main hall.
He stood up, brushing off his sleeves, and walked towards the pavilion in the courtyard, intending to sit alone for a while, reflecting on the events of the day.
But then, he felt something trembling in his pocket. He quickly opened his collar, and the broken jade pendant shot out.
Thud!
It crashed against the ceiling.
“…”
Lin Tianlu stared, dumbfounded.
Had it absorbed too much Yin energy and turned into a firecracker?
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