Chapter 36: Autumn Rain Approaches
Despite the alluring fragrance and the seductive beauty before him, Lin Tianlu quickly calmed his mind and focused inwards, examining the scenery within Mount Taiyi.
He saw a faint, grayish aura emanating from the solitary white lotus, a sign of something amiss.
“It’s definitely Yin energy at work.”
Lin Tianlu channeled his spiritual energy into his palm and swiftly struck the girl’s shoulder.
Cheng Yishi’s body trembled, and the Yin energy within her dissipated. The lotus-shaped markings on her chest faded, leaving only a faint, unopened bud over her heart.
Her alluring charm also receded, replaced by her usual elegance and composure.
“…”
She blinked her eyes, a confused look on her face.
Lin Tianlu sighed in relief, seeing that she had calmed down.
He was grateful for Madam Mao’s frequent visits, which had helped him strengthen his resistance to temptation.
Although this girl also possessed a captivating figure, her size wasn’t quite as overwhelming as Madam Mao’s.
He could handle this.
He steadied his mind, but catching a glimpse of her ample bosom, he coughed lightly and turned away. “Miss Cheng, please calm down, there’s no need to panic. The Yin energy within you is simply unstable, affecting your mind.
But don’t worry, it won’t harm you. Just cultivate your inner peace, get some sunlight, and you’ll regain control.”
Hearing no further commotion, Lin Tianlu’s voice softened. “Of course, this Yin energy also has its benefits. With a bit of cultivation, you could gain abilities similar to those of a ghost practitioner, making your life more convenient.”
Cheng Yishi listened quietly to his explanation, then looked down at her disheveled clothes, a troubled look on her face.
Did he… misunderstand something?
“Miss Cheng, are you decent?”
“…Just a moment.”
Cheng Yishi sighed softly and adjusted her robes, covering herself.
But as she looked at Lin Tianlu, a hint of admiration appeared in her eyes.
Even with a beautiful woman before him, he remained unmoved, a true gentleman. Perhaps only someone with a pure heart could cultivate such extraordinary power and possess such righteous aura.
If she pressed him further, he might be displeased.
With that thought, Cheng Yishi said softly, “You can turn around now, Sir.”
Lin Tianlu turned back and bowed with an apologetic smile. “I apologize for my rudeness, Miss Cheng.”
“There’s no need to apologize, Sir. It was I who lost control.”
Seeing her understanding and gentle demeanor, Lin Tianlu relaxed. “If you ever feel the Yin energy acting up again, Miss Cheng, feel free to come to me.”
“Thank you for your concern, Sir.” Cheng Yishi curtsied gracefully, her lips pursed slightly. “But your kindness is overwhelming, Sir. I’m afraid I can never repay you.”
“Actually… that’s right!”
Lin Tianlu suddenly clapped his hands, a realization dawning upon him. “Please wait here for a moment, Miss Cheng. I need to get something.”
He hurried to his study and returned with a map, pointing at a specific location.
“Miss Cheng, do you know this place?”
“This is… Fuyang Prefecture?”
Cheng Yishi looked puzzled. “Why are you interested in this place, Sir?”
Lin Tianlu hesitated for a moment, then explained, “It’s hard to explain, but this place holds a special significance for me. If you could tell me anything about Fuyang Prefecture, I would be grateful.”
Cheng Yishi smiled gently. “Don’t worry, Sir. Fuyang Prefecture is a major hub in the central province, located on a vital trade route. It’s also a place where my family conducts business. We send people there every month to purchase materials. In a few days, I’ll send someone to inquire about it. Perhaps they can find something you’re looking for.”
“I’m truly grateful!” Lin Tianlu bowed deeply. “Thank you for your trouble, Miss Cheng.”
“It’s my pleasure to be of service, Sir.”
Her eyes sparkled as she curtsied again. “It’s getting late. I won’t stay any longer. But… may I visit you again, Sir?”
Seeing the hopeful look in her eyes, Lin Tianlu chuckled. “Of course, Miss Cheng. You’re always welcome.”
The girl smiled, a serene and elegant smile.
…
They walked out of the room and towards the gate.
As Lin Tianlu was about to bid her farewell, Cheng Yishi glanced towards the inner courtyard.
At the same time, Mao Ruoyu’s figure appeared in the shadows of the corridor. Their eyes met.
Then, their gazes hardened.
“This woman… she’s not alive!”
“This woman… she’s full of seductive charm!”
Their gazes clashed like swords, then quickly retreated.
“Miss Cheng?”
Hearing Lin Tianlu’s puzzled voice, Cheng Yishi quickly averted her gaze and smiled gently, curtsying again. “Please see me off here, Sir. My carriage is waiting.”
“Have a safe journey, Miss Cheng.” Lin Tianlu said seriously. “If you feel unwell, don’t hesitate to seek help.”
“Mm…”
Lin Tianlu watched as the girl boarded her carriage and left, then slowly closed the gate.
He looked up and sighed.
He hadn’t expected to act like a virtuous sage, resisting the advances of a beautiful woman and helping her regain her composure.
If this happened in the modern world, he would be mocked relentlessly.
But he truly wasn’t feeling any lust.
This girl had just suffered a great loss and overcome her suicidal thoughts. It wouldn’t be right to take advantage of her vulnerability.
And…
“Fortunately, Madam Mao didn’t do anything like that.”
Lin Tianlu clicked his tongue.
But after a moment of thought, he took out the broken token from his sleeve, his expression turning serious.
This matter… deserved his attention.
…
The next afternoon…
Lin Tianlu stood alone in the courtyard after lunch, his hands clasped behind his back, looking up at the sky, lost in thought.
It seemed there were many dark and tangled secrets in this world.
Perhaps there was an organization lurking behind Cheng Yanghua and his daughter. Even if it was just a possibility, he couldn’t ignore it.
Although he had spiritual energy protecting him, his body strong and capable of effortlessly suppressing evil, if there were truly powerful cultivators behind these ghosts, those who could move mountains and change the heavens with a wave of their hand, he wasn’t sure if he could win…
He had yet to witness the true strength of cultivators in this world.
And his only “techniques” were the Soul Binding Lock he could summon from the ethereal Mount Taiyi within him and the recently learned Roaming Dragon Phantom Steps.
Everything else was just him manipulating spiritual energy based on instinct.
“I need to learn some proper techniques and skills.”
Lin Tianlu pondered for a moment, then broke off a branch from the locust tree and mimicked Hua Shuya’s sword movements, assuming a starting stance.
He practiced the Thirteen Forms of the Star-Breaking Sword, his movements surprisingly fluid and powerful thanks to his enhanced physique.
But after a few moves, he stopped, a grimace on his face.
“Alright, this is a feminine sword style.”
Although the Thirteen Forms of the Star-Breaking Sword were bold and unrestrained, they had clearly been modified, infused with a feminine grace.
No wonder his waist felt so awkward.
“I should have asked Mo Hong for more sword manuals… although his techniques were probably the geriatric version, meant for health and longevity.”
He muttered to himself, casually swinging the branch in his hand, then practiced the Star-Breaking Sword again, this time with a more masculine approach.
It felt much better now, more natural and powerful.
Rumble!
Dark clouds suddenly gathered in the sky, thunder rumbling, as if a heavy downpour was imminent.
Lin Tianlu looked at the darkening sky, quickly tossed the branch aside, and shouted towards the house, “Madam Mao, do you have any clothes outside? It looks like it’s going to rain!”
Crack!!
Another clap of thunder, even louder than before, the wind and thunder shaking the ground!
Inside the house, Mao Ruoyu’s face turned pale as she looked out the window, her heart pounding.
This suffocating pressure…
Was this really just a sign of an approaching autumn rain?
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