Chapter 64: Peace in Changling
Lin Tianlu closed his eyes and sighed contentedly, his heart at peace.
The thrill of victory, the satisfaction of fulfilling his promise… it felt exhilarating.
When he opened his eyes again, the Crimson Beast’s massive body had disintegrated, leaving behind a black,”壶”-shaped Soul Repository, floating in mid-air, cracks appearing on its surface.
Crack!
As the repository shattered, countless souls and Yin energy poured out, swirling over the Ningguan River like a starry sky.
Some souls still retained their human forms, while others were just faint shadows. But they all bowed respectfully.
Lin Tianlu planted the Locust Sword beside him and returned the gesture solemnly. “Rest in peace, fellow townspeople.”
A moment later, the souls rose into the sky like a river, leaving behind a vast cloud of Yin energy that surged towards Lin Tianlu.
…
As the wind and waves subsided, the chaos that had shaken Changling came to an end.
Lin Tianlu looked down at the jade pendant in his hand.
It was still trembling slightly, having absorbed a large amount of Yin energy.
Hum—
A bright white light flashed, and a strange phenomenon occurred!
His vision blurred, and he felt as if he were floating on clouds. He saw a majestic palace shrouded in mist, the sound of bells echoing, spiritual energy swirling like a rainbow. It resembled a legendary immortal sect, bathed in a heavenly glow, its surrounding peaks like stars orbiting the moon, a breathtakingly beautiful sight.
Lin Tianlu’s eyes widened in surprise. “This is—”
‘Wan Sheng Immortal Sect.’
The fallen sect, now in ruins on Mount Taiyi.
Seeing its former glory, he was even more puzzled. How could such a powerful and mysterious sect end up as a forgotten ruin?
“The Heavenly Sea has fallen, all is lost.”
A soft, ethereal voice echoed in his ears. “If you seek answers from the past, look within the Heart Sea Soul Pendant.”
“Who’s there?!”
Lin Tianlu looked around, but he only caught a glimpse of a white figure disappearing into the mist.
“…”
There was no response.
At the same time, a burning sensation spread through his palm. Lin Tianlu snapped back to reality, the illusion fading. He stared at the jade pendant in his hand, its glow dimming. “This object… truly holds many secrets?”
The pendant bounced slightly, as if in response.
Lin Tianlu said, “I’ll try to feed you more Yin energy.”
The pendant vibrated excitedly, but unlike its previous chaotic behavior, it gently flew into his pocket.
“You’ve calmed down quite a bit?”
Lin Tianlu patted his pocket, chuckling softly.
He had been prepared for another round of chaos, but the pendant was surprisingly obedient.
At that moment, footsteps approached from behind.
“Master Li—”
Ji Hang, his face covered in soot, returned to the riverbank. Seeing the aftermath of the battle, his jaw dropped, his heart filled with shock.
After a moment of silence, he looked at Lin Tianlu, his gaze filled with awe and reverence. His voice trembled. “Is… is that beast gone?”
“Along with the Luo Xing ghost.”
Lin Tianlu turned to him. “You seem to be familiar with the Luo Xing, Shopkeeper Ji.”
Ji Hang’s heart skipped a beat, and he quickly knelt down. “Please forgive me, Master Lin! Years ago, my family was struggling. My parents were ill, and I was desperate. The Luo Xing offered me financial assistance, allowing me to build the Ascension Immortal Restaurant. Although I never harmed anyone for their wealth, I did do some things for them in my youth—”
He kowtowed twice. “Please punish me, Master Lin! But please spare my innocent children!”
“If you’re truly remorseful, then spend the rest of your life doing good deeds, atoning for your mistakes, and contributing to the community.”
Lin Tianlu waved his hand dismissively, showing no anger.
The situation was complex. It wasn’t his place to judge as an outsider.
“Tell me, what do you know about the Luo Xing? Will they seek revenge for the death of their members?”
Ji Hang shook his head repeatedly. “The Luo Xing rarely reveals itself. They mostly operate through these ghost practitioners, and their control over their territories is very strict. There haven’t been any new ghost practitioners in this area for years… But I don’t know what will happen in the future.”
“And what about the Soultaker?”
“The Soultaker…” Ji Hang’s face paled, a shiver running down his spine. “I’ve never met one before. I only know that they’re among the strongest in the Luo Xing. Tonight was the first time I saw one in person.”
Lin Tianlu nodded slightly. “Thank you for sharing, Shopkeeper Ji. But what about the situation around the Ascension Immortal Restaurant…”
“Please rest assured, Master Lin! I’ll take care of it!”
“I’ll leave it to you then.”
Lin Tianlu looked at the beautiful night sky, his heart calm and peaceful.
Changling County would be safe for a few years.
…
The next morning…
Changling County was bustling with activity again.
But rumors were spreading through the town.
Unlike the usual fantastical tales, these rumors were filled with awe and wonder.
More than one person had heard the earth-shattering roar of a beast last night, and some had even glimpsed a towering black figure rising from the Ningguan River, a terrifying sight.
The wind and clouds had been chaotic, thunder rumbling, making people feel a sense of dread and foreboding. Even in their sleep, they had been plagued by nightmares, waking up in a cold sweat.
But then, a sword beam had flashed, splitting the dark clouds in the sky, and the massive black figure had been cleaved in two.
An unprecedentedly clear and refreshing breeze had swept through Changling, lifting the weight from their hearts.
…
“Have you heard? It seems an immortal descended from the heavens last night and slayed a demon for our Changling County!”
“Really?”
“You wouldn’t believe it. They say a powerful demon had been lurking beneath the Ningguan River for decades.”
A young man slammed his cup on the table, gesturing excitedly. “That monster tried to attack last night. But Master Lin happened to be passing by, reciting poetry and drinking wine, his aura soaring to the heavens. He drew his sword and slayed the demon!”
“Master Lin? But he’s a scholar! How can he wield a sword?”
“Eh! Don’t worry about the details. It’s definitely related to Master Lin… Many people saw him standing by the river, his sword raised, the water churning, lightning flashing. It was an incredible sight!”
The restaurant erupted in excited chatter, a mixture of shock and awe.
…
Mao Ruoyu walked through the morning market, carrying a basket, her expression a bit strange as she listened to the rumors swirling around her.
She had drunk quite a bit of wine last night and had been caught up in her rivalry with Cheng Yishi, falling asleep on the boat.
But…
She vaguely remembered the boat swaying, the noise around her, and through her drowsy haze, she had glimpsed the scene they were describing.
—Lin Tianlu, his sword raised, slaying the terrifying monster with a single strike.
She had thought it was just a dream. But now, recalling it…
Had such a dangerous event truly occurred last night?
Mao Ruoyu tapped her forehead, feeling a pang of regret and self-reproach.
She had been completely oblivious, unaware of the danger. Had she caused trouble for Lin Tianlu?
“Madam Mao, please take these steamed buns.”
A kind-hearted old woman suddenly approached her, handing her a bag of food.
Mao Ruoyu was taken aback.
“But I haven’t…”
“Madam Mao.” The old woman leaned closer, her voice serious. “My family of five was walking along the street near the Ascension Immortal Restaurant last night when we suddenly collapsed, unconscious. I was barely conscious… but I saw Master Lin’s heroic actions.”
“I know whether those rumors are true or not.”
Her wrinkled face was filled with respect as she held Mao Ruoyu’s hand. “Please accept these buns, Madam. It’s a small token of gratitude from my family. If you refuse, I… I won’t be able to sleep peacefully.”
Mao Ruoyu was stunned for a moment, then smiled gently.
“I’ll convey your gratitude, Madam.”
“My dear, you should hold onto this blessing tightly. That Master Lin is truly a divine being, an extraordinary man! To be his wife would be a great fortune, bringing honor to your ancestors!”
Mao Ruoyu blushed. “This, this matter…”
The old woman chuckled kindly. “Don’t worry, don’t worry. There’s no need to be shy, my dear.”
“Madam Lu, I should go home now.”
Mao Ruoyu quickly excused herself and hurried away, a bit embarrassed.
She glanced at the other stalls in the market and was surprised to see that many people were staring at her, their hands reaching for something, as if eager to give her something.
A sense of unease washed over her, and she chuckled awkwardly, not daring to linger any longer. She turned and hurried towards home.
It wasn’t a good day to be out and about.
…
Lin Tianlu folded a few sets of clothes and put them in his bag. He looked at the broken sword and the Go board by the bed, then, after a moment of thought, packed them as well.
Now that the Crimson Beast was gone, and the evil that had plagued this place was eradicated, Changling County should be safe for a while. It was the perfect time for him to travel to Fuyang Prefecture.
The Heart Sea Soul Pendant held many secrets. He had to investigate them.
The mysteries of this world, the secrets of the Wan Sheng Immortal Sect, and even the Luo Xing… he needed to consider them all carefully.
But…
Knock, knock, knock…
A knock on the gate interrupted his thoughts.
“Coming!”
Lin Tianlu put down his bag and hurried to the door.
When he opened the gate, his eyes widened in surprise.
A long line of people, both men and women, stretched out before him, their eyes filled with anticipation.
As soon as he opened the gate, the courtyard erupted in a cacophony of voices, making it impossible to understand what they were saying.
“Everyone, please calm down, calm down!”
Lin Tianlu raised his hands and shouted, “One at a time, please.”
“Master Lin, I’m here to offer you a gift. I had the pleasure of meeting you at the Ascension Immortal Restaurant the other day. What a fortunate encounter.” A middle-aged man smiled, handing him several packages, large and small.
Lin Tianlu’s lips twitched.
This felt strangely familiar.
Hadn’t this happened just a few days ago?
“Thank you for your kindness, Sir, but I…”
“Master Lin, I have a daughter of marriageable age. Would you be interested in meeting her?” The man added.
Lin Tianlu: “…”
“That’s a bit forward, Mr. Wang.” A beautiful young woman beside him curtsied gracefully, her voice sweet. “I’ve heard so much about your talent, Sir. I would love to learn from you, whether it’s music, chess, calligraphy, or painting. I’m well-versed in literature and would be delighted to discuss poetry with you.”
“Eh! You’re wrong, Miss Huang. Master Lin must prefer a virtuous and domesticated woman. Master Lin, would you be interested in meeting my daughter…”
“Why are you cutting in line? I was here first—”
“Don’t listen to them, Master Lin! That man’s daughter already has two children—”
“Master Lin! That woman has another lover! Don’t be fooled by her!”
…
Lin Tianlu was speechless, listening to the cacophony of voices.
So these people were all… here for matchmaking?
This wasn’t matchmaking, it was a Black Friday sale!
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