Chapter 71: Melodies of Sorrow, Love Turned to Hate
Could this man truly be so calm and collected while under the influence of her Yin technique and music?
Ren Yinshan frowned, seeing Lin Tianlu casually snacking on sunflower seeds. Annoyed, she quickened her playing, the melody becoming intense and powerful.
Yin energy surged, transforming into invisible blades, a chilling aura swirling around the room.
Zheng—
A sharp note, and a gust of Yin wind swept through the room.
Invisible ripples of energy spread out, a barrage of attacks hidden within the music.
But as time passed, Ren Yinshan’s expression darkened.
“This…”
This man’s mind was incredibly resilient. No matter how much Yin energy she poured into her music, she couldn’t find a single crack in his defenses.
It was like facing an impenetrable wall, her attacks futile, a sense of helplessness washing over her.
“Your music is quite impressive, Miss. But listening closely, the tune is slightly off.”
Lin Tianlu poured himself a cup of wine and chuckled softly.
“There’s no need to be so tense, Miss. I’m not some crass and disrespectful scoundrel. You can relax and play freely. If you can fix that slight imperfection, your music will be flawless, worthy of a master.”
“You—”
Ren Yinshan was so frustrated that she almost lost control of her technique.
This damn scholar… did he really think she was just playing music for his entertainment?!
She bit her lip, and the melody shifted abruptly, the previously intense tune transforming into a gentle, flowing stream, seductive and alluring.
Illusions appeared in the dimly lit room – beautiful women, dressed in revealing clothes, their gauzy robes swirling as they danced, their figures captivating under the moonlight.
There was no nudity, no explicit displays of passion. This subtle, suggestive beauty was far more alluring and intoxicating to men.
Even the most stoic scholar would be captivated by this charm, revealing a weakness.
Then, she would strike, her Yin techniques silently invading his mind, controlling him completely!
…
The music ended.
“Wonderful, the dance was exquisite.”
Lin Tianlu clapped his hands, his face filled with admiration.
Although the women were just illusions, their graceful figures and seductive movements, a perfect blend of elegance and sensuality, highlighted the beauty of femininity. It was a performance worthy of praise, even from an artistic perspective.
And the music that accompanied the dance was even more impressive.
Even though he wasn’t a music expert, he could still appreciate the skill and artistry.
“Miss, I wonder—”
Lin Tianlu’s eyes narrowed slightly.
Before he could finish speaking, the gauzy curtains separating them were torn apart by a sudden gust of wind, revealing the woman’s true face.
His eyes widened in surprise.
She was breathtakingly beautiful, her features delicate and refined, her aura elegant and noble.
But her bodice was strained, her ample bosom almost spilling out, her skin pale and smooth, a surprisingly seductive sight.
“Although you’re a ghost, you shouldn’t resort to such desperate measures.”
Lin Tianlu averted his gaze, his expression strange. “And perhaps you should put on some clothes, Miss.”
“…”
Ren Yinshan gasped, her eyes filled with panic.
She quickly grabbed a nearby curtain, covering herself, and placed her hands back on the guqin, ready to counterattack.
But…
She suddenly froze.
Her Yin technique had backfired. She felt a wave of overwhelming Yang energy surging towards her, too fast to dodge. It slammed into her chest.
But instead of harming her, the Yang energy flowed through her body, warm and gentle, a comforting sensation she had never experienced before.
Only then did she realize—the difference in their power was vast.
If she had attacked with killing intent, if he hadn’t shown mercy…
She would be dead.
Ren Yinshan sighed, her ambition fading. She strummed the guqin halfheartedly, dispelling the illusion.
“—I’ve lost.”
The chilling aura in the room vanished.
This man was kind and compassionate, treating even a ghost like her with respect. She couldn’t bring herself to fight him any longer.
Lin Tianlu took a sip of wine and chuckled softly. “You were testing me, Miss?”
“Your power is beyond my comprehension, Sir.”
Ren Yinshan stood up and bowed gracefully.
“You’re too modest, Miss. Your musical skills are far beyond mine.”
Lin Tianlu put down his cup and said thoughtfully,
“But allow me to ask, your music was filled with sorrow and resentment. Could it be that you’ve experienced something heartbreaking?”
“You—”
Ren Yinshan’s pupils constricted, her face filled with shock. She hadn’t expected him to discern her inner turmoil from her music.
She clenched her fists, her voice trembling with emotion. “How could you possibly understand my pain and sorrow?!”
Lin Tianlu’s expression remained calm. He bowed slightly. “Why don’t you tell me, Miss? I’m all ears.”
Ren Yinshan was speechless, looking at the man before her, her heart filled with mixed emotions.
After a long silence, she sighed softly.
“There’s no need for that, Sir…”
“I’m quite fond of music, and I’ve heard that the strings of a guqin can reflect one’s heart. Your skills are extraordinary, Miss, and yet you’re a ghost. I’m curious about your past.”
Lin Tianlu bowed again. “But if it’s a painful memory, I won’t force you to tell me. However, judging by your expression, it seems this past event has been weighing heavily on your heart. It would be best to find someone to confide in, to release those pent-up emotions.”
“…”
Ren Yinshan averted her gaze, sighing inwardly.
It had been years since anyone had understood her music.
And unexpectedly, it was this handsome stranger…
Her heart trembled slightly, and she murmured,
“Very well, Sir. If you want to hear my story, I’ll tell you. But please… just listen.”
Lin Tianlu’s expression turned serious. “Please speak, Miss. I’m listening.”
“Ten years ago… I was betrothed to a scholar. We were supposed to be married.”
Ren Yinshan’s gaze was distant, her voice filled with melancholy.
“But he was obsessed with his studies, hoping to pass the imperial examinations. Our wedding day happened to coincide with the examination date, so I postponed the ceremony, waiting for him to return home after achieving success. He promised me that even if he became a high-ranking official, he would still marry me.
I foolishly waited.
During those years, I fulfilled my duties as a wife, taking care of his parents and managing the household, working diligently without any complaints.”
Lin Tianlu was surprised. “You seem like a virtuous and devoted woman, Miss. And that scholar was ambitious. Why are you…”
Ren Yinshan gritted her teeth, her voice filled with resentment.
“But I never imagined that after two years of studying, after he finally passed the examinations, he would return with another woman!
Not only was she from a wealthy and influential family, but she had also completely captivated him. His parents, seeing the potential for financial gain, treated her with great kindness. But I was abused and humiliated by that woman. She even had someone push me into the river, leaving me to drown!”
“How could I not hate them? How could I not resent them?! I had given them everything, only to be betrayed and replaced!
The man who had promised me his love and loyalty now despised and rejected me. His parents, whom I had cared for for years, treated me like dirt… I can still remember their disdainful looks!”
“So you…”
“But unfortunately, I never had the chance for revenge.”
Ren Yinshan chuckled bitterly. “By the time I was reborn as a ghost and returned to their home, I learned that they had already lost everything, their wealth squandered by that seductive woman. They were deep in debt and were eventually beaten to death on the streets. Their family was sold into slavery, their entire fortune gone within months.”
“Do you still have any feelings for him, Miss?”
“Feelings?”
Ren Yinshan’s voice turned cold. “There’s nothing but hatred between us!
But most of all, I hate myself… for falling for that hypocritical scholar. If my mortal body hadn’t decayed, I would have ripped my own skin off to sever all ties with them!”
Her voice was filled with disgust and hatred, not a trace of longing.
Her chest heaved with emotion, her face contorted with anger as she looked at him. “If you’re going to lecture me about letting go of my resentment—”
“You have a strong spirit, Miss!”
Before she could finish speaking, Lin Tianlu gave her a thumbs up, his voice filled with admiration. “That’s the right attitude! It’s truly satisfying!”
“Wha—”
Ren Yinshan was stunned. “Shouldn’t you be advising me to be a virtuous woman, to forgive him even though he…”
“Screw being a virtuous woman when he betrayed you!”
Lin Tianlu chuckled and shook his head. “They brought this upon themselves. You did nothing wrong, Miss. Now that they’ve received their karma, you can laugh freely. There’s no need to hide your feelings.”
Ren Yinshan was speechless.
She couldn’t understand.
Weren’t scholars supposed to be rigid and obsessed with rules?
Over the years, she had met several scholars who, upon hearing her story, had expressed sympathy but also disapproval of her actions, criticizing her for being too vengeful and cruel. This had made her reluctant to share her past with anyone. But now…
“Don’t you… think I’m too vicious and cruel, Sir?”
“It’s just righteous anger, not cruelty.”
Ren Yinshan was silent for a long time, then she smiled. “You truly are as unconventional as I thought, Sir, different from anyone I’ve ever met.”
“But… thank you for your comfort and understanding. You’ve helped me release years of pent-up anger.”
She sighed softly, a look of contentment on her face. She stood up and said calmly, “Then, please grant me a swift death, Sir. To be able to share my story with someone before I die, I have no regrets.”
“Hmm?”
Lin Tianlu looked confused. “Why would I kill you, Miss?”
“What are you talking about… Didn’t you come here to slay the demon?”
Ren Yinshan was shocked. “You even sent a message, saying you would come at midnight and that I should be prepared. That’s why I’ve been waiting for you.”
Lin Tianlu was stunned.
A message?
Crash!
The ceiling suddenly exploded, and a figure fell from above.
As the dust settled, a burly man in Daoist robes emerged from the rubble, drawing a sword covered in talismans.
The unexpected arrival of this uninvited guest left Lin Tianlu speechless.
Was this… a Daoist priest?
He hadn’t expected to find any Daoist priests in this world.
But before he could greet the man, he heard him shout in a deep voice,
“Evil demon! You’ve been terrorizing Ganchang Village for years! I will destroy you and use your power to enhance my cultivation!”
The Daoist priest formed hand seals, and the talismans on his sword ignited, flames erupting as he charged towards Ren Yinshan.
—Slap!
Ren Yinshan slapped him across the face, sending him flying back into the wall. His sword, still engulfed in flames, clattered to the floor.
“…”
Lin Tianlu’s lips twitched.
What was this guy doing here?
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