Chapter 97: Worthy of Affection, A Coincidental Clash
Lin Tianlu sighed inwardly.
Years had passed since Mao Ruoyu left the Lunar Valley, and they hadn’t had any contact during that time. She had even moved multiple times.
Yet, Bai Xin was still able to track her down. It was enough to prove… that she truly cared about Mao Ruoyu.
Perhaps, her trip was partly motivated by a desire to see if her once beloved sister was living a happy life.
Although her words were a bit harsh, her concern was still palpable.
“I apologize for making you laugh, Sir.”
Mao Ruoyu lowered her head in shame. “It’s all because of my rash actions in the past.”
“It’s alright. Miss Bai Xin just caused a bit of a commotion, but there was no real harm. On the contrary, she brought us some interesting news.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled softly. “Since there’s no grudge between you two, Madam, don’t worry about it and just continue living your life peacefully in Changling County.”
Those who had truly caused trouble, the demons, ghosts, and ghost practitioners, had nothing to do with Mao Ruoyu. They came purely out of greed.
“You’re always so kind, Sir.”
Mao Ruoyu sighed softly, her eyes downcast.
Seeing the apologetic look on her face, Lin Tianlu felt a surge of sympathy for her.
He had never known…
That this beautiful woman, who always showed kindness and gentleness, had such a difficult and tragic past.
Although he couldn’t hear any pain or anxiety in her brief recount, as if it was just a trivial journey, he could imagine the hardships she had endured.
A girl who had lost both her parents before the age of ten, wandering alone and struggling to survive, experiencing the harsh realities of the world… it was truly heartbreaking.
He thought back to her delighted expression when playing the jade flute, her focused and serious demeanor when making pastries, her gentle smile when listening attentively… How much suffering and sorrow had she endured to be able to live with such a bright smile?
Lin Tianlu’s heart was filled with mixed emotions. He sighed and said, “You’ve been through a lot, Madam.”
Mao Ruoyu blinked her beautiful eyes in a daze.
A moment later, she seemed to understand and shrugged shyly. “My life now… is very happy. Sir, there’s no need to pity me.”
Seeing her pure and innocent face, Lin Tianlu couldn’t help but chuckle, scratching his head. “I was indeed overthinking things.”
He didn’t expect himself to become sentimental.
“I-it’s alright. I’m grateful for your concern, Sir.”
Mao Ruoyu covered her flushed cheeks with her sleeve, coughing lightly to hide her embarrassment. “But I’m a little curious… What did you and Miss Hua experience during your half-month trip?”
Lin Tianlu smiled faintly and quickly recounted the events of the past half month.
The beautiful woman listened attentively, occasionally covering her lips with a chuckle at the misunderstandings they had encountered on their journey, and her face turned thoughtful when he spoke of the conflicts they had faced.
…
After hearing about their half-month journey, Mao Ruoyu couldn’t help but feel a tinge of envy.
If she had gone with them, perhaps she could have experienced those things with Sir…
As soon as the thought surfaced, she quickly shook her head, dismissing these embarrassing thoughts.
But after a moment of silence, Mao Ruoyu couldn’t help but ask, “How was Miss Hua’s injury on Jade Peak Mountain? Has she fully recovered?”
“Naturally, she’s fine.”
Lin Tianlu smiled. “If something was wrong, how could I be sitting here chatting with you, Madam?”
“I was indeed worrying for nothing.”
Mao Ruoyu quickly looked a bit puzzled. “But Miss Hua is now sharing a body with another… Miss Yu. Will that really be alright?”
“They seem to be getting along well for now.”
“That’s truly… unheard of.”
Mao Ruoyu sighed.
But she suddenly felt a strange sensation in her heart. She realized that among the many experiences Lin Tianlu had mentioned, only one woman had truly left a deep impression on her.
—Ren Yinshan.
This woman was gentle, kind, generous, and experienced. She could be described as virtuous and elegant.
This made Mao Ruoyu feel a strange sense of unease.
She felt as if she had gained a peculiar rival.
But just as she was about to speak again, there was a sudden commotion outside the courtyard gate.
…
As usual, Mo Duan’yan rushed to the Lin residence early in the morning.
She was still filled with anticipation, hoping that Senior Lin would return safely soon.
At the same time, she admired the gentle and kind Madam Mao, feeling that Senior Lin’s wife was truly understanding. She couldn’t help but feel a sense of affection towards her.
Although it was a bit embarrassing to admit, during their interactions over the past ten days, she had felt a sense of maternal love from Mao Ruoyu.
“No, no! I can’t disrespect Madam Mao!”
She quickly shook her head, dismissing those strange thoughts.
But at that moment, she suddenly stopped in her tracks, her face turning pale.
A strange and indescribable Yin energy was emanating from not far away!
“W-what is this feeling—”
Mo Duan’yan gripped her newly forged sword tightly, cold sweat appearing on her forehead, her bright eyes filled with unease.
Half a month ago, with her level of cultivation, she wouldn’t have been able to sense the fluctuations of Yin energy from ghosts.
But now, thanks to Senior Lin’s guidance, her swordsmanship had greatly improved, and her cultivation had soared. She had even gained a faint understanding of a strange Daoist rhyme, allowing her to accurately detect the Yin energy fluctuations.
The person approaching… possessed unfathomable strength!
Mo Duan’yan glanced at the Lin residence not far away, her heart filled with apprehension.
Should she inform Madam Mao first and let her find a place to hide? If someone with malicious intentions came knocking, she had to— But she quickly lost the ability to think clearly.
Because the person emanating Yin energy had slowly appeared in her sight.
Mo Duan’yan’s eyes widened.
It wasn’t that the newcomer was too strange or mysterious, but rather… too beautiful.
The woman in front of her was quite tall, her slender figure accentuated by a green robe. Her face was delicate and flawless, her blue-white hair fluttering in the wind. Just a glance made her feel like she was looking at a celestial being descending to the mortal world. Her beauty was captivating and mesmerizing.
But…
The moment their eyes met, Mo Duan’yan felt a bone-chilling coldness spreading through her body.
Such incredible Yin energy— No!
The girl’s heart was filled with terror.
This was… Sword Intent?!
She had never encountered such a cold and ethereal Sword Intent before. Even her unfathomable great-grandfather might not have possessed such terrifying power.
With just one glance, Mo Duan’yan deeply understood the difference in their strength. Under the chilling aura of Yin energy, she felt like she was trapped in an icy cellar, as if she would be killed in the next moment!
“Hoo—”
Mo Duan’yan’s face turned pale as a sheet. She took a deep breath.
Although her right hand trembled slightly, she still gripped the hilt of her sword tightly, drawing it inch by inch.
She couldn’t retreat.
Madam Mao was still inside. She couldn’t let her face such a terrifying person. Even if it meant losing her life, she couldn’t take a single step back!
She had made a promise and would definitely fulfill it. She had to protect Senior Lin’s family!
“Leave this place immediately!”
Although Mo Duan’yan was young and petite, she mustered her courage and shouted, “The person you’re looking for isn’t here!”
The white-haired woman paused, letting out a surprised “Eh?”
Mo Duan’yan said in a deep voice, “If you’re just passing by…”
“No, I’m here for a reason.”
“…”
Mo Duan’yan didn’t say anything more, silently assuming a sword-wielding stance.
The white-haired woman looked a bit surprised, but she quickly formed a sword finger with her hand and approached with an indifferent expression.
Each step she took seemed to carry an immense pressure, making Mo Duan’yan’s chest tighten, her breathing becoming labored. Even before they clashed, the Sword Intent was already making her dizzy and weak, almost forcing her to her knees.
But…
As her mind reeled, she suddenly tightened her grip on the sword hilt. An indescribable, unyielding Sword Intent surged within her, clearing her mind.
This was the technique Senior Lin had taught her!
Mo Duan’yan’s heart trembled. She focused her eyes and charged forward with a surge of momentum, swinging her sword with lightning speed!
Clang, clang, clang, clang, clang—!
A series of metallic clashes rang out as the two figures darted and weaved through the street, their attacks colliding repeatedly.
For a time, the battle was intense and fierce!
Until a figure silently appeared between them, one hand grabbing the outstretched sword finger, the other catching the incoming blade, forcibly stopping their attacks.
Mo Duan’yan’s face was filled with shock, but when she looked up, a joyful smile bloomed on her face. “Senior!”
“Did you two… misunderstand something?”
Lin Tianlu sighed helplessly. “Why are you fighting at the gate?”
“Senior Lin, this woman’s origins are unknown, and her aura is extremely—”
“Senior, I just wanted to spar with this little junior sister.”
Hua Shuya suddenly spoke, her voice filled with admiration. “She’s really strong.”
“…Huh?”
Mo Duan’yan was dumbfounded.
Had she… made a mistake?
Leave a Reply