Chapter 162: The Lunar Valley Estate
Hu Sang was a bit embarrassed.
He hadn’t expected his offer to be rejected so directly.
He was about to try and persuade them again when Lin Tianlu continued, “My companion and I both have responsibilities. We appreciate your kindness, Sir, but we don’t have the time or energy to pursue such matters. We didn’t mean to offend you.”
Hu Sang was taken aback, then he sighed deeply.
Since they had made their intentions clear, he wouldn’t force them.
Although… he hadn’t even had the chance to explain the benefits of the profound arts.
“In that case, I won’t disturb you any further.”
He smiled and bowed. “But judging by your appearances and auras, you two are destined for greatness.”
He took out a sachet from his bag and placed it on the table. “It’s fate that we’ve met. Please accept this sachet as a small gift. It can help ward off evil spirits and protect you from harm.”
Lin Tianlu quickly stood up and bowed. “You’re too kind, Sir. Giving us a gift on our first meeting…”
“I’m a wandering Daoist. I don’t follow worldly customs.” Hu Sang chuckled. “Just accept it. It’s not anything valuable. Just some calming herbs and a few talismans.”
“…Thank you, Sir.” Lin Tianlu hesitated for a moment, then took out a book from his pocket. “I don’t have anything valuable on me, but I offer you this collection of essays, with my annotations and insights.”
Hu Sang accepted the book and chuckled, finding this young scholar truly humble and polite.
But he didn’t pay much attention to the book. He put it away casually, clasped his hands behind his back, and turned to leave.
“Perhaps we’ll meet again someday~”
Lin Tianlu watched as he left the restaurant, then turned to Hua Shuya. “There are still many kind people in this world.”
“That Daoist priest might be quite capable.”
Hua Shuya nodded seriously. “He could sense your extraordinary aura, Senior. He must have good judgment.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled.
He was about to speak when Hu Sang, who had just left, suddenly rushed back.
“What—”
“Haha, my apologies. I almost forgot to eat. Please excuse me.”
“…”
Lin Tianlu watched as Hu Sang sat back down and started eating, his lips twitching, trying not to laugh.
This Daoist priest was quite… simple.
…
Lush mountains and clear waters, a beautiful and peaceful scenery.
Two days had passed quickly, and the sky was darkening.
Three figures were walking along a narrow mountain path, surrounded by lush greenery.
“This place is truly remote.”
Hua Shuya, dressed in casual robes, swung her sword, clearing the path of overgrown weeds and branches. She looked at the forest ahead, gradually being enveloped by the night, and sighed. “And the road is quite difficult to navigate.”
They hadn’t encountered any villages or settlements along the way, and there were no signs of human activity.
If it weren’t for Mao Ruoyu, their “guide,” they wouldn’t have been able to find their way.
It was clear how secluded the Lunar Valley was.
And now, as night approached, it was even harder to find the estate.
“It’s even more desolate than before. I remember this path being clear and well-maintained.”
Mao Ruoyu carefully stepped over tangled roots, her hand on her skirt as she walked. She stumbled slightly when she stepped into a muddy puddle, but a strong hand quickly steadied her.
“Be careful.”
Lin Tianlu brushed a small insect off her shoulder. “The weeds are overgrown. It seems no one has walked this path for years.”
Mao Ruoyu frowned. “Could something have happened to the Lunar Valley…?”
Although she had severed her ties with them, she couldn’t help but feel uneasy, sensing that something was wrong.
After all, there were still elders in the valley who had raised her, practically family to her.
“Don’t worry. If they were able to implant the Moon Shadow Breath within you, their lineage must have survived. They must have some means of protecting themselves.”
Yun Yue, who was perched on Lin Tianlu’s shoulder, whispered, “And if something had happened, your junior sister wouldn’t have been wandering around outside half a month ago.
Even if she had rushed back after hearing about some incident, this environment wouldn’t have changed so quickly.”
Mao Ruoyu sighed in relief.
“Madam, Senior!”
Hua Shuya, who was leading the way, called out. “Is that the Lunar Valley ahead?”
Mao Ruoyu hurried over and followed her gaze, her eyes widening in surprise.
Before them, nestled between two mountains, was a lush green valley. A magnificent ancient fortress, like a small town, rose from within, its silhouette visible through the mist.
“That’s the Lunar Valley!”
Lin Tianlu looked at it from afar and couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration.
“Impressive!”
If this grand structure had survived to the modern era, it would have been a world-renowned wonder.
Perhaps due to the use of Yin techniques to reinforce and modify it, he could even see several towers floating in the air, creating an illusion of a mystical paradise, a breathtaking sight under the moonlight.
“Should we go there directly?”
“There’s a barrier set up by the elders just outside the valley.”
Mao Ruoyu held her hand uncertainly. “I… I think I remember the incantation to open it.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled. “What if you’ve forgotten it?”
Mao Ruoyu smiled sheepishly.
“W-we might be attacked by the valley guards… maybe?”
“You might have left the Lunar Valley years ago, Madam, but surely someone there still remembers you.”
As they talked, they continued walking towards the fortress.
…
The towering gate of the fortress stood before them, making Lin Tianlu and Hua Shuya crane their necks in awe.
To build such a magnificent structure in this remote wilderness must have taken a tremendous amount of effort and resources.
And they could sense a strong Yin energy emanating from the estate, far surpassing that of ordinary haunted places, even rivaling the Path of the Netherworld they had encountered in Jianggai County.
But…
“It’s quite different from the Moon Soul Sacred Sect I remember.”
Yun Yue murmured thoughtfully. “Many things have changed in the past thousand years.”
“A thousand years is a long time. For them to have survived, their foundation must be strong, and they must know how to adapt and bide their time.”
Lin Tianlu looked around. “But there don’t seem to be any guards at the gate.”
Although the fortress was vast, the area in front of the gate was deserted.
“Perhaps they’re changing shifts?”
Mao Ruoyu mumbled. “When I lived here, most of the guards were young girls. With the barrier in place, their duties were quite relaxed. Maybe they’re off playing somewhere.”
Lin Tianlu and Hua Shuya’s eyes twitched.
This Lunar Valley…
The more they learned about it, the more casual and carefree it seemed.
“Let me open the barrier.” Mao Ruoyu straightened her back and stepped forward, forming hand seals.
A shimmering ripple appeared in front of the gate, becoming more and more distinct as she channeled her Yin energy into it.
After a moment, an opening appeared, like a watery cave, the mist dissipating, revealing a hidden world beyond.
“It should be open now.”
She shook her hands, relieved that she hadn’t forgotten the incantation.
They carefully passed through the gate and entered the estate.
The first thing they saw was a large courtyard.
Lush, ancient trees grew everywhere, their branches casting long shadows. The ground was paved with smooth stone, extending for hundreds of meters, a testament to the grandeur of this place. Numerous ancient buildings stood tall, making it feel like a small town.
“But it seems… quite deserted?”
“It’s getting late. Most of the Lunar Valley residents are probably resting in their rooms.”
Mao Ruoyu felt a surge of anxiety.
At that moment, a figure shot out from the main hall, landing before them with a furious expression.
“Why are you here?!”
Her slender figure in a black dress revealed her identity.
Lin Tianlu bowed and smiled. “Miss Bai Xin, it’s been a while. We’re here to pay a visit. I hope—”
“Get out of here!”
Bai Xin roared and charged towards them, her palm striking out!
Hua Shuya frowned and drew her sword, ready to intercept the attack.
But Lin Tianlu was faster. He flicked his wrist, effortlessly deflecting Bai Xin’s attack. Before she could react, he grabbed her waist and lifted her into the air.
“…”
Her arm was still outstretched, her body leaning forward, her backside sticking out as she blinked in confusion.
—Slap!
A sharp pain on her backside.
Bai Xin’s face flushed crimson, her body trembling with embarrassment.
But Lin Tianlu was even more confused.
Because that slap… wasn’t from him.
“Why are you so agitated, Junior Sister? Attacking us as soon as we arrive.”
Mao Ruoyu’s cheeks were puffed out, her voice filled with reproach. “What if you hurt someone?!”
It was rare to see Madam Mao angry.