Chapter 152: Peace in the Night Phoenix
The crescent moon rose, casting a faint glow over the courtyard.
Mo Duan’yan didn’t stay long. After bidding them farewell, she hurried away, her face flushed.
Although the misunderstanding had been cleared up, the shocking sight of Yun Yue’s voluptuous figure and revealing attire had left a deep impression on the innocent girl.
“—Did that girl run off in a huff?”
Lin Tianlu returned from the Cheng residence and saw Mo Duan’yan leaving, his eyebrows raised in surprise.
“She was just a little startled.”
Mao Ruoyu chuckled.
She was now dressed in her casual robes, a shawl draped over her shoulders to ward off the late autumn chill, her appearance elegant and dignified, like a wealthy lady.
She blinked her beautiful eyes, her voice filled with concern. “Sir, how is Miss Cheng’s family? I heard something happened to her younger sister.”
“There’s no need to worry. Everything is fine now.”
Lin Tianlu looked towards the house. “How are Yun Yue and Miss Hua getting along?”
“They’re… not very familiar yet.”
He nodded thoughtfully, then continued, “I’m going to take care of the Golden Phoenix Tower matter. Wait for me at home, Madam.”
“Thank you for your hard work, Sir. You’ve been so busy since you returned.” Mao Ruoyu gathered her hair, blown by the autumn wind, and smiled gently. “I’ll prepare some warm noodles for you. Come back soon.”
“Thank you for your consideration, Madam.”
He gently flicked her nose, and Mao Ruoyu’s smile widened, her eyes filled with affection. She stood at the door, watching as he walked away.
But as she turned back to the house, a troubled look appeared on her face.
She didn’t know if the relationship between those two was a good thing or a bad thing.
…
Hua Shuya adjusted her robes and walked towards the pavilion, her expression serious.
A slender figure sat quietly inside, sipping her tea, gazing at the moon.
Her loose robe had slipped down her arm, revealing her delicate shoulders and back, her skin glowing like jade in the moonlight. Her long, white hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall, shimmering with a faint, ethereal light.
“There’s no need to be nervous, Miss Hua. Why don’t you join me and rest for a while?”
Yun Yue turned to look at her, a gentle smile on her lips.
Seeing her smile, Hua Shuya’s eyes flickered. “I’m just surprised that fox demons actually exist.”
She had heard from Madam Mao about what had happened in Jianggai County.
And she had also learned about this powerful fox demon.
“A thousand years is a long time. Many things have changed.”
Yun Yue smiled warmly and took a sip of tea. “Remember that, Miss Hua.”
“Mm.”
Hua Shuya walked into the pavilion and sat down, her gaze fixed on Yun Yue.
Yun Yue raised an eyebrow. “Is something troubling you, Miss Hua?”
“I heard from Madam Mao that she spent six months with you in a dream realm, which is how your relationship developed.”
Hua Shuya’s voice turned slightly cold. “But I don’t have those memories. I don’t know what you’re thinking, Miss Yun Yue. From what I’ve heard, you’re not… entirely harmless.”
Her pointed words surprised Yun Yue.
She hadn’t expected this well-mannered girl to be so direct.
But she quickly understood what Hua Shuya was thinking.
She put down her teacup and chuckled. “Are you worried that I tricked Ruoyu and Tianlu with sweet words?”
“They’re both kind-hearted people.”
Hua Shuya clenched her fists, her voice calm. “Sir has good judgment, and I trust him.”
Yun Yue smiled warmly. “You’re more perceptive than you seem, Miss Hua. Your heart is clear and pure.”
“…”
“Don’t worry, Miss Hua. Tianlu gave me a second chance at life. I’ve let go of my past. I’m content with this peaceful life.”
Yun Yue wasn’t offended. Her smile remained gentle. “It’s normal for you to be wary. I’ll prove myself to you, Miss Hua. Let’s get along.”
Hua Shuya bit her lip and lowered her head slightly.
“I apologize if I offended you, Miss Yun Yue.”
“There’s no offense taken. Your intelligence and honesty are refreshing, Miss Hua.”
Yun Yue’s smile turned playful. “Actually, you’ve always known about Ruoyu and Tianlu’s relationship, haven’t you?”
Hua Shuya’s eyes flickered at this sudden change of topic.
“Madam and Sir are a perfect match.”
“Pfft—”
Yun Yue couldn’t help but chuckle. “You three girls are so alike, even your thoughts are similar.”
Hua Shuya lowered her head, her ears turning pink.
Seeing her adorable attempt to hide her embarrassment, Yun Yue couldn’t help but feel a surge of affection. She reached out and stroked her head.
But Hua Shuya flinched and looked up in confusion. “M-Miss Yun Yue?”
“Ah, my apologies, Shuya. It’s just a habit.”
Yun Yue quickly withdrew her hand and chuckled awkwardly.
But as their eyes met, a strange sense of familiarity washed over them, and silence fell upon the pavilion.
…
—The Golden Phoenix Tower.
It was the brothel that had been renovated from an old building half a month ago.
But instead of the usual bustle and lively atmosphere, the place was now eerily quiet and deserted.
There were no customers, and even the courtesans were nowhere to be seen. Only a few candles flickered in the darkness, casting long shadows.
A woman paced anxiously in front of the entrance.
Behind a silk curtain, another woman seemed to be painting, her voice soft and gentle.
“Chuyun, are you saying that Master Lin is truly… unbeatable?”
“I’m not exaggerating!”
Yao Chuyun nodded quickly. “Sister Ji, I experienced his power firsthand today. He’s as powerful as the rumors say, possessing terrifying cultivation. He might even surpass the Crimson Demon realm, perhaps even the legendary Savage Realm!”
“No wonder the Luo Xing Crimson Beast in Changling County has disappeared.”
The woman with long hair paused her brushstrokes and sighed. “So we’ve walked right into a tiger’s den.”
Yao Chuyun’s expression flickered, and she said urgently, “Sister Ji, we should escape while we still can—”
“Where can we escape to?”
The woman with long hair chuckled, her voice surprisingly calm. “That Master Lin is incredibly powerful. Even if we try to run, we can’t escape his grasp. It’s better to face him calmly and with dignity than to be captured and humiliated.
If he’s merciful, perhaps we can reason with him.”
Yao Chuyun’s heart pounded with anxiety.
She wanted to argue, but she knew it was pointless.
Even a brief confrontation with Lin Tianlu had terrified her. She didn’t dare to have any rebellious thoughts.
Let alone resisting or escaping, she could barely muster the will to even think about running away.
Even now, her legs were still trembling.
“Chuyun, calm down.” The woman with long hair said gently, “We can’t escape fate. Instead of living in fear, why don’t we relax and enjoy some tea, admire the moon, and appreciate some art?”
Yao Chuyun sat down shakily, forcing a smile.
Click
Footsteps sounded.
Yao Chuyun’s heart skipped a beat, and she jumped to her feet, her eyes wide with fear as she looked towards the entrance.
A dark figure slowly emerged from the mist, stepping into the light.
“Master Lin!”
Yao Chuyun quickly bowed, terrified of offending him.
Lin Tianlu glanced around and chuckled. “Before I came here, I imagined a place of extravagance and indulgence. But it’s actually quite elegant and beautiful.”
“Y-you flatter us, Sir.”
“And the woman behind the curtain… is she the mistress of the Golden Phoenix Tower?”
“That’s me.”
The woman with long hair put down her brush and emerged from behind the curtain.
Lin Tianlu’s eyebrows rose in surprise as he saw her face.
“You’re quite beautiful, Miss.”
“Thank you, Sir.”
The woman had delicate features and a slender figure, more like a budding flower than a mature beauty. Her robes gave her a touch of elegance.
“Now that I’ve met you, Master Lin, you don’t seem as terrifying as I imagined. You’re quite kind and refined.”
“You’re a guest, Miss. I’ll naturally treat you with respect.”
Lin Tianlu glanced at the paintings and calligraphy behind the curtain and chuckled. “You seem to have refined tastes, Miss. Why is the Golden Phoenix Tower so quiet tonight?”
“When I heard you were coming, Sir, I naturally closed for business. I didn’t want any distractions to bother you.”
The woman with long hair bowed slightly. “I know why you’re here, Sir.”
“Tell me, what are your thoughts, Miss?”
“Running this brothel, using our charms to entice those scholars, making them lose themselves in pleasure… it might seem excessive to ordinary people.”
The woman with long hair said softly, “But to me, there’s no difference between scholars and ordinary people. They come here because they’re driven by lust. They exchange their money and essence for pleasure. That’s all.”
“You might have a point, Miss.”
Lin Tianlu glanced around, his hands clasped behind his back. “This place is filled with Yin energy and a lingering fragrance of desire. Many of the men who come here are probably seduced by charm techniques, trapped in a cycle of indulgence.”
How could ordinary mortals resist the influence of Yin techniques?
If this continued, the entire town might fall.
“Yin techniques are the foundation of our existence as demons and ghosts. Why shouldn’t we use them?”
The woman with long hair countered, her voice calm and composed. “We haven’t harmed anyone, nor have we taken any lives. We just absorb a little bit of their essence to survive. Do you think that’s against the laws of heaven, Sir?”
Lin Tianlu smiled faintly.
This girl wanted to have a debate with him?
“It’s natural for demons and ghosts to use Yin techniques.”
He shrugged. “But those mortals can’t handle it. To them, it’s a disaster that can tear their families apart.”
“That’s always been the relationship between demons and ghosts and mortals.”
The woman with long hair chuckled softly. “Or do you think the laws of heaven are unfair, the rules are flawed, and that we demons and ghosts have to constantly yield to mortals to deserve a place in this world? Otherwise, we should be punished and eradicated?”
“You possess great power, Sir. You could easily destroy Chuyun and me with a wave of your hand. To you, we’re no different from those powerless mortals. Our lives are in your hands. So why not show us some mercy, Sir? Grant us your favor and protection?”
Lin Tianlu shook his head with a smile.
“You’re quite eloquent, Miss. Have you prepared this speech in advance?”
“I’m just speaking from the heart.”
The woman with long hair smiled gently. “Now that I’ve met you, Sir, I know that you’re a kind and compassionate man. You must have felt pity for those mortals, which is why you helped them. And you’re here to reprimand us.
But I tend to overthink things. I couldn’t help but ask those questions. Please forgive my boldness, Sir. If you want to punish us, punish me. Chuyun had nothing to do with—”
“I have no intention of punishing you.” Lin Tianlu waved his hand dismissively. “On the contrary, I think you have a point.”
“Hmm?”
The woman with long hair was surprised. “Sir, what do you mean…?”
“You’re saying that my methods are too harsh. Restricting your actions will only breed resentment and discontent.”
Lin Tianlu walked over to the table and examined the landscape painting on it. “But what are your true thoughts, Miss?”
The woman’s eyes flickered.
“I…”
She opened her mouth, but no words came out.
“You have the power to act recklessly, but the bloodlust surrounding you is faint. Your aura is pure and calm. It’s clear that you haven’t harmed anyone in years. If you truly despise mortals, why would you restrain yourself?”
Lin Tianlu smiled. “This painting is quite beautiful. The landscape is vast and majestic, yet you’ve also captured the delicate beauty of the flowers and grass. You’ve focused on this small patch of greenery within this grand scenery. Does it reflect your true desires?”
The woman’s eyes lit up, and a smile appeared on her lips.
“You understand art, Sir?”
“As a scholar, how could I not?”
Lin Tianlu traced the painting with his finger. “You find solace in nature, yet you’re also drawn to the mortal world, to the simple pleasures of life. You just need a reason to let go of your pride as a demon, to embrace humanity.
And I… am here to give you that reason.”
He looked at her intently. “Let go of your suspicion and malice, Miss. Embrace humanity. It’s not too late to turn back.”
The woman was silent for a moment.
Then she chuckled. “You’re quite the sophist, Sir.”
“Weren’t you using sophistry to confuse me just now?” Lin Tianlu chuckled. “Sophistry for sophistry. Are you satisfied, Miss?”
“Satisfied, very satisfied!”
The woman with long hair nodded repeatedly, her smile radiant.
“Your words have convinced me, Sir. I’ll stop using charm techniques in my establishment. Everything will depend on fate.”
“But, my Golden Phoenix Tower—”
“The laws of the county don’t forbid it. I won’t interfere.” Lin Tianlu chuckled. “As long as you follow the rules and do good deeds, I believe the people of Changling will eventually accept you.”
The woman with long hair smiled and bowed. “Thank you for your guidance, Sir.
I was skeptical at first, but you’re truly as extraordinary as Sister Ren described.”
“Sister Ren?”
Lin Tianlu raised an eyebrow. “Are you talking about… Ren Yinshan?”
“Yes.”
“No wonder you two are so alike in your actions.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled.
Fate was truly a wonderful thing.
He had encountered two women connected to Ren Yinshan in just half a month.
“Sister Ren took care of me many years ago. I learned a lot from her teachings, so I wouldn’t dare to break the rules or harm anyone.”
The woman with long hair gathered her hair and smiled. “But I’m different from Sister Ren. She’s always been pure and innocent, never experiencing the pleasures of the flesh. She takes good care of the girls she shelters, never forcing them to do anything they don’t want to do.
But I have a lustful nature, Sir. I enjoy the pleasures of the flesh. You’ve shown us kindness, and I have nothing to offer in return, so how about I use my skills to please you—”
“Cough, cough!”
Lin Tianlu’s expression turned strange, and he coughed loudly, interrupting her. He bowed apologetically. “I’m sorry, Miss, but I’m a married man. It wouldn’t be appropriate.
And it’s getting late. My wife is waiting for me at home. I’ll have to take my leave. Thank you for your kind offer. Perhaps we’ll meet again someday.”
He quickly turned and walked away.
“Farewell, Sir!”
The woman with long hair followed him to the door, waving and smiling. “Sister Ren might be visiting Changling soon, Sir. Don’t forget about her!”
“Thank you for letting me know!”
As Lin Tianlu disappeared into the distance, the woman chuckled softly. “That Master Lin is more innocent than I imagined. Quite the gentleman.”
Yao Chuyun walked over, stunned that this major crisis had been averted so easily.
But she was confused. “Sister Ji, why did you make yourself sound so… unrefined? You’ve always been pure and innocent, following Sister Ren’s teachings…”
“Hehe~”
The woman with long hair chuckled softly. “That Master Lin is extraordinary, a perfect match for Sister Ren. It wouldn’t be appropriate for someone like me to interfere. And I don’t want to offend Sister Ren, so I might as well lower myself and sever any connection, to avoid misunderstandings.”
“But that man saw through the true meaning of my painting with a single glance—”
She looked back at the painting on the table and chuckled. “No wonder Sister Ren spoke of him with such longing, her face flushed like a lovestruck girl.”
“Eh?”
Yao Chuyun was surprised. “Did Sister Ren really blush?”
“You haven’t known her for long, so you wouldn’t understand. She’s reserved and composed, having seen the world for many years. Her heart is usually calm and unmoved. If she wasn’t truly smitten, she wouldn’t show such emotion.”
The woman with long hair sighed softly. “Sister Ren is capable and intelligent. The man who captured her heart must be a true soulmate. But…”
Her expression turned strange. “It seems that Master Lin is already married. What is Sister Ren thinking?”