Chapter 35 - After Failing to Find Immortality

Is It Something Important? Lin Tianlu carefully observed as the young girl flipped her hand to reveal a small, palm-sized metallic token. “This is...?” “My younger sister and father have both passed away, so I had someone sort through their belongings. Unexpectedly, we discovered quite a few peculiar items.” Discussing the matter at hand, Cheng Yishi’s expression grew slightly serious. “This token is golden on the surface and resistant to fire. Even the renowned craftsmen in the county couldn't determine its material.” So mysterious? Lin Tianlu was astonished and examined it closely. There were no visible seams or mechanisms; it was a solid, heavy piece. However, the skull and crossbones engraved in the center of the token made his expression turn slightly strange. What is this...? A pirate emblem? “I initially wanted those craftsmen to smash it open and examine its internal structure, but this token is extremely hard, indestructible. Even hitting it with an iron hammer left no trace—” Crack! “......” The girl’s words were abruptly cut off, and the two of them immediately exchanged puzzled glances. After a moment of silence, Lin Tianlu sheepishly placed the broken token back on the table. “I-I apologize, Miss Cheng. My curiosity got the better of me, and I accidentally broke the token.” “...It was my oversight.” Cheng Yishi quickly revealed a calm smile, as if she had anticipated this. “With your capabilities, Mister Lin, the so-called indestructible nature of this token was nothing more than a trivial joke.” “You flatter me.” Lin Tianlu awkwardly smiled and flexed his right hand within his sleeve. The token certainly seemed extraordinary, but it crumbled like a brittle rice cracker. He’d never broken anything like bowls or chopsticks at home! “Mister Lin, you needn't concern yourself with it. After all, it’s just a token.” Cheng Yishi teasingly redirected the conversation. “The emblem on this token likely represents a certain faction. I once saw it mentioned in a letter my father wrote.” “Although I hadn't interacted much with my younger sister in recent years, I knew a fair bit about my father. He occasionally locked himself in his study to write letters, but instead of sending them, he would hand them to my sister, as if they were secretly conspiring. Their discussions often involved ‘Ghost Sorcerers.’” “Ghost Sorcerers?” Lin Tianlu raised an eyebrow. It sounded familiar. When he encountered a ghost at the cloth shop a few days ago, the ghost mentioned it in a bizarre posture and with a cold expression. He hadn't paid much attention at the time due to how peculiar it seemed. “Supposedly, it involves using the malevolent power of ghosts to control something called ‘Dark Arts.’ Though still human, their methods are equally bizarre. My father... should have been a Ghost Sorcerer.” Lin Tianlu rubbed his chin, lost in thought. So, in essence, it’s similar to ghost cultivators or demonic cultivators? But the two ghosts he encountered had spoken with disdain. It seemed ghost sorcerers held a rather low status. Although... He hadn’t sensed any supernatural abilities from Cheng Yishi’s father back then. If it weren’t mentioned, he would have remained oblivious. “In their home, we found several ritual-like utensils, mostly covered in dust and rust from long disuse. Only this item stood out.” Saying this, she took out a piece of delicate fabric from her bosom, unfolding it to reveal a carved jade hairpin. Lin Tianlu glanced at it curiously. The entire pin was slender and bright silver, the emerald gem at the top exuding a subtle glow. “I found it by chance in a hidden compartment under the bed. Though it appeared brand new, the servants were afraid to approach due to an inexplicable sense of dread surrounding the pin. They suspected it had some supernatural connection to ghost sorcery.” Lin Tianlu’s eyes narrowed slightly. A faint gray mist twirled around the hairpin. Although it wasn’t as sinister as a ghost’s aura, it was definitely not something an ordinary person should casually handle. Could it have been unearthed from a graveyard? His thoughts churned, and he lightly chuckled. “As long as the jade hairpin stays with you, Miss Cheng, it should be of no concern.” Cheng Yishi’s beautiful eyes widened slightly. “Are you implying that I...” “Do you feel a chilling sensation when holding the hairpin?” “Never.” The girl seemed taken aback and murmured, “Am I truly no different from those ghosts now?” “Though I managed to extract the malevolent energy from your body, the long-term erosion by dark energies can’t be easily reversed.” Lin Tianlu spoke earnestly. “Miss Cheng, you are now part human and part ghost, immune to these malevolent items.” Cheng Yishi fell silent. Her gaze grew complicated as she gently stroked her snow-white hair. The reflection of the candlelight highlighted the paleness of her skin. Everyone believed she turned white-haired overnight due to her family’s death. But she knew well that her body had undergone a significant transformation. Now it was confirmed— After a moment of silence, her expression gradually softened. The trace of sorrow quickly dissipated, replaced by her usual warm smile. “As you say, kindly Mister Lin, there is no inherent good or evil between humans and ghosts. I am now at peace.” Lin Tianlu clasped his hands together and smiled. “Congratulations, Miss Cheng, on resolving your inner conflict and embracing a new beginning.” “All thanks to you.” Cheng Yishi’s eyes rippled with emotion, her voice soft. “Looking back, I realize how foolish it was to sink so deeply into despair, considering ending everything. Your words saved me and I will never forget your kindness.” “There’s no need to be so formal, Miss Cheng.” Lin Tianlu shook his head with a light chuckle, waving his hand. “I just hope Miss Cheng cherishes her life. Live these coming decades to the fullest, without doing anything harmful to herself or others.” Cheng Yishi lowered her eyelids slightly, her silver eyelashes quivering: “But... I truly do not know how to repay your kindness. This life-saving grace, I fear I cannot repay even if I empty my family's coffers. Considering your great talents and virtues, these mundane riches must seem like mere dirt to you.” Lin Tianlu laughed awkwardly. “Please don’t see me as some saint; material wealth may not be my focus, but I still need enough to avoid living on the streets.” Cheng Yishi covered her mouth and laughed softly, her lips curling into a slight smile: “So, after much contemplation, I decided there is only one thing I can offer you.” “And what would that be?” “Myself.” “......” Lin Tianlu froze, almost thinking she was speaking metaphorically. “Wait, Miss Cheng, you mean—” “I mean myself.” Cheng Yishi’s voice grew firm as she stood up and approached him. “For the past few days, I struggled with insomnia, constantly thinking of your words. Even in my dreams... I saw you on an ethereal mountain but could only watch from afar, filled with regret and sorrow.” Lin Tianlu sensed an odd tension and quickly stood up. “Once, I dismissed love and emotions as the source of all troubles, mere sentimental nonsense of ignorant women. But now I understand—” She gracefully approached him, lifting her head slightly. Her gem-like eyes, as red as blood jade, reflected his astonished face. Her lips trembled slightly: “This is, love at first sight.” Lin Tianlu’s mouth twitched. “Before coming to your residence, I was apprehensive. But seeing you again has confirmed my feelings.” Cheng Yishi inched closer, her face blushing like a rose. “Mister Lin, you are in my heart—” “Hold on a moment!” Lin Tianlu raised his hand to stop her, laughing awkwardly as he took a step back. “Miss Cheng, please don’t joke like this. Such intimate words leave me at a loss.” “Alright, then I’ll be straightforward.” Cheng Yishi’s smile took on a hint of madness as she edged even closer, her delicate hands gently caressing her loose-flowing, silvery hair. The thin fabric of her gown and shoulder straps slid down quietly, exposing her smooth, jade-like shoulders and neck as she softly murmured: “Please, show me your mercy.” “......” Lin Tianlu’s smile stiffened. He never expected this girl to be serious! Did women in these ancient-like eras really have such passionate, bold attitudes?! ——Wait! His gaze flickered, noticing intricate patterns on her skin, resembling lotus flowers.