Chapter 36 - After Failing to Find Immortality

Though the air was filled with a seductive fragrance, he remained focused, quickly settling his mind and gazing inwardly at the scenery within the Taiyi Mountain inside him. In the distance, he saw a solitary white lotus exuding a strange gray aura. "Indeed, it’s a disturbance caused by yin energy." Lin Tianlu promptly gathered his spiritual energy into his palm and struck the girl's fragrant shoulder with a swift motion. Cheng Yishi trembled all over, and the surrounding yin energy instantly scattered. The exquisite pattern on her chest, resembling a lotus, receded into her skin, leaving only a faint budding pattern at her heart. The alluring charm that exuded from her demeanor also became restrained, reverting to her previous elegance. "..." She blinked her beautiful eyes in confusion. Seeing her expression improve, Lin Tianlu secretly sighed in relief. Thanks to Madam Mao’s frequent visits to assist him in training his concentration. Even though the girl's figure was just as alluring as her own, the sheer impact wasn't as overwhelming in terms of size. Not bad, he could handle it. He calmed himself slightly but, glancing at the full curves supported by the girl's slender arms, coughed lightly and quickly turned his back: "Miss Cheng, please calm down and don’t panic. The disturbance in your mind was caused by your unfamiliarity with controlling the yin energy within you. But there’s no need to worry. This yin energy won’t harm you; you just need to cultivate your mind and spend some time in the sun, and you won’t lose control like this again." Hearing no further commotion behind him, Lin Tianlu relaxed his tone: "Naturally, this yin energy could also bring some benefits. With a little cultivation, you might even gain unique abilities like those who practice ghost techniques, making life much more convenient." Cheng Yishi quietly listened to his patient explanation and advice, looking down at her disheveled clothes with a distressed expression. Did... did the gentleman misunderstand something? "Miss Cheng, have you put your clothes back on?" "...Wait a moment." Cheng Yishi sighed softly and then re-tied her robe, covering the exposure promptly. But when she looked at Lin Tianlu again, there was a hint of admiration in her eyes. Even with beauty in his arms, he remained unwavering, always a gentleman. It might take someone with a pure and honest heart to cultivate such astounding abilities with righteousness. If she forced him any further, he would likely become discontent. Realizing this, Cheng Yishi spoke gently, "Sir, you may turn around now." Lin Tianlu turned back around, clasping his hands together with a wry smile, "Miss Cheng, I apologize for the earlier offense." "No need to blame yourself, sir. It was I who lost my composure momentarily." Seeing the gentle and thoughtful girl before him, Lin Tianlu felt a great burden lift from his heart and said seriously, "Should your yin energy become stagnant at any time, you may come to me for assistance." "Thank you for your concern.” Cheng Yishi gracefully bowed, lightly pressing her lips together. “But Sir, I really don't know how to repay such kindness...” "Actually... ah, right!" Lin Tianlu clapped his hands suddenly, "Miss Cheng, please wait here for a moment. I need to retrieve something." He quickly ran to the study and returned with a map, pointing to a specific location. "Miss Cheng, do you recognize this place?" "This... is Fuyang County?" Cheng Yishi looked puzzled, "Why does this place interest you, sir?" Lin Tianlu pondered and explained, "It’s hard to elaborate clearly, but this place holds significant importance to me. Any information about Fuyang County would be immensely helpful." Cheng Yishi smiled gracefully and said, "Rest assured, Sir. Fuyang County is a central hub in the province, situated along crucial trade routes. Our Cheng family’s trade route passes through it, with monthly dispatches for procurement. In a few days, I will send some people to gather information. Perhaps we can find something of interest to you." "I can't thank you enough!" Lin Tianlu bowed deeply. "I appreciate your assistance greatly, Miss Cheng." "Helping you is my honor." Her eyes sparkled as she elegantly bowed, "It’s not early anymore, so I won't stay long. But... may I still visit you on regular days?" Seeing the girl's slightly raised, moist eyes, Lin Tianlu chuckled, "Miss Cheng, feel free to visit anytime. I won’t turn away guests." Hearing this, the girl’s serene and elegant smile blossomed. ... The two soon walked out of the hall, heading to the front door. Just as Lin Tianlu was about to bid farewell, Cheng Yishi suddenly glanced towards the inner courtyard. At the same moment, Mao Ruoyu’s figure appeared in the shadows of the corridor, and their gazes met unexpectedly. In an instant, both of their eyes sharpened. "This girl... doesn’t seem human!" "This girl... is like a seductress!" Their glances, sharp as blades, briefly intersected before parting. "Miss Cheng?" Seeing Lin Tianlu express his confusion, Cheng Yishi subtly withdrew her lingering gaze, resuming her warm smile, "Sir, you need not send me further. My carriage awaits." "Safe journey, Miss Cheng." Lin Tianlu said solemnly, "Should you feel unwell, don't bear it alone." "..." Watching her board the carriage and depart, Lin Tianlu finally closed the courtyard gate. With a light sigh, he thought: Who would have thought, he acted like the legendary Liu Xia Hui, helping a beautiful woman regain her composure instead of taking advantage of her. In modern times, this might have earned him ridicule. However, he truly had little desire. The girl’s family had recently suffered misfortunes, and she had just resolved suicidal thoughts. Taking advantage of her in such a disturbed state would be highly inappropriate. Of course— "Thank goodness Madam Mao never tried this approach." Lin Tianlu clicked his tongue lightly. But after pondering a moment, he took out a broken token hidden in his sleeve, his gaze turning contemplative. This matter warrants attention. ... Next day, at noon. After finishing his meal, Lin Tianlu went to the courtyard alone, hands clasped behind his back, gazing at the sky in silent contemplation. The incidents entwined with darkness in this world seemed numerous. The family behind Cheng, both father and daughter, might be part of an organization lurking in the shadows. Even if it’s just a 'possibility,' it should not be underestimated. Though he possessed spiritual energy for protection and a robust physique, possibly manipulating yin and evil forces within a wave of the hand—if these ghosts involved truly belonged to a demonic sect, where cultivators could move mountains and alter ecosystems with a flicker—could he hold his stance in a conflict... It’s uncertain. Up to now, he hadn't witnessed the true capabilities of 'cultivators' in this world. Moreover, his current repertoire consisted of the spiritual lock summoned from the Taiyi Mountain, and the newly learned Phantom Dragon Steps. The rest revolved around instinctively manipulating some spiritual energy. "I indeed need to master some proper techniques." Lin Tianlu pondered briefly and then fetched a branch from the locust tree nearby, mimicking Hua Shuyuan's usual sword gestures, assuming a starting posture. Following the thirteen forms of the Breaking Army Sword Technique, he swung the branch one by one. Considering his current physique, he performed reasonably well. However, after only a few swings, Lin Tianlu stopped awkwardly. "Alright, this sword technique seems designed for women." Despite its free and bold style, these thirteen forms incorporated a certain feminine grace, evident in the swaying waist movements. "I should have asked Mr. Mo Hong for a proper sword manual back then... though his might be a senior version of a health-preservation sword technique." Grumbling to himself, he casually swung the branch a couple of times, then straightened up and re-enacted the technique. Now it felt smoother, gained some authenticity. Boom! Suddenly, dark clouds loomed overhead, thunder roared, seemingly ready to unleash a downpour. Lin Tianlu glanced at the rapidly darkening sky, quickly threw the branch away, and called towards the house, “Madam Mao, do you still have clothes outside? It seems a fall rain is coming!” Crack!! Another loud thunder echoed, even more intense, with the sound of wind and thunder becoming increasingly overwhelming! Inside the house, Mao Ruoyu's face turned pale, staring at the window in terror. Such a suffocating, oppressive feel... Is this really just a sign of autumn rain?