Chapter 38 - After Failing to Find Immortality

The thick thunderclouds that had loomed over Changling County slowly dispersed. The townspeople, who had just been terrified into sitting paralyzed on the ground, now wore bewildered expressions, as if still in shock, remaining silent for a long time. The horrific oppression resembling dark clouds bearing down, coupled with earth-shaking thunderclaps, had instilled fear and panic in everyone within Changling County. Only after seeing the sunlight outside did the townspeople, their faces peculiar, step out from their houses, taverns, and shops. Confirming that the sky was clear of any anomalies, they began to talk to each other with lingering fear in their hearts. “That thunder just now really scared the life out of me!” “In all my years, I’ve never seen such frightening thunder! Could it be that the heavens are angry?” “This autumn wind has become really fresh, taking a deep breath in, there's an oddly soothing feeling in my chest.” ... “How is this possible——” Inside the county magistrate's office, County Magistrate Tang stood with a face full of shock, staring at the sky. The civil and military officials beside him were so terrified by the thunder that they fell to the ground, unaware, but in that split second, he had seen it with his own eyes—— The purple-black heavenly thunder, which had struck down from the sky, suddenly halted in mid-air, then jerked erratically as if bent by some external force, striking the ground in an inexplicable manner... It was as if an external force had forcibly diverted it in mid-air! “What exactly has happened to Changling County?” He involuntarily muttered, his gaze vacant. ... On West Street. Lin Tianlu abruptly halted, raising his head to look at the suddenly clear sky, his face full of bewilderment. Moments ago, torrential rain and booming thunder had filled the air, but in the next second, everything disappeared, and the sky cleared as if it had just changed its face. Wait! Lin Tianlu's expression soon turned grim. He had been too anxious earlier and had not noticed. Now, after thinking it over, the sudden and eerie appearance of that thunder, with such an unusual force, did not seem like an ordinary thunderstorm but more like some kind of heavenly tribulation? Anyway, it wasn't the time to dwell on these trivial matters. Madam Mao was still— “Mr. Lin?” A soft murmur from the woman in his arms caused him to quickly look down and say, “Madam Mao, you shouldn't... huh?” He widened his eyes slightly. The beautiful woman in his arms, who had been on the verge of fainting, had now returned to normal. Mao Ruoyu, her face flushed, leaned against his arm, her hands unconsciously pressed against her front in a nervous manner. This action caused her ample bosom to almost burst out of her clothes, her graceful curves pressed against the man’s chest, making her blush-covered body gently tremble as if shyness had overcome her. She took a few deep breaths, suppressing her faint voice, “I— I'm fine now.” Lin Tianlu’s face was puzzled. “All better so quickly?” “Earlier, it felt like a heavy oppressive force from the sky made it hard to breathe, with a stifling sensation in the chest.” Mao Ruoyu's gentle, demure voice carried soft sighs, “But now that the sky has cleared, that oppressive feeling has vanished. Perhaps there was some extreme yang energy in that strange spectacle in the sky, making me feel uneasy.” “No other discomfort?” Lin Tianlu looked skeptical. Upon hearing this, it seemed there was indeed something odd about that thunder. “None whatsoever.” Mao Ruoyu lowered her head, looking shy, “Although I felt a bit drowsy earlier, I vaguely heard Mr. Lin's rough shouting.” “Uh... Forgive me, Madam, I was just…” “It's fine. You were worried about my safety, which makes me feel somewhat pleased.” Mao Ruoyu couldn't help but smile softly, “But now that I am well, there’s no need for you to get angry again, as I wouldn’t want you to ruin your mood.” Lin Tianlu responded with a wry smile, “Seeing you almost faint just now, how could I possibly laugh?” “However, let's still take you to the medical clinic for a checkup since we’re right at the door. It would be troublesome if there are any lingering issues. It’s best to get a thorough exam by the doctor.” “The clinic is right here?” Mao Ruoyu looked surprised and then turned to see. With a sweeping glance, she noticed the entrance to the clinic right in front of them, and several people in front of the clinic were eyeing them, their eyes showing both surprise and envy. “Ugh——” Mao Ruoyu felt her body heat up, and she couldn’t help but cover her face coyly, “Mr. Lin, please put me down first. People are staring.” “Can you walk on your own?” “Yes, no problem.” “In that case, I’m sorry for the inconvenience.” Lin Tianlu awkwardly smiled and gently set the beautiful woman down, supporting her as they entered the clinic together. ... After a pulse examination, the elderly doctor in his long robe stroked his beard and pondered, “This young lady's constitution is quite healthy, with abundant blood and a strong, steady pulse, showing no signs of discomfort whatsoever.” Lin Tianlu was astonished, “Doctor, is she really all right?” “I’ve been practicing medicine and diagnosing illnesses for decades, so I have this much confidence.” The elderly doctor chuckled, “This young lady indeed is free from any illness. In fact, in my entire life of diagnosing various women, her physical condition is the most excellent, with a perfect physique. According to feng shui beliefs, she might be someone with a very fortunate life and could bring great luck to her husband and sons.” “This...” Lin Tianlu was tremendously surprised. This Madam Mao had previously fainted from anemia and even had nosebleeds from excessive blood circulation, yet now she was in perfect health? He, feeling perplexed, quickly described all these previously mentioned symptoms. “Such strange occurrences?” The elderly doctor showed a puzzled expression upon hearing this and immediately took her pulse again. But after a thorough examination, he still shook his head. “Forgive me for lacking in medical skills, but I really cannot identify any illness within this young lady's body.” “It’s—it's nothing…” Mao Ruoyu shyly interjected, “I currently feel fine, so there’s no need for the doctor to worry.” Lin Tianlu was about to speak when he felt his sleeve being gently tugged, so he pondered briefly before nodding slightly, “Thank you, Doctor. Since there's nothing wrong, we won’t disturb you further.” “Mr. Lin.” At that moment, the elderly doctor suddenly spoke up, “I have dabbled a bit in feng shui practices, though not proficient. According to your descriptions of the symptoms, the young lady might not have physical issues but rather might have come into contact with something unclean. Just be mindful of that.” “Thank you for the advice; I will remember it.” Lin Tianlu bowed respectfully. ... After paying some fees for the pulse diagnosis, he led Mao Ruoyu out of the clinic. “Sir——” Mao Ruoyu quickly grabbed his sleeve, speaking softly, “You really needn’t worry. I fainted before because I encountered malevolent spirits in that sea of fire. As for the nosebleed a few days ago, it was because your yang energy is too overwhelming for me to bear.” Lin Tianlu was surprised, “Can you sense so-called yang energy?” Mao Ruoyu gently combed her hair, smiling faintly, “I can sense yin energy, so naturally, I can also see yang energy. You, in my eyes, are as warm as a furnace.” Hearing this, he curiously looked at his hands. So much yang energy? But I am not some fitness enthusiast. With his tender and fair skin, he resembled an ordinary scholar more. “Since all is well, let’s quickly return home.” Mao Ruoyu quietly moved closer, stealing glances at the person walking beside her. Thinking back to how this usually calm and composed man had become so anxious for her sake, her eyes filled with a soft light, her tone becoming more tender and alluring, “With your thoughtful care, I am deeply grateful. Today, I should cook more dishes to reward you.” Lin Tianlu chuckled, “In that case, I will have profited greatly.” ... As soon as they reached their home and pushed open the courtyard gate, an acrid burnt smell hit them immediately. Lin Tianlu quickly walked into the courtyard, only to be struck dumb by what he saw. “Sir? What happened—” Following behind, Mao Ruoyu was equally stunned upon seeing the sight. The once lush locust tree in their courtyard had turned into a charred, dead tree, with thin fragments constantly falling off its branches, creating a pitiful scene. What happened here?