Chapter 39 - After Failing to Find Immortality

Lin Tianlu's expression twitched with a hint of oddity. Looking at the sorry state of this locust tree... What kind of torment has it endured? As he walked closer, he saw the tree was covered in scorch marks from lightning, with cracks spreading from the top all the way to the flower bed. The surrounding flowers and plants had turned to ash, with black smoke rising. Could it be that when he angrily shouted earlier, the heavens truly sent down punishment? When he had yelled on Mount Taiyi before, the response only came after half a month. Now it seemed like it had upgraded to a 5G signal, reacting this fast. Moreover, this lightning didn’t strike him but instead hit the tree in his yard... Was this a misfired meat bomb strike? Lost in his thoughts, Lin Tianlu soon frowned. —No, something’s wrong. He rubbed his chin, deep in thought. Recalling carefully, the gathering of thunderclouds clearly happened before he shouted at the sky. At that time, he was just focusing on rushing home and didn’t look up at the sky. But he did see the reflection of the strange lightning, which was quite unusual. Moreover, his curse-like shouts seemed to have caused the tree to be struck by lightning and quickly disappear? Could it be that he indeed had the power to make things happen just by speaking? He'd always thought it was a joke and didn’t take it seriously, especially since Huai Shuyan coming up the mountain was just a coincidence. But now— Maybe there was something mystical about it. “Master, since this tree was struck by lightning, why not remove it from the courtyard?” As Lin Tianlu pondered, Mao Ruoyu’s voice broke the silence. Her thoughts were also tumultuous. After all, locust trees are yin-oriented, and planting one in a home can disrupt the feng shui. To her, the tree getting struck by lightning must mean its yin energy was too intense. As for where the tree came from... She had intentionally planted it. Mao Ruoyu felt both regret and a bit of relief. In the past, to more easily capture the energy and vigor of the residents, she deliberately set many arrangements in the courtyard to gather yin energy, enhancing her long-range yin techniques. But after meeting and getting to know Lin Tianlu, she repented and quietly dismantled most of the arrangements at home. Yet, she didn’t know what to do with this tree. A few days ago, she even climbed a ladder to the tree, trying to use some methods to gather the accumulated yin energy to prevent it from clashing with the home's yang energy, which could harm Miss Hua and Mr. Lin... Though midway, some laughable misunderstandings occurred. Now, seeing the tree destroyed, she hurriedly spoke up, feeling a bit relieved. “You’re right, Madam. Having this charcoal stump standing in the courtyard is indeed inappropriate.” Lin Tianlu set aside his thoughts for now, planning to uproot the charred locust tree. He could later find some seeds and plant a new one. “—Hmm?” Just as he touched the surface of the tree, Lin Tianlu’s expression shifted. He immediately raised his hand and said, “Madam Mao, wait a moment.” Mao Ruoyu stopped in her tracks, looking surprised, “What’s the matter?” “It seems there’s still some residual electricity in the tree’s trunk.” Lin Tianlu’s eyes narrowed, revealing an astonishing sight, as strange lights danced before him. A large amount of peculiar lightning was flowing erratically within the charred trunk. “There’s something about this lightning...” At that moment, the mysterious lightning seemed to find an outlet and surged outward instantly! Boom—!! A deafening thunderclap reverberated, audible for miles. The sudden roar scared Mao Ruoyu so much that she fell to the ground, her face pale with fear. “Master?!” Lin Tianlu was shrouded in dark lightning, the electricity bursting in all directions! Mao Ruoyu was alarmed, quickly getting to her feet. Even just looking at the lightning made her heart tremble, the aura brushing her face made her feel stiff all over. If hit directly, even iron bodies would be charred black! —Dangerous! Gritting her teeth, she prepared to use her yin techniques to save him. But the scene before her stunned her into inaction. Lin Tianlu casually patted his body, the electric light dissipating like a fleeting shadow, leaving only faint wisps of smoke rising from his clothes. “You’re okay?” “I’m fine.” Lin Tianlu turned to her with a smile, “Despite its ominous color, the lightning is quite weak.” Momentarily taken aback, he thought there was some sudden mishap. But as the lightning struck him, he realized— Wait— He got electrocuted? Despite the intimidating display, the energy within the lightning wasn’t too astonishing, dispersing with a couple of pats. Kind of like static electricity in winter? Of course, Lin Tianlu didn’t actually regard this lightning as mere static; there was no static electricity in the world that’s purple-black. “Could this be some sort of heavenly tribulation?” Lin Tianlu glanced curiously at the sky. During his few weeks in Changling County, he had come to understand that his body brimming with spiritual energy could potentially attract tribulations like in those cultivation novels—such as tribulation lightning when ascending to a higher realm. For instance, advancing from Qi Refining to Golden Core or Golden Core to Nascent Soul... although he merely had a mountain within him. But the color of this tribulation lightning was a bit baffling. After all, novels often depicted a variety of lightning colors, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet, like a color palette. He wasn’t sure what kind or level of lightning this was supposed to be. And the power of this lightning wasn’t much; it only damaged a tree in the yard without even touching the house. Quite underwhelming. The only notable thing was... it was pretty noisy. Thunder without much storm, could that be it? Lin Tianlu shook his head. Made this celestial thunder look bad. “You’re sure you’re alright, Master?” Mao Ruoyu hurriedly approached, gently touching him all over, fearing there might be hidden injuries. Lin Tianlu sheepishly brushed her off, “No need to worry, Madam. I’m really fine.” Seeing him unharmed, not even his clothes damaged much, Mao Ruoyu breathed a sigh of relief. “That scared me to death. Where did this strange lightning come from?” “I’m also clueless.” Lin Tianlu clasped his hands respectfully, “But the thunder has passed. Madam, please rest assured and go back inside. I’ll take care of the courtyard.” “I... huh?” Mao Ruoyu blinked in surprise, looking at the charred tree stump beside her, “Master, look at the tree—” Lin Tianlu quickly turned around. The previously charred locust tree’s blackened bark was peeling off, revealing a layer of fresh, unmarred bark beneath it! “What’s happening?” Lin Tianlu murmured. As soon as he spoke, a gentle breeze blew through, scattering all the charred bits into ash, revealing a peculiar and twisted locust tree trunk underneath! Though smaller in scale, with all its branches and leaves gone, leaving only the bare trunk, it was smooth as jade and beautiful, glimmering faintly in the sunlight. And most surprising of all— An unmistakable sword hilt jutted out from the twisted trunk! Lin Tianlu was stunned. The heavenly lightning struck and out popped a sword from the tree? After steadying himself, he reached out, grasped the hilt, and pulled hard. Sizzles and sparks flew out from the tree trunk, like a supreme blade unsheathed. But upon drawing the sword out, Lin Tianlu was surprised to find it made of wood, coated with a golden hue, looking quite sturdy. Faint electric sparks could still be seen, etching mysterious patterns into the blade. Mao Ruoyu, standing nearby, was even more astonished, murmuring with her lips covered, “Heavenly thunder, a sword born within the tree, infused with the intent of flame and lightning... such a bizarre phenomenon?” In her twenty-plus years, she had never heard of such an odd tale. Not even those ancient anecdotal novels or strange chronicles had such records. Mao Ruoyu calmed herself, a smile forming. This might be a heavenly gift for Mr. Lin? “This sword coming from the sky, landing in our home, must be a sign. Shouldn't you name it, Master?” “A name?” Lin Tianlu flicked the sword lightly, “How about the Thunderfire Sword?” “Thunderfi—” “Ahem! Just joking. For a proper name, let’s call it ‘Huai Sword’ (Locust Sword).” “Simple yet meaningful—” Seeing the beautiful woman beside him lost in thought, Lin Tianlu chuckled, casually reinserting the wooden sword into the tree trunk. “What’s this, Master?” “I’m not one for swordsmanship, carrying it around would be a hassle. If Madam likes it, feel free to use it for self-defense.”