Chapter 49 - After Failing to Find Immortality

Lin Tianlu was taken aback at the sight of the array of gleaming weapons before him. “Miss Cheng, you...” “I only hope Sir can be understanding.” With a soft smile and an elegant bow, Cheng Yishi said, “I wish to learn some self-defense from you, Sir.” “Learn skills?” Lin Tianlu was quite surprised. Cheng Yishi quickly continued in a gentle tone, “Although Sir usually presents himself as a scholar, I can perceive that there must be extraordinary abilities you possess. That Miss Hua seems to be exceptional in martial arts, yet she often follows you closely. It must be due to her persistent hard work and diligence, striving to meet your expectations.” Why does this sound a bit odd? Lin Tianlu chuckled awkwardly and gestured with his hands, suggesting, “Let's discuss this inside the courtyard, Miss Cheng.” Seeing a white-haired woman standing on the street with a sack full of weapons might frighten any passerby to death. “However, let me... uh?” Before he could finish speaking, Lin Tianlu's expression froze. Cheng Yishi was effortlessly dragging the sack, walking into the courtyard with ease. This bag of real knives and swords must weigh at least two to three hundred pounds, right? “—Ah!” Cheng Yishi suddenly halted, her delicate face tensing as if realizing something belatedly, and she quickly loosened her grip, turning around with a barely forced smile, “Sir, my hands and feet are feeling a bit sore. Could you help me a bit? This heavy load... I truly cannot carry it any further.” Lin Tianlu laughed out loud and stepped forward to assist with the bag, “Miss Cheng’s strength has indeed grown.” Cheng Yishi's face flushed red, and she remained silent. … Once back in the courtyard, Lin Tianlu quickly placed the weapons on the ground, clapped his hands, and asked, “Why would a lady like you wish to learn martial arts?” A well-read, refined young lady suddenly deciding to diligently practice martial arts… Indeed peculiar. Cheng Yishi gently touched her gradually cooling, blushing cheek and softly said, “Now that I have an influx of Yin energy within me, I am half-human, half-ghost, much stronger than ordinary people. I'd like to learn some martial techniques to make good use of my condition, so I won’t end up helpless against evildoers in the future.” Lin Tianlu looked at her with some surprise. It seems the significant changes in Cheng’s household have indeed brought about substantial changes in her. However, this is undeniably a commendable initiative. Even in their current societal context, a delicate young lady learning martial arts was quite unusual. But a woman mastering some self-defense techniques not only ensures her safety but also strengthens her body, making her less prone to illnesses, a double benefit. Though, given Cheng Yishi's current Yin body, she likely doesn’t have to worry about ordinary illnesses at all. After a moment of silence, Cheng Yishi couldn't help but lower her head and softly say, “Sir, am I being too bothersome, disturbing your peace and rest? If not appropriate, I will not persist. I would leave after a brief interruption…” “No worries. It’s still far from my bedtime. Besides, Miss Cheng’s determination is admirable. Helping, if I can, is naturally my duty.” “But ultimately, this is causing you trouble for nothing. I assure you, Sir, you will receive satisfactory compensation afterwards!” “Your thoughtful intention is enough.” Lin Tianlu waved his hand with a smile, “Alright, let’s get back to the main point. Although I can’t teach you any advanced martial arts, I can offer some rudimentary guidance.” Given his cultivation of immortality, even though he had been exposed to martial arts for less than half a month, transforming him into a master overnight was implausible. Yet, he could surely guide a novice with ease. Hearing this, Cheng Yishi's eyes sparkled, “Please, instruct me, Mr. Lin!” “Before guiding you, I must ask... Miss Cheng, what kind of weapon do you wish to learn?” Lin Tianlu casually picked a long sword from the sack and weighed it, “Sword practice?” “Huh?” Cheng Yishi was dumbfounded. For a moment, she appeared quite perplexed, “Do I need to decide on the weapon myself?” She was not well-versed in martial arts and had only heard rumors. Naturally, she assumed that the ‘master’ would help her choose. Hence, she had brought along a myriad of weapons when she came to seek apprenticeship. But she didn’t anticipate having to choose herself now, leaving her quite flummoxed. “The choice of weapon depends on your preference,” Lin Tianlu smiled, “If you don’t like it, why practice it?” “You’re right, Sir.” Cheng Yishi appeared conflicted as she gazed at the dazzling array of weapons, pondering for a long moment. In the end, however, her eyes lingered on a... ...an axe. Lin Tianlu’s eye twitched involuntarily. A delicate lady and a heavy iron axe... an odd pairing indeed. As it happened, when Miss Cheng dealt with her sister, she had wielded a cold axe. Could this be… destiny? “Sir, is using an axe too odd?” Cheng Yishi also sensed something off and seemed a bit hesitant. “It’s no problem. For self-defense, there’s no noticeable difference between a sword, a knife, or an axe.” Lin Tianlu casually picked up the axe, weighing it in his hand. Given his current physical condition, this iron axe weighing about twenty to thirty pounds felt as light as cotton in his grasp. “Miss Cheng, I myself have not intensely delved into martial arts. The few techniques I know are merely poor imitations from Miss Hua. You just need to observe. Ultimately, you must practice and ponder them rigorously on your own.” “I will keep that in mind!” Lin Tianlu brought the axe to an open space in the courtyard, pondering for a moment. He slowly lifted the axe blade. Before transmigrating or even after, he had never used an axe before. Nevertheless, all martial arts share a common origin. From the Thirteen Styles of Pojun Swordsmanship, he could roughly derive some corresponding axe techniques, adapting them with his insights. Cheng Yishi watched with wide-eyed fascination, focusing intently. The next moment, Lin Tianlu swung the axe swiftly, stepping and generating powerful gusts of wind, continuously performing nine forms, gathering strength with each move, before finally striking down with the axe. Of course, it was merely an approximation of an axe technique. “That’s roughly it.” Lin Tianlu nodded slightly, put down the axe, and turned to the pavilion, “Miss Cheng, did you discern anything?” However, Cheng Yishi had a bewildered expression. It seemed she couldn't make much sense of the simplified axe moves. “Looks like I’m really not cut out to teach,” Lin Tianlu coughed awkwardly. Clearly, he had successfully guided Miss Hua just a few days prior, but now it wasn’t working. Could it depend on the individual? He beckoned, “Miss Cheng, try it yourself. I’ll guide you closely.” Obediently, Cheng Yishi stepped forward quickly. She carefully took hold of the axe handle with both hands, assuming a stance. After a moment of silence, she glanced back with a helpless expression, “Sir, I don’t know how to use this axe.” Lin Tianlu chuckled internally, stepped up, and placed his hands over hers, guiding her slowly through the movements. “Observe carefully. You must use the axe this way. Don’t rely solely on your arms; you must engage your whole body.” “……” Cheng Yishi’s face turned red, and she shrank back like a little creature, her shoulders trembling slightly. Feeling the warmth of his proximity, a flush of restlessness surged within her, momentarily distracting her from thinking about the axe or its technique, with her thoughts drifting toward the almost embracing Lin Tianlu behind her. The embrace she longed for… It was right behind her, merely inches away. With each swing of the axe, guided hand-in-hand by Lin Tianlu, she mirrored his movements, walking back and forth in the courtyard, but her mind grew increasingly scattered, her earlobes turning hot and red. In a haze, a peculiar feeling surged within her, amplifying the emotions she’d struggled to suppress, building up like a brewing storm. Her eyes, resembling blood jade, suddenly glowed, and intricate patterns subtly emerged under her dress, tracing a lotus mark along her delicate collarbone. As she should have advanced, she instead stepped back, pressing her cool body against Lin Tianlu, trembling slightly, uttering a satisfied, soft gasp, a seductive aura enveloping her face. “Uh?” Lin Tianlu tensed momentarily, surprised by her sudden shift from learning martial arts to seemingly seducing him. Wait! With a bemused expression, he released his grip and stepped back, watching in amazement as Cheng Yishi elegantly wielded the axe, her movements fluid, generating fierce gales with each swing. Surrounded by fluctuating Yin energy, she suddenly swung the axe towards the sky. Buzz—! A gentle ripple spread out above, creating a cold draft in the courtyard. Lin Tianlu was astonished. Could this really work? “Hah—” Cheng Yishi panted lightly, sweat faintly visible on her forehead. Then, she suddenly let out a bewitching smile, tilting her head, her red jade eyes narrowing, filled with an eerie, blood-like glow. With a thud, the axe landed on the ground, sparking slightly, as she approached with an eerie smile. “Sir~”