Chapter 52 - After Failing to Find Immortality

"Miss Mo, you..." "It's nothing, really!" Mo Duanyan rubbed her slightly reddened forehead and quickly shook her head. "I'm tough-skinned and just knocked into the stone table. It's not a big deal." "..." Could this girl have bumped into something even harder before? Is she practicing some kind of iron head technique? Lin Tianlu couldn't help but chuckle inwardly. "Miss Mo, you must be more cautious." After a brief pause, he spoke seriously, "However, discussions about apprenticeship can wait until later." Mo Duanyan's body stiffened slightly, and her expression darkened immediately: "...It was reckless of me to trouble you, sir." She pursed her delicate lips and lowered her head slightly, appearing somewhat pitiful and endearing. "Miss Mo, there's no need to be upset. Although I'm not willing to take on an apprentice right now, there's no harm in hosting the great-granddaughter of an old friend." Lin Tianlu showed a gentle smile. "If you have any difficulties, as an elder, I will certainly offer my assistance." Mo Duanyan's face lit up with joy, and she couldn't help but give a sweet smile, "Thank you, Mr. Lin!" She even bowed politely, looking quite adorable and well-behaved. But Lin Tianlu still had a lingering doubt in his mind— "Miss Mo, may I ask how old you are?" Mo Duanyan blinked her lively eyes, "Sir, I am twelve years old." "Ahem!" Lin Tianlu nearly choked on his tea. Twelve years old?! This girl in front of him clearly had the appearance of a young lady, albeit with somewhat childlike features, but her figure was already quite shapely, and her martial arts skills were notably advanced... She was really only twelve?! "Sir, are you alright?" Mo Duanyan asked in a bit of a panic when she saw his reaction. "It's nothing." Lin Tianlu quickly waved his hand, feeling a bit odd inside. Do girls develop this quickly nowadays? No, considering the customs of ancient dynasties, girls indeed married at twelve or thirteen. The slightly mature appearance of this girl wasn't surprising... Wait, even modern girls develop early. Could it be that I didn't interact with girls much when I was young and just didn't notice? Thinking back over his thirty-plus years in both lives, his boyhood was spent either studying hard or playing with friends, with no time to pay attention to what he deemed 'boring girls'— 'After all, girls can't compare to video games and the classics.' Recalling his self-righteous demeanor back then, Lin Tianlu sighed inwardly. How shallow I was in my youth. "Ahem!" He cleared his throat, pushing his stray thoughts aside, and resumed his questioning: "Miss Mo, you're only twelve, yet your martial arts realm is already nearing the Pure Yang Realm?" He wasn't well-acquainted with the martial ranks of this world; his only references were Hua Shuya and Mo Hong. Compared to Hua Shuya when she first ascended Mount Taiyi, could this girl in front of him be a true prodigy? Mo Duanyan flashed a proud smile but quickly pressed her lips together, responding respectfully, "Yes, sir. Thanks to the teachings of various elders in my clan and the personal guidance of my great-grandfather, I've reached this level." "Clan?" Lin Tianlu raised an eyebrow, "Are you part of some martial sect?" "It's a sect founded by my great-grandfather, called Tianxing Sect. Though it's half family-based, we occasionally take in talented disciples, and we're quite reputable in the Fengchen Kingdom." "And Mr. Mo Hong..." "My great-grandfather was the sect master two generations ago. He abdicated long ago and has since roamed the lands seeking breakthroughs," Mo Duanyan explained primly, "The current sect master is my father." A martial sect in this world... But somewhat different from his imagination. Lin Tianlu pondered briefly. So, Elder Mo should be a martial grandmaster, a sect leader? But it seems he's just an ordinary martial artist, lacking any spiritual energy and without the power to move mountains or overturn seas... Although his roars back then were loud enough to nearly disturb the neighbors. "Pardon me, Miss Mo, but do you know of any immortal sects?" "Immortal sects?" Mo Duanyan chuckled, "There's no such thing in this world... um." But halfway through her sentence, she cut herself short, recalling the terrifying lightning she witnessed days before, the destructive power that was seared into her mind. Then, the encounter with ghosts, making her feel the true frailty of the human body. Could immortals truly exist in this world... She shook her head, "I really don't know of any immortal sects in the Fengchen Kingdom. You, sir, are the first cultivator I've ever seen." "Thank you for your answer." Lin Tianlu mused. It seems there are no immortal sects in this world, or at least they are in hiding. Instead, it's the martial artists who dominate. "Enough of that. Since you've come such a long way, let me present you with a small gift." Mo Duanyan's eyes lit up, "You're too kind, sir. I..." "Here, it's something I just finished recently." Lin Tianlu smiled, pulling out a few books from a nearby stack. Mo Duanyan was stunned, taking the books and glancing at the bold characters on the covers. —— 'Three Hundred Tang Poems' "Tang Poems... Which dynasty is this from?" "Just consider it a placeholder name." Lin Tianlu smiled gently, "Reading these can cultivate a taste for poetry and enhance your literary skills." "Oh, okay..." Mo Duanyan nodded somewhat bemusedly, though her heart was confused. ——Huh? So, my great-grandfather had me come to Changling County not to learn martial arts, but to study literature? ... Outside, on the long street. Mao Ruoyu walked home with a few sets of newly sewn clothes in her arms. It was Mid-Autumn Festival, so she made sure to buy some new clothes and stock up on fruits and dried goods. Yet— "This Mid-Autumn is vastly different from all the previous ones." Her gaze was distant, and she couldn't help but smile gently. Every year before, she spent Mid-Autumn alone in her cold, dark room, tinkering with various alchemical materials. Who would've thought that in just half a month, her life would transform so dramatically? Even the simplest daily conversations filled her heart with joy. At least, this was a warmth she had never experienced in her twenty-something years, feeling almost dreamlike. "I wonder if this new outfit will fit Mr. Lin." Mao Ruoyu held the clothes close, a gleeful smile on her face. Naturally, she had also prepared a new outfit for Hua Shuya. After their meal, the three of them could stroll to the lake in the center of Changling County and enjoy the moonlight together. "Madam Mao, the festival is near, and you seem quite cheerful." A warm voice sounded, and looking up, she saw an elderly man passing by the courtyard, greeting her with a polite bow. "Mr. Nie." Mao Ruoyu quickly bowed in return. "Allow me to extend my holiday greetings to you ahead of time," Nie Qingyuan said with a hearty laugh, "But I have a favor to ask. Could you convey a message to Mr. Lin for me?" Mao Ruoyu nodded slightly. "Of course, sir. What is it?" "My grandson, ever since he received Mr. Lin's study notes and exercises, has been hard at work. I've heard that he has screamed in shock, howled in despair, and even cried while tearing up historical texts, causing quite the commotion at home." Mao Ruoyu: "???" What on earth happened? She felt a sudden panic. "Mr. Nie, Mr. Lin didn't harm him intentionally—" "No need to worry, Madam Mao. I'm not here to blame anyone." Nie Qingyuan laughed heartily, stroking his beard. "My grandson has always been arrogant. Having read some classical texts, he fancied himself unparalleled in his time, growing ever more conceited. Mr. Lin's exercises truly hit his weak spot, making him taste the bitter fruit of defeat and, in turn, humbling him. Having reformed, he has returned to diligently studying, bringing me great joy!" "Moreover, those notes and exercises were quite erudite, showcasing Mr. Lin's extensive knowledge and extraordinary literary skills. I'm actually deeply humbled that Mr. Lin took the time to produce such an outstanding work." Madam Mao finally breathed a slight sigh of relief, showing a warm smile and bowing. "I will convey your message to Mr. Lin, sir." "Then I shall not keep you any longer. Farewell, Madam Mao." Nie Qingyuan smiled and bowed in return. ... Watching the elder's figure recede, Mao Ruoyu's eyes held a touch of amazement. She certainly knew of Nie Qingyuan's prominence, but to receive such praise from such a learned elder... Mr. Lin is truly exceptional. Feeling a swell of pride, she bowed her head with a soft smile, walking even more lightly. As she reached the house, she gently pushed open the courtyard gate, but soon let out a small sound of surprise. She saw Lin Tianlu sitting in the pavilion with a young girl, reciting poetry. Mr. Lin started a private tutoring session at home? She was astonished and was about to step into the courtyard to inquire when she suddenly froze. This place... still carries a lingering odd aura!