Chapter 55 - After Failing to Find Immortality

The Immortal Ascension Pavilion lived up to its name, with each floor adorned in splendor and opulence, creating an aura of divine elegance. Beaded curtains and gauzy drapes intertwined, making every step feel like a progression into a heavenly abode. Of course, this pavilion was indeed the second tallest building in Changling County. Unlike the Tianhai Tower, this Immortal Ascension Pavilion was conveniently located by the Ningguan River, only open during festivals to welcome guests, allowing them to savor the scenic moonlit view of the Changling River. Currently, the pavilion buzzed with murmurs and laughter, as countless families from Changling County gathered, feasting and drinking merrily. Yet, many of the revelers whispered in hushed tones. "That young lady is truly a beauty. Which household does she come from?" "Her demeanor is noble and aloof. Surely her family holds a considerable status, far beyond the reach of ordinary families." "It's that head of silver hair..." Many gazes lingered on the pavilion's upper floors, yearning for another glimpse of the enchanting figure hidden above. Yet, recalling the cold elegance in her eyes when she glanced back, they could only sigh in resignation, lacking the courage to approach her. ... In a private room on the top floor. A graceful figure leaned against the window, her gaze distant. Her jade-hued clothes and azure gown accentuated her exquisite form. Her skin was as pure as snow, lips a vivid red, and her silver hair was skillfully pinned with golden hairpins, delicate red threads cascading from them, adding to her ethereal charm with a shawl draped over her shoulders and waist. But in the next moment, this beauty, reminiscent of a snow lotus upon a mountain, bloomed into a radiant smile. She stepped lightly and swiftly out of the room towards the top of the staircase. "Mr. Lin..." Cheng Yishi greeted them with a radiant smile, performing a graceful bow as the three arrived as expected. "I've been waiting for you all." Madam Mao was the first to return the courtesy, smiling gently, "Thank you for your efforts, Miss Cheng. You've gone to great lengths to prepare this." Raising their heads to glance at each other, their smiles stayed, but their eyes grew intense. 'This soft, silver-haired, cold demeanor must be Cheng Yishi!' 'That seductive figure, surely it's Mao Ruoyu!' The previously warm atmosphere instantly froze. "......" Both women remained silent, their eyes clashing like swords, neither willing to show weakness by averting their gaze first. Hua Shuya, witnessing the strange scene, tilted her head in puzzlement, just about to greet them. Why do they both look so odd today? Lin Tianlu felt the most awkward at this moment. They both stood there like wooden idols... "Ahem!" He cleared his throat softly and stepped between the two, calming them. "Miss Cheng, Madam Mao, shall we go inside the room first? Standing at the door isn't quite proper." Cheng Yishi quickly snapped back to reality, regaining her elegant and poised smile. "You are right, Mr. Lin. Please, all of you, come inside. The drinks and refreshments are already prepared." The trio soon followed. "Miss Hua, Madam Mao, both of you look so radiant tonight. Mr. Lin is indeed fortunate." "Oh, not at all." Hua Shuya blushed slightly. "It was just a casual makeover, thanks to Madam Mao's help. Even this new dress was her doing. So, it's not an exaggeration." "Miss Hua, you don't need to be modest. Anyone can see your radiance," Cheng Yishi's tone towards her was notably gentle. But her eyes subtly shifted, casting a mischievous glance at Mao Ruoyu. "But Madam Mao, I never expected you to be so skilled." "I merely have a few more years of experience," Mao Ruoyu smiled reservedly. A few words exchanged, yet the atmosphere became tense once more. As they conversed, the four arrived in the private room, finding a large round table already laden with various cold dishes, fruits, and pastries. Lin Tianlu couldn't help but remark, "This seems a tad extravagant." "It's a festival that comes but once a year. A bit of extravagance is inevitable," Cheng Yishi replied softly. "Please, everyone, take a seat. After walking here, you must be hungry." Following her words, they all took their seats and began to enjoy the meal. ... "Mr. Lin, try this first." Mao Ruoyu carefully deboned a piece of fish and gently placed it into Lin Tianlu's bowl. "Thank you, Madam Mao..." Cheng Yishi's beautiful eyes widened slightly, a subtle frown forming. She bit her lip lightly, quickly scooping a bowl of soup and handing it over. “Mr. Lin, have some of this soup too. After all the work last night, you need to replenish yourself... Ah!” But as she leaned forward, her face paled slightly, and she stiffly sat back down. Lin Tianlu chuckled, handing the soup back to her. “Miss Cheng, you should take care of yourself first. No need to worry too much about me. If you're feeling unwell, let me serve you some tea and snacks instead.” “Then... thank you, Mr. Lin.” Cheng Yishi blushed softly, responding gently. She quickly cast a subtle glance at Mao Ruoyu, their eyes meeting with a spark of tension... Lin Tianlu felt a headache coming on from the electric intensity between them. Are they having an unspoken battle? Just as he was about to ease the mood, both Cheng Yishi and Mao Ruoyu spoke simultaneously: “Mr. Lin, I was thinking of buying some flatbread from outside.” “Mr. Lin, I saw a pair of exquisite jade bracelets outside.” They glanced at each other and, in unison, asked, “May I step out for a moment?” Lin Tianlu's smile stiffened, “Please... go ahead and be quick.” As the two women marched out of the room, Hua Shuya, who had been quietly eating, blinked in surprise. But soon she regained her senses, realizing it was now just her and Lin Tianlu left in the room. “......” The unfamiliar atmosphere caused her cheeks to flush red. After a brief hesitation, she finally raised her utensils, softly asking, “Sir, should I... feed you as well?” Lin Tianlu quickly waved his hand, “Miss Hua, there's no need. My bowl is already overflowing with food; let me finish this first.” Seeing the overflowing bowl before him, Hua Shuya couldn’t help but giggle quietly. “Sir, you are truly adored by the ladies.” Lin Tianlu sighed, shaking his head, “I've been a bit confused about it.” It seems something has happened? Hua Shuya pondered silently but didn't press for details. Instead, she poured two cups of white wine, smiling as she approached Lin Tianlu. “Sir, there's no need to dwell on it. How about we share a drink to lift our spirits?” Lin Tianlu took the cup, standing up with a smile, “But you must know your limits, Miss Hua. Be careful not to overdrink.” “Of course.” Hua Shuya’s eyelashes fluttered elegantly as she offered a graceful toast. The two swiftly drank their cups, and as they lowered them, their eyes met, leading to a shared smile. ... On the arch bridge outside the Immortal Ascension Pavilion. Cheng Yishi gathered her hair against the night breeze, her eyes catching a glimpse of a couple nearby, intimately whispering under the shadows of the trees, seemingly entwined in a secret affair. “Brother Yang~ Why do you still want Lian’er to serve that horrid man from the Wang family?” The coquettish woman, having barely escaped the man’s embrace, blushed deeply, pouting resentfully. “Lian’er has given herself to you completely, even my body. Yet, I have to endure that Wang Qiu’s disgusting sweet talk daily. Just seeing his face makes me want to vomit.” “You don't understand! That old Wang earl is gravely ill and probably won't last much longer! Once he’s gone, that foolish Wang Qiu will inherit everything. If you can win his favor, you'll live a life of luxury!” “Is the old earl truly dying?” “Absolutely! He can't live past the end of the year!” The coquettish woman blushed even more, cooing, “Then Lian’er will comply with Brother Yang’s wishes and flirt with Wang Qiu for a while. When I become the young wife of the Wang family, I’ll wear the bridal red, and in the wedding chamber, I’ll share our passion first with Brother Yang. Wang Qiu will be none the wiser and just a fooled cuckold! Haha~” ... “What a pair of vile creatures, truly disgusting!” Cheng Yishi’s eyebrows furrowed in disdain. With her current semi-ghostly state, she could naturally hear their whispered conversation. Deceit and seduction for money, cheating intentionally... this woman deserved punishment! “Just how blind was I back then?” A voice filled with latent displeasure echoed in response. Cheng Yishi turned to see Mao Ruoyu approaching with several hot flatbreads, her gaze also fixed on the couple under the tree. “Do you know that woman, Madam Mao?” “I've often seen her at the market, exchanging greetings occasionally.” Mao Ruoyu sighed softly, “She appeared gentle and refined, carrying herself like a noble lady. Who knew... she was so shameless.” Cheng Yishi pondered a moment, a subtle smile forming. “—Madam Mao.” Her eyes narrowed slightly, her smile hinting at something deeper. “Let's be frank. From what I know, you already have a husband. Why then, do you often visit Mr. Lin's home?” “I…” Mao Ruoyu opened her mouth but found herself momentarily speechless. However, Cheng Yishi quickly continued, "Because Madam Mao, you have never truly married anyone. This so-called 'madam' title is just a fake identity you concocted!" A cold glint flickered in her red eyes. "What are your true intentions in approaching Mr. Lin?" "Even though my initial intentions were impure, my heart now belongs solely to Mr. Lin," Mao Ruoyu replied sternly. “Must you be so arrogant, Miss Cheng? Or do you wish for me to recount your own unrestrained behavior?” Cheng Yishi tilted her head, a wicked smile curling her lips. "I live for Mr. Lin alone. Whatever I do requires no guidance from you, Madam Mao." "You... you're being absolutely absurd!" "Madam Mao, do you envy me?" "Barely!" Mao Ruoyu shot back, "I too share deep, meaningful conversations with Mr. Lin late into the night!" "What—" Cheng Yishi was taken aback, a look of displeasure quickly taking over as she clicked her tongue. "You vixen, to be so intimate with him!" "And what gives you the right to call me a vixen!" Their exchange grew increasingly heated, with both women stepping closer, each trying to dominate the other with their presence. "You—uh?!" Suddenly, Mao Ruoyu's expression changed dramatically. She turned toward the edge of the bridge. Cheng Yishi's expression also turned serious as she looked in the same direction. Because— In the distance, a man was slowly approaching. From his sleeve, a gleaming weapon slipped into his hand, tightly gripped, emanating a chilling sinister energy that sent shivers down their spines.