Chapter 56 - After Failing to Find Immortality

"Why does this person carry such a malevolent aura... Are they human or ghost?!" Cheng Yishi subtly raised her guard. At that moment, the man's mouth twisted into a cold smile, and he suddenly swung his arm. In an instant, a multitude of blade-like flashes came hurtling toward them! Cheng Yishi's expression shifted slightly, and without time to think, she instinctively pulled Mao Ruoyu behind her. Clang! Clang! Clang! Amid a series of metallic clangs, the sharp daggers were deflected one by one, and as they fell to the ground, they dissipated into puffs of gray mist. "......" She exhaled softly and glanced at her right hand. Her palm was now encased in a delicate glove, smooth as high-quality silk. On the exposed skin of her hand's back, a diamond-shaped jade pattern that appeared this morning glimmered faintly. The malevolent aura flowed, weaving countless invisible threads that intertwined to form the glove's shape. Her control over the malevolent energy had significantly improved compared to before. "Interesting..." The strange man let out a low laugh and pulled out another blade, charging forward swiftly! Protected behind her, Mao Ruoyu wore a solemn expression, secretly forming a hand seal. With her skill as a practitioner of occult arts, she couldn’t possibly contend with a true ghost. Though she had no idea where this ghost had come from, her only option was to try to buy some time— "Huh?" Mao Ruoyu was momentarily stunned. Because the simple restraining spell she had just cast had actually shredded the man's left arm! She was somewhat puzzled. This spell was only meant to confine; when did it acquire such power? "Heh... heh..." The man staggered but seemed indifferent to his wound, laughing eerily as he raised his right arm, sending several chilling flashes toward her in an instant! The blade was about to pierce her forehead, and Mao Ruoyu's pupils constricted as she prepared to use her occult skills to block it. Clang! But once again, Cheng Yishi intervened, deflecting all the blades that had been thrown. Mao Ruoyu was surprised but quickly regained her composure, taking the opportunity to cast a spell. Bang! Within a breath, the ghost was entirely vanquished, unable to launch a second attack. Confirming that the strands of gray mist had completely dissipated, she finally breathed a sigh of relief. "Is the ghost... dealt with?" Cheng Yishi's tone held a hint of confusion. She had expected a fierce battle, but it turned out to be so weak. If she had an axe, she could have split it in half with a single swing. "The malevolent aura has dissipated; it's indeed been completely vanquished." "Why did such a monstrous entity suddenly appear on the street, and why did it abruptly attack us?" "It might just be a coincidence, considering that we may be the only ones with malevolent aura here," Mao Ruoyu gently brushed her hair. "The actions of these ghosts can't be judged by common sense. Although this place is crowded, it poses no threat to ghosts." Indeed, even though a sudden conflict had erupted on the bridge, none of the passersby seemed to notice. Nonetheless, she remained vigilant, surveying the surroundings to ensure there were no other dangers. After searching twice, she found no more traces of ghosts or practitioners of occult arts and finally let go of her lingering anxiety. She then glanced toward Cheng Yishi's right hand. To deflect the ghost's weapons so easily, this delicate glove seemed extraordinary. However... "Thank you, Miss Cheng. You saved me just now." "No need to thank me. If you were injured, sir would be unhappy too." Cheng Yishi clenched her right hand, and the silk-like material disintegrated into gray mist, ultimately forming shallow patterns that receded into her sleeve. Controlling the power of the ghost was still difficult. She collected her thoughts, then turned to Mao Ruoyu, her gaze sharp: "But... Madam, you're also a practitioner of occult arts." "This ability is all thanks to sir's gift." Mao Ruoyu calmed herself a bit, then spoke with a slightly softened tone after a moment of silence: "Earlier, I acted somewhat rashly and spoke poorly, angering you, Miss Cheng. I apologize here and now." "I did not..." Cheng Yishi opened her mouth but ended with a soft huff: "Let's return to Dengxian Pavilion quickly, lest we worry sir unnecessarily." As Cheng Yishi turned away with a cold demeanor, Mao Ruoyu gently caressed her hair, blinking her beautiful eyes. This Miss Cheng seemed not as stern and cold as she appeared. Reflecting on her words, it seemed she was more concerned about Mr. Lin's safety. Though they had quarreled, she still saved her in times of danger, revealing a contradictory nature. "Perhaps I was too harsh on Miss Cheng... Huh?" Both women suddenly stopped in their tracks. In the distance, they saw a handsome young man running urgently, attracting many surprised glances as he directly charged at a couple under a willow tree and started hurling punches! "You cheaters! I'm beating you to death today!!" In no time, the handsome young man had pinned the couple to the ground, delivering a fierce beating, drawing a crowd of onlookers. Both Ruoyu and Yishi glanced at the 'battle' in the distance and saw the young man, Wang Qiu, pummeling the elegant lady until her face was swollen and she was crying. "Good job!" They both said in unison. After speaking, they exchanged glances and turned away with a cold huff, continuing on their way. After walking a short distance, they each took out an item from their pockets, presenting them to each other. "Madam Mao, please accept this bracelet." "Miss Cheng, please keep this jade hairpin safe." Both of them were momentarily stunned, then looked at each other in bewilderment. So, she went to buy this for me? "......" After silently accepting the other's gift, the atmosphere became somewhat awkward. Mao Ruoyu sighed softly before showing a hint of a smile: "Miss Cheng, thank you for the gift." "...And I must thank you for yours, Madam." They walked side by side, each lost in their complex thoughts. ... In another restaurant not far from the arched bridge, "——This is truly interesting." A beautiful man with a demonic appearance, dressed in luxurious attire, sat by the window, watching the departing figures with great interest. "Who would have thought that the eldest daughter of the Cheng family harbored such an immense malevolent aura? It's truly surprising." "And that woman beside her, Mao Ruoyu, if I recall correctly, she was merely a 'fringe' low-level practitioner. I never thought her occult skills had advanced to such a degree. The ghost I sent was merely of the 'specter' level, far from a true evil spirit. Yet, it couldn't withstand a single encounter with them..." "Master Yan Yi, those two women are closely associated with Lin Tianlu." "Lin Tianlu, Lin Tianlu... Ever since I arrived in Changling County, I’ve heard that name dozens of times." The man named Yan Yi smiled faintly. "Seeing him on the street earlier, he indeed matched the rumors of being handsome and charismatic. But whatever methods he conceals remain unseen, which is regrettable." He shook the folding fan in his hand: "Jiang Zhi, send someone to test him again. If Lin Tianlu turns out to be nothing but an empty reputation, he can be disregarded. But if he does have a few tricks up his sleeve, it’s best to eliminate him early. Also, investigate that thunder anomaly; our 'human soul repository' must remain secure.” "Yes, Master Yan Yi!" The middle-aged man quickly bowed and retreated. "Heh~" Yan Yi turned to look in the direction of Dengxian Pavilion, a smirk playing on his lips: "Lin Tianlu, don't die too quickly. It's rare to find some entertainment in Changling County, so I hope you provide some excitement. Otherwise, I'll have to torment you thoroughly just to see how you react." He licked his lips with a feminine allure, chuckling maliciously. ... Lin Tianlu leaned against the railing of the pavilion, gazing out at the scenic river view. In the distance, various boats drifted leisurely on the Ningguan River, their lights bright and shadows swaying within. A soft voice whispered by his ear, "Sir, do you have family you'd want to see?" "Family?" Lin Tianlu pondered briefly, then chuckled: "Miss Hua, there's no need to worry. I am alone in this world now." Hua Shuya's beautiful eyes lowered slightly, unsure how to continue. But Lin Tianlu quickly asked, "I've been living with you for quite some time now, yet I don't know much about your family. This Mid-Autumn Festival, though not as significant as Lantern Festival, is still a time for family reunions. Don't you plan to return home? Won't your family fault you for staying away?" Hua Shuya shook her head. "My family's relationships are complicated and tense most of the time. Whether I return or not makes little difference." "It seems Miss Hua has her own troubles." Lin Tianlu merely made a light comment without delving deeper. In prestigious families, power struggles are inevitable. With her straightforward and honest character, she would quickly get chewed up in such an environment. After a moment of hesitation, Hua Shuya quietly asked: "I heard that you'll be traveling far soon?" "Just a trip to Fuyang County to explore its landscapes and see if there’s anything worthwhile," Lin Tianlu mused, rubbing his chin. "Considering the distance, it should take about half a month to go and return? Of course, there might be unexpected events along the way, but that's something we can’t predict right now." "Sir... will you really come back?" "Naturally." Lin Tianlu chuckled. "Miss Hua went to the trouble of buying me this house; how could I abandon it so easily?" Hua Shuya's expression relaxed considerably. However— A faint blush crept onto her cheeks, and she asked softly, "Sir, if you're going to Fuyang County, could you take me with you?" "Hmm?" Lin Tianlu raised an eyebrow. "Miss Hua wants to come along too?" "After all, it's quite a long journey. Sir may need some... care along the way." Hua Shuya murmured shyly, "I may still have many shortcomings, but... I did take some time to learn a bit from Madam Mao." "Miss Hua, with your care, how could I bear to trouble you further?" Lin Tianlu clasped his hands in gratitude. "Besides, the journey will involve a lot of mountainous paths, which might be—" "Sir, don't forget, I climbed Mount Taiyi to meet you in the first place." Hua Shuya's gaze was fervent, her tone resolute: "A mere mountain path is insignificant. As long as I can follow you, even if I have to walk all the way to a foreign land, it wouldn’t matter. I will accompany you anywhere." Her determination left Lin Tianlu momentarily speechless. After pondering for a while, he finally laughed lightly: "Alright, if Miss Hua wishes to accompany me, then I have no objections." The young girl’s face immediately lit up with a joyous smile. "However, the journey is long and hard, so you may have to endure some hardships following me." "No matter! Being with you, sir, means there's no hardship at all." Hua Shuya's cheeks were flushed with excitement, making her look even more radiant. Perhaps bolstered by a bit of courage from the drink, she gently bit her rosy lips and slowly extended her right hand to rest on Lin Tianlu's hand that was on the railing. Lin Tianlu looked slightly startled, glancing at her in surprise. Yet the girl showed no sign of bashfulness or retreat. Lifting her delicate chin slightly, her dewy eyes glimmered with small ripples. "Miss Hua, do you know about my origins?" "No." "Do you know that I am alone and penniless?" "I do." "Do you know if I have hidden anything from you?" Hua Shuya suddenly smiled softly: "What do such things matter? I only need to know that you are you. Since we met, you have always been someone I look up to, and that is enough for me." "Miss Hua, being so naive can make you easily deceived," Lin Tianlu smiled. "My abilities may be limited, but I have faith in my eyes." Hua Shuya called softly, "Sir..." "Ahem!" An unexpected sound came from behind. Lin Tianlu looked slightly taken aback and turned his head to see Cheng Yishi standing there, lightly coughing with her fist to her mouth, her expression half amused. "Seems I came back at the wrong time?" Lin Tianlu chuckled: "If I said 'you came back at just the right time,' then what?" "Then naturally, I would have to go with the flow~" Cheng Yishi teased with a mischievous glint in her eyes. She then looked at Hua Shuya, who seemed to have all her mustered courage drained away. Her face reddened further, almost fainting from shyness. Cheng Yishi found her bashfulness amusing, thinking the girl truly innocent. However— She turned to glance at Mao Ruoyu, who had returned with her. Their gazes met, and they exchanged smiles with an 'amiably warm' expression, though both were thinking the same thing. Indeed, this girl... is the real rival!