Strange Tales, Remarkable!

Mao Ruoyu stumbled back home in disarray. Leaning against the door, she halted her steps, her delicate gasps never ceasing.

"What... what nonsense did I say!"

She pressed a hand to her heaving chest, her touch meeting dampness from sweat, her clothes clinging to her skin.

--She had originally intended to resolve everything in one go, to go to his door and reveal the whole truth, begging the senior expert for forgiveness for her many impertinent actions.

But when they met again, she became so flustered and nervous that she couldn't utter a word.

The thought that if she revealed the truth, she might end up like that evil spirit, vanishing into thin air with no remains, made Mao Ruoyu completely unable to calm down.

In her dazed state, she had blurted out some ambiguous words, and in her panic, she had scrambled to make up an excuse.

However, trying to cover up this lie with more lies had only led to her own suffering.

"This is truly a fated misfortune."

Mao Ruoyu's pretty face turned pale, and she felt a wave of weakness wash over her entire body.

From now on, she had to go to Lin Tianlu's place every day to cook for him--

Wasn't this like a lamb walking into a tiger's den?!

She could hide it for a few days, but she couldn't hide it forever. If Lin Tianlu discovered she had intentionally concealed the truth, she feared...

Mao Ruoyu slumped softly to the ground, her eyes vacant as she looked up at the sky:

"This humble one is finished."

In the afternoon.

Lin Tianlu was leisurely leaning against a covered walkway, browsing through strange tales of mountain spirits and wild monsters.

Although the Four Books and Five Classics treasured in his home were written with rigorous language and contained profound principles, they were truly troublesome to read and ponder. These folk biographies, on the other hand, were much more relaxed to read, and many of the legends and stories within were quite interesting.

Especially the book in his hand, which depicted many tales of love and hate between mortals and monsters.

Of course, Lin Tianlu wasn't interested in the passionate entanglements between the men and women in the book.

From the perspective of a modern person, the seemingly heroic and touching plots in them weren't very interesting, and the methods for resolving events were even less so. It was only because the protagonists were constrained by the era's culture that some human tragedies occurred.

And as for those so-called beautiful love stories, they were clearly mostly one-night stands, people throwing themselves at others, and truly had no value for deep contemplation.

As for why he was still engrossed in reading it, it was all because these strange tales...

Liked to be suggestive.

Most folk novels circulated in the common markets and were difficult to regulate, so naturally, there weren't many restrictions. The authors' ideas could be incredibly imaginative and astonishing. Even in today's information-saturated modern society, they would probably be considered top-tier.

The vivid and realistic descriptions, the exotic beauties with their unique charms, and the myriad of poses that dazzled the eyes were truly eye-opening.

Even Lin Tianlu couldn't help but cup his hands in admiration--the author brother is truly amazing.

Perhaps...

The reason why the plots of men and women falling in love and cultivating feelings in the book were all glossed over was because they wanted to dedicate more ink to the suggestive scenes?

"So suggestive!"

Lin Tianlu praised inwardly after finishing the book.

Clang--!

A clear sword chime echoed leisurely, brushing past the gentle breeze.

He turned his head and saw Hua Shuya, dressed in a luxurious long gown, dancing gracefully. She wielded her sword, swirling, scattering ripples of colorful sword light. She was truly magnificent and heroic, her imposing sharpness no less than any man's.

Moving with the sword, acting with her heart, wisps of profound sword intent flowed within her sword, as if her Sword Dao realm had reached a new level.

Although his home didn't have fox spirits, rabbit spirits, or spider spirits like those depicted in the strange tales...

Having such a beautiful young girl performing a sword dance was a different kind of charm, and from a distance, she was even more elegant and captivating.

"Hmm?"

Lin Tianlu let out a soft sound of surprise. He felt that Miss Hua's attire seemed... a bit more gentle than a few days ago?

Her current silk gown was as light as gossamer, subtly revealing her jade arms and fragrant shoulders. Her long sleeves fluttered in the wind, her dark hair flying, like a sword-wielding immortal descended to the mortal realm.

"I didn't notice before, but this girl is actually this beautiful."

He quickly shook his head and chuckled.

Upon reflection, he realized that he had been climbing mountains to seek immortals and chasing thieves. How could he have been wearing light silk? Now that he had free time, it was natural for her to wear clothes befitting a young lady of the inner chambers.

After all, Hua Shuya didn't look like a tomboy in any way; dressing up and grooming herself was perfectly normal.

He was truly blessed but didn't know it.

Lin Tianlu mocked himself a couple of times.

"Hoo--"

After finishing her sword dance, Hua Shuya rested her sword and exhaled.

She gently pressed her chest, a spark seeming to flash in her eyes.

Today, while practicing her sword, she hadn't felt the slightest fatigue or breathlessness.

This family heirloom, the Thirteen Forms of the Army-Breaking Sword, emphasized the union of movement and stillness. It required both grand, sweeping movements with immense power and meticulous attention to detail, with each strike being precise. It was a profound sword technique perfected by generations of the Hua Family to break armies and kill enemies, and it could not be easily executed relying solely on realm or internal energy.

She began practicing martial arts at seven and learned the sword at eight. Now sixteen, she was only gradually grasping the essence of the sword technique.

However, after her usual practice sessions, she would still be panting and drenched in sweat.

But after practicing the Thirteen Forms of the Sword several times today, her whole body felt warm and comfortable, as if a faint, warm current was flowing through her.

It wasn't that her internal energy had greatly improved in just one day, but rather in her Sword Intent realm—

Every move and every stance was incredibly effortless and smooth, as if numerous techniques were etched into her heart, allowing her to execute them freely with her will without needing to think.

And all of this was thanks to the Senior's patient guidance.

The young girl sheathed her long sword, a faint smile appearing on her lips, as beautiful and captivating as a blooming flower.

Glancing back and seeing the figure she had been thinking about, Hua Shuya felt both grateful and warm. She couldn't help but softly call out:

"Senior, how about we go to Tianhai Tower for dinner tonight?"

"Huh?"

Lin Tianlu quickly closed his novel as he saw the young girl approaching rapidly.

"This... you're going to spend money again, Miss Hua?"

"Senior guided me carefully again yesterday. After much thought, I can only invite Senior to a delicious meal as repayment." Hua Shuya smiled serenely, bowed, and said softly, "This humble one's sincerity is just a small token of my appreciation. I only hope Senior will not refuse."

"Miss Hua is so kind, I naturally wouldn't dare to refuse." Lin Tianlu asked curiously, "But I'd like to ask... do you happen to have any internal energy cultivation techniques, Miss Hua?"

"Internal energy techniques?"

Hua Shuya blinked her beautiful eyes and pondered for a moment. "I have indeed heard of some profound internal energy techniques specifically for cultivating internal energy. But our family's martial arts focus primarily on sword techniques, and we use years of training to nourish our internal energy. As for nearby..."

The young girl quickly showed an apologetic expression. "I don't have any other internal energy cultivation techniques."

Lin Tianlu nodded, not feeling much regret. He had only asked casually.

Things like martial arts manuals were definitely not common commodities.

If every martial artist carried their family's secret manuals in their pockets and casually pulled out five or six books to show everyone they met, as if they were clearing out inventory, that would be the real problem.

"Oh, right, Miss Hua, I'll lend you this manual to take a look at." Lin Tianlu handed over the 'Soaring Dragon Phantom Step' manual he had nearby. "I got it from Old Mr. Mo. I wanted to try and figure it out, but as a scholar with no internal energy, it's really hard for me to cultivate. So I thought I'd let you try it. Perhaps it's a good match for you."

Hua Shuya's expression was startled. "Senior, this... is this truly alright?"

"Will this movement technique conflict with your sword techniques, causing internal energy disturbances?"

She tried flipping through a few pages and shook her head. "There's no conflict."

"Then it's fine." Lin Tianlu clapped his hands and smiled. "If we encounter mountain bandits in the future, I'll have to rely on you, Miss Hua, for protection."

Hua Shuya was momentarily speechless.

With her shallow skills, how could she... Wait?

Perhaps the Senior intended this as a test of her training. This heavy entrustment was a sign of his trust and high regard!

Moreover, judging by the Senior's words, they might be together for a long time!

The young girl's thoughts raced, and then her eyes suddenly lit up with spirit. She bowed firmly and said loudly, "Don't worry, Senior! I will do my utmost!"

Lin Tianlu's eyes twitched slightly.

Why was this girl so enthusiastic?

But seeing the girl earnestly studying the manual, he could only helplessly shut his mouth and fall silent.

...This was probably what they called a martial arts prodigy; their motivation for learning was truly strong.

"Hmm?"

Just then, Lin Tianlu vaguely sensed some eyes on him and turned his head towards the door with a hint of confusion.

Outside the crack of the door, a familiar figure seemed to be hesitantly pacing back and forth.