After the Storm, Ripples in the Heart

The thick thunderclouds that had been hovering over Changling County had quietly dispersed.

The county residents, who had just collapsed to the ground in terror from the thunderclap, now wore expressions of bewilderment, remaining silent for a long time as if their souls had not yet returned.

The terrifying oppressive force that had felt like dark clouds pressing down, coupled with the earth-shattering thunder, had struck fear and panic into everyone within Changling County.

It wasn't until they saw the sunlight streaming down outside that the county residents, with strange looks on their faces, began to emerge from their homes, restaurants, and shops. After confirming that there were no more anomalies in the sky, they started conversing with each other, still shaken.

"That thunderclap just now, it truly terrified me to death!"

"In all my life... I've never seen such a terrifying thunder! Could it be that Heaven is angry!"

"This autumn breeze is surprisingly refreshing. Taking a deep breath, I feel a sense of profound comfort."

"This, how is this possible--"

And within the County Magistrate's manor, County Magistrate Tang stared at the sky with a face full of shock.

The civil and military officials beside him had been so startled by the thunder that they had fallen to the ground, unaware of what had happened. But in that very moment, he had personally witnessed--

The purple-black heavenly lightning that struck down from the firmament had actually stopped and solidified in mid-air. It then abruptly changed direction, striking the ground at a bizarre angle in a way he couldn't comprehend...

As if it had been forcefully deflected by some external force from the sky!

"What exactly is going on in this Changling County?"

He couldn't help but murmur, his gaze vacant.

In West Street.

Lin Tianlu suddenly stopped in his tracks, looking up at the sky that had suddenly cleared, his face bewildered.

It had been pouring rain with thunder just moments ago, but in the next second, it had all vanished, and the sky had cleared. It was like a sudden change of face.

Wait!

Lin Tianlu's expression quickly turned serious.

He had been too anxious and hadn't noticed earlier.

Now that he thought about it, the thunder had arrived so strangely and suddenly, with an unusually powerful display. It was clearly not a normal thunderstorm, but more like a heavenly tribulation?

However, now was not the time to dwell on such trivial matters.

Madam Mao was not yet--

"Mister Lin?"

A woman's soft moan came from his embrace, causing him to quickly lower his head and say, "Madam Mao, please don't... Huh?"

His eyes widened slightly.

The beautiful woman in his arms, who had been on the verge of fainting, had now recovered as if nothing had happened.

Mao Ruoyu leaned against his arm, her face slightly flushed. She nervously pressed her hands against her chest, but this action caused her ample bosom to press against his chest, threatening to burst through her clothes. Her perfectly curved figure touched the man's chest, causing her already flushed body to tremble slightly, as if she were overcome with shyness.

She quickly took two deep breaths, suppressing a slight tremor in her voice, "I, I'm fine now."

Lin Tianlu's expression was odd.

"That quickly?"

"Just now, there was an oppressive force from the sky that made it hard to breathe, and my chest felt heavy," Mao Ruoyu's voice was gentle and charming, with a hint of a soft moan. "Now that the sky has cleared, that heaviness is gone. Perhaps the celestial anomaly contained a strong yang energy that made me feel uneasy."

"Are you truly not feeling any other discomfort?"

Lin Tianlu's brow furrowed with doubt.

If that was the case, then the thunder earlier was indeed a bit strange.

"There shouldn't be."

Mao Ruoyu lowered her gaze, her face full of bashful color. "Although I was drowsy earlier, I could still vaguely hear your rough scolding, Mister."

"Uh... Madam, please forgive me. I was just..."

"It's alright. You were anxious because you were worried about my safety, and that actually makes me a little happy," Mao Ruoyu pursed her lips into a slight smile unconsciously. "But now that I'm unharmed, I hope you won't get angry anymore. I don't want you to ruin your mood because of this."

Lin Tianlu chuckled helplessly. "Seeing you almost faint just now, how could I possibly laugh?

However, let's still take you to the clinic to have a look. We're already at the entrance, and it would be troublesome if any lingering issues arise. Let's have the doctor give you a thorough check-up."

"We've arrived at the clinic?" Mao Ruoyu's expression faltered slightly, and she then turned to look beside her.

Her gaze swept over and she was stunned to find the clinic's entrance right in front of them. There were even quite a few people standing in front of the clinic, glancing at the two of them with expressions of surprise and perhaps envy.

"Mmm--"

Mao Ruoyu felt her body heat up and couldn't help but cover her face and say with a charming pout, "Mister, please put me down first. So many people are staring."

"Madam, can you walk on your own now?"

"N-no problem."

"Then I apologize for my rudeness." Lin Tianlu gave an awkward smile, carefully set down the beautiful woman in his arms, and supported her as they entered the clinic.

After a pulse check, the elderly doctor stroked his beard and mused, "This young lady's constitution is quite healthy. Her Blood Essence is abundant, her pulse steady and strong, and her expression radiates an unshakeable vitality. How could she be unwell?"

Lin Tianlu asked in surprise, "Doctor, is she truly in good health?"

"I have practiced medicine for decades; I have confidence in my judgment."

The old doctor chuckled, "This young lady is indeed without illness. In fact, among all the women whose pulses I've felt in my life, hers is the most excellent, her form perfect. According to feng shui principles, she's likely blessed with good fortune, destined to bring prosperity to her husband and children!"

"This..."

Lin Tianlu was greatly taken aback.

Madam Mao had previously fainted from anemia, then suffered a nosebleed from excess Blood Essence, and now she was perfectly healthy?

He was puzzled and quickly recounted all the unusual symptoms.

"Such a strange phenomenon?" The old doctor's expression shifted, and he quickly took her pulse again.

But after a thorough examination, he still shook his head.

"Forgive my insufficient medical skill, I truly cannot discern what ailment this young lady has."

"No, it's fine..."

Mao Ruoyu interjected sheepishly, "I feel no discomfort now, Doctor. There's no need for you to worry."

Lin Tianlu was about to speak, but he felt a gentle tug on his sleeve. After a moment's consideration, he nodded slightly. "Thank you for your trouble, old sir. Since there's nothing wrong, we won't disturb you further."

"Master Lin."

The old doctor suddenly spoke, "I have dabbled in some feng shui arts, though I wouldn't call myself proficient. But based on the symptoms you described, perhaps this young lady isn't physically unwell, but rather came into contact with something unclean. You just need to be a little careful."

"I will heed your advice, old sir. Thank you." Lin Tianlu cupped his hands solemnly.

After paying the consultation fee, he led Mao Ruoyu out of the clinic.

"Mister--"

Mao Ruoyu gently grasped his sleeve and said softly, "Mister, you don't need to worry. I fainted before because I encountered an evil spirit in that sea of fire. The nosebleed a few days ago was because your yang energy was too strong, making it... difficult for me to bear."

Lin Tianlu asked in surprise, "Madam can sense yang energy?"

Mao Ruoyu gently smoothed her hair and smiled faintly. "If I can sense yin energy, I can naturally see yang energy as well. In my eyes, Mister is as warm as a furnace."

He looked at his hands with a hint of curiosity.

So much yang energy?

He wasn't exactly a muscular man.

With his fair skin, he looked more like an ordinary, unremarkable scholar.

"Since everything is fine, let's head home quickly." Mao Ruoyu stepped closer, stealing a glance at the man walking beside her.

Recalling how this usually calm man was so anxious because of her, her eyes sparkled, and her voice became even more charming. "Mister's concern and thoughtfulness mean so much to me. I will cook extra dishes today to reward you."

Lin Tianlu chuckled, "Then I've struck quite a bargain."

As they reached the entrance of their home and pushed open the courtyard gate, a burnt smell immediately assailed them.

Lin Tianlu hurried into the courtyard and his expression froze.

"Mister? What happened--?"

Mao Ruoyu, who followed him in, also stared blankly at the scene.

The once lush sophora tree in the courtyard had turned into a charred, dead wood. Bits of bark occasionally peeled off and drifted down from its branches, looking utterly desolate.

What in the world happened?