Chapter 162: Let’s Take a Bath Together

Chapter 162: Let’s Take a Bath Together

“Finally free, that was terrifying.”

Lin Nuo watched as the group of muscle-bound men chased after his illusion, feeling relieved.

Originally, he had just wanted to enjoy a drink, but ended up facing a group of beefy guys who said to him, “Hey, kid, I see you have a fascinating physique, perfect for training! Join our Muscle Association family!”

Lin Nuo sensed the urgency in their air. How could a big villain like him mingle with a bunch of muscleheads?

Ignoring them, he tried to walk away, but those muscle men chased after him, pleading for him to join. They even got a bit too handsy.

Lin Nuo was not one to submit easily; with a bit of alcohol fueling him, he was about to push them aside.

But he quickly thought he might not win this fight and decided to make a run for it.

Not only were they tough, but they were fast too. Lin Nuo ran for a long time without shaking them off, but then he had a clever idea and used an illusion to mislead them.

It seemed they weren’t all that competent. They had strong bodies, but their brains were another story, and they fell for his trick.

Lin Nuo took note to avoid that street in the future; he might accidentally run into a few musclemen who would drag him off to train him into a brute power.

If his illusion got too far from him or got hit in a crucial spot, it would disappear. But that was mostly nonexistent—who would go around trying to kill him? So, when he ran far enough, the illusion would vanish on its own.

However, this presented a major problem; rumors of hauntings might spread the next day. A living person like him running around only to vanish into thin air at night would certainly scare those muscle guys stiff.

Forget about it; he’d think about it tomorrow.

Lin Nuo polished off the entire jug of wine he had and tossed it away.

He was currently staying at an inn with Ling Meng. He had told her to stay in their room and read while he went out for a bit.

He had been gone for over an hour.

Opening the door to their room, he found a worried Ling Meng.

“Master, Master, you’ve been gone so long! Where did you go?”

Ling Meng hurried over to Lin Nuo, catching a whiff of the alcohol on him.

Like a loyal pet dog, she sniffed around him continuously.

“Master, did you go drinking?”

“Just had a little.”

“You didn’t take me!” Ling Meng pouted, feeling wronged.

“I was just thirsty and had a couple of drinks, it’s not like I went out specifically for that. Enough chit-chat, here.”

Lin Nuo had specially bought a bowl of steaming dumplings on the way back.

“I noticed you seem to like these, so I got them for you.”

“Hmph, even if Master bought me dumplings, I won’t easily forgive you for leaving me behind to have fun. Who knows if you went to some brothel instead?”

“Honestly, those girls at a brothel aren’t half as pretty as you,” Lin Nuo said coolly.

“Really…”

Ling Meng blushed and shyly covered her reddened face, but then suddenly realized something was wrong.

“Wait, how do you know that the girls at brothels aren’t as pretty as me? You must have been there before!”

“Enough chatter! Even if I wanted some fun, I wouldn’t look for someone who’s already been played with by others.”

“Then, if not someone who’s been played with, what about someone like me?”

Ling Meng lightly bit her lip and gave a slightly seductive smile.

Lin Nuo patted her on the head, dispelling her strange thoughts.

“I suggest you read more and stop daydreaming! By the way, have you finished bathing?”

“Not yet, I was waiting for you.”

“Waiting for me for what?”

“This inn offers a special bath access for esteemed guests—couples can share baths.”

“So, you were waiting for me to join you?”

“Yep! As expected of Master, nothing escapes your notice!” Ling Meng chuckled.

“By the way, what did you just say? Oh right, I’m going to bathe now. Just a reminder, don’t wander into the men’s bath!”

Lin Nuo got everything ready in a basket for bathing and then headed down.

“Stinky Master.”

Ling Meng pouted, holding back her frustration. This Master always extinguished her enthusiasm, driving her mad.

Today’s grudge was noted down; she would definitely find a chance to repay it.

This inn was large, with complete facilities and a beautifully designed bathing area, adorned with bamboo and fragrant flowers, making the bathing guests feel as if they were immersed in a mystical spirit spring surrounded by nature, all while enjoying soft pipa melodies—a truly poetic experience.

Lin Nuo had heard that Zhou Ling City had such high-class bathing facilities. Even if the accommodation price was steep, he felt it was worth it, considering he had sold some herbs and minerals from the mountains for extra cash to improve his quality of life.

Even a villain like him deserved to step into a better life.

As Lin Nuo undressed in the changing room, humming a little tune, he walked into the bathing area, hoping for a relaxing soak.

As he entered, he noticed three familiar figures lounging in the bath.

Three muscular men.

Hearing his footsteps, the three burly guys turned to Lin Nuo and flashed him sinister smiles.

Lin Nuo’s heart sank.

Oh no, aren’t those the muscle guys from the Muscle Association?!

……

Ling Meng turned her frustration into food, and the angrier she became, the more she munched away, finishing off a whole bowl of dumplings.

Alright, she was full now. Time to change her clothes and go have a bath. She’d settle the score with that stinky Master later.

Suddenly, Lin Nuo returned, basket in hand, and opened the room door.

Ling Meng turned around, surprised: “Master, you’re back from your bath so soon?”

“Ling Meng.”

“What is it, Master?”

“Let’s take a bath together.”

……

Zhou Ling City, City Lord’s Mansion.

“Sir, another person has been assassinated, and two Taoists have also been killed.”

The strategist reported quietly. Overnight, more victims had met a terrible fate, and the City Lord frowned deeply.

At that moment, the General’s residence was hosting some guests, including Taoists from Zhou Ling City and visiting cultivators, among them Su Kexin and Liu Shuqin from Tianling Mountain.

“The bodies have been moved. According to the physician’s assessment, the wounds on the deceased are similar to previous murder cases, all at the hands of the ‘Poison Bee.’”

The strategist informed the City Lord and others, sharing how the name ‘Poison Bee’ had spread among the Taoists and cultivators.

“This ‘Poison Bee’ is quite audacious, and the scariest part is, we don’t even know what he looks like,” the City Lord groaned while holding his forehead.

“City Lord, the ‘Poison Bee’ has committed many crimes and is unforgivable. With the recent summons, many righteous heroes are joining the Righteous Path Organization. This ‘Poison Bee’ may have taken an interest in that and specially lurked in the city to strike. I propose we should avoid acting alone,” Liu Shuqin suggested. “I am willing to go after the ‘Poison Bee.’”

“No, now that fierce beasts are running rampant outside, you have tasks to attend to. Spending time on the ‘Poison Bee’ might come at too high a cost.”

The City Lord shook his head, sighing.

“You might become a target for him. Everyone be cautious.”