Chapter 389: Taking Ruo’er Down the Valley
Lin Nuo possessed the Wind Spirit Root and could wield wind techniques, but it seemed he had a grudge against the wind.
Usually, when he hung his quilts out to dry, they would be whisked away by strong winds. When he tried planting a few trees, the winds would knock them crooked, and even on a calm winter night, upon his arrival, a tempest would sweep through, leaving him looking like a fool.
Moreover, the bane of his existence was the windswept gales; he always seemed to run into a few gusts that would cause him trouble.
For instance, there were Ling Meng’s earthly wind gales, and then there were the fierce winds outside Zifeng Valley.
Those caught in the chaos were often left scattered.
However, Lin Nuo had an extraordinary capacity to endure; these tempestuous winds were bearable. Though they turned the world upside down, they didn’t cost him his life.
Ruo’er was overjoyed to see Lin Nuo and delighted to hear that he had come to find her.
With a light laugh, she said:
“Ohhhh~ Thank you, young master, for making the long journey to visit me~ Ruo’er has been diligently practicing every day~ Recently, I’ve been training in the Immortal Wind Technique, and Dong Xiyan said I’ve made rapid progress~”
“The Immortal Wind Technique? Why are you suddenly practicing that? I remember your spiritual body isn’t suited for wind techniques.”
“Because the young master has the Wind Spirit Root! Since you practice wind techniques, as your maid, I naturally must practice them too~”
Naive Ruo’er fluttered her fluffy ears and chuckled.
“You’re being blind and unrealistic. Did Dong Xiyan suggest this?”
“Nope, I insisted on learning it.”
“You really shouldn’t have chosen it.”
“Ah, young master, was I wrong?”
Ruo’er began to panic; all she wanted was to learn wind techniques to have more common topics with the young master. Was such a tiny wish really a mistake?
Lin Nuo replied calmly:
“Forget it. Having many skills is never a burden. If you’ve learned it, so be it. You can take it as a minor study, but don’t overexert yourself. One should strive to achieve the infinite with limited time. Don’t you feel overwhelmed practicing the Immortal Wind Technique? No matter how much effort you put in?”
“Mm-hmm, I do feel a bit overwhelmed~” Ruo’er nodded.
“Wind techniques aren’t something you can casually grasp. No matter what wind technique, what’s your role in all this? You can’t charge in with weapons drawn to slash away; you’re primarily a long-range Spirit Technique user! Wind techniques clearly aren’t suited for you; you lack the experience of rapidly escaping and battling in chaotic situations.”
Lin Nuo analyzed Ruo’er’s role; using game terms, Ruo’er was more like a mage or support, rather than an assassin or warrior.
The Immortal Wind Technique could be used for attacks, but without a soul, it couldn’t compare to fire, ice, or lightning techniques for sheer impact.
Wind techniques would make one more agile on the battlefield, allowing for smooth entry and exit.
That’s the essence of wind techniques.
If one wanted to use them offensively or to restrain, it could be done, but as a little girl just stepping onto the immortal path, did she really need to spend so much effort when she could save time to train in something else?
“Young master, how long do you plan to stay in Zifeng Valley?” Ruo’er asked Lin Nuo.
“I’ll leave soon.”
“What? You’re leaving so quickly? Aren’t you staying a bit longer?”
Ruo’er felt extremely reluctant. They had just reunited, and he was leaving already. How long would it be until they could meet again?
“Young master, I’ve been missing you these days! Can’t you stay a few more days? You could also help guide my training~”
Ruo’er tugged at Lin Nuo’s sleeve, using a pouty tone.
“What do you mean, stay a few more days? Time doesn’t allow for that. Besides, I didn’t come here just to visit you; hurry and pack your things; we’re heading down the valley.”
“Huh? Down the valley? Aren’t we training?” Ruo’er was startled.
“Don’t you check the calendar?”
“Calendar… Ohhhh! Right, right! Silly me, I completely forgot!”
Ruo’er suddenly remembered it was the anniversary of her young master’s grandmother’s passing. She needed to accompany him to pay respects.
“Young master, aside from you and the lady, are there other people joining us?” Ruo’er asked.
“Why would there be other people?”
“Because, if the young master were to marry…”
“What are you thinking?”
Lin Nuo tapped Ruo’er lightly on the head. This little girl was always dreaming up bizarre ideas.
“Ouch… young master, that hurts…”
Ruo’er clutched her head, looking wronged.
“If you can’t handle this little pain, how will you train as an immortal? Now pack your things; I’ll wait for you here.”
“Young master, would you like to come to my room~?”
“Not going.”
“Aw… just a little visit, please.”
“Zifeng Valley has rules; male immortals cannot enter the residences of female immortals, let alone a mortal going to a female immortal’s place.”
“But I have so much to carry; I can’t manage it all~”
Ruo’er tugged Lin Nuo’s sleeve again, using her best puppy-dog eyes.
Lin Nuo wasn’t swayed by her charm. Although the little girl was cute, he wouldn’t compromise just because she was being a bit coy; as a villain, he had principles.
Unless there were delicious Meat Floss Cakes involved.
“Zifeng Valley has immortal beasts. Just find a white tiger, white fox, white bird, or white horse; have one of them help out. Besides, it’s not like we’re moving; you just need to pack some clothes.”
Lin Nuo said, while Ruo’er sulked a bit, wishing for him to come to her room so they could take a casual nap together.
Ruo’er pouted and walked away, but since they were going down the valley for the memorial, she’d have some time with the young master. She could also have a word with Dong Xiyan before they left; she’d probably allow it.
Ruo’er returned to her residence, and Lin Nuo waited at the cliff’s edge.
“Ah, it’s Lin Nuo who has come.”
At that moment, the Old Immortal, who had played chess with him before, flew over on an Immortal Crane, leaning on his staff as he approached.
“Long time no see, young man.”
“Yeah, long time no see, senior.”
Actually, Lin Nuo wanted to say, why does the old man look so much messier after just a few days? But considering it was the old man’s territory, he decided to keep that thought to himself.
“Did you come to Zifeng Valley to visit Ruo’er?”
“No, I have matters to discuss; I need to take her down the valley for a while, but we’ll be back soon.”
“I see.”
The Old Immortal stroked his beard, chuckling,
“Young man, has there been any word from Xuanyun Sect about the Sea Domain Dragon Clan lately?”
“Why do you ask that?”
“Just curious; it seems this race has started to stir, but it’s not an invasion of the land, rather seeking to form friendships.” The Old Immortal said.
“Seeking friendships? They want to build some kind of alliance with immortals?” Lin Nuo asked.
“Yes, an envoy has come.”
“What do you think their intentions are, senior?”
“It could be a facade of goodwill, hiding a dagger behind their back.”
“Do you think our abilities can contend with the Sea Domain Dragon Clan?”
“That…”
The Old Immortal hesitated a moment before responding,
“Since we’ve never faced them head-on, it’s hard to judge. However, I tend to think we’re not as powerful as them. After all, this race is quite fearsome; their envoy easily crossed the wind gales and at great speed, which astonished us.”
“Then they must be above you; treat them as guests, but be cautious. Don’t provoke them; that’s all I really can suggest.”
“That will have to do.” The Old Immortal replied.
Lin Nuo mused to himself, these Sea Domain Dragon Clan members are quite the social butterflies, making connections everywhere. It’s pretty impressive they can effortlessly come to Zifeng Valley.
As long as they don’t cross paths with Su Kexin, everything should be fine.