Chapter 9: Us, For a Lifetime

Chapter 9: Us, For a Lifetime

Ru Yu Village doesn’t have internet, so they are completely unaware of Lin Nuo’s demonic transformation or the state of the world’s powers; they wouldn’t bother to inquire either.

What good would it do? Common folks would rather think about their own daily necessities like tea, rice, oil, and salt. At most, they might hear rumors about someone attacking and simply run away early.

Lin Nuo is practically erased from this world; his name is now just a legend in the martial arts world. He initially wanted Ruo’er to contact Xia Hanmo, but as luck would have it, Xia Hanmo returned to Ru Yu Village.

“Madam Xia is back! It must be Lin Nuo and Ruo’er who informed you, right?”

“Brother Nuo and Ruo’er? Madam Li, I don’t quite understand what you mean?”

Xia Hanmo was puzzled. She had severed ties with them long ago and had no clue about their whereabouts.

Yet, she heard through the grapevine about Lin Nuo’s descent into madness and that he was wanted, but she had only heard about it, never witnessed it herself.

“Oh dear, they came back! They’re at your ancestral home, and they’re planning to get married. Oh my, Ru Yu Village hasn’t had a joyous event for a long time.”

“Get married? Them? Why so suddenly?”

Xia Hanmo was shocked. After not seeing them for such a long time, the news that they were getting married came as a surprise.

What on earth had they been through?

“Alright, I’ll head back now. If it’s true, there’s no way we can skip the wedding banquet.”

Xia Hanmo hurried back to the ancestral home, and just as she arrived, she bumped into Ruo’er.

Now Ruo’er had blossomed into a graceful young lady, fully shed her childishness. She was dignified, virtuous, and well-mannered—a perfect daughter-in-law in Xia Hanmo’s eyes.

“Ah, Madam, you’re back! I was just planning to find you!”

“Ruo’er? Is it really you? Ruo’er, my dear Ruo’er, I thought I’d never hear from you again!”

Xia Hanmo was overjoyed, rushing to embrace Ruo’er. Although Xia Hanmo was only in her thirties, she had long felt the weight of being a left-behind elder.

“Sorry, Madam, I was fortunate to be valued by a senior Immortal and went to Zifeng Valley for training. I couldn’t leave the mountain without permission, so I’m sorry for not letting you know.”

“My dear Ruo’er, to see you again is all that matters. I just heard from Madam Li that Nuo’er has also returned, and you two are getting married!”

“Mm-hmm, I’m marrying Brother Nuo. I’m sorry; we should have told you ourselves, but you found out through someone else. Please do support us.”

“Silly child! How could I not wish for you to marry my Nuo’er? Ever since you came to the Lin family, I’ve had my eye on you. It seems Nuo’er has finally realized who a good girl is. Come on, let’s go see him!”

“Mm.”

Ruo’er nodded lightly and quickly led Xia Hanmo back to the ancestral home, where Lin Nuo was resting easy in the courtyard on a grand chair.

He was enjoying this peaceful life; how pleasant it was to live simply!

Even if he dozed off, he remained vigilant, since who knew when those Immortals might drop by?

“Nuo brother, look who’s here!”

Ruo’er was guiding the guest in like a wife, just short of calling him “hubby.”

“Is that the village chief? Haven’t seen that old man in ages. Hm?”

Lin Nuo bent down to greet the village chief, but instead, he found his mother had arrived.

Yes, it was Xia Hanmo.

Although Lin Nuo appeared more haggard than before, Xia Hanmo recognized him instantly.

“Nuo’er! Nuo’er! It’s really you!”

Xia Hanmo was even more excited than before, after all, he was her only family, her son. Thinking about how she had felt despair after hearing Lin Nuo was driven from the Xuanyun Sect and went missing, she had cried every day. Now, reunited, her eyes brimmed with tears of emotion and joy.

“Mm, it’s me, Mother. I’m back.”

Lin Nuo and Xia Hanmo embraced, recalling the sadness they had experienced in the illusion long ago with Ruo’er. His heart felt like it was being sliced; now that heaven had granted him another chance, he aimed to make amends.

“Mother, you always say I don’t find a wife. Look, I’ve brought one back—Ruo’er, from now on, she’ll be your daughter-in-law.”

“Ruo’er is great! She’s my favorite girl!”

Xia Hanmo pulled Ruo’er forward, then joined their hands together.

“We’ve finally reunited! I’ll arrange for you to pick a lucky date for the wedding.”

“Mm.”

Lin Nuo and Ruo’er nodded eagerly, willing to follow Xia Hanmo’s lead.

After choosing a good date, Ruo’er’s adoptive mother was also invited to Ru Yu Village. Although there were not many villagers, the atmosphere was delightful; each villager was straightforward and kind, with no ill intentions.

Nobody thought Lin Nuo had truly fallen into madness; Lin Nuo himself explained that it was all rumors. Plus, he didn’t possess even an ounce of Demon Qi; instead, he appeared handsome and sunny—far from the dim and disheartened image of a demon.

Perhaps Lin Nuo and Ruo’er hadn’t had a smooth journey together in the past, suffering hardships and unfulfilled aspirations, only to become scapegoats. They ultimately discovered that a simple life was the real treasure.

On the night of the wedding banquet, the celebration was vibrant. Not only the villagers of Ru Yu but also those from nearby villages came to join the feast. Lin Nuo and Ruo’er moved from table to table, toasting as a typical newlywed couple.

Of course, Lin Nuo did most of the toasting; he couldn’t bear to let Ruo’er drink too much.

Once the formalities wrapped up, as the crowd dispersed, most people returned home. The women were busy chatting, while the newlyweds prepared to enter their happy red chamber.

Lin Nuo gently carried Ruo’er into the room. No matter what, he respected her deeply and wouldn’t rush things.

“Actually, husband, you don’t need to be so polite with me… After all, we’re married now…”

Ruo’er gently caressed Lin Nuo’s cheek. His excessive politeness made her feel they weren’t close enough.

“No, my wife, I’m just cherishing you. Of course, if you dislike it, I’ll change to be the person you like.”

“No, husband, just be yourself. There’s no need to change for Ruo’er.”

Ruo’er continued to caress Lin Nuo’s cheek, her affection for him growing. Who wouldn’t want someone who wouldn’t change for them?

“My dear wife, I’m grateful you could accept me. A sinner like me.”

“Husband, don’t say such things.”

Ruo’er’s finger reached toward Lin Nuo’s lips, trying to stop him from speaking further.

“I just wish to spend the rest of my life with you. Let the past be the past.”

“You’re wonderful, my wife.”

Lin Nuo laid her on the bed. They didn’t rush into consummation. Instead, they allowed for a bit of romantic foreplay, as a sign of respect for her.

“I thought this was a dream; even if it were a dream, I’d be fine as long as I don’t wake up, because that way it would never be real.”

“It’s not a dream, my husband. I’m truly right here beside you. Don’t think too much, okay?”

Ruo’er held Lin Nuo’s hand tightly, feeling that he still cared about the past. She was trying her best to comfort him.

“No, I’m just reminiscing, my wife.”

Lin Nuo looked at Ruo’er, gently smiling,

“My wife, I love you.”

“I love you too, husband.”

As they held each other’s hands and kissed, there weren’t grand oaths or big promises—just the wish to live a simple life together.

Together for a lifetime, protecting one another.

……

The End