Chapter 25: Meeting Yan Ruyu Again

Before the words had even faded, a series of kicks landed on the young boy’s abdomen, twisting his face in agony as he vomited blood. The snow-covered ground was stained with crimson, matching the disheveled state of the trembling boy.

"Stop!" a cold voice commanded.

A magnificent carriage pulled slowly to a halt. As the curtains parted, a breathtakingly enchanting woman stepped out. Lin Chen’s first reaction upon seeing her was a single thought: "Beautiful."

The group of men turned in unison, looking at her with disdain. "Who do you think you are? Damn it, you want to tell me to stop—"

Before he could finish, the woman thrust her sword straight into the man’s chest.

*Thwack!*

The bearded man spat blood, clutched his chest, and stared wide-eyed, struggling to choke out, "You... you damn..."

With a final, resentful curse, he slumped to the ground, lifeless.

The woman’s expression remained icy as she said, "Keep your filth to yourselves. Release him at once."

Hearing this, one of the men scrambled away, shouting back to his companions, "Hold them off! I’m going to get the young master!"

"You’re finished! You’re dead! Do you have any idea who we work for?" one of the servants hissed.

The woman remained indifferent, her face a mask of cold composure, completely unmoved by the threats. She did not strike again but sat before the carriage, waiting quietly for the "young master" they had mentioned.

Moments later, a youth dressed in fine, embroidered silks strolled over. The servants beside him gritted their teeth, snarling, "Young Master, it’s this damned woman! She ruined everything and killed Manager Lu!"

The youth turned with a cold face, but the moment his eyes met the woman’s, he raised his hand and struck his own servant across the face with a loud *slap*.

He then dropped to his knees with a heavy thud, stuttering in terror, "I have offended the Saintess. My crimes are unforgivable."

*Slap! Slap! Slap!*

He began to strike his own face repeatedly, holding nothing back. Watching this, Lin Chen couldn't help but admire the youth; he was a ruthless man who knew when to bend.

"Get up," the woman said coldly. "Release his sister and give him some silver for his injuries."

"Thank you, Saintess! Thank you, Saintess!" the youth stammered, his face swollen and red.

A moment later, a young woman, her face streaked with tears, was brought out by the servants. She rushed to the boy, sobbing, "Xiao Qing, didn't I tell you not to come? Why were you so foolish?"

The boy smiled joyfully. "I’m fine, sister. Let’s go home."

The woman looked at the silk-clad youth with trepidation, pleading, "Young Master Luo, you’ve released my brother. I’ll agree to anything if you just let him go."

At these words, the youth’s face looked as though he had swallowed a fly. He hurriedly produced a pouch of silver and pressed it into her hand, whispering, "Just go! Leave, now!" He was terrified that if the woman kept talking, it would displease Yan Ruyu and bring more trouble upon him.

The woman cast a suspicious glance at the youth, then at the woman sitting quietly nearby, seemingly beginning to understand. "Thank you, benefactor," she whispered, before quickly leading her brother away from the scene.

Only then did Yan Ruyu open her eyes. She looked at the youth with a chilling gaze. "Luo Ping, I hope you keep your word. If I find you harassing them again, I will make sure the Luo family vanishes from Jinzhou City."

"Yes, yes, of course, Saintess. I wouldn't dare," Luo Ping said, bowing his head until it struck the ground.

Seeing the matter resolved so effortlessly, Lin Chen walked into the inn. He realized the weight of one's background; just by standing there, she had settled the conflict with ease. Contrastingly, a nobody like him, devoid of status or influence, would have had to fight a bitter battle—and might even have been crushed by the elders of those he offended. He sighed inwardly, "Ah, comparing oneself to others only leads to misery."

Suddenly, a delicate fragrance wafted toward him, followed by the graceful figure of Yan Ruyu. A hint of surprise crossed her exquisite features as she asked gently, "Fellow Daoist, are your eyes healed?"

Lin Chen looked up and asked dryly, "You aren't here to dig them out again, are you?"

Yan Ruyu paused, then laughed. "Do you truly think I am that kind of person?" She sat down opposite him without invitation and signaled the waiter to bring a few simple dishes.

Lin Chen’s clear eyes flickered slightly. "Hard to say." He continued to eat his noodles, which seemed worlds apart from the feast spread before Yan Ruyu. The aroma drifting from her table made his own meal seem far more appetizing, as if he were feasting on the same fine delicacies.

"Fellow Daoist, would you care to join me?" Yan Ruyu asked.

The offer sounded like charity to Lin Chen’s ears. He quickly declined, "No thank you, I’m already full."

Yan Ruyu stared fixedly into his eyes. "These eyes are very beautiful."

Lin Chen was speechless, thinking to himself, *Is that all that’s beautiful? What’s wrong with the rest of me?* He didn't speak, however, and rose to leave. He hadn't intended to stay at the inn; he had only come to fill his stomach before continuing his journey.

He mounted his donkey and trotted toward the city gates. Shortly after, the luxurious carriage appeared behind him. Lin Chen moved to the side to let it pass, but as the carriage drew level, it slowed to a stop.

Yan Ruyu lifted the window curtain. "Fellow Daoist, the weather is frigid. I have a brazier inside; why not come in and sit?"

The mention of a heater made Lin Chen’s eyes light up, but then he reconsidered. A man and a woman alone in a room? If her suitors found out, it would bring him endless trouble. She was a Saintess, after all; her admirers were bound to be powerful figures. One slip and he could lose his life.

"Forget it! It’s not appropriate for a man and woman to be alone," Lin Chen said with a wry smile.

Yan Ruyu had no such concerns; in the Jing Kingdom, there wasn't a man alive who could take advantage of her. She simply hadn't expected Lin Chen to think that way. She smiled, "I don't mind, so what are you afraid of?"

Eventually, swayed by her persuasion, Lin Chen climbed into the carriage.

As he entered, he was enveloped by a fragrance unique to a lady’s chamber, followed by a wave of warmth. The luxury inside shocked him—it was like a grand bedroom, complete with a bed, table, and chairs.

Yan Ruyu lifted a slender hand to pour him a cup of tea. "May I ask your name, Fellow Daoist?"

Lin Chen dropped his guard, replying politely, "I am from Qinghe Town. My name is Lin Chen."

"Qinghe Town..." Yan Ruyu mused for a moment, then continued, "Lin Chen, are you a fellow practitioner from the Peach Blossom Temple?"