Divine Emperor Demon Emperor

Chapter 445: Chapter 445: Verdant Bamboo Forest

A mysterious organization surfaced because of the deathmatch between Lin Yun and Chang Jing. Luo Feng and the others were determined to investigate, but in the end, the organization managed to sever every single lead.

All suspects were killed. Even now, Luo Feng had no way of knowing if any members of this organization remained within Flawless Palace.

A clear order was issued forbidding Core Disciples from further infighting. Bai Zhicheng and He Yuntian, who were in Wind City, were also ordered back to the palace by their respective masters. Lin Yun’s plans in Wind City had to come to a temporary halt.

The sudden appearance of this organization forced the plans in Wind City to a halt. However, Li Tian wasn’t idle. He was now fully dedicated to investigating them, starting with the basics: the organization’s name, its scale, its members, and so on. All these leads were for Li Tian to pursue.

With all the miscellaneous tasks handed over to Li Tian, and Gong Lingqi having been punished by his master to meditate at Jingsi Cliff, Lin Yun began his daily, grueling cultivation.

Lin Yun had never forgotten about his impending life-and-death battle with Song Tianyang. He knew his current strength was no match for his opponent, so his daily cultivation was exceptionally rigorous.

In just half a month, Lin Yun could already last for a full hour in the Hundredfold Gravity Cultivation Chamber without being crushed. Although moving was still extremely difficult, such progress was already incredibly rapid.

Returning from the Hundredfold Gravity Cultivation Chamber, Lin Yun was so tired he was on the verge of collapse. Without a second thought, he jumped into the medicinal bath Luo Feng had prepared for him.

The Hundredfold Gravity Cultivation Chamber, followed by a medicinal bath, had now become Lin Yun’s daily regimen.

After soaking in the bath, Lin Yun felt completely reinvigorated. His body now absorbed the potent effects of the medicine much faster than before; in less than an hour, the black water of the bath would turn completely clear.

After changing into a clean set of clothes, Lin Yun pushed open his door, intending to practice his Martial Skills. However, as soon as he stepped out, he saw Lu Bingning and Lan Xi sitting on the stone bench in the courtyard.

Seeing the two women, Lin Yun smiled faintly, then walked over and sat down between them. ”Out of seclusion so soon?” he asked, looking at them.

”Mhm, this seclusion went very smoothly. Sister Bingning and I both broke through to the Second Layer of the Primordial Ocean Realm! And Master said our Purification of Essence and Marrow was a great success, which will be very beneficial for our future cultivation,” Lan Xi replied with a smile.

He sensed their Cultivation. They had indeed reached the Second Layer of the Primordial Ocean Realm, and their auras were exceptionally stable. It looked like their seclusion had been a great success.

The moment they emerged from seclusion, the two had eagerly sought out Lin Yun. As they chatted, Lin Yun told them about the recent events. They found it all incredible, especially the part about the mysterious organization.

”So you’re saying even the Palace Master and the others couldn’t find anything on this mysterious organization?” Lu Bingning asked.

”Mhm, although my master and the others found quite a few leads, everyone involved was assassinated within just three days, and all the trails went cold,” Lin Yun nodded and replied.

After discussing the mysterious organization for a while, Lin Yun changed the subject. ”Enough about that. Since you’re both out of seclusion, how about we go for a walk around Flawless Palace?”

The two women happily accepted his proposal. The Central Island, home to Flawless Palace, was enormous and boasted many scenic spots. The Core Disciple Area in particular was so beautiful it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call it picturesque.

He had never really taken a proper stroll through Flawless Palace. All this time, Lin Yun had been engrossed in cultivation, and with all the conflicts and other matters within the palace, he never had the time to truly appreciate its beauty.

Now, accompanied by the two women, Lin Yun finally had the chance to properly take it all in.

Streams, peach blossoms, green grass... the scenery of the Core Disciple Area was truly exquisite. Admiring the beautiful views along the way, Lin Yun let go of the pressure on his shoulders, strolling and chatting cheerfully with the two women.

They walked until they reached a bamboo forest. Lin Yun had never heard that Flawless Palace had such a large expanse of bamboo. The stalks were a vibrant green, and Lin Yun immediately led the two women inside.

As they ambled through the bamboo forest, the three gradually ventured into its depths. It was then that Lin Yun heard the faint, distant strains of a Guqin.

Following the direction of the music, the sound of the Guqin grew clearer as they drew closer. The beautiful melody seemed capable of soothing the restlessness in one’s heart. Even Lu Bingning couldn’t help but praise it. ”What beautiful music. Listening to it makes my heart feel so calm.”

”I wonder who is playing the Guqin here,” Lin Yun murmured, leading the two women forward.

After walking for quite some distance, a small path appeared before them. Flanked on both sides by verdant bamboo, the path twisted and turned, leading them deeper into the secluded forest.

Following the path, the three of them eventually stopped before a Bamboo Courtyard.

This was truly a courtyard made of bamboo. A low bamboo fence enclosed the small yard, and as far as the eye could see, the entire place seemed like a slice of paradise—quiet, serene, and utterly detached from the mortal world.

”Since you are here, please come in.” Just as the three of them were observing the Bamboo Courtyard, an ethereal and peaceful voice came from within.

Following the invitation, they entered the Bamboo Courtyard. The layout of the yard was simple: a small pond of clear water, surrounded by some exquisitely shaped rockeries.

A simple bamboo house stood there. In front of it, an old man with crane-white hair and a youthful face sat cross-legged on a cattail mat. A Guqin was placed before him, and beside him was a simple bamboo table with a pot of tea and a few bamboo cups.

Everything was so tranquil and effortless.

Lin Yun looked at the old man. Although he couldn’t sense any trace of Cultivation from him, they were guests in someone else’s home, so proper etiquette was required.

Bowing to the old man, Lin Yun said softly, ”I have disturbed you with my sudden intrusion, Senior. Please forgive me.”

”Hehe, it’s no bother at all. Very few people ever come here. Since you’ve already arrived, please, sit,” the old man said with a gentle smile, gesturing toward three cattail mats in front of the table.

After they sat cross-legged on the three mats, the old man poured them each a cup of tea and said peacefully, ”I don’t have anything special here, only this bamboo leaf tea.”

”You are too kind, Senior. We are the ones who should feel embarrassed for intruding,” Lin Yun replied.

Facing the old man, Lin Yun had an indescribable feeling, as if a single sentence from the man could influence his Mental Realm.

From the moment they entered the Bamboo Courtyard, he and the old man had exchanged fewer than ten sentences, yet Lin Yun could clearly feel his Mental Realm growing much more tranquil. The pressure that weighed on him like a mountain seemed to have lightened considerably.

He felt completely at ease.

He looked at the old man, somewhat surprised. Although Lin Yun currently couldn’t sense Luo Feng’s aura either, the feeling Luo Feng and this old man gave him was completely different.

(Thirtieth update. Please add to your collection, vote with a Monthly Pass, recommend, and tip!)