After My Faked Death Failed, My Ex-Wife Came Chasing After Me - Chapter 34

Lu Ting’an: “This smells absolutely heavenly…”

Hearing that she actually intended to stay of her own accord, Lu Ting’an gasped in shock.

“What did you say?!”

Lin Zheng glanced at her with a hint of confusion and asked in return, “What, are you unwilling to let me stay?”

“It’s not that, but… hey!” Lu Ting’an was momentarily at a loss for words. Her eyes widened into circles as she stammered, “Who are you? You definitely aren’t Lin Zheng. Lin Zheng would never say such a thing. Quick, get out of her body!”

Lin Zheng gave her a helpless, sidelong glance. “Lu Ting’an, aren’t you being a bit childish?”

Lu Ting’an scratched the back of her head, still immersed in shock. She muttered in disbelief, “What gives? Before, I invited you three times and asked you four, using both threats and inducements, and you refused to stay. You even said all solemnly, ‘One must not violate the sect rules’ and ‘I must be a role model for the disciples.’ And now? Did you feed all of that to the dogs?”

Lin Zheng gave a cold snort, too lazy to pay her any mind, and walked straight into the house with her hands behind her back.

Lu Ting’an followed her inside, bewildered. She saw Lin Zheng take a seat at the low table with practiced ease. Lin Zheng casually picked up the scrolls Lu Ting’an had left piled on the table before going down the mountain. Holding the title page between two fingers, she flipped through them carelessly, and her brow furrowed slightly.

“The tasks I assigned you,” she said expressionlessly as she closed the scroll, “you haven’t finished a single one.”

Lu Ting’an guiltily stuck out her tongue and said evasively, “Oh, well, wasn’t I busy preparing for the Sect Grand Examination during that time? I just forgot in a moment of inattention.”

Lin Zheng looked at her, her expression rippleless. She simply placed the scroll back on the table and said calmly, “After you finish them, transcribe the Guiyuan Manual and the Yunying Manual ten times each.”

“What?!” Lu Ting’an exploded on the spot, immediately protesting, “How can you be like this! Daddy said we should rest well after coming back. Why are you still forcing me to read books?”

Lin Zheng glanced at her and said, “What, are you unwilling?”

Lu Ting’an subconsciously swallowed hard. Her arrogance visibly weakened by several degrees, yet she still muttered indignantly in a low voice, “Fox claiming the tiger’s might… Just wait until the Grand Examination is over. See if I don’t go complain about you to Daddy and Master.”

Lin Zheng said nothing. She simply picked up the teapot on the table, poured herself a cup, took a light sip, and said in a calm tone, “Also, starting tomorrow, resume sword practice at the Hour of the Rabbit (5:00 AM).”

“What?! Are you a beast?” Lu Ting’an broke down instantly, shouting at her.

“During this trip down the mountain, I clearly felt that you used the Wujin Whip fewer times.” Lin Zheng set down her teacup, her gaze falling upon her. “If you continue like this without making progress, what will you do in the future if I am not by your side to protect you and you encounter danger?”

Lu Ting’an felt stifled, unable to voice her grievances. With a long, dejected face, she unwillingly moved to sit beside her, crossing her arms and turning her head away, refusing to acknowledge her.

Seeing her like this, Lin Zheng fell silent for a moment. Finally, she let out a soft sigh, her tone softening slightly. “I am doing this for your own good. In a few days, I must enter secluded meditation to attempt a breakthrough to the Nascent Soul Stage. This process is extremely perilous; the slightest mishap could lead to eternal perdition.”

“If…” Lin Zheng paused slightly before continuing, “If I fail to emerge successfully from seclusion, you must master what I have taught you during this time. In the future, when you go down the mountain to subduing demons and eliminate devils, it will be of great benefit to you.”

Hearing this, Lu Ting’an felt a chill in her heart.

In the original novel, Lin Zheng also chose to enter seclusion after this Sect Grand Examination to seek a breakthrough to the Nascent Soul Stage. The Junior Sister wanted to trip her up, so she intentionally released the monsters from the back mountain hunting grounds to cause chaos while she was in seclusion. If it hadn’t been for the original host’s greed—stumbling into stealing that Lamp of Pure Breath and Restoration from Jin Youdao, the Master of Fusheng Hall, and then hurriedly hiding it in the back mountain out of fear of being discovered by their Master—Lin Zheng truly wouldn’t have been able to use that lamp to stabilize her internal breath and successfully break through. It was a blessing in disguise.

Thinking of this, Lu Ting’an suddenly snapped back to reality. Oh no, she was still too conscientious; she actually hadn’t brought back that old toad’s lamp. If Lin Zheng didn’t have the Lamp of Pure Breath and Restoration to protect her body and failed the breakthrough, what then?

Seeing her face turn pale one moment and flushed the next, Lin Zheng asked with some confusion, “What is wrong with you?”

“Oh, oh, nothing.” Lu Ting’an answered with her mouth, but in her heart, she had made up her mind. During these two days of rest, she had to find a way to get her hands on that lamp first and then secretly hide it in the back mountain. Otherwise, if the system forced her to follow the plot, Lin Zheng would be in danger.

“Right, there is one more thing.” Lin Zheng suddenly spoke, and Lu Ting’an immediately turned back to look at her, asking warily, “What is it? You’re not going to assign more coursework, are you?”

Lin Zheng shook her head, though her expression was a bit more serious than before. “That day at the Moon-Reflecting Pool of the Stone Cliff, I went to the pharmacy with the medical cultivators to retrieve Liyin’s demon core to treat Madam Cui. But that demon core had vanished without a trace. At the time, the situation was urgent, and I had no time to inquire further.”

She raised her eyes to look at Lu Ting’an, pausing for a moment. “At that time, you once asked me about using demon cores to advance one’s cultivation. Was that demon core taken by you?”

At those words, Lu Ting’an’s face turned white instantly. She rubbed her hands together awkwardly and forced herself to lie: “Of course not! Didn’t you already tell me the harms of cultivating with a demon core? I’m someone who values my life very much; I definitely wouldn’t take it.”

Lin Zheng stared at her, her brow furrowed. “It had better be so.”

Lu Ting’an nodded guiltily and diverted the topic elsewhere. “Stop being so suspicious… Right, since we finally have a holiday today, how about we sneak down the mountain to Jinling City for a good meal?”

Lin Zheng refused flatly: “No.”

Lu Ting’an looked at the sky helplessly and began to wail, “You can’t just make the donkey pull the grindstone without letting it eat! I have to get up at the Hour of the Rabbit tomorrow to practice the sword. Can’t you just treat this as a reward for me?”

Lin Zheng hesitated for a second. Looking at the darkening sky outside, she said, “No. If we go down the mountain at this hour, it will definitely be past curfew by the time we return.”

Lu Ting’an rolled her eyes. “What’s wrong with a curfew? You’re staying here with me and not going back anyway, and I didn’t see you caring about that.”

Lin Zheng seemed unable to endure it any longer and said, “It’s different. I am staying here because I promised Master I would supervise you properly until you pass the Grand Examination. But sneaking down the mountain is merely for the sake of appetite. Such a thing cannot be allowed to break the sect rules.”

Lu Ting’an was always helpless against her stubborn donkey-like temper. But thinking about the miserable days ahead, she managed to act tough for once. With hands on her hips, she said, “Are you going or not? If you’re not going, I’ll go by myself.”

After saying that, Lu Ting’an turned to leave.

Lin Zheng hesitated for a while. It wasn’t until she saw Lu Ting’an’s silhouette getting further and further away that she ultimately couldn’t allow her to go down the mountain alone. With a few quick strides, she reached her side and said coldly, “This is not to be repeated.”

Lu Ting’an was blooming with joy in her heart, but on the surface, she had to appear rippleless. She said, “How come you changed your mind again?”

Lin Zheng’s thin lips pressed together slightly. She gave her a somewhat displeased look and said, “We must return to the White Cloud Deer Gate by the Hour of the Dog (7:00 PM – 9:00 PM).”

Lu Ting’an curled her lip and smiled. “I know, I know. You’re the one with the most rules.”

To save time, Lin Zheng simply took Lu Ting’an and flew directly into Jinling City on her sword. At this time, it was exactly the dinner hour. Inside the city, the lanterns were just being lit, and songs and dances filled the air. By the banks of the Qinhuai River, flower boats came and went to the sound of pipas. On the streets, vendors’ shouts were incessant, and the bustling atmosphere of the mortal world rushed toward them.

Lu Ting’an’s eyes were immediately drawn to a luxuriously decorated restaurant at the corner of the street. Seeing those glistening, oily roasted ducks hanging on the rack at the entrance, the aroma filling the air, her mouth watered instantly. Without a second word, she pulled Lin Zheng inside.

Lin Zheng’s brow furrowed. She said, “I recognize this restaurant. The prices are high. We are just down the mountain for a simple meal; there is no need for this.”

How could Lu Ting’an listen? She forcefully dragged the person through the door and said with a giggle, “Oh, I know you’re stingy with money. Won’t it be fine if I treat you?”

“It’s not a matter of who treats; it’s…” Before Lin Zheng could finish, Lu Ting’an had already stepped ahead and waved to the waiter. “Hey, waiter! Give us a private room. Bring one of every signature dish and a pot of good wine. Be quick!”

“Right away, guests! Please come upstairs!” The waiter responded hurriedly and led them to the second floor.

As soon as Lu Ting’an entered the room, her eyes lit up. The interior was elegantly arranged, with a winding stream for floating wine cups surrounding the area. In the center stood a four-fold ink-wash screen. On one side, on a writing desk, green potted plants were placed alongside brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones. On the walls were poems left by scholars and poets, which indeed added a bit of charm.

Lu Ting’an pushed Lin Zheng into a seat and sat down on the other side herself. She stretched comfortably and said, “We’ve been exposed to the wind and slept in the wild these past few days; we need to nourish ourselves well.”

After saying that, as if suddenly remembering her character setting—and surprised that the system hadn’t jumped out to remind her not to be too nice to Lin Zheng—she subconsciously blurted out, “You’re not allowed to snatch from me later! You have to help serve me food. You’re only allowed to eat after I’m full, do you hear me?”

She had originally thought Lin Zheng would be angry like before, but Lin Zheng’s mouth only twitched slightly, appearing somewhat speechless.

Lu Ting’an said, “What’s wrong? You’re unwilling?”

Lin Zheng let out a helpless sigh. “I have told you many times; I am practicing inedia (fasting).”

Lu Ting’an scratched her head awkwardly and gave her a displeased look. “Inedia is inedia. It’s not like you don’t know I have a bad memory.”

After a while, the dishes all arrived. Chicken, duck, fish, meat, Four-Joy Meatballs, and fermented rice soup with glutinous rice balls—everything was there. It happened to match the flavors of Lu Ting’an’s hometown. She immediately couldn’t resist picking up a piece of sizzling, oily roasted duck. After putting it in her mouth, the salty fragrance overflowed, finally making her feel like she was truly alive.

“Mmm, not bad. Really delicious.” Lu Ting’an was so hot she was huffing, yet she was still reluctant to put down her chopsticks.

Sitting to the side and seeing her like this, Lin Zheng naturally poured her a cup of tea and handed it over, saying, “Don’t be in a hurry. Eat slowly.”

But Lu Ting’an shook her head. Her eyes turned and landed on the exquisitely crafted wine pot to the side. She signaled, “I’m not drinking tea. Since we’re down the mountain, why not drink a bit of this?”

Without a second thought, Lin Zheng refused directly: “No. I never drink alcohol.”

Lu Ting’an froze for a moment, then laughed. “What are you afraid of? It’s just a light sip; it won’t lead to being drunk. Since we’re already here, don’t spoil my fun.”

Her tone was light, with a hint of soft pestering.

Seeing her persistence, Lin Zheng was finally helpless. She could only take the pair of wine cups and pour a small amount for each of them.

Lu Ting’an took a sip first. Her eyes lit up instantly, and she couldn’t help but praise, “Mmm, good wine! The flavor is very mellow. Try it.”

Lin Zheng looked at her suspiciously. After a moment of hesitation, she picked up the wine cup and took a light sip. The liquid slid slowly down her throat. Indeed, it wasn’t spicy; instead, it carried a faint, lingering fruit fragrance and sweetness.

Lu Ting’an stared at her with bright eyes and smiled. “Is it good? I wouldn’t lie to you.”

Lin Zheng didn’t say anything; she just nodded.

Seeing her approval, Lu Ting’an couldn’t help being happy. She picked up the wine pot again and filled her cup to the brim, saying, “Since you’re not eating, drink more. Otherwise, it’s a waste.”

“I won’t…” Lin Zheng was just about to speak when Lu Ting’an forestalled her. She picked up her cup and drained it in one go, then intentionally turned the empty cup upside down and shook it, saying triumphantly, “How about that?”

Lin Zheng gave her a faint glance and said nothing. She simply raised her cup as well and drank the wine inside in one gulp.

Lu Ting’an was stunned. She hadn’t expected someone who normally never touched a drop of alcohol to have such boldness. She was just about to praise her when, suddenly, Lin Zheng’s eyes went vacant. Her body swayed, and with a “thump,” she collapsed onto the table.

Lu Ting’an’s hand jerked in fright, and even the roasted duck leg fell to the floor.

She was stunned for a long while before coming back to her senses. She cautiously reached out a finger to poke Lin Zheng’s already flushed face, calling out tentatively, “…Lin Zheng?”

There was no reaction.

Lu Ting’an’s heart skipped a beat, and she instantly panicked. What kind of situation was this? She didn’t know how to fly a sword. How was she supposed to get this person back to the White Cloud Deer Gate?

If she had known, she shouldn’t have been so talkative. Why on earth did she have to drag Lin Zheng into drinking wine!

She slapped her thigh in annoyance, almost wanting to give herself a smack.

Looking around, Lu Ting’an suddenly discovered that behind the screen, there was actually a neatly prepared bed. She didn’t have time to think further and hurriedly pulled the person onto her back. Gritting her teeth, she moved step by step until she finally managed to settle Lin Zheng down on the bed.

Just as she straightened up, wanting to catch her breath, Lin Zheng suddenly opened her eyes in the next instant.

Lu Ting’an was startled so badly she almost cursed. She couldn’t help complaining, “Since you’re awake, why didn’t you make a sound? You made me waste all that effort for nothing!”

Lin Zheng did not answer. She only stared intensely at Lu Ting’an’s face.

Being stared at like that made Lu Ting’an feel uneasy. She said, “Lin Zheng, what is wrong with you? You didn’t actually drink yourself stupid, did you? Is it possible that foxes can’t drink?”

At the mention of the word “fox,” Lin Zheng’s eyelashes fluttered. She seemed to loathe this title extremely and gave her a displeased glare.

Lu Ting’an immediately realized her slip of the tongue and hurriedly waved her hands in apology. “Okay, okay, it’s my fault for having a loose tongue. Since you’re awake, let’s go? Any later and we’ll violate the curfew…”

Before she could finish, Lin Zheng suddenly reached out and yanked her back.

Lu Ting’an was completely off guard. Her whole body crashed heavily into Lin Zheng’s embrace, feeling as if she had fallen into a soft space filled with a faint, lingering fragrance. She suddenly reacted, and the tips of her ears turned red in a “whoosh.” She hurriedly propped herself up and looked up, saying loudly, “Lin Zheng! What are you doing!”

Lin Zheng’s hand firmly cupped the back of her head, pressing her more forcefully against herself. Her chest rose and fell slightly, vibrating against Lu Ting’an’s ear as she said in a deep voice:

“Not allowed to leave.”