Chapter 84: Hu Yunyin Departs, Each of the Four Sisters Shines in Her Own Way

“Daoist Tianling, I’d like to ask you something—about your technique for dealing with women…”

“I’ll accept your gift, but as for your question, I have only two words for you: ‘Be sincere.’”

Ling Tian accepted the storage ring. Regarding Huang Yu’s request, he offered only those two words. Then, patting Huang Yu’s shoulder, he strode off to catch up with the others.

He hadn’t lied. With these women, he truly did put his heart into it. Of course, it was because he already knew that investing in them would yield returns; only then did he act this way and win their favor. Had he not known there would be rewards, he would have thought twice about everything. These two words, though simple to say, are difficult to put into practice. Hearing this, Huang Yu’s face turned bitter.

Be sincere?

He hadn’t seen Ling Tian put in much effort with the women, yet all of them seemed especially fond of him.

Utterly unreasonable!

Huang Yu grumbled to himself, feeling at a loss, convinced he’d taken a loss—one storage ring gone, along with all the resources inside.

But then again, his father had sent him here precisely to forge a good relationship with Ling Tian. In that light, perhaps it wasn’t such a loss after all.

At the very least, he felt their relationship had improved significantly, which was not a bad outcome. Perhaps, when he returned home and reported what happened, he could even get reimbursed!

With this thought, Huang Yu felt much better and followed along.

When they arrived, Hu Shuxuan had already arranged an abundant banquet for them. The spread was lavish—there was no intention to treat them poorly. After all, they had rendered great assistance, and Ling Tian had become someone the clan was willingly indebted to.

Such treatment was only to be expected.

The meal was delightful, and throughout, Hu Shuxuan’s enthusiastic attention toward Ling Tian drew some sideways glances from Luo Changsheng.

By all rights, Hu Shuxuan’s cultivation was profound, her age and status both considerable. Why would she go out of her way to please Ling Tian so openly? Could there be something between them?

After some thought, he decided to discuss this matter with Ling Tian in private that night.

“Holy Lord Luo, what exactly are you thinking? Am I really that kind of person?”

After dinner, Ling Tian opened his door, expecting to see either Hu Xian’er or Hu Yunying knocking, only to find Luo Changsheng instead.

Don’t tell me Luo Changsheng is interested in me?

The ridiculous notion flashed through his mind, but he quickly dismissed it; he’d never seen Luo Changsheng show such inclinations.

But the first thing Luo Changsheng said made Ling Tian feel it was necessary to clear the air.

“What exactly did you do to the Fox Clan’s matriarch?”

Ling Tian immediately retorted, unwilling to let that question stand.

Luo Changsheng wasn’t one for frivolity, but after spending these past days with Ling Tian, he’d witnessed much and come to understand his temperament a little better. He knew Ling Tian was not ruled by lust, which was why he dared ask so directly.

“If you must know, it was a simple transaction. I helped her, and she pledged herself to me as her master.”

Ling Tian’s eyes glinted as he rephrased it.

“The things you offered weren’t exactly ordinary, though.”

Luo Changsheng, satisfied with the answer, fixed Ling Tian with a long look before entering and sitting in a chair.

“It was merely a matter of prescribing the right remedy,” Ling Tian replied, shaking his head, not admitting the items were particularly precious. For him, that technique was useless, as was the acupuncture method. But for the Fox Clan, it was a blessing of immense benefit.

Value is a matter of perspective.

“Well said!” Luo Changsheng’s eyes shone, and he couldn’t help but applaud.

He had to admit, Ling Tian’s insight was impressive, and he realized he himself had been somewhat narrow-minded.

“The Grand Elder wrote, saying we’ve been traveling for quite some time. It’s time to return and refocus on cultivation.”

Luo Changsheng looked Ling Tian in the eye, revealing his other purpose for coming—to deliver this message.

“Very well. Once these matters are settled, our business in the Demon Domain will be concluded, and it’s indeed time to return for serious cultivation.”

Ling Tian nodded his assent, though inwardly he was already considering that, once at Luo Qiu’s Holy Land, he’d finally have a chance to properly refine pills. As for cultivation, with talent as strong as his, any lack of progress would be inexcusable.

Besides, he had no shortage of cultivation resources. If he lacked anything, it might be a little hardship—but there were few in the world who could put him at a disadvantage.

Luo Changsheng chatted a bit more, then took his leave.

“If you don’t come out, I’ll close the door.”

Once Luo Changsheng had left, Ling Tian looked in a certain direction and spoke with a hint of resignation.

As his words fell, Hu Yunying’s figure emerged from the shadows.

This time, she was not dressed as scantily as before, which allowed Ling Tian to breathe a little easier. He feared he might not restrain himself if she tempted him further, and that would be troublesome.

Ling Tian was no saint; though he suppressed his feelings for these enchantresses, he could not always remain vigilant, and the slightest lapse could lead to unintended consequences.

“I’m leaving tomorrow…”

Hu Yunying looked quietly at Ling Tian. She had just received word from her grandfather—the issues had been resolved, and there was no point in staying. It would be better to return to the clan and devote herself to cultivation, so she might accrue greater strength.

Now that her grandfather’s status had soared, no one would dare treat her unfairly again.

“Mm.” Ling Tian nodded lightly in acknowledgment, his tone calm.

The moon waxes and wanes; it’s impossible to always remain together.

“You rascal! There’s something I must tell you—I like you! No matter where you go, to the ends of the earth, I’ll find you!”

Seeing Ling Tian so unmoved, Hu Yunying bit her lip, her fangs grinding in frustration as she nearly shouted the words.

If she didn’t say it now, there might never be another chance.

If she did say it, perhaps there would be hope.

One’s feelings should be openly expressed; pretense was never her style. If she liked someone, she admitted it—no use pretending otherwise.

Did it matter if he didn’t like her back? Did that conflict with her liking him?

Not in the slightest!

“…”

Ling Tian had just opened his mouth to reply when Hu Yunying cut him off, stating crisply, “You can give me your answer next time we meet. I’m leaving!”

With that, she spun on her heel and departed.

Watching her retreating figure, Ling Tian rubbed his nose. All he’d done was lend a helping hand, fulfill a task—how had he ended up being hounded by this tigress?

Alas…

Back in her room, as she packed, Hu Yunying deliberately pulled out a memory stone, gazing at Ling Tian’s disdainful look preserved within. Her face was flooded with contentment.

If Ling Tian ever saw such an image, surely he would never again look at anyone with such disdain.

Perhaps, in Hu Yunying’s mind, it was simple: if you can’t resist, you might as well enjoy it!

The next day, the treatments continued as before. Almost all Fox Clan members cultivating outside had been summoned back overnight.

Such an opportunity was far better than any fortuitous encounter they might find elsewhere.

Soon, all of Hu Xian’er’s elder sisters had returned. Hu Xian’er was the sixth child.

Curiously, aside from their eldest brother, Hu Baiyi, the rest were all women—a mystery in itself, and certainly not something for Ling Tian to concern himself with. After all, it wasn’t his place to tell Hu Shuxuan what children she ought to bear.

Once Hu Baiyi’s treatment was finished, he eyed Ling Tian with a burning intensity, making Ling Tian feel a twinge of unease.

“What do you want?” Ling Tian asked, stepping back warily.

“I just wanted to ask, Daoist, could you perhaps teach me your technique…”

Realizing Ling Tian had misunderstood, Hu Baiyi hastily clarified his intent—he was simply intrigued by the method and eager to learn.

“I’m afraid not. It requires exceptionally high innate talent…”

Ling Tian breathed a silent sigh of relief and shook his head.

Yet Hu Baiyi caught the implication: your talent isn’t sufficient.

With a resigned sigh, he didn’t press the matter. Perhaps his talent really was lacking. But then—if even acupuncture required such talent, what about his sisters? And his mother…

The thought made Hu Baiyi shudder. Better not to dwell on it. He comforted himself that Ling Tian was just offering help.

“Daoist Tianling, tell me—between me and my little sister, who is bigger?”

The eldest sister batted her eyes at Ling Tian, arching her ample chest and teasing him with the question.

“Yours is bigger!” Ling Tian answered honestly, casting a glance her way—the answer was immediately clear.

“But you’re also older,” he added, before she could react, touching on the one thing women are most sensitive about.

“Scoundrel!” She shot Ling Tian a sultry look and spat in mock annoyance.

The earlier part was pleasant enough, but the latter stung. This man, his only fault was that mouth of his!

Each of the Fox sisters had her own charm: the eldest was open and enthusiastic; the second was dignified and composed—she reminded Ling Tian most of Hu Shuxuan; the third was shy and bashful, insisting on covering her face with a white cloth during treatment, yet still blushing furiously.

As for the fourth sister… well, best not to detail everything.

After a long, busy day, the task was nearly complete. Just a bit more time in the morning, and it would be done.

With all the sisters gathered together, the room was abuzz with lively conversation.

“That Tianling—he’s got everything going for him, except that mouth! He actually called me old!” the eldest complained bitterly.

“Yes, and he told me I’m pretty, but malnourished…” the fourth sister added glumly.

The second and third, more gentle by nature, just shook their heads at the scene.

Hearing her sisters criticize Ling Tian, Hu Xian’er, though she knew they were only joking, still felt a little uneasy and interjected, “But isn’t he just telling the truth?”