Chapter 296: Even the Buddha Cannot Save Me!
When Lin Mu returned to the Qin Zhu Courtyard, it was already evening.
To his surprise, Qin Luoli had prepared several dishes and was eagerly watching the doorway. As Lin Mu entered the living room, her eyes lit up and she walked over.
"You’re back?"
Qin Luoli fetched Lin Mu a pair of slippers and even helped him hang up his coat, resembling a doting little wife.
"Thank you." Lin Mu stroked Qin Luoli’s head, feeling a surge of warmth in his heart.
Despite having lived two lives, Lin Mu had rarely experienced human warmth. In his previous life, he had joined the army for training as a young man. He eventually became the world’s number one assassin, walking the blade’s edge and struggling on the line between life and death. With an iron-blooded arrogance, he never considered matters of love.
Afterward, he crossed into the Immortal Realm of the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths. There, he spent his life in relentless battles, leaving trails of blood and piles of corpses wherever he went, which forged his cold demeanor and swift, decisive style. Even though countless outstanding women fell for him, Lin Mu either pretended not to see or chose to avoid them.
Reborn again in this life, Lin Mu felt love and familial affection from Qin Luoli and Mother Lin, which softened his heart considerably. Subconsciously, he thoroughly enjoyed this feeling. He was just never a man skilled in expressing himself, so he often appeared nonchalant, yet his heart was filled with countless deep emotions.
Lin Mu cherished this hard-earned life. Every time he felt moved, it helped perfect his Dao Heart and quicken his cultivation speed.
Gazing at the ravishing face before him, Lin Mu’s eyes suddenly shone brighter. The shackles imprisoned deep within his soul shattered with a faint POP! His entire demeanor changed once again.
He looked even more otherworldly, yet also more ordinary. If the Lin Mu from before resembled an unsheathed sword with its edge on full display, then the him of this moment was like a sword returned to its sheath, his divine brilliance restrained. But that invisible, transcendent quality was impossible to hide.
Qin Luoli also sensed the change in Lin Mu. Her heart skipped a beat, but she didn’t dwell on it. On the contrary, she felt that the current Lin Mu emanated a mysterious, irresistibly captivating aura.
He was warmer, more... down-to-earth. The Lin Mu of the past was too straightforward and aloof, making him unapproachable. But now, the man before her had become much gentler.
"Come on, let’s eat." Lin Mu took Qin Luoli’s hand and led her to the dining table.
Although they often lay in the same bed, nothing substantial had ever happened between them. Now, the look Lin Mu gave her was filled with a rare warmth that nearly melted her heart completely.
"The food’s gotten cold, I’ll go warm it up." Qin Luoli had Lin Mu sit down, then patted his head. "You sit for a while, it’ll be ready soon."
Watching Qin Luoli bustling about in the kitchen, Lin Mu could distinctly feel her happiness at this moment, and a smile couldn’t help but emerge on his face.
It looks like once I’ve dealt with the matters at hand, it’ll be time to spend some quality time with Qin Luoli.
「The next day.」
Qin Luoli went to her company, while Lin Mu continued his grand plan of cultivation. Having two women by his side did not affect his pursuit of the Dao in the slightest. On the contrary, his Dao Heart became more resolute, and his foundation grew ever more stable. Moreover, Lin Mu believed that as long as he found a suitable cultivation Holy Land, his progress would be even faster.
Time flew by during cultivation. When Lin Mu awoke, it was already evening again.
"Hmm, it’s about time."
After glancing at the sky, Lin Mu changed his clothes and left the house.
Tonight was destined to be a nightmare for countless people.
「On the highway to River City.」
Several black Mercedes were speeding along.
"How much longer until we reach River City?" the elder in the back seat of the middle sedan asked in a deep voice.
"Replying to Elder Qi, it will take about two more hours," the driver hurriedly answered.
"Too slow." Elder Qi frowned. "Speed up!"
"Yes, sir!"
The car accelerated, roaring toward River City like a whirlwind.
「River City, Qiao Family Estate.」
The atmosphere in the Qiao Family estate was heavy. Most of the servants had been sent away, leaving only a few of the Qiao Family’s guards. Numerous Hidden Guards were even stationed in concealed positions, protecting the estate like an iron fortress. Forget a person—not even a fly could dream of getting inside.
In the main hall, Qiao Zishan paced back and forth, looking deeply uneasy.
For some reason, I have a bad feeling that something significant is going to happen tonight.
He hadn’t slept at all last night, trying to recall when he might have provoked such a ruthless figure. But by dawn, Qiao Zishan had to face a grim fact: over the years, he had provoked far too many people. As the son of River City’s richest man and its most notorious playboy, it was safe to say Qiao Zishan had made countless enemies. But most of them feared his status and dared not seek revenge. As for the small handful who might try, they would need the strength to back it up.
However, the person who wiped out the Fang Family was clearly different. It was said his cultivation level was extremely high; perhaps it was even the renowned Master Lin.
Thinking of Master Lin, Qiao Zishan’s brow furrowed even more deeply. He had personally witnessed Master Lin’s power during the battle on the Bolan River. Those were the methods of an immortal, utterly unstoppable by mortals.
When exactly did I provoke this peerless madman?
After pondering all night, Qiao Zishan couldn’t find an answer.
"But he promised he would visit the Qiao Family if he had the chance," he muttered to himself, then something suddenly occurred to him. "Could it be... No, impossible! Absolutely impossible!"
The more he thought, the more something felt wrong. He grew neurotic, as if he’d been struck by lightning.
"Sit down!" Seeing his son so flustered, Qiao Tianhao couldn’t help but snap at him.
"Dad, I..." Qiao Zishan started to speak, but upon seeing Qiao Tianhao’s gloomy gaze, he immediately shrank back.
Qiao Zishan knew that whenever his father had that look in his eyes, he was at a breaking point. It was best for everyone to stay out of his way.
Daoist Buji chuckled. "Young Master Qiao, don’t be nervous. With myself and Master Chixiao here, we can handle it even if a Grandmaster himself arrives."
Master Chixiao put his palms together. "Daoist Buji is right. Young Master Qiao, please calm yourself. If that person doesn’t come, then all is well. But if he does, he won’t be leaving."
A look of great pity appeared on Master Chixiao’s face. "Although a monk’s heart is one of compassion, this man has annihilated the entire Fang Family. His sins are monstrous. Even if Buddha himself were to encounter him, he would be enlightened."
"Oh, really?"
Just then, a soft chuckle came from outside.
"Not even Buddha himself would have dared to speak of enlightening me. What makes you think you can?!"