A passing traveler through the heavens

The next morning, Ji Lin led Wang Yuyan slowly to Qiao Feng and the others, a faint smile on his face.

He gently patted Qiao Feng's shoulder and said softly, "Brother Qiao, let's part ways here!" Qiao Feng nodded, a hint of reluctance flashing in his eyes.

Then, Ji Lin turned and walked to the carriage beside him, opened the door, and gestured for Wang Yuyan to get in. Wang Yuyan was slightly taken aback, then silently stepped into the carriage.

Ji Lin closed the carriage door, jumped into the driver's seat, cracked the whip, and the carriage slowly drove away from the place.

The carriage swayed and rocked along the way, its wheels creaking as they rolled on the ground. Wang Yuyan sat inside, her gaze frequently drifting to the scenery outside the window. Ji Lin, on the other hand, focused on driving, occasionally glancing back at the passengers.

As time went by, Wang Yuyan gradually developed special feelings for Ji Lin. She discovered that Ji Lin was not only handsome and dashing, but also exceptionally talented, upright, and kind.

He always managed to make her feel safe and comfortable with his gentle words and caring actions. However, despite this, she still longed for her cousin, Murong Fu, deep down.

At this moment, Ji Lin was more concerned with reaching Tianshan as quickly as possible. He worried whether the Tianshan Child Granny had begun to revert to her youthful state. If Li Qiushui suddenly appeared and killed the Tianshan Child Granny, the consequences would be unimaginable.

After all, these two masters are top figures in the novel "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils," and also important members of the Free and Unfettered Sect. Losing either of them would be a huge loss to the martial arts world.

After a long and arduous journey, Ji Lin and Wang Yuyan finally arrived at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains. The towering mountains before them were shrouded in mist, giving them a mysterious and solemn feeling.

Looking up from the foot of the mountain, the summit soared into the clouds, and the two of them, without delay, began to walk up the mountain.

Upon arriving at Misty Peak, they saw a plaque with the words "Lingjiu Palace" written on it. The two women guarding the gate immediately stopped Ji Lin and his companion.

"I am Ji Lin, the new leader of the Free and Unfettered Sect. Go and report to the Heavenly Mountain Child Granny immediately."

One of the women went in to announce their arrival and quickly came out to lead Ji Lin and Wang Yuyan into the Lingjiu Palace. The Old Woman Tong was waiting in the main hall; she looked dignified and mysterious.

Judging from this, it seems like they haven't undergone any rejuvenation process yet.

After bowing to Tong Lao, Ji Lin explained his purpose. Tong Lao sized up Ji Lin, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes. She hadn't expected this new sect leader to be so handsome, even more so than her junior brother Wu Ya Zi in his youth.

He inadvertently caught a glimpse of the Seven Treasures Ring on Ji Lin's left thumb, a symbol of the leader of the Free and Unfettered Sect, and he immediately believed Ji Lin's words.

However, when his gaze fell upon Wang Yuyan, who had come with Ji Lin, he was taken aback. He thought to himself, "How could they look so alike?"

The old woman suppressed her curiosity and asked with a cold expression, "What brings you here?"

Ji Lin replied respectfully, "I have been entrusted by my master Wu Yazi to come and ask my martial uncle for guidance on the superior martial arts of my Xiaoyao Sect."

Tong Lao nodded slightly, gesturing for Ji Lin to follow her into the inner room. Inside, Tong Lao learned about the recent situation of the Xiaoyao Sect, and upon hearing the news of Wu Yazi's passing, she couldn't help but burst into tears.

Ji Lin pondered silently to himself, "It's all a twist of fate; he loves her but can't have her."

Many events in the novel *Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils* stem from the theme of love: the rivalry between Tianshan Tonglao and Li Qiushui over Wuyazi, Duan Zhengchun's romantic escapades, and the tragic love affair between Xuanci and Ye Erniang…

After Tianshan Tonglao regained her composure, she began to teach Ji Lin many of the martial arts secrets of the Xiaoyao Sect.

As the senior disciple of the Xiaoyao Sect, Tianshan Tonglao knew a great many martial arts techniques, including the Eight Desolations and Six Harmonies Supreme Skill, Tianshan Plum Blossom Hand, Tianshan Six Yang Palm, Life and Death Talisman, etc., all of which were exquisite martial arts techniques.

Ji Lin studied very diligently, which pleased Tianshan Tonglao greatly. She then imparted all her knowledge to him. Ji Lin lived up to her expectations and made rapid progress. Tianshan Tonglao also announced that Ji Lin was the new Palace Master of Lingjiu Palace, and Lingjiu Palace returned to the Xiaoyao Sect.

During his time at Lingjiu Palace, Ji Lin lived a very carefree life, practicing his martial arts every day. Of course, he would occasionally take some time to tease Wang Yuyan. Looking at her shy and cute appearance, Ji Lin couldn't help but feel a sweet feeling welling up in his heart.

And so, their relationship blossomed quickly, like flowers in spring.

However, at this moment, the Heavenly Mountain Child Granny's Eight Desolations and Six Directions Supreme Technique had reached the critical moment of rejuvenation, and Ji Lin had no choice but to stop his own cultivation and concentrate on protecting the Child Granny.

But to everyone's surprise, Li Qiushui came looking for them at this crucial moment. To make matters worse, at the same time, the thirty-six caves and seventy-two islands under the control of the Lingjiu Palace using the Life and Death Talisman also attacked Tianshan, attempting a rebellion.

Faced with such a perilous situation, Ji Lin made a decisive decision, ordering Mei Lan Zhu Ju to lead the people of Lingjiu Palace to first resist the rebels, while he himself stayed behind to fight Li Qiushui alone.

In the fierce battle, Li Qiushui gradually became no match for Ji Lin and eventually had no choice but to admit defeat. Ji Lin quickly subdued her and immediately rushed to the front lines to quell the rebellion.

Ji Lin entered the hall and quickly quelled the rebellion, with Wang Yuyan cheering him on from the side. At this moment, one of the rebels, seeing this, instantly flew into a rage.

This man advanced and attacked, each move aimed directly at Ji Lin's vital points.

During the confrontation, Wang Yuyan caught a glimpse of the face of the person attacking Ji Lin and cried out, "Cousin!"

Upon hearing this, Ji Lin immediately recognized the person before him as Murong Fu. He then showed no mercy and struck out with a palm, sending Murong Fu flying backward and spitting out blood as he fell to the ground.

At this moment, Wang Yuyan rushed over and begged Murong Fu to spare his life, and Ji Lin stopped upon hearing this.

When Murong Fu saw Wang Yuyan pleading for him, he was instantly enraged and hurled insults at her. Wang Yuyan was bewildered, as the gentle and refined cousin she remembered had vanished without a trace.

The person in front of me is completely different from the person in my memory.

On the other hand, Ji Lin executed the ringleaders of the rebellion as a warning to others, while showing kindness to those who had been misled, like a bodhisattva, by removing the life-and-death talismans from their bodies. At the same time, he did not forget to issue stern warnings.

After everything was settled, Ji Lin gave Wang Yuyan and Murong Fu some time before going to deal with the internal affairs of the Xiaoyao Sect.

Seeing that Li Qiushui, whom he had subdued, was sitting obediently, Ji Lin hurriedly stepped forward and said respectfully, "Uncle-Master, I was very rude just now. I hope you will forgive me."

"Since you know you've offended me, why don't you quickly release my pressure points?"

Ji Lin immediately released the pressure points for him. At this moment, Tong Lao also came out of seclusion. Seeing her mortal enemy in front of her, she immediately had evil thoughts. Li Qiushui felt the same way.

Just as the two were about to make a move, Ji Lin sealed their acupoints with two sword energies, making it difficult for them to circulate their internal energy.

"Ji Lin, what do you mean by this? Quickly release my pressure points and kill this vile woman while you're at it!" Tong Lao shouted sternly.

On the other side, Li Qiushui also said urgently, "If you kill Tianshan Tonglao, I will make you the prince consort of Xixia."

Holding the belief that it's better to resolve conflicts than to perpetuate them, Ji Lin didn't release the pressure points on the two of them.

After settling the two down, Ji Lin told them a story.

"What exactly is love in this world? It can make people disregard life and death. Love always makes people confused, heartbroken, and even do things that they regret to the core."

"There was a sect where everyone was a handsome man and a beautiful woman. Then, the sect's eldest and third disciples both fell in love with the second disciple. In their jealousy and rivalry, the two even fought each other, eventually becoming mortal enemies."

"But what they didn't know was that the second disciple was in love with the junior sister in the sect..."

And so, Ji Lin recounted in detail the emotional entanglements between Wu Yazi and the three men, and even brought out Wu Yazi's portrait.

The two of them also believed that their feelings for each other had been in vain.

Seeing Li Qiushui and Tianshan Tonglao hugging and crying, Ji Lin rubbed his forehead.

"Sigh, Wu Yazi can make two women scheme against each other for a lifetime, he's quite the scumbag. I bet he and Duan Zhengchun have a lot in common."

Ji Lin thought for a moment and then said, "Love, love her, sell twisted dough sticks for love."

After saying that, he planned to go and check on Wang Yuyan.

Before they even reached the lobby, they spotted a little girl wiping away tears in a corner—it was Wang Yuyan!

Ji Lin quickly went over and asked with concern, "Yu Yan, what's wrong? Why are you crying?"

Upon seeing that the person who came was Ji Lin, Wang Yuyan hugged him tightly and cried sadly while burying her face in his chest.

Ji Lin gently patted the other person's back and comforted them, "Alright, stop crying. You won't be pretty if you keep crying."

Wang Yuyan slowly raised her head, rubbed her tears, and choked out her story about Murong Fu's terrible attitude towards her, even uttering some unspeakable vulgarities. Murong Fu also told Wang Yuyan never to come looking for him again, because he no longer wanted to see her.

Hearing this, Ji Lin gritted his teeth in anger and said, "This Murong Fu has gone too far! I'm going to kill him right now."

Wang Yuyan was shocked and quickly grabbed Ji Lin's hand, saying urgently, "Brother Ji, please don't!"

Ji Lin said in a pretentious manner, "Alright then, if you don't want me to kill him, then you'd better smile at me."

Wang Yuyan lowered her head shyly and said reproachfully, "Young Master Ji, you're teasing me again."

Ji Lin looked at Wang Yuyan and gave her a bright smile, then said seriously, "Alright, now that you've smiled, don't cry anymore. You know, you look really beautiful when you smile."

Ji Lin gazed into Wang Yuyan's eyes and said affectionately, "Yuyan, I've always wanted to tell you... I like you." His voice was full of sincerity and determination.

Sincerity is always a winning strategy, coupled with Ji Lin's superb martial arts skills and a handsome face comparable to the author's. It's simply a winning combination!

Wang Yuyan's cheeks flushed slightly. She lowered her head gently, then raised it again, her eyes sparkling with tenderness. She nodded gently, indicating that she accepted Ji Lin's confession.

Upon receiving Wang Yuyan's response, Ji Lin was overwhelmed with emotion. He suddenly opened his arms and tightly embraced Wang Yuyan, feeling each other's warmth. This hug was filled with love and commitment, bringing their hearts even closer.

Then, Ji Lin and Wang Yuyan, hand in hand, slowly walked towards Tianshan Tonglao and Li Qiushui. When the two saw their tightly clasped hands, they both smiled with relief.

Ji Lin smiled as he introduced Wang Yuyan to Tianshan Tonglao and Li Qiushui.

Looking at Li Qiushui, who bore a striking resemblance to herself, Wang Yuyan couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. She had never imagined that there could be someone so similar to her, and she couldn't help but feel curious about this mysterious woman.

At this moment, Li Qiushui seemed to remember something, and excitedly grabbed Wang Yuyan's hand, her eyes glistening with tears.

Seeing this, Ji Lin, who was standing to the side, quickly explained to Wang Yuyan, "Yan'er, this is Senior Li Qiushui. Your mother, Madam Wang, was originally named Li Qingluo. She was born to Wu Yazi and Senior Li Qiushui. Therefore, in terms of seniority, you should call Senior Li Qiushui 'Grandma'."

Upon hearing this, Wang Yuyan suddenly understood, but she still couldn't quite believe it. She cautiously called out, "Grandma..." her voice soft and tinged with shyness.

"Hey!" Hearing Wang Yuyan's call, Li Qiushui was so moved that tears welled up in her eyes, and she quickly responded. She held Wang Yuyan's hand tightly, as if she had found a long-lost relative.

Tianshan Tonglao and Li Qiushui warmly welcomed Wang Yuyan into the house, asking after her well-being. Tianshan Tonglao smiled and praised, "This young couple is truly a perfect match." Her words were full of joy.

Li Qiushui chimed in, "Yes, Ji Lin is such a handsome young man, he and our Yan'er are a match made in heaven. If this boy dares to treat you badly, or dares to imitate his master Wu Yazi's behavior, then you should tell Grandma, and see how Grandma deals with him." After saying that, she glared at Ji Lin.

Ji Lin and Wang Yuyan exchanged a glance, their faces beaming with happiness. They held each other's hands tightly, as if trying to share their warmth. At that moment, their hearts were filled with sweetness and joy.