Chapter 28: Chapter 28: Lin Fan and Tang Yuehua
Hearing Tang Yuehua's words, Lin Fan's face showed an awkward expression.
For a moment, he didn't know how to respond.
However, it was Tang Yuehua who lost her composure even more.
The next moment, Tang Yuehua suddenly threw herself into Lin Fan's arms, clutching him tightly around the waist, sobbing uncontrollably, as if she wanted to merge herself into his body.
Always so elegant and composed, she completely abandoned her image at this moment.
Her cries were filled with pure emotional release, drawing the stunned gazes of everyone around.
All of Moon Pavilion's people were dumbfounded—the steward in purple, the guards, and the maids—none of them had ever seen Tang Yuehua lose her composure like this.
Even when facing the Emperor of the Heaven Dou Empire, Emperor Xue Ye, she had never displayed such intense emotion.
For a moment, the entire hall was dead silent, with only Tang Yuehua's crying echoing throughout the space.
Seeing this, Lin Fan gently patted Tang Yuehua's back, his face softening as he patiently let her cry without interrupting.
After quite some time, Tang Yuehua finally calmed down on her own. She slowly lifted her tear-stained face, barely reaching Lin Fan's chin, and gazed deeply into his eyes.
With a somewhat playful yet annoyed tone, she brushed aside the fringe on Lin Fan's forehead and snapped, "It took you all these years to come find me? Come on, you're coming upstairs with me."
Before Lin Fan could say a word, Tang Yuehua grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the stairs.
She gave him no chance to refuse.
When they reached the stairway, Tang Yuehua turned back and coldly instructed her steward, Ode, "Everything you just witnessed—none of it happened. Also, you'll be responsible for cleaning up this mess. Understand?"
Ode hurriedly replied, "Yes, Madam."
Watching Lin Fan follow Tang Yuehua upstairs, Ode let out a bitter smile and muttered to himself, "Just who exactly is this man?"
Lin Fan, though helpless about Tang Yuehua's sudden boldness, appeared more relaxed now than he had been in years—more relaxed even than when he was at Shrek Academy.
Moon Pavilion had five floors, and Tang Yuehua led Lin Fan straight to the top—the fifth floor.
This floor was a large hall, even more elegantly decorated than the first floor, with a subtle, lingering fragrance filling the air.
With his vast knowledge, Lin Fan quickly realized that every furnishing here was made of agarwood, and the soothing scent came naturally from these objects.
Surrounded by this faint aroma, the atmosphere was serene, tranquil, and refined—one that calmed the heart and soothed the soul.
"Have a seat," Tang Yuehua smiled, pointing to a chair. "This floor is my private space. Without my permission, no one is allowed up here."
Then she walked to a wooden cabinet on the side and asked, "Still prefer green tea?"
"Sorry for troubling you, Yuehua," Lin Fan said as he sat down.
Tang Yuehua turned back with a bright smile and began brewing tea.
"I never expected that after more than a decade, you'd actually create such a prestigious etiquette academy," Lin Fan said, glancing around with some emotion.
"I always remembered what you told me back then," Tang Yuehua replied softly. "You said every person has their meaning in life. Even if I couldn't cultivate, I could still prove myself through my music."
"After you left the Clear Sky Clan, I followed your advice, came to Heaven Dou City, and established Moon Pavilion."
She brought the freshly brewed tea to the table, sat down beside Lin Fan, and smiled.
"Time flies so quickly. As I traveled the continent, I kept hearing nobles discussing Moon Pavilion. Seems you've taught quite a few students over the years," Lin Fan said with heartfelt admiration.
Tang Yuehua looked at him deeply and said slowly, "Over the years, my musical skills have only become more refined. Thanks to your guidance back then, I integrated my domain's power into my music, allowing me to train many nobles."
"So, the fact that you came to Moon Pavilion now must mean you're here because you need my help, right?"
Lin Fan nodded, not denying it. "You've grown even sharper than before. You probably sensed it earlier in the hall—I've already reached the Title Douluo level."
"But I realized that although my strength has reached the level of a Title Douluo, my aura hasn't yet fully settled within me. I know it's because I've advanced too quickly, and my mindset hasn't caught up."
Tang Yuehua was puzzled. "I remember your talent wasn't that great. You're already forty-six, and you weren't even as strong as my two brothers back then. Aside from looking younger than them, how can you say your cultivation progressed quickly?"
Lin Fan calmly explained, "What if I told you that I only became a Title Douluo a month ago? In fact, I had some fortuitous encounters recently, and in the past month, I advanced by three full levels. Wouldn't you say that's fast?"
"That's why I need to learn etiquette and music here with you—to calm my heart, cleanse my mind, and refine my state of mind."
Because of her mutated martial soul, Tang Yuehua's innate soul power had been stuck at level 9. However, she possessed a unique innate domain called the Noble Ring, which could calm the mind and help with focus.
Hearing Lin Fan's explanation, Tang Yuehua's lips curled into a proud smile.
"You want to learn from me, huh? My lessons are very expensive, you know."
Lin Fan smiled. "I don't mind the price, but I'll have to hear your music first to see if it's worth paying for."
Tang Yuehua chuckled softly and walked gracefully over to a harp.
"Well then, I'll have to do my best to earn your tuition," she teased before beginning to play.
As her fingers plucked the strings, a soft, harmonious aura radiated from her.
The music was elegant and gentle, carrying a soothing power that seemed to wash away all sorrow and bring tranquility.
The entire top floor of Moon Pavilion became calm and serene.
Lin Fan slowly sipped his tea, watching Tang Yuehua's graceful movements and poised demeanor.
For a brief moment, he was transported back to the first time he had met her.
Back then, the Clear Sky Clan was still based in the Star Luo Empire. Lin Fan had visited the clan seeking cultivation resources and techniques.
Tang Yuehua had been ten years younger than him, only sixteen at the time. He first saw her sitting in an ancient pavilion, playing her zither.
Her music had drawn birds and beasts to her side, and the surrounding flowers seemed to bloom toward her.
That day, she hadn't just played her instrument—she had touched the strings of his heart.
His impatient heart, restless from his obsession with cultivation, had calmed with her song, and even after the music ended, he found himself unable to leave that state of peace.
From misunderstandings to resolution, from strangers to friends, Lin Fan had ended up staying in the Clear Sky Clan for two years.
…
As Tang Yuehua's song ended, Lin Fan emerged from his memories.
He stood and applauded softly, genuinely impressed.
"Your music has truly become exquisite. And you've grown even more refined and elegant—it's hard to believe you're already thirty-six."
Tang Yuehua also stood, gazing at him affectionately.
"I still remember the first time we met—you were there as I played. After you left without saying goodbye, I could only bury myself in my music, practicing relentlessly to soothe my longing."
Lin Fan's expression softened, and he said softly, "Yuehua… I'm sorry."
Tang Yuehua pouted slightly. "Sorry isn't enough. Since you've come to learn from me, I'm going to charge you dearly. Your tuition fee will be five hundred and twenty gold soul coins."
"Fine, I'll pay it," Lin Fan immediately agreed.
Tang Yuehua's eyes lit up at his straightforward answer. She excitedly ran toward him.
Perhaps in her excitement, her palace dress let out a faint ripping sound as she lunged into his arms again.
With misty eyes, she looked up at Lin Fan, then reached up to wrap her arms around his neck.
Standing on her tiptoes, she kissed him.