NOVEL WEB chapter 162
162. Let’s Take a Bath Together
“I finally got away, that was terrifying.”
Lin Nuo breathed a sigh of relief as he saw the group of muscular men chasing after his illusion.
He had just come out for a little drink, only to encounter a group of muscular men who said to him, “Young man, you have an extraordinary physique, a fine seedling for building muscle. Come join our Brotherhood of Muscle.”
Lin Nuo sensed the scorching aura. How could a grand villain like himself mingle with these muscleheads?
He ignored them and continued on his way, but the muscular men caught up again, persistently pleading for him to join the Brotherhood of Muscle, even getting handsy.
Lin Nuo wouldn’t just submit. As the alcohol began to hit, he was about to fight back and knock these muscular men down.
But realizing he might not win, he quickly made his escape.
Not only were these muscle men’s fists hard, but they were also fast runners. Lin Nuo ran for a long time without shaking them off, until he finally used an illusion to lead them away.
It seemed they weren’t all-powerful; possessing strong physical qualities, yet lacking nimble minds, they were easily fooled by the illusion.
Lin Nuo still had to be careful, better not to run down this street usually, lest one day he runs into a few brawny men who might capture him and lock him in a dark room to train him into a formidable muscle man.
The illusion would automatically disappear if it strayed too far from Lin Nuo or if someone hit a vital spot, though the latter was virtually non-existent. Who would bother to kill him? So as he ran far away, the illusion would naturally vanish.
However, this posed a big problem. The next day, tales of hauntings might spread, like how a living person running around suddenly disappeared, especially at night, which could very well scare those muscle men stiff.
Forget it, I’ll talk about it tomorrow.
Lin No finished the wine in his hand, then threw the wine jug away.
He and Ling Meng are temporarily living in a inn, and he told her to stay in the guest room and read, while he went out for a bit.
It’s been a while since I left.
He opened the door to the guest room and saw Ling Meng’s anxious face.
“Master, Master, you’ve been gone for so long, where did you go?”
Ling Meng quickly leaned against Lin No’s body, sniffing the scent of wine.
Like a pet dog, she kept sniffing around Lin No’s body.
“Master, you went to drink wine!”
“Just had a little wine, that’s all.”
“Don’t take me along!” Ling Meng pouted.
“I was just thirsty, and I happened to take a sip or two. It’s not like I intentionally went to drink. Stop talking, okay?”
Lin No had bought a big bowl of hand-pulled noodles on his way back, still hot and steaming, “I think you like eating this stuff, so I bought some for you.”
“Hmph, even if you buy me hand-pulled noodles, I won’t easily forgive you. You left me to stay in the room and read, and went out to have fun, who knows where you went?”
“There’s a saying, those girls at the brothel aren’t as good-looking as you.”
Lin No said coldly.
“Really…?”
Ling Meng’s face turned red with embarrassment, but suddenly realized something was off, “No, you know the girls at the brothel aren’t as good-looking as me, you must have been there before!”
“Stop talking nonsense, even if I want to have fun, I won’t go after those girls who have been played by others.”
“That’s, you’re not going after those who haven’t been played, like me?”
Ling Meng lightly touched her lips, with a hint of temptation and flirtation.
Lin No patted her head with one hand, dismissing her strange idea:
“You should read more and think less. By the way, have you taken a bath?”
“Not yet, wait for Master.”
“Wait for what?”
“This inn allows guests to bathe together, men and women.”
“So, you’re waiting for me to bathe with you?”
“Yes, it’s Master, nothing can be hidden from you.” Ling Meng giggled.
“By the way, what did you just say? Oh, I’m going to take a bath, by the way, remind you that this is an inn, don’t go into the men’s bath.”
Lin No packed everything he needed, put it in a bathing basket, and then went down.
“Stinky Master.”
Ling Meng puckered her lips, holding back a bellyful of anger. Her master was always dampening her enthusiasm, which really infuriated her.
She noted today’s grudge, vowing to find an opportunity for payback.
The inn was large, with complete facilities, including a beautiful large bathhouse adorned with bamboo groves and fragrant flowers, making the bathing guests feel as if they were immersed in a mountain spring. The light strumming of a pipa added to the ambiance.
Lin Nuo had heard about such high-concept bathhouses in Zhou Ling City and, despite the steep lodging prices, decided to indulge. After all, he had made some money selling herbs and ores gathered from the mountains, so why not improve the quality of life a bit?
Even we villains deserve a taste of the good life.
Lin Nuo hummed a tune as he undressed in the changing room, looking forward to a comfortable soak in the bathhouse.
Upon entering, he noticed three familiar figures already bathing.
Bodies rippling with muscles.
Hearing Lin Nuo’s footsteps, the three muscular men turned towards him, flashing wicked smiles.
Lin Nuo’s heart skipped a beat.
Damn, aren’t those the guys from the Macho Men Association…
…
Ling Meng turned her grief and anger into appetite, the angrier she got, the more she ate, devouring a large bowl of wontons in one go.
Alright, full at last, time to prepare for a bath, and then settle the score with that stinky master.
Suddenly, Lin Nuo, carrying a basket, opened the door to the room.
Ling Meng turned around, puzzled to see Lin Nuo:
“Master, you finished bathing so quickly?”
“Ling Meng.”
“What is it, Master?”
“Let’s… take a bath together.”
…
Zhou Ling City, the Lord’s Mansion.
“My lord, another murder has occurred, and two Taoist priests have been killed as well.”
The strategist reported in a low voice, as another night brought more victims, causing the lord’s brow to furrow.
The General’s Mansion had visitors, including Taoist priests from Zhou Ling City and monks from afar, among them Su Kexin and Liu Shuqin from Tianling Mountain.
“The bodies have been moved here. According to the physician’s examination, the wounds on the victims are similar to those in previous cases, all attributed to the ‘Poison Bee.'”
The strategist continued to report to the lord and the others, spreading the name ‘Poison Bee’ among the Taoist priests and monks.
“This ‘Poison Bee’ is brazen and fearsome, and worse, we still don’t know what he looks like,” the lord said, massaging his forehead with worry.
“Lord, the ‘Poison Bee’ has committed repeated atrocities and is unforgivable. With the recent recruitment decree, many righteous warriors have joined the righteous alliance. Perhaps the ‘Poison Bee’ has taken note of this and deliberately lurks in the city to strike. I suggest we avoid acting alone,” Liu Shuqin advised, “I am willing to capture and kill the ‘Poison Bee.'”
“No, with the current unrest caused by wild beasts, you all have your duties. To focus on the ‘Poison Bee’ would be too costly.”
The castle lord shook his head and sighed, “You may become his target, everyone please be extra careful.”
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