Chapter Thirty: Naturally, I Shall Kill You, Then Grant You Rebirth

The Yunlan Sect was located near the imperial city of the Jia Ma Empire, so Nalan Yanran and her companions did not need much time to return to the Nalan family. That very evening, they arrived at the clan estate.

No sooner had Nalan Yanran entered her home than word was sent to Nalan Su.

“Father, how is Grandfather now?” Nalan Yanran asked anxiously.

He sighed, “Your grandfather’s condition is far from optimistic. Even Master Gu He has no solution. It’s possible that in the coming days…”

Nalan Su’s sigh was heavy. Nalan Jie was the pillar of the Nalan family. If something happened to him, and with no one in the clan who had reached the rank of Dou Wang, the family would soon lose its standing after the old man passed.

“How could it be so serious? Didn’t Master Gu He say that with Grandfather’s cultivation, he could at least resist for a few more years? Is it really because of me?” Nalan Yanran felt guilty, never imagining her grandfather would react so strongly upon hearing of her breaking off the engagement at the Xiao family.

“Stay at home for now. Don’t visit your grandfather yet. When his emotions have calmed, then we’ll let him know you’ve returned,” Nalan Su advised.

Nalan Yanran nodded, understanding this was the only solution. Her grandfather’s condition had worsened because of her; seeing her now would only aggravate Nalan Jie’s illness, perhaps even endangering his life.

“Don’t worry, your grandfather will be fine,” Lin An stepped forward.

Only then did Nalan Su notice that Nalan Yanran had not returned alone, but with her fellow disciples from Yunlan Sect.

“And this is…?” Nalan Su wanted Nalan Yanran to introduce Lin An and the others. After all, the Nalan family was among the prominent clans in the Jia Ma Empire; proper etiquette was essential.

“This is my junior brother, Lin An,” Nalan Yanran introduced cautiously, uncertain how her father felt about Lin An.

“So, you are Lin An?” Nalan Su regarded Lin An approvingly. If not for Nalan Yanran’s prior engagement, a talent like Lin An would have been the ideal match for his daughter.

“Uncle,” Lin An greeted him.

After Nalan Yanran introduced Yao Chen and the rest, Nalan Su left her to arrange accommodations for Lin An and his companions. He was already overwhelmed these days and had no time to host these younger guests.

“Actually… I might be able to save your grandfather,” Lin An said.

After Nalan Su departed, Lin An suddenly spoke to Nalan Yanran.

“What? Junior brother, are you truly confident?” Nalan Yanran was skeptical, yet she trusted Lin An would not deceive her, leaving her conflicted.

“When have I ever lied to you? Didn’t Master Gu He say that one way to cure your grandfather was to expel the poison using a Heavenly Flame? As it happens, I control such a flame,” Lin An said, no longer concealing the truth as he summoned the Bone Spirit Cold Flame.

This time, Lin An did not hide its power; the eerie blue fire radiated a chilling aura.

“I never imagined you truly possessed a Heavenly Flame! In that case, let’s hurry and save Grandfather!” Nalan Yanran was nearly moved to tears with joy. Wracked with guilt, she wished for her grandfather’s swift recovery.

“Don’t tell your father yet. When night falls and all is quiet, just bring me to your grandfather. It’ll be easier that way,” Lin An said, wary of complications. If Nalan Su knew, he would certainly be suspicious and endless troubles would ensue.

Nalan Yanran agreed, trusting her junior brother’s judgment. After all, this was just an attempt; even if the Heavenly Flame could drive out the poison, it would not be accomplished in a day or two. Let Lin An try, and if there were results, she could inform her father later.

Most importantly, if Grandfather knew Lin An had saved his life, he might change his opinion of him; then she could…

With hope rekindled, Nalan Yanran’s worries eased.

After settling Lin An and the others, she quietly awaited the coming of night.

As darkness fell, Nalan Yanran led Lin An and Yao Chen toward her grandfather Nalan Jie’s chambers.

Nalan Jie, gravely wounded, endured the torment of the poison each day, living in misery. Guards were stationed at his door round the clock.

When Nalan Yanran came to see her grandfather, they dared not hinder her.

On the bed, Nalan Jie looked close to death. Even in sleep, the agony etched upon his face did not abate.

“I will use the Heavenly Flame to cleanse your grandfather’s poison. As a young woman, you’d best wait outside. If anything happens, I’ll let you know,” Lin An said.

Nalan Yanran nodded, understanding she would only be in the way here.

“Young master, do you truly plan to use the Bone Spirit Cold Flame to expel Nalan Jie’s poison?” Yao Chen asked after Nalan Yanran left.

“It’s too troublesome to use the Bone Spirit Cold Flame. I have a quicker method,” Lin An replied with a smile.

From the beginning, Lin An had no intention of using the Bone Spirit Cold Flame to treat Nalan Jie. Purging poison with a Heavenly Flame would take too long; Lin An had no desire to waste time.

Besides, Lin An needed an ally, and Nalan Jie was a suitable candidate.

Yao Chen nodded, as if he had expected this.

“Stay here. No matter who comes, don’t let them in,” Lin An instructed.

Yao Chen nodded. Lin An then brought Nalan Jie into the Hall of Yama.

Inside the Hall, Lin An could freely manipulate souls. Soon, Nalan Jie’s weak soul floated out from his frail body, curiously surveying his surroundings.

“Is this where people go after death?” Nalan Jie murmured, taking a moment to gather his thoughts.

His gaze quickly landed on Lin An, brows furrowing.

“Who are you?” Nalan Jie demanded.

“My name is Lin An. I’m here to save you,” Lin An replied.

“Lin An… That name sounds familiar,” Nalan Jie muttered.

“I am Nalan Yanran’s junior brother—the one who accompanied your granddaughter to break off her engagement at the Xiao family,” Lin An explained.

“So it’s you! You dare show yourself before me!” Nalan Jie erupted in fury upon hearing Lin An’s name. Though it was Nalan Yanran who wanted to end the engagement, if she had not fallen for this junior brother, she would never have gone to the Xiao family.

Now, rumors spread throughout the Jia Ma Empire that the Nalan family looked down on the Xiao clan, seeking to break the engagement, and that they had sent a junior to do what should have been handled by elders. Many laughed at the Nalan family.

“And why wouldn’t I dare?” Lin An said calmly. “Besides, I’ve come to save you.”

“Save me? How could you possibly save me?” Nalan Jie’s first reaction was disbelief.

“Simple. I’ll kill you, and then grant you new life,” Lin An replied.