Chapter Eight: Nalan Yanran’s Troubles

“These are all gifts from your master—medicinal pills that will greatly benefit your cultivation at this stage, and a token for the Cloudmist Sect’s Scripture Pavilion. With it, you may freely choose a battle technique or cultivation method from the Pavilion…” Yun Yun bestowed many things upon Lin An, most of which were immediately useful to him.

Lin An accepted them without hesitation, his conscience at ease. Still, a question lingered in his heart—the very one his master had asked him moments ago. Yet, judging from Yun Yun’s manner, she had no intention of explaining, so Lin An did not pursue the matter further. After all, to him the Cloudmist Sect was merely a stepping stone; if he could not remain here, he would simply leave.

“I am a bit tired,” Yun Yun said. “Yanran, you will see to the rest and take Lin An with you.” Nalan Yanran bowed respectfully and led Lin An away.

“It seems Master is quite pleased with you, otherwise she wouldn’t have given you so much,” Nalan Yanran commented. “When I first became her disciple, I certainly wasn’t treated so generously.”

“Perhaps Master thinks I have some talent,” Lin An replied.

“Come, I’ll take you to the place where you’ll likely be living for a long while.”

By the time all arrangements were settled, night had fallen. Only after Nalan Yanran departed did Lin An find time to enter the Hall of Yama.

The battle earlier that day had been a great boon. The yin energy he absorbed not only increased his strength but subtly tempered his body as well—a benefit Lin An had not anticipated. Of course, drawing in too much yin energy to bolster his combat power was not without risks; overuse could undermine his future cultivation. This, too, Yun Yun had foreseen, which was why she gifted him a bottle of restorative pills.

Seated cross-legged upon the throne, Lin An took out the pills Yun Yun had given him. As he was about to consume one, he was startled to see the surrounding yin energies gathering toward the pill in his hand, then merging into it before his very eyes.

Once the influx of yin energy ceased, the pill had utterly transformed—icy to the touch, black as ink, yet exuding a strange fragrance. Even its quality had improved remarkably.

This place, saturated with yin energy, was truly a rare cultivation ground for Lin An. Thus, he harbored no fear of the pill now infused with such power, and swallowed it directly.

The moment it entered his mouth, the pill dissolved into warm currents that spread through his body, reaching every limb and bone. Even his inner battle energy began to flow anew…

“Is this… the sign of an impending breakthrough?” Lin An murmured in surprise, realizing his body was recovering at an astonishing rate. In just a few breaths, his injuries had completely healed.

With his mind at ease, he began to cultivate with single-minded focus.

Only at dawn the next day did Lin An awaken from his meditative state. By then, he had already broken through to the ninth level of Battle Qi. The next step would be to reach the realm of the One-Star Battle Practitioner.

At that moment, Lin An sensed someone enter his courtyard.

“Junior Brother Lin An, are you there?” It was Nalan Yanran’s voice. Lin An emerged from the Hall of Yama into his room, opened the door, and saw her just about to knock.

“I called you so many times and got no response—I was worried yesterday’s events had affected your health,” she said.

“No need to worry, Senior Sister. Master’s pills were very effective, and after a night’s recuperation, I’m almost fully recovered,” Lin An replied with a smile.

Though Nalan Yanran was a bit puzzled, she nodded. She could sense her little junior brother was hiding secrets—yesterday’s contest and his sudden surge of power were proof enough.

“I brought you some food. After you’ve eaten, come with me for morning practice.”

Usually, Nalan Yanran cultivated alone, often beginning before dawn. If not for Lin An’s exhaustion yesterday, she would have woken him much earlier.

The Cloudmist Sect would not tolerate idlers, and as the Sect Leader’s disciple, she could not allow herself to be outdone by the others.

What weighed on her most, though, was the betrothal arranged for her in childhood. She had no desire to marry a man she had never met. Back when she heard that Xiao Yan of Wutan City was a prodigy, she had considered breaking off the engagement, but both her family and Yun Yun had dismissed her concerns, citing her youth.

Two years ago, for reasons unknown, Xiao Yan’s cultivation level plummeted—from promising genius to the third level of Battle Qi. Yet, for Nalan Yanran, this made no difference; whether Xiao Yan was a genius or a cripple, she had no intention of marrying a stranger.

Even Master Yun Yun had promised her: if she could break through to the realm of Battle Practitioner within the allotted time, she would write a letter, add some precious pills, and send an elder of the Cloudmist Sect to accompany Nalan Yanran to the Xiao family in Wutan City to annul the engagement.

Now, having reached the pinnacle of the ninth level of Battle Qi, Nalan Yanran felt her breakthrough was near. Very soon, she might attain the One-Star Battle Practitioner level.

“Senior Sister, you look troubled. Is something bothering you?” Lin An asked, noticing her distracted air.

“That’s my personal matter—it doesn’t concern you. Best you don’t know,” Nalan Yanran replied, unwilling to mention her engagement.

Lin An silently scolded himself for his insensitivity. Judging by her age and cultivation, she was indeed close to becoming a Battle Practitioner—which meant she would soon travel to Wutan City to break off the engagement. It was only natural she had a lot on her mind.

After finishing his meal, Lin An followed Nalan Yanran to the back mountain of the Cloudmist Sect. This was Nalan Yanran’s usual place for cultivation.

Now, a new figure would join her here—her master’s newly accepted disciple, Lin An.

“From now on, this will be our training ground. Unless under special circumstances, other disciples of the Cloudmist Sect are not permitted here,” Nalan Yanran informed him.