Upon entering the Nalan Clan estate, a charming maid quickly stepped forward and gently said a few words to Chen Mo before leading the way.
Following her unhurried pace, Chen Mo glanced around the luxurious residence. The tall and grand buildings were no less impressive than those of the Mittel Clan.
As expected from one of the Three Great Clans of the Jia Ma Empire.
After passing through several elegantly styled corridors, Chen Mo straightened his robes. With his spiritual perception, he could sense that the deeper he ventured into the Nalan Clan, the more subtle gazes and soul-sensing probes were being directed at him from hidden corners.
Every one of his movements was being carefully monitored.
He even heard soft murmurs of surprise.
"Huh? That's odd… We can't detect anything…"
Chen Mo smirked. The strongest among them was merely a Nine-Star Dou Ling. If they could detect anything from him, that'd be the real surprise.
At the end of the corridor, a magnificent hall appeared before Chen Mo. Through the slightly ajar doors, he could see many people inside.
As he stepped closer, the hushed murmurs from inside grew clearer—until he gently pushed open the doors. Immediately, the soft conversations ceased, and all eyes turned toward him.
When they saw the three-striped alchemist insignia on his chest, their eyes widened in surprise.
So young… A Tier 3 Alchemist?!
"It's you!"
A girl in a pale moon-colored dress, seated beside a middle-aged man at the head of the room, widened her beautiful eyes at the sight of Chen Mo standing in the doorway. A flash of astonishment appeared on her delicate face.
Ding!
Affection +2. You have received: Youth Retaining Pill x1.
At the far end of the hall, seated to the right in a long, flowing robe, Yun Yun was momentarily stunned upon seeing Chen Mo. But after a heartbeat, a trace of joy surfaced on her face—though she quickly suppressed it, not wanting the others to notice.
At that very moment, a soft smile also played on Chen Mo's lips.
Coming to the Nalan Clan wasn't a mistake.
"Yanran, do you know him?"
The middle-aged man beside Nalan Yanran, Nalan Su, asked with a surprised frown after noticing his daughter's reaction.
"That's Chen Mo," Nalan Yanran said softly, her eyes lingering on Chen Mo for a few seconds before finally pulling her gaze away.
"What?!"
The entire hall broke into a commotion.
Everyone who had already been surprised now began scrutinizing Chen Mo even more closely.
A nineteen-year-old Tier 3 Alchemist—a genius whose alchemy talent even surpassed Gu He, and who had been called a future Tier 7 Alchemist by President Fa Ma himself.
Moreover, if the rumors from a few days ago were true, the Tier 6 Magical Beast, Purple Crystal Winged Lion King, was actually Chen Mo's personal mount.
What did that even mean?
Being able to subdue a beast comparable to a Dou Huang and make it a mount... his background must be unimaginably powerful.
Possibly on par with Cloud Mist Sect.
In the spacious hall, over a dozen alchemists in matching robes were seated. Each of them bore a three-striped badge on their chest as well. However, most were middle-aged, and two of them were already greying with age.
Yet now, they all stood up one after another and came forward to greet Chen Mo enthusiastically. The surprise in the eyes of Nalan Su and Nalan Yanran was evident.
After all, two of those older Tier 3 Alchemists had barely said a word since arriving. Aside from a brief greeting to Nalan Su, they had acted with great pride, ignoring others altogether.
But now, they were actively going up to shake hands with Chen Mo, even smiling flatteringly.
Nalan Su took a deep breath, stood up, and also went forward to greet him. After all, a prodigy like this couldn't be ignored.
Not to mention—he was here to try and treat the old patriarch's poison.
Looking at Chen Mo's handsome appearance, Nalan Su smiled and cupped his hands.
"Master Chen Mo, it is our first meeting. I am Nalan Su, the patriarch of the Nalan Clan."
"Nalan Su?"
Hearing the name, Chen Mo immediately remembered—this was Nalan Yanran's father. Whether or not his system would later bind him to Yanran, establishing a good relationship now was a wise move.
Returning the courtesy, Chen Mo smiled.
"Nalan Clan Leader is too polite. I was recommended by Miss Ya Fei of the Mittel Clan to come and try. I can't guarantee anything."
"Oh? So it was my niece Ya Fei who recommended you. Please, have a seat."
Nalan Su nodded in realization. Seeing that Chen Mo was not arrogant despite his status, he was inwardly pleased and gestured toward a seat near the front.
However, instead of taking the offered seat, Chen Mo sat down on an empty chair beside Yun Yun.
"I hope you don't mind, Sect Master Yun," Chen Mo said with a smile.
You already sat down, and now you ask if it's okay?
Yun Yun complained inwardly but kept her composure and replied softly,
"Master Chen Mo, you're too courteous."
The title "Master Chen Mo" from Yun Yun's mouth caused a moment of stunned silence in the hall.
"When did Teacher become so… gentle?"
Nalan Yanran muttered under her breath, glancing at Chen Mo seated beside her teacher.
With the brief interruption over, Nalan Su looked around and said solemnly:
"I believe everyone already knows the Nalan Clan's predicament. My father was afflicted with the infamous Branded Poison, and now that it has flared up completely, he can no longer hold on. Master Gu He tried treating it but could do nothing…"
While Nalan Su spoke, Yun Yun turned her head and whispered to Chen Mo:
"What are you doing here?"
"I told you, didn't I? We'd see each other again in a few days."
"Y-You came… for me?"
A trace of shyness flashed in Yun Yun's eyes.
"…"
Chen Mo wasn't entirely sure why Yun Yun would think that, but with his growing mastery of charm, he leaned in slightly and whispered,
"Of course. I even brought a gift for you, Yun Yun-jie."
"A gift?"
Before she could ask further, Nalan Su raised his voice:
"Well then, if anyone can heal the old patriarch, rest assured—the Nalan Clan will reward you most generously!"
He waved his hand and gestured toward a side room.
"The old master is inside. Please, one by one, give it a try."
At his words, the group of alchemists exchanged glances. Moments later, an elderly man with greying hair stood up, smiling kindly as he made his way to the side room.
"I'll tell you about the gift later," Chen Mo whispered.
Yun Yun gave the faintest nod in response.
About ten minutes passed.
The elderly alchemist came out of the room shaking his head, then sat back down with a wry smile.
"I'm sorry, Clan Leader Nalan. That Branded Poison is far too stubborn. None of the antidote pills I prepared had any effect at all."
Upon hearing this, both Nalan Su and Nalan Yanran sighed heavily, their faces filled with disappointment.
****
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