Chapter 26: I Will Heal You!

Lin Chen fell silent.

It was not hard to tell from Su Yuwei’s words that she held his grandfather in high regard, treating him with great respect and admiration. Though she referred to him casually as "the old man" or "Lin Tianming," this was likely just the nature of their relationship.

Lin Chen still could not fathom why his grandfather had acted the way he did. Five years ago, when Lin Chen was only twelve or thirteen, his grandfather had left the family by "faking his own death." No one knew where he had gone afterward. It wasn't until three years ago that he appeared at the Lihuo Sect, becoming Su Yuwei’s mentor in the art of Spirit Runes. Then, a year ago, he vanished completely again, his whereabouts unknown to anyone.

"You entered the Lihuo Sect as the champion of the Great Cang Kingdom’s tournament. By the rules, you are to become an outer sect disciple," Su Yuwei asked coolly, "Are you resigned to that?"

Lin Chen smiled. "There’s nothing to be unhappy about. Although I am currently only an outer sect disciple, it’s not as if there are no opportunities to advance."

"Your mindset is not bad," Aunt Lian remarked, casting a glance at Lin Chen, though it was unclear whether she was offering praise or sarcasm.

"What level have you reached in your study of Spirit Runes?" Lin Chen asked, unable to contain his curiosity. Spirit Runes were classified from levels one to ten, and beyond the tenth level, one would undergo a fundamental transformation.

"I am currently only at the third level." Su Yuwei slowly shifted her gaze toward the outside of the carriage, her beautiful eyes appearing increasingly languid. She looked like a cat curled up in its bedding, indifferent to everything around her.

"Third level!" Lin Chen felt a jolt in his heart. A third-level Spirit Rune master was already an incredibly high standard. At the very least, in these Five Kingdoms, few could compare to her. He had not expected that not only was she the premier prodigy of the region, but her mastery of Spirit Runes was also this profound.

Whenever he thought of this, Lin Chen felt a bit frustrated. Since his grandfather possessed such deep knowledge, why hadn't he taught him about Spirit Runes back then? A skill is never a burden. If he had possessed the knowledge of Spirit Runes, perhaps his current achievements would not be inferior to Su Yuwei’s. Of course, this was just wishful thinking.

"Lin Chen, you are now considered initiated, but before you enter, there are a few things I must tell you," Xu Kun said while steering the carriage. "There are seven sects in the Five Kingdoms region. Our Lihuo Sect is undoubtedly the strongest, with the Wind Sword Sect trailing slightly behind. These seven are all third-tier sects, but in the coming year, there will be an opening to compete for a second-tier status. This is the goal for which the entire sect is striving."

Lin Chen nodded. Though they were only a third-tier sect, they were already a dominant power. As for the future, if they could secure that second-tier status, their standing would rise to a new level—potentially allowing them to unify the entire Five Kingdoms!

The group continued to drive the two carriages toward the Lihuo Sect. The sect was situated in the heart of the Five Kingdoms, bordering the Great Cang and Great Xu nations. The region was vast, possessing a climate unique to its geography, and the Lihuo Sect was the pinnacle of it all.

A day later, the carriages entered Lihuo City. There were several cities surrounding the Lihuo Sect, and Lihuo City was the largest among them. It was generally inhabited by rogue cultivators or the families of sect disciples. There were also many young people who lived in the city long-term, attempting the sect’s entrance exams year after year. They had the perseverance, but if their talent was lacking, they could never get in.

Lihuo City was incredibly prosperous, even more so than the imperial capital of the Great Cang Kingdom. Walking through the streets, many rogue cultivators cast envious glances as they saw the carriages marked with the Lihuo Sect’s emblem pass by.

Lihuo City was built against the mountains, and a large portion of the area was partitioned off—this was the Lihuo Sect. Following the main street to its end, one could see from a distance a road paved with white jade, adorned on both sides with columns of dark jade. Ahead lay the main gate of the Lihuo Sect. The gate was a dark, reddish-brown, magnificent and grand, with two burning flame patterns etched above it, radiating an intense aura. In front of the gate stood a stone tablet inscribed with the three large characters: "Lihuo Sect."

The carriage stopped. Su Yuwei tucked away her wine gourd and stepped down. After walking a few steps forward, she seemed to remember something and turned back, her face calm. "I will find a way to help you clear the cold poison from your body."

This was directed at Lin Ning’er. Lin Ning’er was startled; she hadn't initiated conversation during the journey because the woman seemed so reserved. She hadn't expected the girl to offer to help her with the cold poison before leaving.

"Th-thank you..." Lin Ning’er lowered her head and whispered. Although she was no less beautiful than Su Yuwei, she lacked the other woman’s distinct aura. Su Yuwei’s features were exquisite, her demeanor detached and languid, appearing indifferent to all, yet her eyes held an indescribable depth and mystery.

Lin Chen was also surprised. "How did you know my sister had cold poison?" He had truly intended to ask for help, but he hadn't even brought it up yet.

"Lin Tianming told me." Su Yuwei turned and walked into the sect.

"Junior Sister," the disciples on either side of the gate bowed and greeted her. Su Yuwei held a transcendent position in the Lihuo Sect. Despite her young age, her overwhelming talent commanded respect from everyone, who all addressed her as "Junior Sister."

"Young Lady, how many times should the bell chime later?" Aunt Lian asked, hurrying after her. "Logically speaking, for a mere outer sect disciple, a single chime is sufficient to mark the occasion. But given his talent, he is more than qualified to enter the inner sect directly, and inner sect disciples are welcomed with two to four chimes depending on their aptitude..."

"Let it chime five times," Su Yuwei said, not looking back, her voice indifferent.

Aunt Lian froze in place. *Five chimes?* But since the young lady had spoken, she had no choice but to comply.

Lin Chen watched Su Yuwei’s departing figure, lost in thought. *It seems Grandfather had a significant relationship with her; otherwise, he wouldn't have asked her to help my sister.* Yet, what still confused him was why his grandfather, who was so powerful, hadn't handled it himself. A Spirit Rune master whose skill even Su Yuwei admired surely could have cleared the cold poison with ease?

Ultimately, Lin Chen could only shake his head in resignation. Judging by these events, his grandfather’s actions were truly unpredictable. He must have had his own reasons for doing things this way.

Lin Chen carried Lin Ning’er on his back and followed Xu Kun into the sect. Once inside, Xu Kun said to the gatekeeper, "He is the champion of the Great Cang tournament. Ring the bell once to welcome him!"

The gatekeeper looked troubled. "Elder Xu, Elder Lian has already issued an order..."

"Oh, then just follow her instructions," Xu Kun replied, not giving it much thought.

Aunt Lian, whose full name was Lian Qing, had once been a maid to Su Yuwei’s mother. Since Su Yuwei’s birth, she had been by her side. Lian Qing was formidable and rarely showed a smile to anyone.

*Dong!*

At that moment, a bell tolled within the sect! It was ancient and resonant!

Immediately following it, there were more!

*Dong!*
*Dong!*
*Dong!*
*Dong!*

Four more strikes. Five in total! The bell had tolled five times!