173: Nalan Jie

Under Sister Ya Fei's efficient operation, the next morning, a luxurious carriage adorned with the Nalan Family's lion emblem stopped in front of the white building at Mittel Headquarters.

The carriage was driven by a Great Dou Shi guard from the Nalan Family, whose aura was calm and steady.

Today, Sister Ya Fei had changed into a tailored fiery-red professional dress, outlining her enchanting figure to perfection, appearing both capable and alluring.

She personally accompanied Mo Yuhan to the Nalan Mansion.

In her words, "Sister Ya Fei is afraid you'll be slighted by those boorish folks from the Nalan Family, so Sister Ya Fei needs to go and support you."

The Nalan Mansion was located in the core area of the Imperial Capital, not far from the Imperial Palace, the Alchemist Guild, and Mittel Headquarters.

The mansion covered a vast area, magnificent in its grandeur, with high walls and deep courtyards, exuding the iron-blooded and profound aura of a military family.

At the entrance, two giant stone lions glared, and the guards were strict.

The carriage drove into the mansion, passing through a wide training ground and gardens, finally stopping in front of an ancient and grand hall.

As soon as they got out of the carriage, they saw two figures standing at the entrance of the hall.

The one leading them was Nalan Yanran, whom Mo Yuhan had met once at the Mo Family.

She was still wearing an elegant moon-white dress, her posture as upright as a green bamboo, her temperament as cold as a snow lotus, and her beautiful face carried a hint of lingering worry.

When she saw Mo Yuhan getting out of the carriage, a very obvious look of surprise and disbelief instantly flashed in her cold eyes.

"Is that you?!"

Nalan Yanran's voice carried a subtle tremor as she quickly walked down the steps, her gaze shifting between Mo Yuhan and Sister Ya Fei, finally settling on Mo Yuhan's face, "Mo Yuhan? The Great Master with the exotic flame that Manager Ya Fei of Mittel Auction House mentioned... is that you?"

She clearly couldn't connect the young man in front of her, whom she had met once at the Mo Family and who seemed even younger than herself, with the "Great Master" who could cure her grandfather's Blight Poison.

Mo Yuhan nodded slightly, his tone calm: "Miss Nalan, we meet again; it is indeed I."

Nalan Yanran looked at Mo Yuhan's young yet steady face, then recalled Sister Ya Fei's earlier confident assurances, her heart filled with doubt and surprise.

However, her grandfather's worsening condition did not allow her to hesitate too much, and Sister Ya Fei's identity and credibility also prevented her from completely questioning it.

She took a deep breath, suppressed the turmoil in her heart, and bowed respectfully to Mo Yuhan, her cold voice carrying a hint of earnestness: "Young Master Mo, regarding the matter at the Mo Family last time, Yanran never expected to meet again today... My grandfather's illness, I entrust it to you, Young Master Mo. Regardless of the outcome, the Nalan Family will never forget your great kindness!"

At this moment, her posture was very humble, completely devoid of the usual aloofness of the Young Sect Master of the Yunlan Sect.

Sister Ya Fei watched from the side with a smile, then spoke at the appropriate moment: "Younger Sister Yanran, don't worry, Sister Ya Fei guarantees it with the reputation of the Mittel Auction House. Yu Han, Younger Brother's ability will definitely exceed your imagination."

Nalan Yanran nodded and looked at Mo Yuhan again: "Young Master Mo, Sister Ya Fei, please follow me. Grandfather is waiting in the quiet room."

The three passed through the corridor and arrived at a quiet room in the depths of the mansion, which was particularly heavily guarded.

Upon pushing the door open, a strong smell of medicine and a chilling energy fluctuation assailed them.

On the bed in the center of the quiet room, an old man sat cross-legged. It was Marshal Lionheart, Nalan Jie.

However, at this moment, he was a completely different person from when Mo Yuhan had seen him at the Mo Family.

His originally robust body had visibly emaciated a lot, his complexion was an unhealthy grayish-white, and his brows were shrouded in deep pain and exhaustion.

Most frighteningly, on his exposed skin, especially on his arms and neck, faint, distorted dark-red poison marks, as if seared by a branding iron, were visible, emitting a chilling aura that made one's heart palpitate.

He kept his eyes tightly shut, seemingly circulating his Dou Qi with all his might to suppress the virulent poison in his body, but his body still trembled involuntarily.

Hearing the sound of the door opening, Nalan Jie slowly opened his eyes.

Those eyes, once sharp as an eagle's and full of majesty, were now bloodshot, appearing turbid and weak, but deep within them, a trace of the indomitable will of a strong person still remained.

His gaze swept over Sister Ya Fei, and when it landed on Mo Yuhan, a hint of surprise also flashed, but it was quickly replaced by the calm of one who had seen much of life.

"Grandfather!"

Nalan Yanran quickly walked to the bedside, her voice choked with emotion.

"Heh heh, is it Sister Ya Fei, the girl? And this young friend... is he the one with the exotic flame?"

Nalan Jie's voice was hoarse and low, like sandpaper rubbing, but his tone tried to remain peaceful.

"Elder Nalan, this junior, Mo Yuhan, greets the Marshal."

Mo Yuhan stepped forward and bowed respectfully.

"Mo Yuhan... a good name."

Nalan Jie gasped for breath, his gaze carefully scrutinizing Mo Yuhan, especially lingering on his young face for a moment. There was no disdain in his eyes, only a hint of inquiry and hope.

"This old man's Blight Poison is already a chronic ailment, deeply rooted in the bone marrow. Great Master Gu He was helpless, stating that only an exotic flame offered a glimmer of hope.

It is truly a blessing that a young friend like you has such good fortune and opportunity at such a young age. Regardless of success or failure, this old man will be eternally grateful."

He saw things clearly and was able to humble himself.

"Elder Nalan, you are too kind. This junior will do his best."

Mo Yuhan's expression was solemn.

He walked to the bedside, extended his right hand, palm upward: "Please allow this junior to examine the poison's condition, Elder Nalan."

Nalan Jie nodded and extended a withered but still sinewy arm.

Mo Yuhan composed himself, mobilized his Soul Power, and carefully probed into Nalan Jie's meridians.

As soon as it entered, an extremely cold, violent, and corrosive energy coiled around it like a venomous snake.

This Blight Poison was indeed overbearing!

Like maggots clinging to bones, it not only resided in the flesh and blood but also deeply permeated the bone marrow, even intertwining with Nalan Jie's own Dou Qi, forming a bizarre symbiotic state.

Forcibly expelling it, even a slight mistake could harm Nalan Jie's foundation or even his life.

After the examination, Mo Yuhan withdrew his hand, his expression grave.

"Young Master Mo, Grandfather..." Nalan Yanran asked nervously, her cold face filled with worry.

"The situation is more troublesome than expected."

Mo Yuhan said in a deep voice, "The poison has penetrated deep into the bone marrow, and even intertwined with Elder Nalan's Dou Qi origin.

To completely remove it will not be the work of a single day; it requires a gradual process, done in multiple sessions. Each detoxification will also be an ordeal for Elder Nalan."

He looked at Nalan Jie: "Elder Nalan, this junior needs to first remove the toxins from your body surface and shallow flesh to alleviate your pain and initially curb the poison's erosion of your Dou Qi.

This process will be somewhat painful, and you will need to endure it. The deeper bone marrow poison will need to be dealt with after your body adapts and your condition improves slightly."

"No matter!" A fierce glint flashed in Nalan Jie's eyes, "This old man has been on horseback his entire life; what pain haven't I endured? Young friend, feel free to proceed! As long as this damned poison can be removed, this old man can endure any pain!"

"Good!" Mo Yuhan said no more. He motioned for Nalan Yanran and Sister Ya Fei to step back a few paces, while he himself sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion opposite the bed.

He took a deep breath, his eyes instantly becoming incredibly focused.

With a thought, he released wisps of deep-green flames, like living spirits, from the Azure Lotus Core Flame, slowly rising from his body.

The flames were not intensely hot or violent; instead, they carried a warm, jade-like texture, but the terrifying high temperature and purifying power contained within them caused the temperature of the entire quiet room to suddenly rise. Even the chilling poisonous gas in the air sizzled and rapidly dissipated as it was scorched.

"Azure Lotus Core Flame?!"

Nalan Jie's turbid eyes burst forth with astonishing light, and he exclaimed in surprise.

He was well-traveled and knowledgeable, instantly recognizing the origin of this exotic flame! The shock in his heart was immeasurable.

A young man, actually able to subdue such a heaven and earth marvel.

His gaze towards Mo Yuhan completely changed, filled with shock and intense hope.