Oh no! My grandmother made me shoulder the responsibility for eight households!

Chapter 30: Seventh Sister-in-Law's Old Acquaintance

Murong Xue glanced at Lin Chen, who understood and took out the Heavenly Secret Token, placing it on the table.

"Elder Yao, I would like to use this token to exchange for a 'Seven-Leaf Resurrection Grass'."

Yao Chenzi's expression hardened slightly: "Seven-leaf Resurrection Grass... This is a holy medicine for healing injuries, and it is also one of the main ingredients for refining the 'Breakthrough Pill'."

The Myriad Medicines Pavilion only has three plants in stock, which cannot be obtained without significant merit or an extraordinary stroke of luck.

He paused for a moment: "However, since young friend Lin has the Heavenly Secret Token, he can indeed exchange it according to the academy's rules."

But... if I may be so bold as to ask, young friend, what use do you have for this?"

Lin Chen was prepared: "An elder in the family has damaged meridians and needs this medicine to heal."

This is a half-truth—Chu Yueyao does indeed need the Seven-Leaf Resurrection Grass to research the antidote for the Bone-Corroding Spirit Stone.

Yao Chenzi pondered for a moment, then suddenly said, "Young friend Lin, I can give you the Seven-Leaf Resurrection Grass, but on one condition."

"Speaking."

"Help me appraise something." Yao Chenzi took out a jade box from his robes and carefully opened it.

Inside the box was a piece of charred, withered wood, about three inches long, with fine lines on its surface, faintly emitting a strange aura.

"I obtained this item three years ago near the 'Frosty Abyss' in the Northern Territory. It is suspected to be the remains of some kind of ancient spiritual wood, but I have never been able to determine its type and effects," Yao Chenzi said.

"If young friend Lin can identify the origin of this item, I will not only give you the Seven-Leaf Resurrection Grass, but also a bottle of 'Life-Creating Pill' as a bonus."

The Life-Creating Pill! A mid-grade Earth-level healing elixir that can keep someone alive as long as they have a breath left!

Lin Chen's heart stirred slightly. He reluctantly activated another 'Treasure Knowledge' experience card and then focused his attention on the withered tree.

【Nirvana Wood】: Remnants of a high-grade Heavenly Rank.

It was transformed from the ancient divine tree 'Phoenix Tree' after its failed rebirth, containing a trace of the true meaning of rebirth. It can be used to refine 'Nirvana Pills', helping martial artists to break through their limitations and rise again.

It can also be refined directly, with a chance to obtain the divine power of 'Nirvana Fire'. It is a genuine item, but it has lost 90% of its vitality.

Heavenly Stairs!

Lin Chen's pupils suddenly contracted.

This unassuming deadwood is actually a Heavenly Treasure!

Although ninety percent of its life force has been lost, even a trace of the true meaning of Nirvana is priceless!

Seeing the change in his expression, Yao Chenzi hurriedly asked, "Young friend Lin, do you recognize this item?"

Lin Chen took a deep breath: "This thing is called 'Nirvana Wood,' which is the result of the ancient divine tree Phoenix Wood failing to undergo Nirvana."

Although it has lost 90% of its vitality, it still contains a trace of the true meaning of Nirvana, which can be used to refine Nirvana Pills to help martial artists break through their bottlenecks.

Those with great fortune may directly refine it and obtain the supernatural power of "Nirvana Fire".

Yao Chenzi abruptly stood up, his voice trembling: "Nirvana Wood?! It's actually this! No wonder... no wonder I always felt this thing was extraordinary!"

He paced excitedly around the room:

"Nirvana Pill! That's a legendary sacred pill! If a Grandmaster takes it, they're guaranteed to break through to the Great Grandmaster level! Even a Great Grandmaster has a 50% chance of breaking through to the next realm!"

Lin Chen nodded: "However, refining the Nirvana Pill requires at least a high-grade Earth-rank alchemy furnace and 'Phoenix True Blood' as a catalyst. Both of these are probably extremely difficult to find."

Yao Chenzi calmed down and said with a wry smile:

"Indeed. Phoenix True Blood exists only in legends, and a high-grade Earth-rank alchemy furnace... there are no more than three in the entire Great Yan Dynasty."

He carefully put away the Nirvana Wood, and the look in his eyes as he looked at Lin Chen was completely different:

"Young friend Lin, your knowledge is truly remarkable; I admire you greatly. Someone, come here!"

A young apprentice medicine doctor entered in response.

"Go and fetch a seven-leaf resurrection herb and a bottle of life-creating pills."

"Yes."

The young apprentice quickly brought out two jade boxes.

Inside the box was a seven-leaf clover, its leaves crystal clear and exuding a rich vitality.

The other box contained three pills the size of longan fruits, with flowing patterns and a fragrant aroma.

Lin Chen accepted it and carefully put it away: "Thank you, Elder Yao."

Yao Chenzi waved his hand: "It's just a matter of each getting what they need. However, young friend Lin, I have something else to say."

"Speaking."

"The Cui family's birthday banquet is fraught with hidden dangers," Yao Chenzi said in a low voice.

"The Heavenly Secrets Institute has received word that not only the Cui family, but also several princes in the court and major forces in the martial arts world will be making moves. Although you are young and promising, remember to protect yourself wisely."

Lin Chen's heart skipped a beat: "Elder, do you know the specifics...?"

"It cannot be said, it cannot be said." Yao Chenzi shook his head. "Although the Heavenly Secrets Institute is in charge of intelligence, there are some things that knowing them may not be a blessing."

Just remember this: if you see any "people in purple" at the banquet, retreat immediately. Those people... are not to be trifled with.

A man in purple?

Lin Chen secretly memorized it.

When I left Wanyao Pavilion, the rain had stopped.

Murong Xue said softly, "Eighth Brother, you must take Elder Yao's words to heart."

"I understand." Lin Chen nodded. "Seventh Sister-in-law, thank you very much for today."

"We're family, no need for thanks." Murong Xue smiled gently. "However, Eighth Brother, I do have a favor to ask."

"Seventh Sister-in-law, please speak."

"I want to go with you to the birthday banquet," Murong Xue said earnestly.

"Although my cultivation level is not high, I am proficient in the etiquette of many countries and know some foreign envoys. Perhaps... I can help you deal with things a little."

Looking into her clear eyes, Lin Chen suddenly remembered the background of this seventh sister-in-law.

Princess Nanzhao was skilled in diplomacy and fluent in multiple languages ​​and etiquette.

This is indeed a helpful tool.

"Okay," he agreed. "But Seventh Sister-in-law must promise me that if there is any danger, we will evacuate immediately."

"Um."

Just as the two were about to descend the mountain, a group of people approached them.

The leader was a young man in brocade robes, about twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, with a handsome face, but with a hint of sinister intent between his brows.

He was followed by eight guards, all of whom possessed the aura of a first-grade master.

"Princess Murong?" The young man in brocade robes' eyes lit up, and he quickly stepped forward. "What a coincidence!"

Murong Xue's expression changed slightly, and she subconsciously took half a step back: "Your Highness, Third Prince."

The third prince, Zhao Heng, is the Empress's half-brother. His birth mother is the deceased Consort. His power in the court is second only to the second prince.

Lin Chen's eyes narrowed slightly, and he stepped forward, blocking Murong Xue's path.

"This humble commoner, Lin Chen, greets the Third Prince."

Zhao Heng then noticed him, frowning slightly: "You are...?"

"Lin Chen of the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion."

"Oh, that spoiled brat," Zhao Heng chuckled, then turned his gaze to Murong Xue, his tone softening.

"Princess Murong, your mourning period is over. Why not consider... remarrying me? I will grant you the position of concubine and will certainly not mistreat you."

These words were so blunt that Murong Xue's face turned pale.

"Third Prince, please have some self-respect. Now that I have married into the Lin family, I am a member of the Lin family for life."

"The Lin family?" Zhao Heng scoffed.

"What's the point of guarding a duke's mansion that's about to collapse? Princess Murong, this prince is truly sincere towards you."

If you agree, I will immediately request my elder sister to grant us a marriage decree.

Lin Chen's eyes grew cold: "Third Prince, Seventh Sister-in-law is my Lin family's daughter-in-law. Please show some respect."

Zhao Heng's face darkened: "Lin Chen, who do you think you are, daring to speak to this prince like that? Guards!"

Eight guards stepped forward simultaneously, their auras locking onto Lin Chen.

The atmosphere suddenly became tense.

Murong Xue said urgently, "Third Prince, this is the Heavenly Mystery Academy! We mustn't resort to force!"

Zhao Heng sneered, "So what if it's the Heavenly Mystery Academy? Who dares to interfere when I, the Prince, teach a lesson to an arrogant and ignorant brat?"

He looked at Lin Chen: "Lin Chen, I'll give you a chance—kneel down and kowtow three times, then get out. Princess Murong, I'm taking you away."

Lin Chen laughed: "What if I don't?"

"Then I'll break your legs, and then take them away." A ruthless glint flashed in Zhao Heng's eyes. "Do it!"

Eight guards pounced at the same time!

These eight people were clearly well-trained and worked in perfect coordination, instantly sealing off all of Lin Chen's escape routes.

Eight longswords were drawn from their sheaths, their light forming a net that enveloped everything below!

Murong Xue exclaimed, "Eighth Brother, be careful!"