Chapter Thirty-One: The Illness

Ling Tian had spoken, so Mu Qingcheng couldn't say much. In truth, she understood that what Nangong Ye had said was true. Although the Nangong family and the Mu family had little interaction, their relationship was peaceful. Most importantly, there was no conflict of interest between them. Thus, Nangong Ye's only purpose in sending spies was to investigate that batch of goods.

Mu Qingcheng spoke coldly, "You two can talk among yourselves. I have things to do." With that, she slammed the door and left.

Nangong Ye was embarrassed, glancing awkwardly at Ling Tian. "Brother Ling, could you transfer that stone to me? I'm willing to pay double its value."

Ling Tian shook his head decisively. That Void Stone was extremely beneficial for the cultivation of divine sense, and according to the records in the jade slip, it was exceedingly rare. Besides, for ordinary people, it served little purpose beyond refreshing the mind.

"Brother, this stone is very important to me, truly important." Seeing Ling Tian shake his head, Nangong Ye's eyes grew red with anxiety. The golden stone was his sister’s only hope for recovery—at least for now.

Ling Tian was puzzled and asked, "Tell me more. Maybe I can help you."

Thinking of his sister, tormented beyond recognition, Nangong Ye’s heart ached terribly. He was silent for a moment before saying, "My sister has contracted a strange illness. Her mind is unstable, her body grows weaker and thinner, and all her bodily functions are deteriorating. We’ve visited many top hospitals, but nothing has helped."

He paused, wiping his swollen eyes. Though a grown man shedding tears, Ling Tian thought nothing of it. As the saying goes, men do not weep easily, unless truly heartbroken.

Nangong Ye composed himself and continued, "Later, I heard that Qingcheng Group ordered a batch of goods from the south, among which there was a miraculous stone, said to be invigorating. I thought I’d try it, see if it could cure my sister."

Ling Tian shook his head outright. "It definitely won’t help. I don’t know exactly what illness your sister has, but I know that stone only refreshes the mind for ordinary people. I advise you to look for other ways."

Nangong Ye was half-convinced, half doubtful. Until the final results were clear, he wouldn’t give up hope.

"How about this: you bring the stone to my home to try its effect," Nangong Ye said, looking at Ling Tian with sincere anticipation.

Ling Tian nodded. "As the saying goes, saving a life is more meritorious than building a seven-story pagoda. I’ll try, but I’m busy these next few days and can’t get away."

Seeing Ling Tian agree, Nangong Ye quickly replied, "Alright, it’s up to your schedule." To Nangong Ye, his sister’s illness was not a matter of a day or two, so a few days more wouldn’t matter. As long as Ling Tian agreed, it was enough. Still, Nangong Ye couldn’t pin all his hopes on Ling Tian—in case the stone didn’t work.

Thus, Nangong Ye took his leave, hurrying away. His cousin Anqi, who was two days older than him, had said she’d obtained a miraculous talisman—he had to hurry home.

Nangong Residence.

Anqi drove up to the gates of the Nangong family manor and pressed the horn.

Seeing the license plate, the gatekeeper immediately opened the gate and walked respectfully to the car, opening the door for Anqi. "Miss, you’ve arrived."

Anqi smiled, handed the car keys to the gatekeeper, picked up her handbag, and hurried into the hall, dialing her phone as she walked. "Cousin, I’m here. Where are you?"

"Anqi, I’m right behind you," Nangong Ye answered breathlessly, catching up. He had just reached the entrance as Anqi arrived.

As they walked inside, Anqi asked, "Are uncle and aunt home?"

Nangong Ye replied, "They’ve gone in search of renowned doctors and should return in three days. By the way, I went to Qingcheng Group earlier and settled the matter of the stone. They agreed to bring it over in the next few days to test its effect."

"That’s good news," Anqi nodded. The more opportunities, the greater the chance for her cousin’s recovery.

With Anqi’s arrival, nearly all the main members of the Nangong family, except those elders who were away, were present. Together, they accompanied Anqi to the top floor, where Nangong Ye’s sister, Nangong Xue, stayed. Due to the strange nature of her illness, the family had set aside a special room for her, appointed dedicated caregivers, and strictly forbidden any information from leaking out.

But there are no secrets that last forever. News of the eldest Miss Nangong’s strange illness had already spread, though no one knew the specifics.

The two caretakers guarding the room hurried aside as Nangong Ye and Anqi approached.

"Has her condition improved lately?" Nangong Ye knew the answer, but still asked out of habit, hoping for a miracle—hoping to hear she was better. The caretaker replied, "No change."

Nangong Ye opened the door. A strong scent of herbal medicine flooded out, along with a chilling cold that made him shiver involuntarily. Anqi entered after him. Once as delicate as a princess, Nangong Xue now sat curled up on the bed, hair disheveled, eyes full of terror as she looked around, like a frightened swan.

Anqi gazed at her cousin, heart aching for the suffering she endured. "Xue’er, I’ve come to see you."

"Don’t come closer... ghosts..." Nangong Xue frantically tore at her hair, her lifeless eyes filled with fear, making strange, piercing screams as if possessed, frightening everyone into retreat.

Her cousin Nangong Mei spoke in a strange tone, "Don’t waste your efforts. Xue’er’s life is at its end. I think it’s time to prepare for the funeral."

Gentle Anqi rarely glared at anyone, but now she gave Nangong Mei a fierce look. Anqi knew that Nangong Mei envied Xue’er’s beauty, kindness, and charm. Since Nangong Xue fell ill, Nangong Mei had become the family’s focus. But if Xue’er recovered, she would again become the family’s darling.

Nangong Ye said to Anqi, "Cousin, don’t bother with that heartless woman."

With the elders absent, Nangong Mei felt no restraint and continued, "Because of Xue’er, the family has spent enormous funds, even seriously impacting our businesses. I say, with her around, the family will go bankrupt sooner or later."

"You... get out!" Nangong Ye shouted angrily.

"You dare yell at me? Let me tell you, Nangong Xue is a curse. Ever since she was born, the family business has never prospered..." Nangong Mei launched into a tirade, like an old gossip-monger on the street, her words endless.