The effects of Origin-Returning Flaw-Mending Pill were faster than Ye Lingling had anticipated.
Following Feng Lingtian's instructions, she and her mother sat facing each other in the clan's quiet room, palms touching, and simultaneously swallowed the pills. The moment the medicine took effect, a warm current rose from her dantian and spread along her meridians to her limbs and bones.
She felt the warmth from her mother's palm, and she also felt the two medicinal forces pulling and merging within their bodies, like two severed streams finally finding their confluence.
The curse of the Nine Heart Begonia was not formed overnight. The flaws in the Martial Soul of countless generations are like a rusty chain, tightly bound deep within the bloodline.
The medicinal power of the Origin-Returning Flaw-Mending Pill was like a key, precisely inserted into the lock. Ye Lingling closed her eyes, and she could clearly feel the chain breaking inch by inch.
It wasn't a break, nor a collapse, but rather a slow dissolution, like ice and snow melting, starting from the outermost layer. Each heartbeat brought a new medicinal power, and each breath made the Soul Power flow more smoothly.
She heard her mother's suppressed breathing, and she also heard something awakening in her own blood. It was the true life force belonging to the Nine Heart Begonia, which had been suppressed by the curse.
After an unknown amount of time, the effects of the medicine finally subsided. Ye Lingling opened her eyes and saw tear stains on her mother's face, but the darkness in her eyes had disappeared.
She subconsciously raised her hand to release her Martial Soul, and a Nine Heart Begonia bloomed in her palm. The petals were full and the color was warm and lustrous, no longer carrying the faint trace of witheredness as before.
She sensed the state of her Martial Soul —the feeling of being bound by invisible shackles was completely gone.
At the same time, news came from the clan that Ye Lingling's pregnant cousin had just given birth to a daughter. The child seemed to be rushing to announce the good news, crying loudly and clenching her little fists tightly.
What's even more surprising is that when the elders of the clan examined the baby's Martial Soul, they discovered that the Martial Soul lurking within her was also the Nine Heart Begonia.
According to the curse passed down through generations of the Nine Heart Begonia Clan, if two or more Nine Heart Begonia Soul Master survive at the same time, one of them will perish.
But now, Ye Lingling, her mother, and this newborn baby—three Nine Heart Begonia Soul Master— exist in the world simultaneously, yet there is no sign of the curse.
After repeated confirmations, the clan elders finally announced with trembling hands: The curse on the Nine Heart Begonia Clan has been completely lifted.
The entire family erupted in celebration. Some were crying, some were laughing, and some were kneeling on the ground to thank their ancestors for their blessings. Ye Lingling's mother stood in the crowd, holding her daughter's hand tightly, unable to utter a single word.
Three days later, at the Godwind Academy.
Feng Lingtian met them in the reception room this time. Ye Lingling was wearing a simple dress, and her complexion was much better than last time. Her cheeks had regained color, and the fatigue in her eyes had largely disappeared.
The woman standing next to her was in her early forties. She looked about 70% like Ye Lingling and had a dignified demeanor, but her eyes held a hint of excitement and solemnity from having just experienced a great upheaval.
" Feng Lingtian, we meet again. This is my mother, the patriarch of the Nine Heart Begonia Clan." Ye Lingling bowed, her voice much more lively than the last time she came.
Mother Ye stepped forward and bowed deeply to Feng Lingtian. It wasn't the respect a junior would show to a peer, but the solemn respect one would show to a savior.
She straightened up, her voice still tinged with excitement. "Young Master Feng, the curse of the Nine Heart Begonia Clan has lasted for countless generations, and no one has ever imagined that it could be broken one day."
The two pills you gave me saved not only Lingling and me, but the lifeline of our entire family. The Nine Heart Begonia Clan can never repay this kindness.
Feng Lingtian reached out to help her up, his tone calm yet solemn. "Madam Ye, there's no need for that. The Nine Heart Begonia Clan has saved countless lives for generations with their healing Martial Soul; their contribution is known throughout the continent. My pills are valued for being used in the most meaningful way."
Mother Ye looked up at Feng Lingtian and suddenly asked, "Young Master Feng, I heard from Lingling that besides the Origin-Returning Flaw-Mending Pill, you have other pills here?"
Feng Lingtian nodded. "Currently, we can reliably refine the Meridian-Warming Pill and the Soul-Fortifying Pill, and more pills are under development."
"To be honest," Mother Ye lowered her voice slightly, but her tone carried a seriousness born of deep thought, "I came here this time, firstly to express my gratitude for your great kindness in person."
Secondly, we also wanted to ask if the Nine Heart Begonia Clan could be of any help. We didn't come for the elixirs, but to repay a debt of gratitude. If there's anything we can do to help, we'll do it."
Feng Lingtian looked at Mother Ye and read a thoughtful seriousness in her eyes, rather than a politeness born of momentary impulse.
Feng Lingtian put down his teacup, his tone frank and solemn. "Since Madam Ye has said so, I will not hide anything. I have established a pill-making organization Pill Pavilion, which is responsible for the refining and sale of pills."
The Speed Clan has already Pill Pavilion. Those with alchemy skills are responsible for pill production, while others have formed reconnaissance teams to gather intelligence in various cities. However, the Pill Pavilion still lacks one crucial element—healing.
Mother Ye's expression shifted slightly, but she did not interrupt.
"Medicines can prevent problems before they occur, but in a real battle, the wounded need not only medicines, but also healers."
The Nine Heart Begonia possesses the strongest healing Martial Soul on the continent. If it can cooperate with the Pill Pavilion, the supply of pills and healing services will complement each other, and it will have great potential in the future.
The Nine Heart Begonia Clan has a considerable number of members, each with different aspirations and talents. Those interested in alchemy can Pill Pavilion's alchemy team to learn how to refine elixirs.
Those who have no interest in alchemy can utilize their expertise in healing Martial Soul to establish treatment centers in various cities, specifically responsible for treating the wounded.
As for clan members who do not possess the Nine Heart Begonia Martial Soul, or elderly members, they will not be forced to participate in alchemy or treatment; the Pill Pavilion will arrange logistics and support.
Everyone can find a place that suits them. Those who Pill Pavilion clan enjoy the same 30% profit sharing as the Speed Clan.
After a moment of silence, Mother Ye turned to look at Ye Lingling. The mother and daughter exchanged glances, Ye Lingling nodded slightly, her eyes showing an unprecedented certainty and brilliance.
Mother Ye withdrew her gaze and looked back at Feng Lingtian, saying each word carefully, "Pavilion Master Feng has considered everything very well. The Nine Heart Begonia Clan will repay this kindness by the Pill Pavilion. As for future treatment bases, we can send people whenever the Pill Pavilion needs them."
After saying that, she smiled softly, a hint of relief in her expression. "Following someone as ambitious as Pavilion Master Feng is perhaps the best outcome for our Nine Heart Begonia Clan."
Feng Lingtian stood up, cupped his hands in a respectful bow, and said solemnly, "Madam Ye, please rest assured. Pill Pavilion will not mistreat any family that joins it. When conditions are right in the future, the revenue distribution from the treatment network will also be discussed in detail with the Nine Heart Begonia Clan."
Mother Ye returned the greeting, her eyes slightly red when she looked up, but the smile on her lips was genuine.
Standing beside her mother, Ye Lingling looked at Feng Lingtian, and the vague thought in her mind became clear at this moment.
From this day forward, the fate of the Nine Heart Begonia Clan will be inextricably linked with that of the Pill Pavilion.