Lin Yan’s mention of it not being simple was not because this mother was a cultivator. If she were, the people who arrived earlier would have already discovered her.
This mother was a martial artist. Such people were not of interest to cultivators, but Lin Yan, having experienced a martial arts world, was very familiar with them.
It was unusual for such a martial arts master, and a woman at that, to be living with her child in such a remote and dilapidated village.
“Knock, knock, knock.” Lin Yan stepped forward and knocked on the door.
Shortly, someone came to open it, and a child’s head poked out.
The boy behind the door, upon seeing Lin Yan’s appearance, froze for a long time before he could speak.
“An… an immortal lady, what business do you have?”
“Is your mother home? I’d like to ask a few questions.” Seeing that it was the child who answered the door, Lin Yan softened her voice.
“Cong’er, who is at the door?” As soon as she finished speaking, a woman’s cough was heard.
“Mother, it’s a beautiful immortal lady.” As soon as he finished speaking, the boy named Cong’er blushed. He then shyly glanced at Lin Yan.
The coughing grew closer, and then a middle-aged woman appeared before Lin Yan.
Looking at the woman’s complexion, Lin Yan seemed to understand something. “Greetings, madam. I am a passing cultivator, and I wish to ask you some questions.”
“May I ask what you wish to inquire about, immortal lady?” The woman walked to Cong’er’s side, subtly shielding the child behind her.
“Won’t you invite me in for a seat, madam?”
“My home is humble; it would likely offend your eyes, immortal lady.” The woman was very wary.
“But madam, it seems your time is short. I wonder how much longer you can protect Cong’er?” Lin Yan had already sensed something was amiss with the woman’s aura. Now, seeing her appearance, she could tell that her body was at its last ebb.
“You! What exactly do you intend to do?” The woman’s expression changed, and her gaze towards Lin Yan became hostile.
“Madam, please invite me in for a seat. Perhaps I can help you.” Lin Yan could see the woman’s wariness towards her.
The woman pondered for a moment, then stepped aside. “Please, immortal lady.”
Cong’er, peeking from behind his mother, looked at Lin Yan with curiosity. When Lin Yan mentioned that his mother’s time was short, his eyes filled with sorrow, but there was no anger towards Lin Yan.
It seemed he was aware of his mother’s condition.
After Lin Yan sat down on a chair inside the house, Cong’er brought her a bowl of water.
“Thank you, Cong’er.” Lin Yan thanked him and took the bowl of water.
Upon hearing her thanks, Cong’er shyly retreated behind his mother again.
“Immortal lady, you may state your purpose now.” The woman gazed intently at Lin Yan’s face. She now felt that the immortal lady harbored no ill intentions, but she couldn’t fathom why such an immortal would seek her out.
“Madam, you should be well aware of why we are here. Therefore, I wish to ask if you know anything about the divine miracle.”
Lin Yan stated her reason for coming. She didn’t believe that everything the village chief had said was the truth.
“As compensation, I will give you what you desire. Your injury, which may be a terminal illness to you, is but a trivial matter to a cultivator.”
“Immortal lady, can you truly save my mother?” Cong’er darted out from behind his mother.
“Cong’er.” The woman quickly pulled him into her embrace.
“Immortal lady, please forgive us. Cong’er is simply too worried about me.”
“It’s alright. If you tell me what you know, madam, I will return a healthy body to you.”
“Why are you so sure I know something?” The woman didn’t understand why Lin Yan was so certain. “Your cultivation is not weak. How could you not inquire about such an event happening in your place of seclusion? Moreover, your body should have lasted for several more years…”
“Immortal lady, your foresight is divine. Then I will tell you what I know, and I only hope you will keep your word.” The woman knew she couldn’t hide anything from Lin Yan and prepared to reveal what she knew.
“Wait a moment.” Lin Yan stopped her and handed her a porcelain bottle. “Take the medicine first. You don’t want Cong’er to worry about you forever, do you?”
The woman looked deeply at Lin Yan, then slowly reached out and took the porcelain bottle.
“Wang Shu, where did you go earlier?” Qing Yu asked Lin Yan, who had returned.
“I went to look around the vicinity. Has Senior Brother Qing Feng returned?” Lin Yan wanted to share the information she had gathered once everyone was present.
“He’s back. Senior Brother didn’t get any news; they are all keeping it very tight-lipped,” Qing Yu said with some displeasure.
“Let’s go inside first. I have something to say.” Lin Yan walked towards the wooden house.
The group sat around two tables. Upon seeing Lin Yan enter, they all greeted her.
“Wang Shu is back! We were just saying that if you didn’t return soon, we’d come looking for you!” Wang You said.