"Don’t worry, as long as he can hold onto his true self, he’ll definitely become stronger than before—much stronger!" Elder Ling said leisurely, emphasizing the last two words.

Nan Gong Huan’s lips twitched, and she tentatively asked, "And if he can’t hold on?"

"Then he’ll naturally turn into an evil spirit, and you can just collect him to give Yan Ji and Xue Ji a little treat," Elder Ling paused to think for a moment. "Of course, you could also keep him as your soul general, provided you can control him."

But the choice was still in Nan Gong Huan’s hands. She could choose to save him or not.

The courtyard was almost empty now, leaving only her. The moonlight shone on her, casting a beautiful silver glow.

Nan Gong Huan slowly removed her bamboo hat. Now, she was the legitimate daughter of the Nan Gong residence.

Fifteen minutes later.

Nan Gong Huan found Nan Gong Shui Xie sitting by the pond in the back garden, lost in thought.

He sat on the gravel ground with his knees hugged to his chest, staring at the faint ripples on the water’s surface. His clothes were still a mess, his hair a tangled nest, and he reeked of blood. Dried bloodstains covered his body, and anyone passing by would be startled, thinking he was a ghost appearing in the night.

Nan Gong Jing Tian and Steward Yan had been driven away by him. He just wanted to be alone, and everyone could only watch from afar, hoping he wouldn’t do anything drastic.

*Clink—*

The sound of a glass bottle rolling reached his ears, finally *dinging* as it hit Nan Gong Shui Xie’s foot.

Nan Gong Shui Xie turned his almost stiff eyes, glancing at the transparent glass bottle by his foot. Inside was a glowing spiritual root.

He stared at the spiritual root for a long time until a shadow enveloped him, blocking his view. He slowly looked up to see the newcomer.

The girl was like a celestial being under the moonlight, a mix of charm and youthful innocence. Her bright and radiant smile was more healing than a spring breeze, like a ray of sunlight shining on him in this dark corner, bringing light and hope.

Nan Gong Shui Xie opened his dry, cracked lips and hesitantly said, "Xiao... Huan?"

"Second Uncle, why so gloomy?" Nan Gong Huan sat down beside him.

She had already spoken to Steward Yan earlier and learned that Shen Yerong had imprisoned Nan Gong Shui Xie in another secret room to breed Gu worms. Only Steward Yan brought him food daily, and since Steward Yan was also under Shen Yerong’s control, he couldn’t reveal this.

Over time, everyone thought Nan Gong Shui Xie had suddenly disappeared. Now that Shen Yerong was dead, Steward Yan had immediately brought him out.

Nan Gong Shui Xie flinched for a moment, not wanting his niece to see him in such a sorry state. In his flinching, he accidentally kicked the glass bottle, causing it to make a crisp sound.

"Oh, this spiritual root seems to have a connection with you, Second Uncle," Nan Gong Huan said with a smile, picking up the glass bottle and placing it in Nan Gong Shui Xie’s hand.

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He stared at the bottle in his hand for a while longer, his dirty hands smudging the glass, but the spiritual root inside remained bright.

Nan Gong Shui Xie didn’t speak again, and neither did Nan Gong Huan. She simply stayed by his side.

The two sat there until the sky turned pale, and the sun rose.

As the sky brightened, a flash of purple light passed, and the clouds, tinged with a slight blush, churned in the sky, breaking apart and reforming.

"Xiao Huan, thank you," Nan Gong Shui Xie said, looking at the endless light in the distance. The darkness in his eyes had lightened a little.

"Second Uncle, I’m too weak. I can’t beat anyone. Will you protect me in the future?" Nan Gong Huan smiled innocently.

The people eavesdropping from afar almost fainted. How could someone with your strength be considered weak?

"Of course," Nan Gong Shui Xie smiled, his messy beard now looking somewhat endearing. With renewed confidence, he seemed like a different person. Even in his disheveled state, his masculine charm couldn’t be hidden.

The people watching from a distance were moved to tears, and Nan Gong Jing Tian was so emotional that two clear tears streamed down his face, his hands fidgeting.

He had searched for his son for many years, never realizing he had been in the residence all along!

Shen Yerong’s arrival had turned the Nan Gong residence into a mess, but now that the truth was out, Nan Gong Jing Tian immediately ordered a thorough cleaning of the entire residence, purging those originally from the Shen family and reorganizing everything.

He would also have to settle accounts with the Shen family! But that was beyond Nan Gong Huan’s concern.

Nan Gong Jing Tian suddenly strode forward, kneeling before Nan Gong Huan in front of everyone!

"Grandfather, what are you doing? Get up quickly," Nan Gong Huan hurriedly helped him up, while Nan Gong Shui Xie looked on in astonishment.

Nan Gong Jing Tian’s lips trembled as he spoke with gratitude and remorse, "Xiao Huan, I was wrong. I feel deeply ashamed for how I treated you before. You saved Shui Xie despite everything, and I don’t know how to thank you."

"Grandfather, we were all just victims of Shen Yerong’s schemes," Nan Gong Huan shook her head. Though surprised by Nan Gong Jing Tian’s kneel, she no longer held any resentment in her heart.

Nan Gong Jing Tian was still deeply moved, his emotions beyond words.

The crowd behind them surged forward, gathering around.

At that moment, a faint golden pillar of light shot up from the Nan Gong residence, reaching into the sky!

A vast and majestic aura swept over them, accompanied by a strong wind carrying the might of a seventh spiritual life, shaking everyone’s hearts!

Grandfather had successfully broken through!

Nan Gong Huan’s heart leapt with joy as she looked toward the center of the light pillar, where a tall and upright figure stood, his robes fluttering in the wind.

Most of the city would have seen this, and it wouldn’t be long before gifts flooded the residence.

Soon, the light pillar dissipated, and Nan Gong Jie Ming descended in front of the two, radiating energy.

"Huan’er, and... Shui Xie?!" Nan Gong Jie Ming’s shocked gaze fell on Nan Gong Shui Xie. After staring for a while, he almost didn’t recognize him. This child, missing for so many years, had finally returned home!

Nan Gong Jing Tian excitedly embraced Nan Gong Jie Ming, congratulating him, "Brother, congratulations on breaking through to the seventh spiritual life!"

"Congratulations to the old master for breaking through to the seventh spiritual life!" The servants behind them cheered in unison, their voices shaking the heavens!

Everyone’s faces were filled with excitement. Nan Gong Jie Ming’s breakthrough to the seventh spiritual life meant the Nan Gong residence’s status in Jianglou City would rise again, surely becoming the leader of the four great families!

"Don’t rush to congratulate me yet. Shui Xie has returned? When did he come back, and how did he end up like this?" Nan Gong Jie Ming had always been fond of this child. After so many years apart, he missed him dearly.

Nan Gong Shui Xie shook his head and smiled. "Uncle, it’s a long story. Let’s talk in the hall later. Let me go clean up first."

He had decided to fuse with that spiritual root and start anew!

"Alright, go ahead. We’ll talk later," Nan Gong Jie Ming said with a relieved smile. No matter what had happened, he was just glad Shui Xie was back!

But Nan Gong Huan couldn’t wait that long. It was almost time to meet up with those two bickering siblings.

"Grandfather, you’re amazing! You’ve reached the seventh spiritual life!" Nan Gong Huan didn’t hold back her praise, and Nan Gong Jie Ming affectionately patted her head.

"It’s all thanks to Huan’er," he said. If it weren’t for her removing the Gu worm from his body, he wouldn’t have been able to break through.

Nan Gong Huan hesitated for a moment but finally said, "Grandfather, I’ll be leaving soon."