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The female cultivator lowered her head without speaking.

Chapter 390

"Master Dan, how is she?" Min Mubei asked gravely.

Dan Zheng did not reply. With a solemn expression, he cast the diagnostic art on Min Sulin.

Min Sulin remained bound by the Spirit-Binding Cable, standing there with her head lowered, appearing submissive and pitiable—no different from usual. It was precisely this unchanged demeanor that made Min Mubei's blood run cold.

After completing the diagnostic art, Dan Zheng took Min Sulin’s wrist and pressed against her vital pulse.

Perhaps because her vital pulse was being held, Min Sulin instinctively resisted. Min Mubei placed a hand on her shoulder, finally calming her.

Once he finished examining her body, Dan Zheng’s gaze settled on the space between her brows.

That was the gateway to a cultivator’s consciousness sea, the most secret and vital place—one that even the closest kin could not easily pry into.

Sure enough, when Dan Zheng attempted to probe, Min Sulin struggled violently once more.

Seeing this, Dan Zheng fed her a Spirit Restoring Pill, waiting until she fell into a peaceful slumber before continuing his examination.

After an hour, Dan Zheng finally withdrew.

His expression was tense as he turned to Min Mubei, who had been watching him intently. "Clan Leader Min, I apologize. This is beyond my capabilities."

"How can that be?" Min Mubei grew anxious. "Master Dan, you are a Kingrank Alchemist. If even you cannot—"

Though Dan Zheng was known for his eccentric temper, he was not one to stubbornly deny his limitations. He stated bluntly, "Your daughter has had something planted in her body—an artifact that controls her consciousness. As long as it remains, she will be their puppet, living or dying at their whim. I have never encountered such a thing before and cannot expel it. It seems this object is crafted to enslave its victim, turning them into a mere marionette."

Min Mubei’s expression turned stormy instantly.

He couldn’t help but recall the past, when Di Ying had betrayed White Phoenix Island. Back then, many high-ranking cultivators of the island had followed her in rebellion, catching them off guard. The chaos had left him and his father-in-law stretched thin, ultimately leading to the lifelong sorrow he and his wife endured.

Who would target Min Sulin with such a vile method?

The answer was obvious—it could only be the Min clan’s enemies or the elusive Di Ying. And between the two, he was more inclined to believe it was Di Ying’s doing. Only she possessed the means to elude discovery and ensnare Min Sulin, who resided on Shangze Island.

That woman was ruthless, devoid of familial affection. How could she possibly spare any pity for a child she deemed a disgrace—one she had sought to kill even before birth?

Min Mubei clenched his teeth, his spiritual pressure roiling with anger.

All these years, he had never ceased searching for traces of Di Ying. Yet she remained hidden, eluding discovery. The chance to confront her never came, leaving his hatred to fester.

His gaze fell on Min Sulin, who stood head lowered even after waking, and his eyes filled with sorrow.

——

By midday, the ship arrived at Chuanyun Island.

A delegation had assembled at the docks—several Min clansmen of Min Mubei’s generation, along with Su-generation and Ji-generation clansmen, as well as Clan Steward Min—all present to pay proper homage to the Kingrank Alchemist.

Among the welcoming party were Wen Qiao, Ning Jichen (taking rare time away), and Wen Tuti.

Ning Jichen knew that Wen Qiao’s grandmother on her mother’s side was in poor health—so much so that even his own son was powerless to help.

It wasn’t that Ning Yuzhou couldn’t identify the issue, but his current cultivation level was too low. He could only refine Earth-rank spirit pills, not high-grade ones. In cases like Qiao Leshui and Su Wangling’s injuries, he had relied on unorthodox methods, using the Yin-Yang Twin Springs to forge True Pills for their treatment. Otherwise, how could an Earth-rank alchemist compare to Heaven-rank or Kingrank alchemists?

Di Wan’s condition was actually considerably milder than Su Wangling’s had been. All she needed was a Kingrank Ninefold Heart Elixir. A Heaven-rank Heart-Protecting Pill could sustain her, but it couldn’t effect a full recovery.

In addition, over the years, Di Wan had been consumed by guilt and resentment due to her daughter's tragedy, leading to self-imposed exile and a gradual decline in her health, which ultimately resulted in her current state.

Now, with Wen Qiao awakening her and the assistance of a Kingrank Alchemist, she would soon recover.

After hearing about Di Wan's condition from his son, Ning Jichen naturally hoped that the Kingrank Alchemist invited by White Phoenix Island could quickly cure her.

When the ship arrived at the dock, they saw Min Mubei disembarking with a gaunt old man.

The mingled bitter herbal scents wafting from the old man left no doubt about who he was.

What surprised them was Min Sulin, who was subsequently escorted off the ship by Min clan disciples—and she was bound with Spirit-Binding Ropes. Watching her obediently lower her head and walk over, the Min clan’s steward and the disciples' expressions shifted slightly.

The steward knew the Min clan’s feelings better than anyone.

Even though Di Ying had committed those acts back then, due to the deathbed wish of the White Phoenix Island's mistress, the Min clan did not transfer their hatred onto the innocent young Min Sulin. The Min family still raised her, though they couldn’t love her unconditionally anymore. However, they never withheld any cultivation resources she needed, nor badmouthed her publicly, allowing her to remain the fourth young lady of the Min family and the daughter of the clan leader.

The Min clan gave her freedom but never intended to harm her or act against her.

Yet now, Min Sulin had been returned in bonds. The steward couldn’t help but wonder—had she done something to betray the Min clan, that made Min Mubei tie her up?

"This is Master Dan," Min Mubei introduced Dan Zheng's identity, then said to Min Zheng, "Take Sulin to the forbidden area first and lock her up. Be careful not to let her harm herself or escape."

Min Zheng was stunned for a moment but quickly realized the situation wasn't as he had assumed.

He acknowledged the order and hurried to make arrangements.

Min Mubei led the Min clansmen and Dan Zheng toward the island.

Wen Qiao, Ning Jichen, and the others followed behind. Wen Tuti's gaze remained fixed on Min Sulin as she whispered to Wen Qiao and the others, "Sister, look at this woman—she’s acting weird."