Chapter 645: The debt from ten years ago, it's time to settle accounts!

"Master."

Ye Qingran nods and smiles at Ling Xianliu.

"Master?"

This address makes people's eyes flash with an unusual brilliance.

Ye Qingran, calling Ling Xianliu Master?

So, Ye Qingran is Ling Xianliu's disciple?

It's also reasonable to think that Ling Xianliu, the youngest Dan Saint of Beimingzhou, astonishingly talented, could have cultivated Ye Qingran into a Pill Emperor; it's not impossible.

Ling Xianliu looks at Ye Qingran, nods, yet smiles helplessly.

Rather than saying he is Ye Qingran's master, it's better to say they are age-defying close friends, or even intimate family.

Back then, while gathering herbs, he encountered Ye Qingran, who had been washed ashore by the river and was on the brink of death; he brought her to his mountain grass hut and spent three months before reviving her.

Afterwards, they depended on each other; he taught her alchemy, she was gifted with a photographic memory and a solid foundation, learning exceptionally fast. Later, she named the valley where they lived Yaowang Valley. Each year thereafter, Yaowang Valley grew more bustling; gradually, an ordinary valley was transformed by her into the renowned Yaowang Valley of the continent!

She outwardly claims he is her master, but in private she calls him Ling Uncle.

The two exchange a smile, everything understood without words.

Regarding Ling Xianliu, Ye Qingran's feelings are complex.

He is not only her lifesaver, but also her first relative in this world.

Therefore, over these years she has striven to strengthen her power, one purpose being to help Ling Xianliu clear his name, aid him in reclaiming what is rightfully his, and slay his enemies to avenge his wife.

"Ling Xianliu..." Even Li Daoyun couldn't help but feel deeply moved.

He is someone who cherishes talent; he personally witnessed Ling Xianliu's rise back then.

Thus, when he learned of Ling Xianliu's downfall, he felt immeasurable regret.

At this moment, learning he is still alive, he cannot hide his inner joy.

The many disciples and instructors of the Academy were unable to come to their senses for a long time.

They never imagined that one day they would be able to see that legendary figure again.

Ling Xianliu, the man who suppressed an era, has returned!

"Second brother, don't you recognize me?"

Called out by Ling Xianliu, Ling Tian's body stiffened, then he forced a look of surprise: "Elder brother, are you really still alive? That's great!"

He didn't know how resistant he felt inside.

Ling Xianliu, you deserve to die! What are you doing back here?!

"Valley Master, in this world people can look alike and things can be similar; we cannot simply assume someone is him just because they resemble Ling Xianliu!" Nanxun said loudly, narrowing his eyes at Ling Xianliu.

Everyone also felt that made sense.

After all, disguise techniques are common; altering one's appearance is truly easy.

Ling Tian furrowed his brow, thought for a moment, nodded, and said: "Elder Nanxun is right; how can you prove you are my elder brother?"

Ling Xianliu looked at Ling Tian and Nanxun as if they were clowns.

"It seems I've been away too long; even my second brother can't recognize me."

Ling Xianliu's gaze fell on Ling Tian; seemingly mild, it actually hid endless complex emotions.

Ling Tian had once been his most beloved younger brother. He once thought that such deep brotherly bond, being born of the same parents, could never lead to betrayal.

The facts proved him wrong, terribly wrong.

Power and glory are good things; they can warp a person's worldview, control their thoughts, and corrupt their kindness.

Ling Tian is no exception.

In power he forgot his original intent; in fame and profit he lost himself, ultimately becoming a cold-blooded monster!

He can never let go of the fact that his most beloved younger brother personally killed his wife, his hands stained with dripping blood!

You should know, his wife was also Ling Tian's elder sister-in-law and nephew!

They, once were the closest family!

Even after all these years, though hatred has worn away with time's wind and frost, he can never forgive.

And he will never forgive!

And that blood‑thick‑as‑water brotherly affection, when Ling Tian's face was splattered with his wife and children's blood, had already vanished into nothing, becoming the past.

Ling Tian's eyes flickered.

Inside, a voice told him this person was undoubtedly Ling Xianliu; after all, they grew up together as brothers.

But another voice told him, even if he were real, he must make him false!

"If you have no evidence, then I cannot accept it," Ling Tian said aloofly and detached.

"Since you want evidence, I will give you!"

Ling Xianliu said, cutting his finger with a knife and dropping a drop of blood onto a tenacious weed beneath his feet.

In an instant, that grass grew wildly as if enchanted!

Originally an inch tall, the little grass grew to over a foot in just a few breaths!

Everyone knows that the Ling clan of Dan Valley, since ancient ancestors, has possessed a miraculous power in their bloodline that can resonate with plants and stimulate their growth.

It is precisely this ability that has secured the Ling clan of Dan Valley's status as the foremost alchemy family for tens of thousands of years!

The purer this bloodline, the faster and taller the affected plants grow.

Over a foot tall is already the limit that the Ling clan's bloodline can achieve!

In other words, the person before us possesses the purest possible bloodline of the Ling clan of Dan Valley!

So, if he is not Ling Xianliu, then who is he?

Everyone stared in astonishment at the lush, thriving wild grass, already having the answer in their hearts.

Even though he had long known for certain that this person was Ling Xianliu, upon seeing such formidable bloodline ability, Ling Tian still couldn't help but feel a jolt of shock.

Even though so much time has passed, even though he has become a cripple, the talent inherited through the bloodline will never change.

This is what he hates the most.

Why is Ling Xianliu naturally better than him?

Why does Ling Xianliu attract so much attention, while he can only be a dim backdrop, dull and lackluster?

He hates it so much!

"Do you still doubt that I'm not your older brother?" Ling Xianliu asked. His voice was light, as if no one could break this calm tranquility.

Ling Tian clenched his molars, nodding unwillingly and resentfully.

"In that case, it's time to settle the score from ten years ago."