Chapter 86: Miss Nightingale Is Most Suitable

"Very well! Since Young Master Lin is so gracious, let me take the liberty. Previously, you auctioned that peerless alchemy tome—it must mean you're interested in the art of pill refining. As it happens, I have several alchemy furnaces here; why not take them as practice tools?" Uncle Lian said as he walked to the center of the meeting hall, summoning the furnaces from his storage space.

"This set of alchemy furnaces comprises eight pieces of varying sizes, collectively known as the Star-Moon Divine Furnace."

The moment the Star-Moon Divine Furnace appeared, Lin Zhan was captivated. He had assumed alchemy furnaces were always solitary, never expecting to encounter a complete set. With so many, he could choose according to the properties of the pills he refined in the future.

Each furnace was forged from hard meteorite ore, black and ancient in appearance, perfectly crafted. Handles and ears bore intricate, densely packed patterns, clearly imbued with mysterious arrays to ensure both stability and a higher success rate in pill refinement.

"Thank you, Uncle Lian, for gifting such treasures!" Lin Zhan responded without hesitation, sweeping his hand to collect the entire Star-Moon Divine Furnace set.

He genuinely liked this gift—it would surely be useful in times to come.

Next, it was time to address the matter of Nightingale, but Uncle Lian produced another item.

"The Heavenly Spirit Token of the Heavenly Treasures Pavilion."

This token was the highest symbol of VIP status within the Pavilion—essentially, a superlative privilege. Possession of the Heavenly Spirit Token meant one was treated as a top-tier guest at any Pavilion throughout the world of Blue Ice. Whether consigning items, auctioning treasures, or handling other matters, one enjoyed priority and the finest service. Even if one fell on hard times, the Pavilion would lend money or manpower without hesitation.

"This token can only be gifted once by our branch. Young Master Lin has done us a great service and deserves it, so that you may find convenience in your affairs." The solemn expression on Uncle Lian's face made clear the token was worth even more than the Star-Moon Divine Furnace.

Upon receiving the token, Lin Zhan sensed a potent spiritual energy within—evidently, the materials alone were treasures. The identity and privileges it conferred surpassed its own intrinsic value.

At this moment, Lian Fengying approached and whispered a few words into her father's ear before returning, cheeks flushed, to stand beside Golden Lion.

Uncle Lian looked at Lin Zhan again, his face bearing an ambiguous expression. His daughter had just reminded him to let Nightingale follow Lin Zhan; the two had already exchanged furtive glances. Aside from marveling at the inscrutable ways of the younger generation, Uncle Lian was secretly pleased.

He was indeed a shrewd old fox, but only in the marketplace and the martial world. Having tested Lin Zhan and found he did not exploit his act of rescue for endless gain, Uncle Lian now sought genuine friendship. Hence, he presented the Star-Moon Divine Furnace and the sole Heavenly Spirit Token of the Fuyang branch.

How could mere gifts suffice to thank a life-saving benefactor? This was a youth who could, single-handedly, repel a Yellow-ranked expert—a limitless future lay ahead. If Lin Zhan accepted Nightingale, it would forge another layer of bond between them.

"Young Master Lin, you travel alone over long distances. Surely you lack someone to care for you. If you do not mind, I have a suggestion: let my adopted daughter Nightingale accompany you, so you have a companion. What do you think?" Uncle Lian felt his old face flush as he spoke.

To his surprise, Lin Zhan didn't even feign reluctance; he replied cheerfully, "Ah, Uncle Lian, that's an excellent suggestion! I do feel I need someone to look after me, and Miss Nightingale is just right!"

The secret of Nightingale's true identity couldn't be revealed, so Lin Zhan could only play the part of a charming youth, welcoming all.

"This rascal! Now he calls himself a junior, when earlier he kept everyone at arm's length. Am I sending Nightingale into the wolf's den?" Uncle Lian grumbled inwardly, but his expression remained warm as he turned to Nightingale. "Are you willing to follow your benefactor, Lin?"

Nightingale's face blushed, her head lowered. "Nightingale is willing," she answered crisply, her voice trembling with happiness.

With his goal achieved, Lin Zhan finally felt his burdens lift; he hadn't expected Nightingale's matter to resolve so smoothly.

Naturally, Nightingale left with Lin Zhan for the inn. As they bid farewell to Golden Lion and the others, Golden Lion handed Lin Zhan a communication jade unique to the robe-clan of Jiangnan, vowing to aid him with his life whenever needed.

Lin Zhan was about to praise the young man, only to be rendered speechless by Golden Lion's next words.

Golden Lion, sneaking glances at Nightingale with a mischievous grin, sent a message, "Brother Lin, looks like we'll be brothers-in-law soon!"

He even pressed his two index fingers together, his gaze suggestive.

Brothers-in-law?!

"Brothers-in-law, my foot! I am Nightingale's contract master. Nightingale possesses the noble bloodline of the Purple Gold Luan. How could I be your brother-in-law?" Lin Zhan grumbled inwardly, though outwardly he smiled.

Leaving the Heavenly Treasures Pavilion trading center, Lin Zhan walked under a sky filled with stars, Nightingale by his side.

Along the way, the lively Nightingale said nothing, quietly following Lin Zhan, head bowed.

"What's wrong? Regretting your decision?" Lin Zhan teased.

"No, not at all. Nightingale is reluctant to leave Miss and Uncle Lian, after living together for more than ten years and owing them a debt of upbringing. But now that I've chosen to follow you, I will never regret it." Nightingale looked up, her eyes brimming with tears, afraid Lin Zhan would blame her.

Lin Zhan stopped, took her small hand, patted her head gently. "I know. And if there's a chance in the future, we'll visit your Miss and the others. I'm not one to forget kindness. Now that you're with me, I hope you'll be happy. In name, I'm your master, but I don't want our relationship to be strange because of that. Do you understand, Nightingale?"

"Yes! Nightingale understands! Thank you, Young Master!" Nightingale broke into a smile through her tears.

Following Lin Zhan's suggestion, Nightingale transformed into her small Purple Gold Luan form, hiding in his sleeve. This way, she could absorb the Nine-Star Diagram's spiritual energy at any time and avoid attention, for her constant presence would draw eyes.

Even aside from her rare bloodline, her appearance alone—give her two more years—would far surpass Lian Fengying. Such a maiden would surely invite endless trouble if she lingered in the streets.

Lin Zhan activated his movement technique and hurried toward Fuyang Inn.

The distance was short, and he soon arrived. His spiritual sense swept ahead, finding the inn entirely empty—no trace of human presence.

"That's odd. When I left, the inn was bustling. Could the people from the Wei residence have taken everyone away? Outrageous!"

With that, he rushed inside.