Rebirth: The Time-locked Girl
Chapter 423 Ye Wanlan sends a gift, strong connections! [1 update]

Chapter 423: 423 Ye Wanlan sends a gift, strong connections! [1 update]

Lin Zhushuang’s hand trembled, and she suddenly turned her head, her pupils also sharply contracting.

Before her stood another woman, only appearing slightly older than Lin Zhushuang, around forty years old.

This was one of the Lin Family’s Three Offering Elders—

Lin Nanzhu.

Lin Nanzhu was nearly a hundred years old, and had long ceased managing the affairs of the Lin Family, living in seclusion.

How had she suddenly appeared in Jiangcheng?

"Elder Nan Zhu, you misunderstand," Lin Zhushuang quickly recovered, subtly smiling. "Today is Weilan’s funeral; I felt moved and wanted only to accompany her in sending her off."

In her younger days, Lin Nanzhu had favored Lin Weilan.

Had it not been for the support of the other two Offering Elders, she would not have been able to secure the position of Supreme Elder.

"You had better be," Lin Nanzhu spoke coldly. "Had it not been for Wen Shiyuan, I wouldn’t have known that you nearly attempted to strike down those from the Jiangcheng branch at the Spirit Hall. However, you have indeed made contributions; at least you’ve helped us discover Lin Qin, a fine seedling."

Hearing this, a hint of murderous intent flashed through Lin Zhushuang’s eyes, but her smile remained: "Lin Qin, after all, descends directly from Weilan, naturally gifted."

"Hmm," Lin Nanzhu nodded lightly. "Once Weilan’s funeral is over, bring the child back to the main family immediately."

Lin Zhushuang bowed respectfully: "Yes."

Lin Nanzhu belonged to no particular faction; she simply favored geniuses.

Once a genius’s status was lost, Lin Nanzhu would immediately seek the next genius.

She was curious to see just how much Weilan had taught Lin Qin.

Under Lin Shiyuan’s absolute control, how long would Lin Qin be able to maintain her status as a prodigy?

**

The flame reflected the silver white of the sky’s edge; the spirit money fell into the fire, turning into ashes.

"Grandma, I have met Lin Zhushuang and Lin Shiyuan," Ye Wanlan spoke softly. "I understand why you are disappointed with the main family; it truly no longer has any connection with Heavenly Sound Sect."

Families like these prioritize profits, but excessive greed eventually leads to destruction.

Indeed, the Lin Family’s higher-ups should all be purged.

"Grandma, don’t worry—I will take care of myself and look after my uncle and aunt," Ye Wanlan continued. "When I come to pay homage next year, you will see a completely new Lin Family."

Never betray the original intent of Heavenly Sound Sect.

As the last piece of spirit money was swallowed by fire, the flute sound also finished.

Yan Tingfeng put down the bamboo flute and helped Ye Wanlan stand.

The tombstone, selected early by Lin Weilan, bore only her name without any additional words.

Lin Weilan.

Rose from obscurity; noble as the orchid.

After another bow, Ye Wanlan raised her head to look at the sky.

White birds circled across the blue sky and white clouds, resembling a grand dance of lament.

After the funeral, the Lin Family members returned to the old mansion.

This time, there was another person besides Lin Zhushuang.

"Ah Lan, this is one of Lin Family’s Three Offerings, Lin Nanzhu," Su Yingxia said. "Her coming must mean she sees potential in Lin Qin; with her here, Lin Zhushuang likely won’t harm Lin Qin anytime soon."

Ye Wanlan nodded: "I wouldn’t allow Lin Zhushuang to touch Qinqin either."

"Lin Qin is very talented; the main family will take her in and assess her," Lin Zhushuang said coolly. "If she passes the assessment, she can receive the title of core disciple, which would be an honor for you branch family members."

Lin Nanzhu didn’t speak, clearly in agreement.

"However, I’m sorry, but the main family does not accept non-surnamed Lin or males," Lin Zhushuang added. "Lin Qin and her mother may go to Yunjing, but none of you can."

That was a rule of the Lin Family, not subject to change.

Only those surnamed Lin were blood of the Lin Family; since Ye Wanlan insisted on keeping her surname Ye, she had no relation to the Lin Family.

Lin Nanzhu also looked disappointedly at Ye Wanlan.

A plain face with nothing extraordinary.

Although talented in archaeology, she was unskilled with classical instruments and indeed of no use to the Lin Family.

Most importantly, she was not surnamed Lin.

"I won’t be going," Lin Woyu said with a slight smile. "I lack talent in classical instruments, and my business is all in Jiangcheng; going to the main family would be of no use."

Lin Zhushuang frowned.

The opportunity to return to the main family was golden, yet Lin Woyu declined?

She had considered letting Lin Woyu join Lin Qin in returning to the main family because she knew Lin Woyu was ordinary, unable to gather Inner Strength, thus making her a perfect tool to constrain and even threaten Lin Qin.

But if Lin Woyu didn’t go, Lin Qin would have no weaknesses; how could she be coerced?

Lin Zhushuang said coldly: "Lin Woyu, consider carefully; this is your only chance."

Which branch family member, upon hearing they could return to the main family, wouldn’t rush forward eagerly?

"Supreme Elder, my mother still has family businesses to manage," Lin Qin spoke firmly. "Yunjing can manage with just me."

As she spoke, her hands trembled slightly.

Lin Qin took a few deep breaths, calming her inner turmoil.

She couldn’t let her family down.

"Good, you have courage," Lin Nanzhu waved her hand to stop Lin Zhushuang, smiling. "In that case, just bring the Secluded Zither; there’s no need to pack anything, the main family will have everything prepared for you."

Lin Qin glanced at Lin Zhushuang: "Elder Nan Zhu, if I go to the main family, will someone really not try to take my zither?"

"Of course not," Lin Nanzhu affirmed. "The Secluded Zither currently acknowledges you as its owner, and as long as you remain its owner, no one can take it. Should anyone dare, I will be the first to refuse!"

While this seemed a show of support for Lin Qin, hidden within was another meaning—

If one day Lin Qin no longer qualified as the Secluded Zither’s master, Lin Nanzhu would no longer protect her.

Lin Qin, perceptive of the underlying tone, said: "Allow me to say farewell to my family first, then I’ll go to the main family."

"Go ahead," Lin Nanzhu gestured dismissively. "The main family will also arrange for your student transfer from Jiangcheng No.1 Middle School to either Yunjing No.1 Middle School or Yun Jing University Affiliated No.1 Middle School; you can attend whichever you like."

Lin Qin wasn’t concerned about this; with her academic performance, it wouldn’t matter where she studied.

She first went to say farewell to Lin Woyu.

"Mom, don’t worry about me," Lin Qin embraced Lin Woyu. "As long as you are fine, I’ll be fine."

"Qinqin has grown up," Lin Woyu’s eyes filled with tears, both proud and pained.

Going to the Lin Family alone required great courage and carried immense responsibility.

Yet Lin Qin accepted without hesitation.

"Cousin, cousin-in-law," Lin Qin looked to Ye Wanlan and Lin Wenli. "When you come to Yunjing, I’ll be sure to treat you well."

Lin Wenli remained his usual man of few words: "Qinqin, be careful."

"Qinqin, while in the Lin Family, do me one favor," Ye Wanlan whispered just for the two of them. "Find the location of the Sun and Moon Ruyi Zither."

Lin Qin’s expression brightened: "The Sun and Moon Ruyi Zither, the all-encompassing piece among Heavenly Sound Sect’s Three Ancient Zithers?"

When Lin Weilan had begun teaching her the Heavenly Music Method, she naturally also introduced these three ancient zithers—

The All-Attack Withered Wood Dragon Chant Zither;

The All-Defense Primordial Lost Sound Zither;

The All-Encompassing Sun and Moon Ruyi Zither.

"So it is," Ye Wanlan nodded. "But be cautious, and proceed only when your safety is assured. You know, no matter how precious the Sun and Moon Ruyi Zither may be, it’s still less valuable than your life."

"I understand," Lin Qin knew what she had to do. "Cousin, the internal strife in the Lin Family is fierce, and Lin Zhushuang does not have absolute authority; I think we can use this to our advantage."

"That’s excellent," Ye Wanlan looked at her approvingly. "Balance is indeed a foolproof strategy, yet given the dangers in the Lin Family, prioritize your own safety first."

"Qinqin," Lin Nanzhu called. "It’s time to go."

Ye Wanlan placed a token in Lin Qin’s hand: "Take this, and use it if you’re ever in danger."

This was a token given to her by Patriarch Xiang, carrying his authority; in the Xiang Family, and indeed across all of Yunjing, it had absolute dignity.

After all, the Xiang Family was currently the leader of the Five Great Families.

Lin Qin subtly pocketed the token, then turned, lifting the Secluded Zither: "I’m ready."

"What did she just give you?" Once outside, Lin Nanzhu asked. "Bring it out, let me see."

Lin Zhushuang also looked over.