Chapter 113: The Reversal

"We are indeed nearing the end of our lifespans, but even if we are to die, I believe you, little friend, will surely perish before us!" one of the elders said, his face darkening.

Old Demon Deadwood sneered as he looked at Lin An. At a time like this, to still be thinking of ways to provoke these two old fossils—he must be tired of living!

"Actually, there is no need for you to demean yourselves by following Old Demon Deadwood for the sake of a mere few years of life. As long as you are willing to pledge your loyalty to me, I have a way to extend your lifespans by a hundred years."

Lin An’s words were shocking, yet he spoke them with calm indifference. However, perhaps because the promise of a century of life sounded too outlandish, the two brothers simply did not believe him.

"Do you take us for three-year-old children? You think we would believe such nonsense?" Zhang Wu said dismissively. When he heard these words from Lin An, his heart did not even flicker.

If Lin An truly possessed such power, every dying old fossil on the Dou Qi Continent would be flocking to him. How could these two possibly stumble upon such a windfall?

"You don't believe me?" Lin An said, speechless. These days, people just didn't like hearing the truth.

"Do you think we would believe what you say?" Zhang Wu countered.

"I think you will."

"If you can truly achieve such a feat, then what would it matter if I handed my life over to you completely?" Zhang Wu continued, his eyes filled with mockery.

"I have one particular flaw: the more you doubt my ability to do something, the more I want to prove it to everyone. Since you don't believe me, I will let you see with your own eyes what a brother looks like after instantly gaining a hundred years of life!"

As he spoke, Lin An used his Soul Points to manifest a contract. It transformed into a blood-red book of pacts, floating before Zhang Wu’s brother, Zhang Wen.

"As long as you sign this, you will instantly gain a hundred years of life!"

This was a function the system had recently unlocked: the ability to trade lifespans with those nearing their end. Of course, the prerequisite was that, upon their eventual death, they would unconditionally submit to the Yama Hall—whether to be converted into Soul Points or to serve as an emissary of the underworld, they had to agree without reservation.

Zhang Wen looked at his brother with some hesitation. Being a man on the brink of death, he didn't care much for the restrictions listed in the contract; the crucial thing was to find out if the promise of gaining a century of life was real.

Soon, Zhang Wu nodded at him, clearly wanting Zhang Wen to test whether Lin An’s words held any truth.

Gritting his teeth, Zhang Wen signed the contract.

The next moment, Zhang Wen underwent a change visible to the naked eye. His white hair fell away instantly, replaced by a thick, dark mane. The skin on his face tightened in the same manner. Within a few short breaths, Zhang Wen transformed from a decrepit old man on the verge of the grave into a man in the prime of his life.

"How is this possible? Is this still me?" Zhang Wen’s body trembled, his face filled with disbelief.

He could clearly feel that his lifespan had indeed increased; he felt as though he had regained his youth. He was now in his prime, and his cultivation level was at the nine-star Dou Zun stage. Previously, due to his aging body, it would have been difficult to break through the shackles to the one-star Dou Sheng realm, but now, he could feel those barriers loosening.

Zhang Wen even felt that if he were to go into seclusion for a while, he could break through to the one-star Dou Sheng realm directly.

"Brother, you have truly become young again. So what Lin An said... it was all true?" Zhang Wu was equally incredulous.

"It must be true. Brother, you should also pledge your loyalty to Lin An. Only by relying on him do we have a chance to break through to the Dou Sheng realm!" Zhang Wen urged.

"Very well, Lin An, is it? I am willing to be your man. As long as you can give me a hundred years of life, I am willing to do whatever you want!"

It would be a lie to say Zhang Wu wasn't tempted. A hundred years of life—surely no one could refuse that, even if the price was heavy.

"I don't like your attitude. If you are asking for a favor, you must show the appropriate attitude!" Lin An sneered, not immediately agreeing to Zhang Wu’s request.

Truth be told, even now, Zhang Wu maintained a condescending air, failing to recognize his own position. Emperor Yan, Yao Chen, and the others stood by without a word, all aware that Zhang Wu's attitude was indeed inappropriate.

Zhang Wu’s face twitched. At his age, to bow his head before a junior—someone whose cultivation level was vastly inferior to his own—in front of so many people? How could he bring himself to do it?

In an instant, countless thoughts flashed through his mind. Zhang Wen was nervous for his brother; he didn't know why, but from the bottom of his heart, he felt an aversion to being enemies with Lin An, and he hoped Zhang Wu would bow down.

"I beg you, Young Master Lin An, to grant me a hundred years of life!"

Zhang Wu descended to the ground. He didn't want to gamble; he wanted to keep living. If there was a chance, what did dignity matter?

Even Old Demon Deadwood and Madam Yan were surprised that Zhang Wu would go this far for longevity. At the same time, they realized with growing unease that if the two brothers joined Lin An, it would be they who were in danger. This was a scenario they hadn't considered when they arrived.

"Old fool, the only reason Lin An possesses such power is because of the supreme treasure he holds. If we join forces and snatch that item from him, what would a mere hundred years of life matter then?"

Just as Zhang Wu was about to sign the contract, Old Demon Deadwood’s voice reached him, causing Zhang Wu to freeze.

That’s right! Lin An’s ability must come from a treasure in his possession. If he could obtain it... what was a hundred years of life compared to that?

Greed sprouted in Zhang Wu’s mind. The more he thought about it, the more he felt it was highly likely.

Lin An shook his head in resignation, knowing Zhang Wu would not sign the contract. He had given him a chance; since the man didn't know how to cherish it, he could blame no one but himself.

Old Demon Deadwood breathed a sigh of relief, realizing Zhang Wu had adopted his line of thinking.

"Brother, come here. Let us join forces and seize that treasure from Lin An. From here on out, we might possess infinite longevity!" Zhang Wu declared.

However, to his disbelief, after he finished speaking, his brother—who had always followed his every order—remained standing in place, not moving an inch.

"Brother, do not be blinded by obsession. Sign the contract!" Zhang Wen said.