I have always firmly believed that there are no evil people among sword cultivators.

Lin Shuangxue was also taken aback, clearly not expecting this turn of events.

Jiang Yu ignored their reactions and continued in her storytelling tone:

"It's just a pity... heaven is jealous of heroic geniuses."

"During an expedition in a secret realm, to save his junior martial sister, he forcefully took a lethal strike meant for her."

"That sword strike didn't take his life, but it slashed right onto his Golden Core."

Jiang Yu extended a slender finger and gestured in the air.

"A crack."

"A crack enough to ruin a cultivator's entire future."

"From then on, he could no longer use his full strength, much less hold a sword."

"Every time he channels his sword qi, the crack on his Golden Core widens a bit. The heart-wrenching pain is simply unimaginable to ordinary people."

At this point, Jiang Yu turned to look at Li Fan, her eyes actually turning slightly red.

"My boss was disheartened, which was why he had to abandon the sword for commerce, hiding his name and identity."

"But all these years, he has never given up hope of repairing his Golden Core."

"He worked desperately to earn money, desperately collecting all kinds of heavenly materials and earthly treasures, even risking his life to venture into various deadly places."

"Now, he has finally gathered enough materials needed to repair his Golden Core."

"We came to Beimang not to do business, and certainly not for any shady deals."

"But to borrow this treasured land of excellent feng shui to set up the legendary 'Heaven-Mending Array', repair his Golden Core, and resume his path to immortality!"

After Jiang Yu finished, she gave a deep curtsy to Lin Shuangxue.

"Lord Lin, the reason my boss took action just now was entirely because he couldn't stand seeing that wicked young master bullying the weak. That's why he forcefully mobilized his spiritual energy, regardless of the risk of aggravating his old injury."

"If you don't believe me, you can check his aura. Isn't it a bit superficial and unstable?"

"You can also check his Golden Core to see if it's damaged."

"These things cannot be faked."

"One look is all it takes."

The entire place fell silent.

Li Fan completely froze.

He stared blankly at Jiang Yu, his mouth open wide enough to stuff a duck egg in.

This... this freaking works too?

However...

When did this girl secretly investigate him?

Could she really have a secret crush on him?

This script she made up is way too flawless!

What peerless sword genius? What taking a sword out of love? What Golden Core crack?

If he wasn't the person in question, he almost would have believed it!

He instinctively wanted to refute, but swallowed the words right as they reached his lips.

This excuse... seems really perfect!

It explained why he had Golden Core cultivation but pretended to be a merchant, and why he brought so many array materials. It even gave him the persona of a "disabled but strong-willed, righteous and courageous hero"!

It's just that...

Li Fan secretly peeked at Lin Shuangxue.

Would this woman believe such nonsense?

Lin Shuangxue fell silent.

She looked at Li Fan, her gaze flickering.

Actually, during the battle just now, she did feel that Li Fan's aura was a bit strange.

That sluggish feeling when his spiritual energy circulated...

Originally, she thought it was a disguise.

Looking at it now... could it really be because he has an injury?

"Boss Li."

Lin Shuangxue suddenly spoke, her voice much softer than before, but still carrying a bit of scrutiny.

"I want to hear the truth."

"Is what this girl said... the truth?"

Li Fan only felt the cold sweat on his forehead flowing even faster.

He looked at Jiang Yu's seemingly innocent eyes that actually concealed a smile, feeling immense resentment in his heart.

You're putting me on the roasting spit!

If I admit it, and get exposed later, that would be deceiving the Immortal Bureau—an extra crime!

But if I don't admit it... then I can't get past this current hurdle!

"Umm..."

Li Fan hemmed and hawed.

This appearance, falling into Lin Shuangxue's eyes, looked more like the embarrassment of having a sore spot poked.

"Say no more!"

"I believe him!"

It was the young man Li Fan had casually saved who spoke up.

Li Fan: "Huh?"

You believe it just like that?

The young man looked at him, his tone serious: "The sword intent Senior Li erupted with in that instant cannot be faked."

"That pure intent of drawing a sword to protect the weak..."

"Only a true sword cultivator can possess it."

A rare trace of respect appeared on the young man's face.

"I have always firmly believed that there are no bad people among sword cultivators."

"Because those with wicked hearts cannot cultivate such righteous sword qi."

Li Fan: "..."

He suddenly felt a bit sorry for this naive young man.

Although he was indeed a sword cultivator, and indeed not a bad person, but... isn't this logic a bit too hasty?

"Since it's to repair your Golden Core, then it's a legitimate matter."

Lin Shuangxue turned sideways, making way.

"Beimang welcomes every righteous cultivator."

"Which treasured land of feng shui do you wish to borrow?"

The young man quickly interjected, losing all his previous cool demeanor: "Me, me, I'll lead the way!"

"Even if it's the Beimang forbidden area 'Heavenly Pool', as long as the procedures are compliant, I can take you in."

Li Fan glanced at Jiang Yu.

His eyes carried a bit of surprise that said, "That actually worked?"

"Ahem."

Li Fan coughed dryly twice, forcefully suppressing the ecstasy in his heart, and put on an expression of tearful gratitude.

"Thank you for your understanding, Lord Lin!"

"To be honest, the place I've set my sights on... is precisely the Heavenly Pool!"

Lin Shuangxue nodded without the slightest hesitation.

"Alright."

"I will personally take you there."

"It just so happens I also want to see for myself what mysteries the legendary 'Heaven-Mending Array' holds."

The smile on Li Fan's face instantly froze.

You're personally leading the way?

And you're going to watch?

Then how the hell am I supposed to set up that deceptive "Heavenly Dao Voice" array?!

Isn't this practically inviting a wolf into the house?!

"Umm... Lord Lin, this array is a secret transmission from my master's sect, it's not convenient for outsiders to..."

"Don't worry."

Lin Shuangxue interrupted him, her face full of righteousness: "I will only be responsible for perimeter security. I absolutely will not steal your sect's secrets."

"Furthermore, the Heavenly Pool is a forbidden area. Without me leading the way, you wouldn't even be able to enter the mountain gate."

"Let's go."

After saying that, regardless of whether Li Fan agreed or not, she turned and walked toward the city.

Li Fan stood in place, wanting to cry but having no tears.

He turned to look at Jiang Yu, asking in a low voice through gritted teeth:

"Auntie, are you actually helping me or screwing me over?"

Jiang Yu shrugged and ran over to the side of the road to buy a piece of hot pastry, saying with a smile:

"At least... you don't have to sneak in by flying, right?"

Li Fan could only let out a long sigh and resign himself to following her.

Fine, for the sake of the senior's heavy responsibility, he might as well throw away his dignity...

He would go and set up that final array!