“You saved my two younger brothers, so I already owed you a debt. Helping you is only natural,” Wu Chengtian said.
“I’m sorry for causing you to make an enemy of a Tongtian Realm cultivator,” Lin Yun said helplessly.
“Don’t worry about that. I’ve been adventuring in these border mountains for a long time. I have plenty of Tongtian Realm friends and enemies in the deeper regions. One more makes no difference,” Wu Chengtian said, patting Lin Yun’s shoulder lightly.
In the martial world, who didn’t have a few friends or enemies, especially in the border mountains?
With a hint of curiosity, Wu Chengtian continued, “By the way, Lin Yun, what exactly happened? Why would that Tongtian Realm cultivator attack you so fiercely? A Tongtian Realm cultivator shouldn’t be active in this area, right?”
“I ran into his younger brother robbing someone on the road. I stepped in to help and killed his brother. He came for revenge,” Lin Yun explained honestly.
“You have a kind heart, but this is the border mountains. Helping strangers and making enemies isn’t worth it. Being a good person here only brings trouble. Some things, if they don’t concern you, can be ignored,” Wu Chengtian said with a sigh.
Lin Yun smiled. “Brother Wu, if I were a cold, indifferent person who let others die, I wouldn’t have saved your brothers back then. Besides, coming to the border mountains, I knew death was a possibility and prepared for it.”
His words left Wu Chengtian speechless.
Indeed, Lin Yun and Wu Chengtian’s brothers had once been strangers. If Lin Yun had ignored their plight, they’d likely be dead.
“Besides, when I encounter certain things, I can’t just stand by. It goes against my principles. If I chose to ignore them, it would be a thorn in my heart, tormenting my conscience, keeping me from peace. It could even become a heart demon, hindering me at a critical moment of breakthrough,” Lin Yun said.
He knew being a good person was hard, that doing good could bring trouble.
But he couldn’t turn a blind eye just because it was difficult.
If everyone were indifferent, how terrifying would the world be?
“People like you are rare these days. To follow your heart, to keep a pure conscience in this murky, filthy world, is truly remarkable. I, Wu Chengtian, admire you for that,” Wu Chengtian said with a sigh.
Then, smiling, he added, “No matter what, you’re a friend I’ve decided to keep. Even though I’ve repaid your favor, if you ever need help in the future, I, Wu Chengtian, will do my utmost to assist!”
“Thank you, Brother Wu,” Lin Yun said, a smile breaking through his pale face.
“Let’s find a place to heal. I’ll guard you,” Wu Chengtian said, helping Lin Yun up again.
“Alright,” Lin Yun nodded.
Wu Chengtian supported Lin Yun, and they left to find a place for him to recover.
As for the Yu sisters, Lin Yun had held off their enemies, buying them time to escape.
That was all he could do.
If they proceeded smoothly, Lin Yun guessed they could safely leave the border mountains.
Honestly, Lin Yun had nearly died helping them, with no tangible reward. It might seem like a loss.
But he had no regrets.
Some things weren’t done for rewards.
…
Elsewhere.
Yu Rou and Yu Qing fled at top speed for over an hour before stopping, confirming no one pursued them.
“Sister, Benefactor Lin Yun… will he die at their hands?” Yu Qing asked, tears streaming, her eyes red.
Lin Yun had faced such danger to save them, and they felt deep anguish.
Especially since Lin Yun, facing a Tongtian Realm cultivator, chose to let them escape while he stayed to hold the enemy off. It shocked them.
They’d known him for only a day, yet he made such a choice, risking his life to cover their escape.
“He… he…”
Tears rolled down Yu Rou’s cheeks, her heart heavy with pain.
She knew Lin Yun, a mere Xuansheng Realm cultivator, stood no chance against a Tongtian Realm opponent.
Though she didn’t want to accept it, his death seemed certain.
They’d known him for just a day, with no special bond, yet he was willing to sacrifice his life for them.
Her pain and grief were unimaginable.
“He was a true hero, but… we… we may never get to repay him,” Yu Rou said, choking, her voice trembling.
She’d seen how cruel the martial world could be.
But she also learned that true kindness existed, that such good people were real.
Lin Yun’s image flashed in her mind.
That cold, stern man with icy words had a fiery, courageous heart.
His roar, urging them to leave, echoed in her mind, lingering.
“Sister, even if he’s gone, we must avenge him! We’ll go home, gather help, return here, and take revenge on that Tongtian Realm cultivator!” Yu Rou said, clenching her fists, her eyes resolute.
“Yes!” Yu Qing nodded firmly.
“Sister, let’s head down the mountain now!”
Yu Rou pulled Yu Qing, and they hurried downward.
They etched Lin Yun’s name into their hearts.
Those two words held profound meaning for them.
…
Elsewhere.
Under Wu Chengtian’s protection, Lin Yun fully recovered.
After changing clothes, he looked vibrant, showing no trace of his severe injuries.
“Your physical body is incredible. Such grave wounds, yet you recovered so quickly and completely,” Wu Chengtian said, amazed.
“Yes, my physical body is my greatest asset,” Lin Yun said with a smile.
“Lin Yun, what’s your plan now?” Wu Chengtian asked.
