Though a trace of regret lingered on Huangfu Song's face, the purpose of this trip had clearly been achieved.

"Let's go. With Guan Xingxiu's Falling Star Divine Sword for protection, we’ll be safe on this journey."

He summoned the Dust-Crossing Boat once more, unable to contain his delight.

Recalling the conversation between the two in the courtyard moments ago, Li Fan asked, "Has the local resistance movement grown so serious already? To the point that you need to secure a backer?"

Huangfu Song replied, "Better safe than sorry. In this remote place, anything could happen.

"If things get out of hand and they really tie us up, toss us into the Emberflow of Final Silence, and claim it was an accident… what could we do about it?

"But with Guan Xingxiu's Falling Star Divine Sword present, it's a different story."

A look of considerable pride spread across Huangfu Song's face. "Don't be fooled by his current Spirit Transformation cultivation. A Spirit Transformation cultivator who has fallen from the Dao Unity realm is far more formidable than your average Spirit Transformation practitioner.

"At the very least, here in Lanlin Province where no Dao Unity Immortal Venerable resides, Guan Xingxiu's...