Chapter 886: Six Paths Sage's Gift

Jiang Fan?

True Immortal Baiyu raised an eyebrow slightly. He turned to the Pavilion Master of the Heavenly Secret Pavilion and asked, "Has he not returned yet?"

The Pavilion Master looked at the token at his waist and replied, "No. If he were back, the Pavilion would have notified me." He then glanced, somewhat deferentially, at the young Centurion named Bai Xin. He was puzzled: this mysterious Centurion from the Imperial Astronomical Bureau, why was she looking for Jiang Fan?

True Immortal Baiyu was also curious: What was so special about this Jiang Fan? Was he really worth Bai Xin's special wait, given her busy schedule? However, he didn't have time to specially wait for a junior disciple.

"Centurion Bai, we of the Myriad Tribulations Sacred Hall will take our leave first. Farewell." The other Nascent Soul cultivators all bid their farewells and departed.

Once everyone had left, the Pavilion Master, feeling a little anxious, spoke, "Centurion Bai, may I ask why you're looking for Jiang Fan, a disciple of my Pavilion?"

Bai Xin turned around, revealing a face with very beautiful features. While not stunningly beautiful, it was exceptionally pleasant to look at, with no flaws. What was most striking were her eyes. Her double-lidded phoenix eyes seemed to hold water, appearing exceptionally clear and translucent, possessing a clarity that seemed to pierce through one's thoughts. Meeting her gaze, the Pavilion Master couldn't help but feel a chill in his heart; he subtly felt as if his thoughts were being seen through.

Bai Xin's voice was very calm, giving the impression of being purely business-like, devoid of any emotional fluctuations. "At the Imperial Astronomical Bureau, I am responsible for eradicating evil and slaying demons. Being sought out by me is naturally not a good thing."

The Pavilion Master's heart sank. The Imperial Astronomical Bureau had many departments. Their primary mission was to track down ancient deities, but they also maintained public order in Tai Cang Great Prefecture. They would still take action against those who committed great evil. How could Jiang Fan have attracted Bai Xin's attention?

"Centurion Bai, could there be some misunderstanding? Jiang Fan is a very upright person."

Bai Xin replied, "Whether he is righteous or evil, I will know once I meet him."

The Pavilion Master felt uneasy. He could only silently pray that Jiang Fan wouldn't return for now, and would continue to stay hidden outside. He hoped Jiang Fan would only come back after Centurion Bai had left the continent.

"Huh, Pavilion Master? You're here too?" A sword hummed in the sky.

Jiang Fan, riding his purple sword, broke through the air and arrived, feeling a sense of familiarity upon seeing the Pavilion Master, whom he hadn't seen in a long time. The Pavilion Master stared at Jiang Fan, who had landed before him. His eyes widened.

"No... You've been gone for almost a month! Why couldn't you just disappear for a few more days?! And you appear directly in front of Bai Xin? Are you taking such a huge risk?"

Hearing this, Bai Xin looked towards Jiang Fan, who had arrived on his sword. Then, looking at the Pavilion Master's strange expression, a clear light flickered in her crystal-clear eyes. "Jiang Fan, I am Bai Xin from the Imperial Astronomical Bureau. I have some questions for you."

The Pavilion Master was secretly startled. What astonishing insight! With just a slight clue, she had immediately determined Jiang Fan's identity! How did she know his name?

Jiang Fan was slightly puzzled and frowned, saying, "Do I have to answer you?"

The Pavilion Master said solemnly, "Jiang Fan, the Imperial Astronomical Bureau is an organization granted authority by the Great Sage. Even the foreign divine sects cannot oppose it." That simple sentence illustrated the Imperial Astronomical Bureau's transcendent status.

Jiang Fan frowned slightly, "Alright, ask away."

Bai Xin spoke concisely, "Do you know True Immortal Six Paths?"

She was actually asking about *him*? Jiang Fan thought for a moment, then nodded, "Yes."

"What is your relationship?"

Jiang Fan answered without hesitation: "He once tried to seize my body, but I subdued him instead. Later, he unexpectedly escaped and fled."

He didn't need to guess. True Immortal Six Paths must have left some traces after returning to Tai Cang Great Prefecture. That scoundrel, he wouldn't have massacred innocents again, would he? He had promised him that he would never do evil.

Bai Xin stared into Jiang Fan's eyes, as if she could discern the truth from falsehood in a person's words. She nodded slightly and said, "You're not lying. No wonder your name was left at the crime scenes."

Jiang Fan looked surprised, "My name was written?"

Bai Xin explained, "In the past two months, True Immortal Six Paths has appeared in several important locations across Tai Cang Great Prefecture. Everywhere he went, he left behind the six characters: 'Jiang Fan was here.'"

Damn it! Jiang Fan really wanted to curse! That bastard! He commits crimes, but why write 'Jiang Fan was here'? What the hell are you visiting?! He really should have strangled him back then!

The Pavilion Master looked at Jiang Fan's slightly contorted expression, a strange look on his face. It was the first time he had seen Jiang Fan lose his composure.

"Ahem, Centurion Bai, if True Immortal Six Paths were in cahoots with Jiang Fan, why would he write the other's name? It must be a deep hatred that made him intentionally frame Jiang Fan, wouldn't you say?"

Bai Xin replied, "I thought the same. And the facts confirm it. True Immortal Six Paths holds a grudge. Jiang Fan foiled his attempt to seize his body and even subdued him, so it's natural for him to bear resentment. However... is the hatred a bit excessive? Jiang Fan, did you do anything else to him?"

Gritting his teeth in annoyance, Jiang Fan pulled out the Ancient Heart-Illuminating Mirror: "I also snatched this spiritual artifact from him."

The Pavilion Master's eyes widened. "A spiritual artifact? No wonder he hates you so much."

Bai Xin nodded, completely dispelling her suspicions about Jiang Fan. "That makes sense. So, you and True Immortal Six Paths are mortal enemies. As expected, he will seek revenge on you in the future."

After a moment's thought, Bai Xin took out a token. Its front was engraved with the three awe-inspiring characters 'Imperial Astronomical Bureau'. The back bore the name 'Bai Xin'. "This is my sub-token. I'm hiring you as my assistant to help me investigate the case of True Immortal Six Paths. Of course, you don't need to do anything. When True Immortal Six Paths comes looking for you, just use this token to send me a message."

The Pavilion Master immediately became excited, saying, "Quickly accept it!" This was equivalent to gaining the status of a temporary Imperial Guard of the Imperial Astronomical Bureau. When traveling across Tai Cang Great Prefecture, presenting this identity would make even the foreign divine sects treat him with caution.

Jiang Fan simply uttered "Oh" and put away the token.

Bai Xin then scrutinized Jiang Fan again, "True Immortal Six Paths' strength is rapidly recovering. If you encounter him, your Core Formation Ninth Layer cultivation won't stand a chance. Do you have any protective artifacts or techniques to counter enemies?"

She's going to give him a treasure too? Jiang Fan quickly shook his head, "No, our Heavenly Secret Pavilion is very poor. And I've just started, so I don't have any protective or enemy-countering items."

A vein twitched on the Pavilion Master's forehead. "The first sentence, please take it back!"

Bai Xin's crystal-clear eyes fixed on Jiang Fan, saying, "Of your two sentences, only the first one is true."

This woman, can she tell if someone's words are true or false? Jiang Fan felt a secret chill. He quickly changed his tune, "Alright, I do have a little bit of protective artifact, but very few for countering enemies."

Bai Xin said, "That's closer to the truth this time." With a backhand, she drew a Seven-Star Sword from her back. She opened her mouth and exhaled a breath of clear qi onto it. The seven gems embedded in it lit up one after another. "I'll lend you this sword. It can help you counter enemies seven times. Use it carefully."

Jiang Fan took the azure Seven-Star Sword, looking utterly bewildered. It felt like he was walking down the street and someone had just handed him a gold ingot.

"Farewell." Bai Xin cupped her fist in salute and stepped into the air, departing without the slightest hesitation or fuss.

The Pavilion Master watched her leave, then patted Jiang Fan's shoulder: "You truly turned misfortune into a blessing! To think you managed to establish a connection with Centurion Bai! So many people want to befriend her, but find no way in."

Jiang Fan was surprised, "Is this Bai Xin someone important?"

The Pavilion Master's gaze deepened, "She is more than just a Centurion. In short, to be able to form a connection with her is your good fortune. The only concern is that you actually offended True Immortal Six Paths, such a ruthless demonic overlord. This could be troublesome."

Jiang Fan said nothing. He held the heavy Seven-Star Sword. A warm feeling passed through his heart. He thought silently: "Thanks, old man. Even though you're being hounded and chased around Tai Cang Great Prefecture, you still haven't forgotten to secure some benefits for me. You, take care."