A faint ripple stirred in Dugu Linglong's eyes.
She did not care how those people judged Chu Xuan.
But the way Jiang Che had considered her feelings without needing her to say a word brought a warmth to her heart that she had never experienced before.
"Why are you willing to help me, Young Master Jiang?"
That question.
Dugu Linglong had wanted to ask it back at the Liu Family's residence.
Jiang Che had no friendship with Chu Xuan.
Nor did he have any ties to the Celestial Master Sect.
Even if he had witnessed what happened at the Liu Family Ancestral Grave, he had no obligation to travel a thousand miles with her to a place that might harbor unknown dangers.
Jiang Che did not answer immediately.
He looked into Dugu Linglong's clear, distant eyes, his expression as composed as ever.
"If I said it was simply because I was bored, would you believe me, Reverend?"
"No."
Dugu Linglong shook her head honestly.
"Then there's only one reason left."
"What is it?"
"I want to help you."
Jiang Che's answer was simple.
There was no lengthy speech.
Nor did he offer any lofty talk of righteousness.
Just those few words.
I want to help you...
Dugu Linglong's breath caught slightly.
Her Dao Heart, normally as still as an ancient well, rippled at that moment in a way she could not suppress...
She had seen far too many men surround her and shower her with attention.
They claimed they wanted nothing in return.
Yet the possessiveness and calculation in their eyes had never escaped her senses.
Jiang Che made no effort to hide his attraction to her either.
But from beginning to end, nothing about his manner had made her uncomfortable.
He did not impatiently demand a response.
He did