Li Lin also turned his gaze towards the woman who had spoken. She was a very beautiful woman, roughly the same age as Li Wushuang, with skin like creamy jade and a charming face.

Beneath her brocade gown, her graceful and curvaceous figure was outlined, appearing charmingly mature and full of allure. Compared to Li Wushuang, she seemed more sensual and voluptuous, particularly with a hint of anger in her expression. Her upturned lips and plump, red lips exuded a seductive aura, her anger seemingly provoking a sense of desire in men.

Li Lin was momentarily stunned by her appearance. Although she was not a beauty capable of toppling kingdoms, her sensuality was such that it would draw the attention of any man, inciting uncontrolled fantasies. She seemed like a woman created solely for the pleasure of men.

Li Lin couldn't help but take a second look, especially at her legs. They might not have been exceptionally long or slender, but they were round and smooth like a serpent, her full buttocks exceptionally perky, complementing her ample bosom and forming a fatally tempting sight.

"Such a femme fatale," Li Lin thought to himself. The woman was only about eighteen or nineteen years old, yet she exuded such bewitching charm, a truly extraordinary woman. In a couple more years, she would probably be even more irresistible to men.

Behind the woman was a well-dressed young man, about twenty-two or twenty-three years old, tall and slim with a fair complexion and somewhat handsome features. However, Li Lin got the impression that this man had the look of someone who relied on others for support.

"Yang Man, I want this sword," Li Wushuang spoke upon seeing the woman, her expression darkening slightly, indicating some familiarity between them.

"You might want it, but you haven't bought it. I said I'd buy it first, so it's mine. You should choose another," the charming woman, Yang Man, retorted, her eyes holding a mocking light, as if she relished the chance to trouble Li Wushuang.

"The sword in my hand naturally means I want it," Li Wushuang stated.

"Miss Wushuang seems to like this sword too. Then let's see who can offer a higher price. The sword is, I believe, 160 gold coins? I'll offer 200," the well-dressed young man, Wang Liang, interjected, his gaze lingering on Li Wushuang, full of lewdness.

"Wang Liang, bid whatever you like. I no longer want the sword," Li Wushuang said, staring at the young man, teeth clenched.

"Miss Li, Miss Yang, Master Wang, it's you," a voice sounded. Li Lin knew without looking that it was the martial affairs officer from Tianbao Sect.

The officer quickly arrived beside them, giving Li Lin an inconspicuous nod before focusing on the others.

"Officer Wu, you've come at the right time. Pack up this sword for me; I'm buying it," Wang Liang said.

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"This..." Officer Wu looked at everyone, having witnessed everything. He seemed unsure of how to proceed at the moment.

"Lin'er, let's go," Li Wushuang said softly, placing the sword she was holding back on the counter, her eyes showing a hint of disappointment. She didn't wish to argue with Wang Liang and Yang Man.

"Li Wushuang, good to see you know your place. Dream of competing with me? You won last time, but there won't be a next time," Yang Man said with a light laugh, evidently feeling triumphant. She then glanced at Li Lin, "Isn't this the Li family's good-for-nothing young master? A foster daughter and a good-for-nothing, what a perfect match."

"Yang Man, what did you say?" Li Wushuang's face turned red as she glared at Yang Man.

"What did I say wrong? A foster daughter and a good-for-nothing," Yang Man replied with a cold snort.

"The affairs of the Li family are none of your concern, Miss Yang. You seem to like this sword, so take your 'cheapness' and leave. No matter how 'cheap' you are, we won't bother with you," Li Lin said, stepping forward. He picked up the sword Li Wushuang had put down and threw it towards Yang Man, adding, "How cheap, really cheap."

"Young man, what do you mean? How dare you insult me?" Yang Man caught the sword reflexively, then realizing the double meaning in Li Lin's words, became furiously indignant. Li Lin's play on words, especially the emphasis on 'cheap', was clear to everyone.

"How have I insulted you?" Li Lin asked, looking at Yang Man. His usually indifferent face now carried a chilling expression.

"You called me cheap..." Yang Man started to say, then stopped, realizing she had been tricked. She glared furiously at Li Lin, her eyes involuntarily avoiding his gaze.

"The sword is in your hands, so take your 'cheapness' home," Li Lin said lightly. He then pointed to a green sword behind the counter, telling Officer Wu, "I'll take that Qingyue Sword, put it on my account."

"Yes, Young Master Li," Officer Wu responded, quickly taking the green treasure sword from the wall and handing it to Li Lin. The wall had a label reading: Qingyue Sword, crafted by a Linghun Lingzhe with thousand-year essence stone, priced at 8,600 gold coins.

The sword that Li Wushuang had initially chosen, made from hundred-year cold iron by a Lingshi, was priced at only 160 gold coins. The difference in value between the two swords was more than fiftyfold.

"Miss Wushuang, this is for you. That broken sword isn't worthy of you," Li Lin handed the Qingyue Sword to Li Wushuang.

Wang Liang and Yang Man's faces turned sour at the sight. They were well aware of the Qingyue Sword's price. While they could afford a few hundred or even a thousand gold coins, 8,600 gold coins were far beyond their reach.

Li Wushuang was also surprised, having noticed the sword earlier but unable to afford it. In Qingyun Town, few were willing to buy such an expensive sword, mainly the heads of major families. However, even they would likely find it too expensive. For the younger generation like them, purchasing it was even more unrealistic. Although Li Wushuang, as one of the most favored younger members of the Li family, had access to about 300 gold coins, which was already a considerable amount, the price of this sword was equivalent to the annual wages of 600 servants.

"Lin'er, let's go back," Li Wushuang said, looking at Li Lin. She liked the Qingyue Sword, but it was unaffordable. As a martial artist, who wouldn't love weapons? Moreover, she practiced sword techniques, making her even fonder of the Qingyue Sword, crafted by a Linghun Lingzhe, a rarity in Qingyun Town.

"Miss Wushuang, take it," Li Lin insisted, placing the Qingyue Sword in her hands. He then turned to Officer Wu, "Officer Wu, can I settle this account in a few days?"

"No problem, Young Master Li. You can come anytime," Officer Wu replied.

"Miss Wushuang, let's go," Li Lin said, feeling relieved. He had been nervous about the 8,600 gold coins. If Tianbao Sect hadn't agreed to credit, it would have been quite embarrassing.