Chapter 79: The Annual Crisis Arrives! - Part 2 (Part 1)

Chapter 79: The Annual Crisis Arrives! - Part 2 (Part 1)



The next day, the Moonseizing Sect underwent a remarkable transformation.

With the combined efforts of several elders and the Seven Auspicious Beasts, all twenty-five Spirit Mountains were revamped.

The term "revamped" might be an exaggeration.

In simple terms, the original grass, about three feet of soil, and most of the Spirit Plants were dug up, leaving behind only the most valuable items, which were then covered with the treasures Lin Fan had brought back.

The Seven Auspicious Beasts could only contribute manual labor.

However, the elders had the support of their secret techniques, making their efficiency exceptionally high.

When the people from the Five Thunder Sect arrived, they were surprised by the abundant Spirit Qi emanating from the mountains even from a distance.

"Is this the Moonseizing Sect?!"

"No, something's not right!"

"Why is the Spirit Qi in the Moonseizing Sect so rich?"

"Palace Master Wang, your Yulin Palace has the support of a Spirit Vein, and it's still not as good as this?"

Since they had communicated beforehand, they arrived together, and at this moment, everyone looked at Wang Yuli, awaiting his answer.

"Indeed, it's not as good."

Wang Yuli did not hide the truth and sighed, "The Spirit Vein is good, but the one in my Yulin Palace is ultimately too small. The Spirit Qi it can provide is limited, it's not much."

The other five sects rolled their eyes, thinking, "You ungrateful bastard, you don't know how good you have it!"

We haven't even gotten what we want yet!

But Wang Yuli continued, "Don't just talk about my Yulin Palace. A few days ago, I visited a second-rate sect, and the Spirit Qi in their sect's mountain gate was not necessarily as dense as the Moonseizing Sect's!"

"That is to say, the important Spirit Peaks are even denser."

This statement shocked them even more.

The Sect Master of the Five Thunder Sect, Zhang Wendao, sighed and said, "I was just thinking about that."

"The Spirit Qi in the Moonseizing Sect's mountain gate is no longer like the Spirit Qi that should be in this realm. Could it be the work of the Liu Clan?"

After their brief exchange, they were even more surprised.

If it was indeed the work of the Liu Clan, wouldn't it mean that the Liu Clan attaches great importance to the Moonseizing Sect?

As they approached the mountain gate, Murong Pipa and Left Qingqing had been waiting for a long time.

Although they were not very useful in the past, they are now inner sect disciples. With the accumulation of pills, they had reached the second or third level of the Condensation Realm, which was not too bad.

At least they were qualified to be 'gatekeepers.'

"Please, everyone."

The two of them were nervous, but they did not show any fear. They led the group to the Moonseizing Sect.

...

The Moonseizing Sect's main peak.

Lin Fan eagerly awaited, with five elders standing in a row behind him like statues.

As soon as they arrived, Lin Fan greeted them with a loud laugh, "You've come from afar, and I apologize for not receiving you earlier. Please accept our hospitality!"

Wang Yuli and Zhang Wendao were speechless.

You threatened us in the invitation scroll, and now that we're here, you greet us with a smile and have even prepared Spirit Tea and Spirit Fruits? This contrast is really hard for us to adapt to, right?! They were secretly wary.

But they didn't know that Lin Fan also had his own difficulties.

The Moonseizing Sect had a terrible reputation before, and with that reputation, if he had spoken nicely, persuaded them, or even begged them to come, they might not have come at all.

And even if they did come, they would probably just send a random elder to deal with it perfunctorily, just to pay their respects.

But what he wanted to do was a big deal.

He had to threaten them to ensure that the people in charge would come.

He believed they would understand.

Seeing that they weren't very enthusiastic, Lin Fan wasn't in a hurry. He just smiled and shook hands with them, leaving them even more confused.

"It's an honor that you all gave face and came. From now on, we are brothers!"

"Yes, and sisters."

The Valley Master of Illusory Spirit Valley, Chen Bixuan, pulled at the corner of her mouth.

I'm already seven or eight hundred years old, and you're calling me your sister? You're taking advantage from the start, aren't you? Zhang Wendao and the others also felt uncomfortable.

How did we become brothers so quickly?!

This is our first meeting, and you're being so enthusiastic!

You skipped the titles of 'Sect Master,' 'Brother,' and 'Fellow Daoist' and went straight to calling us brothers?!

Wang Teng furrowed his brows, feeling very displeased.

What does this mean?!

You're about the same age as me, and your cultivation is only at the fourth level of the third realm. How dare you call my father brother?! Am I suddenly a generation younger for no reason?!

Wang Teng immediately spoke up, "Lin Zongzhu, all of you elders are busy with various affairs. You have something to say, so just say it. Don't beat around the bush and waste time!"

"Who are you?"

Lin Fan blinked.

"This is my son, Wang Teng," Wang Yuli introduced.

Lin Fan's expression immediately became strange, and he muttered, "The Emperor's Potential?"

Wang Yuli and the others from Yulin Palace had sharp ears, and upon hearing this, their faces changed.

How did this news leak out?!

Could it be that Lin Fan has some secret technique that allows him to see through others with a glance?!

Lin Fan was also surprised by their reactions.

Wow, could it be that it's not just a coincidence in names, but he truly has the 'Emperor's Potential'?

But this guy didn't seem to care.

Regardless of whether it's a coincidence in names or if he truly has the Emperor's Potential, this person is not to be taken lightly!

He shouldn't be here.

However...

Lin Fan quickly changed the subject and smiled, "What you said is reasonable, nephew. As sect masters, we are indeed busy with various affairs. Now, let's get straight to the point."

Wang Teng was furious and wanted to retort, but Wang Yuli stopped him with a hand.

After all, they were adults and should be more composed.

"Lin Zongzhu, we've already come. If you have something to say, just say it."

"Hey! Don't be so formal. We're all brothers. Why call me Lin Zongzhu?" Lin Fan added, "As for what I want to say, it concerns the future of our several sects. It's of utmost importance!"

"This is just some idle talk..."

Lin Fan glanced at Wang Teng.

The latter was furious, "Who are you calling idle talkers?!"

"Teng'er!"

Wang Yuli held back once again.

"You step back first."

Wang Teng gritted his teeth and retreated.

Lin Fan waved his hand, setting up a soundproof barrier, and then said, "I believe we should cooperate."

"Why?"

Zhang Wendao asked.

Wang Yuli spoke directly, "This cooperation may not be equal."

The meaning was clear. My Yulin Palace has over three thousand disciples, and even if you add up everyone in the Moonseizing Sect, it's still not as many.

"Whether it's equal or not, let's hear you out first."

Lin Fan wasn't in a hurry and smiled, "You all should have heard of the name Xiao Ling'er?"

The six Sect Masters and Elders all nodded in agreement.

The news of Fire Swallower Daoist's tomb had spread far and wide, and although the most talked-about topic was Dragon Aotian's defeat of Yu Mo, Xiao Ling'er's name was also frequently mentioned.

Adding to that, the previous Pill Refining Assembly had brought them even closer, so it was natural that they had heard something about it.

To say they didn't know Xiao Ling'er would be a lie.

"The winner of the Pill Refining Assembly, now further empowered by an unusual flame."

"Do none of you have any thoughts on this?"

The crowd lowered their eyebrows, their minds buzzing with activity as they tried to decipher Lin Fan's hidden meaning.

Chen Bixuan from Phantom Spirit Valley smiled and said, "Of course we have thoughts, but our Phantom Spirit Valley can control ourselves. If you, Lin Sect Master, are only testing us, then there's no need."

This was the truth.

To say they weren't tempted would be a lie, but they didn't dare to act on it!

The other five Sect Masters also nodded in agreement.

There was no fault in his words.

"You're too small-minded, with a narrow perspective."

But Lin Fan shook his head, "I'm not testing you, nor am I trying to trick you. I'm an honest man, I speak directly, without any hidden agendas."

"What I mean is, let's cooperate."

"You agree to some conditions, provide the necessary materials, and I'll have Xiao Ling'er refine pills for you, guaranteeing a quality of sixth-grade and above."

"Essence Condensation Pills, Profound Essence Pills, Cave Heaven Pills, and even Mystic Finger Pills."

Lin Fan surveyed the crowd, noticing their changing expressions, and continued, "All of these are within my capabilities."

"We can swear a Dao Heart Oath to ensure our commitment."

Hiss! The six Elders were startled and took a sharp breath!

Until now, they had only seen the invitation, which had enraged them, but they had come out of respect for the Liu Clan, holding their noses and not intending to give Lin Fan any pleasantries.

But upon hearing this, their anger dissipated.

Why be angry? What's there to be angry about?!

They looked at Lin Fan, their eyes burning with intensity.

If what he said was true, then they were all brothers!

However, the six Sect Masters had deeper thoughts, each of them secretly cautious.

Wang Yulin spoke thoughtfully, "May I ask, what conditions do we need to agree to for your Sect?"

"Rest assured, rest assured~!"

I knew you would be tempted!

Seeing their desire but also their struggle to control themselves, Lin Fan knew this was a done deal.

This was also normal, as this land was truly impoverished.

Resources were already scarce, and with only third-class Sects, the best among them being Jade Lynx Palace with just a small mine vein, every resource in short supply.

With a lack of resources, there was also a shortage of talent.

High-quality pills? Even more so!

The Liu Clan highly valued this, let alone the others?

Refining sixth-grade and above pills for them was an irresistible offer.

In Lin Fan's eyes, it was like the ancient era on Earth, when the First Emperor conscripted laborers to build the Great Wall, providing them with three meals of pork trotters daily, and ensuring they were well-fed...

Would there be any concern about them revolting or being unwilling?

Ridiculous!

However, here, Lin Fan couldn't afford to be careless. They would be delighted, but whether they would 'revolt' was uncertain, so the Dao Heart Oath must be strictly enforced.

Lin Fan chuckled, "We're all brothers, I won't harm you."

"I'm not that kind of person!"

"The conditions, in total, are just three."

"First, you'll act as Lan Yue Sect's informants, and if there's any movement or change nearby, you'll pass the information to us, even if it's just a powerful cultivator passing by!"

This way, they would serve as a 'warning system'.

These six Sects just happened to surround Lan Yue Sect, so when something happens, they can provide an early warning, allowing Lan Yue Sect to prepare in advance.

The six Sect members exchanged glances, each understanding the other's thoughts.

This was a small matter!

They could agree to this.

Lin Fan wasn't in a hurry and continued, "Second..."

"If Lan Yue Sect needs manpower, you'll lend a hand."

"You don't need to risk your lives, but when it's time to act, you can't be indecisive. I won't put you against opponents stronger than yourselves."

Moreover, I'll swear a Dao Heart Oath, and in a life-threatening situation, I won't involve you."

The second condition sent them into deep thought.

This was risky!

It was clear that by agreeing, they would be tying themselves to Lan Yue Sect's ship, wearing the same pants. Whether to agree or not required further consideration.

"As for the third..."

"Externally, our seven Sects will be seen as allies, especially if you agree to the first two conditions, there won't be much difference from an alliance anyway."

"Agreeing to these three conditions, the rest are minor matters."

"You can discuss among yourselves, and if you agree, we can continue."

Boom.

The six Sect Masters and their Elders immediately began discussing.

They were somewhat excited but also cautious.

Lin Fan watched with a smile, and the Elders stared at each other, their minds filled with questions.

They couldn't understand why Lin Fan was proposing this, as it seemed like nurturing competitors. But they silently agreed to accept first, at least not to be a burden.

However, Lin Fan had thought this through.

The first and second conditions were obvious: providing Lan Yue Sect with an early warning system and a group of enforcers. With the support of high-quality pills, they should be able to handle some minor troubles, allowing Lan Yue Sect to save time on these trivial matters.

As for the third condition...

Lin Fan was testing something.

If they publicly announced their alliance and their territories were closely connected, then if a top-tier cultivator attacked, would there be a high probability of them attacking all seven Sects simultaneously?

For instance, a Seventh Integration Realm or higher cultivator, with a single palm strike, could wipe out all seven Sects!

But if they attacked Lan Yue Sect alone or all seven Sects together, the outcome... should be different, right?

It was fate!

This thing was intangible.

But it existed.

Lin Fan felt his fate was negative.

With yearly minor crises and a major crisis every decade, now adding a few more new player destroyers, how could his fate be positive?

He didn't even believe it himself!

But for other Sects, it might be different!

Perhaps there were geniuses with good fortune.

(End of this chapter)

They tied them to their own ship, hoping to spread the burden of their luck. For instance, the potential of an Imperator.

Lin Fan's gaze lingered on Wang Teng for a moment before quietly retracting it.

The latter, feeling Lin Fan's stare, couldn't help but glare back.

"Unfortunately, he's not the one from my memories, but since he possesses such extraordinary talent, he must have some luck on his side."

"Spreading it out, there will definitely be some benefits."

"Even if he's a negative influence, I don't believe he can be more detrimental than Lan Yue Sect."

If quantified, the luck Wang Teng brought to the sect was at most negative one, while Xiao Ling'er's was negative ten at the very least!

No matter how you calculate it, it's still a good deal.

And with the addition of the members from the six sects, the number wasn't small, nearly reaching ten thousand. If there was someone with higher luck among them, the benefits would be even more apparent. Of course, these were just Lin Fan's speculations, and he couldn't verify them for now.

But it's worth a try.

As for cultivating competitors, Lin Fan wasn't worried.

As long as Lan Yue Sect still exists, as long as the disciples following the protagonist template haven't perished, what's there to fear? Moreover, he wasn't the only one with restrictions.

Soon, the six sects finished their discussion, but they didn't give a reply. Instead, Chen Bixuan, as their representative, spoke, "Please elaborate on the other conditions, Lin Sect Master."

"I need to consider the overall situation."

"That's good too."

Lin Fan immediately stated those seemingly insignificant details one by one.

"All of you here must swear a Dao Heart Vow, not to betray Lan Yue Sect in any form."

"You can't claim that the pills are from Lan Yue Sect. I don't care how you explain it to others, whether you say you refined them yourself, dug them from the earth, or even if they grew on trees, I don't care."

"We will refine them on your behalf, but the higher the grade of the pills, the lower the success rate. Moreover, pills above six-grade are rare. Therefore, two sets of materials will only get you one pill, or we'll lose too much."

"And..."

Lin Fan proposed one condition after another.

They were seemingly insignificant minor conditions, but when combined, they imposed numerous restrictions on them.

Yet, they didn't want to miss this opportunity!

They were too poor!

High-quality pills were too expensive, and now Lin Fan was practically displaying the pills before their eyes. Naturally, they couldn't resist the temptation, but they also hesitated due to the risks.

As for the two sets of materials for one pill, in their eyes, this wasn't an issue.

Six-grade pills and above! How difficult were they to refine? Not to mention twice, even if their own pill refiners tried ten, twenty, or even a hundred times, they might not succeed once! That's why high-quality pills were so rare and expensive!

Two sets for one, they profited.

The trouble was real, and the risks were evident. Just the matter with Spirit Sword Sect was enough to make them hesitate.

But if they missed this opportunity, they might not get another.

They were secretly anxious, unsure whether to agree. Chen Bixuan, Zhang Wendao, and the others communicated through their spiritual senses, sharing their thoughts.

"What do you all think?"

"If we agree, we'll be like brothers, both among ourselves and with Lan Yue Sect."

"I want to agree, but the risk is too great. I'd like to hear your opinions."

"I feel the same way."

"Yu Lin Palace is the strongest, but I guess he won't agree, so let's discuss this without him..."

They were still pondering when, to their surprise, Wang Yulin, the strongest among them, responded decisively, "Lin Sect Master, Yu Lin Palace is willing to cooperate!"

Chen Bixuan and the other four were stunned for a moment, then looked at him with confusion.

He agreed just like that?! And it's Yu Lin Palace?!

Wang Yulin had his own considerations.

Indeed, Yu Lin Palace was the strongest and wealthiest among the six sects, but they had the most disciples and the highest investment! Moreover... his son, Wang Teng, had the potential of an Imperator!

With extraordinary talent, he was even suspected to be a reincarnation of an ancient immortal. His cultivation progress was rapid, and his combat power was formidable, but his consumption was immense!

Wang Yulin had long felt the strain, and he was almost at the point of selling his life-bound treasure! He had been troubled by this for some time.

But now, he suddenly heard this news.

Risk?

Hmph, there were risks, but as long as there was a sufficient supply of high-quality pills, his son could soar and crush all enemies!

Only the weak feared risks.

But his son, Wang Teng, was destined to forge his invincible path through risks, crises, and the scorching hot blood of countless powerful foes.

Afraid of a challenge? No way! Just do it!

This was a huge profit!

Moreover, he had long wanted to find a wealthy target to exploit, but none were suitable. But Lan Yue Sect was perfect!

Not too strong, easy to handle, and they even took the initiative to seek cooperation...

Could there be a better match?

Lin Fan, Lin Sect Master?

The invitation scroll was too much, making him want to take action against them?!

Bullshit!

He was his beloved family, his brother! Wang Yulin's eyes burned with determination.

The Yu Lin Palace elders, though surprised, didn't refute.

They had been hesitant, but now that the Palace Master had made his decision, they stopped deliberating and started considering the benefits.

"After this, I should be able to get a few high-quality pills to consume, right?"

"Perhaps, I can even advance further?!"

The representatives of Phantom Spirit Valley and Five Thunder Sect were also hesitant.

Yu Lin Palace was the strongest among them, so if they agreed, why shouldn't they?

They didn't understand why Yu Lin Palace agreed so readily, but following them would be profitable!

Otherwise, not only would they miss out on high-quality pills, but they might also earn the enmity of Lan Yue Sect, and most likely, the Liu Family and Yu Lin Palace as well. That wouldn't be worth it.

"We agree," Zhang Wendao was the second to speak up.

Chen Bixuan also chimed in, "We from Phantom Spirit Valley are mostly gentle ladies, and we'll need your support in the future."

The leaders of Hong Meng Xian City, Xue Dao Men, and Chi Yan Zong also agreed.

Lin Fan's face lit up with a smile, "Good, good, that's how it should be.

"From this day forward, we are brothers."

"Our sects are also brother sects, we rise and fall together..."

"Let's establish a Dao Heart Vow, I'll go first."

With these words, Wang Yulin, Chen Bixuan, and the others huddled together.

It wasn't that he was taking advantage of Chen Bixuan, but rather that they were sitting next to each other.

Immediately, he took the lead and made the Dao Heart Vow, clearly stating every detail he had mentioned earlier.

Wang Yulin, Chen Bixuan, and the others naturally followed suit and made their vows as well.

With this, everyone felt more at ease and no longer had to be overly cautious.

They huddled together, their camaraderie was undeniable.

Wang Teng was left dumbfounded!

What are they doing?

Why are they getting along so well with this kid?

Didn't they all come with anger in their hearts?

Am I dreaming?!

His eyebrows furrowed, sensing something amiss.

But he couldn't hear what Lin Fan and the others were discussing, and Wang Yulin had specifically instructed him not to cause any trouble, making him feel extremely uncomfortable at that moment.

...

Lin Fan cheerfully invited them to stay for a few days, but they all claimed to have urgent matters to attend to and needed to return quickly.

They were all in a hurry to deliver a batch of medicinal ingredients in exchange for pills!

Lin Fan expressed his understanding and didn't insist further.

Although he had only mentioned it casually.

Cough.

"Rest assured, brother!"

Wang Yulin patted his chest, making a loud slapping sound, "After returning, I'll make the necessary arrangements. I promise to fulfill what I've agreed to!"

"We feel the same way!"

"I believe you."

Lin Fan expressed his absolute trust.

With the Dao Heart Vow established, it was only natural to believe him.

Unless they all wanted to die and were prepared for a Dao Heart collapse and sudden death, they wouldn't dare to betray him.

Otherwise, if even one of the six sects' elders had any doubts, they would secretly send him a message.

After watching the 'silent drama' for a long time, he suddenly heard his father addressing Lin Fan as a brother and agreeing to something.

Wang Teng's eyebrows furrowed even deeper, and his heart sank.

But before he could say anything, Wang Yulin and the other elders pulled him along, and they quickly descended the mountain.

The other five sects did the same, and soon they were all on their way...

The members of the other five sects acted similarly, and before long, they had all left, leaving Wang Teng feeling displeased.

"Father, why are you calling that bastard Lin Fan your brother?"

"Have you been bewitched by him or something?!"

"Don't talk nonsense!"

Wang Yulin frowned immediately, "Lin Zongzhu is my good brother!"

Wang Teng: "???"

Have you lost your mind?

He almost blurted out the words.

You call him your brother? If that's the case, wouldn't that bastard become my uncle, and I'd be one generation younger for no reason?

"That's impossible!"

"Why is that?"

He wanted to get to the bottom of this.

But Wang Yulin spoke sternly, "Teng'er, you shouldn't meddle in this matter. In any case, from today onwards, our seven sects are allies!"

"In the future, your path is destined to be extraordinary."

"Father's good intentions will become clear to you in time."

Wang Yulin had his plans.

Regardless, he couldn't let the issue of resources hinder his son's progress. However, he also couldn't let his son know about his schemes, as it might cause a flaw in his Dao Heart, which could be fatal for someone of his extraordinary talent.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end