Chapter 576: Patriarch of the Wu God Clan — “I’ll Hold Him Off, You Capture His Companions”

Brilliant golden light radiated, dazzling everyone around.

The citizens were left in awe.

"The Ginseng King…"

Someone shouted, and immediately, the crowd dropped to their knees, offering prayers.

The Ginseng King was renowned—far more famous than Lin Fan, at least in Yan Hai City. That was the terrifying power of faith. No matter how many good deeds Lin Fan had done, they could never match the widespread fame that belief in the Ginseng King brought.

For instance, when Lin Fan walked the streets, some people might find him familiar, but he never elicited the kind of reverence that the Ginseng King did.

The Ginseng King had been deified.

Even though Lin Fan was their savior and a great hero, his fame was no match for the Ginseng King.

Lin Fan embodied selfless love, which couldn't be personalized for every individual. But the Ginseng King managed to achieve this connection with the masses.

Simply put, people who revered Lin Fan as a savior were often more discerning, appreciating his role in ensuring the collective safety of humanity, even if they didn't benefit personally.

The Ginseng King, on the other hand, offered tangible benefits to everyone, which made him more relatable and adored.

Not long after, the golden light faded, and the Ginseng King's aura changed. It now carried a divine quality—majestic, radiant, and mysterious.

"Did that really work?"

The Ginseng King's eyes darted about mischievously. Though he wasn't naturally kind-hearted, he found his defenses shattered by the sincerity of a young girl's faith.

The Ginseng King, a miraculous and ancient being, had always been viewed as the ultimate treasure—a remedy so potent that many sought to consume him for his life-altering benefits.

Lin Fan gently patted the Ginseng King on the head. "Were you just helping someone?"

"No way! Don't accuse me! I didn't do anything," the Ginseng King retorted, unwilling to admit it. He didn't want such acts to become widely known, fearing the flood of people seeking help. His body, after all, was a precious resource, one he wouldn't readily sacrifice.

Lin Fan smiled knowingly. He was certain the Ginseng King had done something good; otherwise, such a divine phenomenon wouldn't have occurred.

The faith of a single, devout believer had bestowed immense spiritual energy upon the Ginseng King, something akin to divine power.

Lin Fan didn't press further. Clearly, the Ginseng King preferred to keep a low profile, even when doing good deeds.

Later, Lin Fan tried to track down Han Xiaoxiao and her companions, but their scent led him far from Yan Hai City, eventually realizing they were in Changbai Mountain.

Back at the hotel, Mu Qing was scrolling through her phone, finding no major news. Even updates on the Shadow Guild, a dangerous organization, had been scarce.

Just then, she received a message: a purchase notification for 561 yuan.

"Am I… financially supporting someone?" she mused with a smile, recalling that Lin Fan's card was tied to her account.

Lin Fan soon arrived with snacks in hand, affectionately greeting her. Despite his boldness, Mu Qing had grown accustomed to his antics, even appreciating them.

Morning of November 25th

The day was cold but beautiful. Lin Fan and Old Zhang, dressed in new clothes Mu Qing had bought, exuded a refreshed spirit.

Meanwhile, in a special department's headquarters, a shrine dedicated to the Ginseng King attracted countless worshippers daily. The influx of donations was overwhelming, a lucrative venture overseen by the department.

Suddenly, the sky roared with thunder. Bolts of lightning streaked across the heavens, startling the city's residents.

A booming voice echoed through the skies:

"Lin Fan! I am the Patriarch of the Wu God Clan. Face me in battle, or I will annihilate all of humanity!"

Upon hearing these words, even those unaware of the situation were terrified. The idea that if Lin Fan didn't fight, humanity would be annihilated was a chilling thought.

At the Special Department, the one-eyed man's face was grim. "What's going on?" he asked, startled by the voice. Until now, things had been peaceful. Even with the arrival of the Starry Sky Clans, there hadn't been any extreme actions. Coexistence had been relatively amicable. The sudden appearance of this voice was perplexing.

The Special Department's higher-ups quickly gathered. Such emergencies demanded immediate attention.

"Where's Lin Fan?" the one-eyed man asked.

Liu Haichan replied, "He went out early this morning with Old Zhang." Since returning, Liu Haichan had been meditating daily in front of the Dao Tree. While it seemed unproductive, his cultivation was steadily increasing. It was only a matter of time.

The one-eyed man called Lin Fan. He was annoyed that Lin Fan had left so early. If he were present, the situation would be easily resolved. He explained the situation over the phone, urging Lin Fan to return to the department immediately.

After hanging up, the one-eyed man stood, faced the serious crowd, and waved with a smile. "Dismissed."

Master Yongxin: ???

Lin Daoming: ???

Everyone had mentally prepared for battle, ready to fight those who dared invade their home. But now… the one-eyed man's words left them bewildered.

"What's wrong?" the one-eyed man asked.

Master Yongxin said, "With a powerful enemy invading, we should be united."

The one-eyed man chuckled. "No need. I've contacted Lin Fan. He's on his way back. He'll handle it. Go about your business. Honestly, with your current strength, you wouldn't be much help."

"Xu Zhengyang, that's a bit much, don't you think?" Lin Daoming protested. He found the one-eyed man's words tactless.

"Too much?" The one-eyed man shook his head. "Not at all. Just being honest. Don't take it personally."

The situation was almost causing a collective explosion.

The one-eyed man turned to Jin He Li. "Go reassure the public. Tell them not to worry. Their guardian, Lin Fan, will handle this."

"Yes," Jin He Li replied, swaying her hips as she left.

Master Yongxin tried to sneak a glance at her.

The one-eyed man said, "What are you looking at? Consider your age. That's for young people."

"Xu Benefactor, do not slander me, or the Bodhisattva will not protect you," Master Yongxin said solemnly.

The one-eyed man waved his hand. "Disperse, disperse. I'll wait for Lin Fan downstairs." He didn't want to say anything more and went downstairs.

Back in the office, Master Yongxin and the others looked at each other.

"Sigh, to suffer such humiliation for no reason, can you bear it?" Lin Daoming asked, still unable to accept the one-eyed man's words. He conceded their weakness, but they had bled and cried for the Special Department. Didn't that deserve some acknowledgment?

Master Yongxin pressed his palms together. "Yes, I can."

"You…" Lin Daoming was disappointed in Yongxin.

Liu Haichan said, "I'm going to cultivate. Strength is gained through cultivation, not words. If you're weak, cultivate. Lin Daoming, as a Maoshan expert, haven't you noticed Maoshan's decline?"

"Nonsense! That's the Medical Academy, what does it have to do with Maoshan?" Lin Daoming yelled, then added, "Sister, I wasn't targeting you, just an analogy."

"Hehe," the medical sister sneered and left.

"Sister…" Lin Daoming wanted to stop her but didn't. "See… she's angry."

Liu Haichan enjoyed provoking Lin Daoming. "Do you think the medical field has no future? The things she brought back from Changbai Mountain are extraordinary. Once she understands them, the medical field will soar, and Maoshan might truly be at the bottom."

"Boastful," Lin Daoming scoffed.

Liu Haichan replied, "You know the truth. Let's wait and see." He then left.

Lin Daoming was worried. He didn't want to be the clown.

Meanwhile, the internet was buzzing. Netizens had witnessed the scene. The pressure was immense.

"Whoa! What's happening? Weren't the Starry Sky Clans behaving?"

"This is a different Clan Ancestor, challenging our guardian. What's going on?"

"We're the hidden trump card."

"What's an Ancestor? Are they powerful?"

"Danger is here. I knew the Starry Sky Clans weren't friendly, but some fools still lick their boots. Shameless."

The online debate centered on whether Lin Fan could win. Previously, they would have believed in Lin Fan's strength. But now… the enemy was unknown. They wouldn't come without confidence.

The Starry Sky Clan members on the planet were aware of the Ancestors' arrival and were apprehensive. The Ancestors' presence made things unpredictable. They had been living well, as long as they didn't provoke Lin Fan. However, some hoped the Ancestors would defeat Lin Fan, having lived under his shadow.

At the Alliance Academy, Mu Hao was teaching, but the students were distracted by the news.

"Teacher, will we die?" a student asked.

Mu Hao put down his book and looked at the students still paying attention. "No."

"Why?"

"You're the same race as Lin Fan. Don't you know his strength?"

Mu Hao had given up on competing with Lin Fan. The gap was too vast. Even against the Starry Sky Clan Ancestors, he didn't believe they were Lin Fan's match.

The students pondered his words.

Outside, Mu Hao looked at the sky. He was calmer now, his demeanor changed. "Why bother coming here?" He wouldn't have thought this before. Ancestors were peak existences, capable of destroying worlds. But after knowing Lin Fan, he knew he wasn't someone the Ancestors could handle.

He wanted to see the Ancestor's defeat but decided against it, lest their anger be directed at him. He chose to remain uninvolved.

In the city, Sun Xiao started her livestream. The chat exploded, wanting her to livestream the battle. Sun Xiao was overwhelmed. Anyone with sense knew this wasn't a battle to casually observe.

Previous battles she streamed were intense but didn't endanger bystanders. But now…

ExplodingDumpling sent…

TinyGoldfish sent…

Sun Xiao held her head, conflicted. The money was tempting, but…

"Alright, folks, I'm Sun Xiao, here to stream what others can't. Leave this to me. I'll deliver a good show." She needed to earn a living.

She ignored those who threatened to unsubscribe but couldn't ignore the generous gifts. She had to reciprocate.

"Brothers, watch me. You won't regret it."

Far from Yanhai City…

After the three ancestors arrived, no one knew Lin Fan's whereabouts. Of course, they could have inquired, but they were ancestors, figures of high status. They wouldn't lower themselves to search for someone; naturally, that person should come to them.

The Witch God Clan ancestor, Xing Lei, said, "We should heed the Dragon God's warnings. This place is quite suitable. We should prepare thoroughly and ensure nothing goes wrong."

The Titan Clan and Diamond Clan ancestors readily agreed.

They knew Lin Fan was strong, as the Dragon God had warned, but they wouldn't admit it aloud. Arriving early, they laid their trap, waiting for Lin Fan to step in. Then, they would activate their grand formation, ensuring he couldn't escape.

Destroying a planet was easy for them.

However, with many descendants of prominent star clans present, if they destroyed this planet, the other clans would undoubtedly retaliate. They weren't afraid of one-on-one battles, but a combined assault would be difficult to withstand.

The three ancestors then set up a network of traps and terrifying formations, ready to be activated at any moment. The Witch God Clan ancestor instructed the others to hide and strike when the time was right, giving Lin Fan no chance to resist.

Confidence was essential.

But strategy was also key. Since Lin Fan was powerful, they would receive him with the highest "respect," and see if he could handle it.

A long time later…

At the agreed-upon location…

Several figures appeared.

"You guys stay here. I'll handle this," Lin Fan said.

He had received a call from One-Eyed Man about someone wanting to spar. He didn't take it seriously, especially since Old Zhang and the others were coming along. It wouldn't matter if they watched.

Sun Xiao adjusted his camera.

The netizens in the live stream were stunned. They were just in Yanhai City, and now, in the blink of an eye, they were somewhere else entirely. The speed was beyond imagination. If they weren't watching the live stream, they wouldn't believe it.

Sun Xiao was thrilled.

His blood boiled with excitement.

He had once risked his life for a live stream and had gained some opportunities. He couldn't claim to be incredibly powerful, but in a world of ordinary people, he was doing pretty well.

Old Zhang said, "Be careful."

Lin Fan smiled. "Don't worry."

One-Eyed Man clenched his fist at Lin Fan, giving him a clear message of encouragement.

Go for it!

He then turned to Sun Xiao, warning, "You, be careful. Don't wander around. This battle won't be simple. If you get caught in the crossfire, no one can save you."

"Understood," Sun Xiao nodded.

He valued his life. In the past, he might have risked getting closer for the live stream, but now, he wouldn't dare. He obediently stood beside One-Eyed Man, broadcasting from a safe distance.

As for how he got here…

Honestly…

It was incredibly lucky.

Knowing the distance was vast, he knew he wouldn't make it in time if he relied on his own abilities.

So, he tried his luck at the Special Department.

Unexpectedly, he saw Lin Fan.

He pleaded shamelessly, and then, here he was.

Sun Xiao felt blessed by fate, always encountering good fortune.

At this moment…

Lin Fan saw a figure standing in the distance, obviously the one who had requested the meeting. He approached.

"Hello, I'm Lin Fan. Who are you?" Lin Fan asked, cupping his hands in greeting.

"Xing Lei, ancestor of the Witch God Clan. You're the one who injured my clan's elder, aren't you?" Xing Lei said in a deep voice. He didn't attack immediately, instead observing Lin Fan. So young, yet extraordinary.

Lin Fan said, "I don't know your clan's elder."

Xing Lei roared, "You injured my clan's elder and don't even know who he is? Good, very good! For countless years, no one has dared to humiliate the Witch God Clan like this. You're the first, but you'll also be the last!"

"Activate!"

As soon as he finished speaking…

The ground trembled as the formation activated, instantly enveloping Lin Fan.

Lin Fan frowned, struggling to understand what Xing Lei meant. He had mentioned an injured elder, but hadn't even given a name.

Attacking without explanation…

No martial virtue at all.

Normally, if you genuinely wanted to spar, you should introduce yourself first.

Lost in thought…

Lin Fan noticed something amiss. A sharp aura solidified, locking onto him. This feeling wasn't good.

"Hmph, foolish fellow, trapped within the God-Slaying Formation and yet unaware of the danger. Dragon God, you truly misjudged him."

Xing Lei sneered inwardly, expressing deep disdain for the Dragon God's assessment.

This is it?

Any competent individual would have sensed the danger.

But Lin Fan seemed oblivious.

Soon…

The formation was complete.

The extreme forces of wind, fire, thunder, and lightning converged, transforming into endless attacks that bombarded Lin Fan.

Boom!

The world shook.

Even the radiating power was terrifying.

Xing Lei sneered, but his smile was short-lived. Seeing Lin Fan's state, he was utterly shocked.

"This…"

Lin Fan patted his clothes lightly, complaining, "You're not young, yet you lack martial virtue."

The two ancestors hidden in the void were dumbfounded.

They couldn't believe their eyes.

Lin Fan had just withstood the God-Slaying Formation without any defense.

It was inconceivable.

Boom, boom.

Enraged, Xing Lei's heart pounded like a drum, shaking the heavens and causing a vision of countless bare-chested warriors beating war drums.

Xing Lei's power surged.

He unleashed the ancient and mystical Witch God Clan's ultimate battle technique, using his body as a drum and his heart as a hammer, unleashing a deafening war song that amplified his aura.

"Boy, your time has come."

Xing Lei roared, his body blotting out the sky. A palm strike sent Lin Fan flying. Lin Fan spun in the air before landing gently, looking at Xing Lei with an exasperated expression.

"We have no quarrel. Why do you want to kill me? Can you give me a reason?"

Xing Lei, whose strength was his forte, looked grave. His palm strike, powerful enough to shatter stars, had been neutralized upon contact with Lin Fan, as if absorbed by water.

"The Dragon God was right."

Xing Lei understood the Dragon God's warning.

Lin Fan was indeed strong.

He secretly communicated with the other two ancestors, signaling them to activate the formations and attack together, aiming to kill Lin Fan on the spot.

Sun Xiao's hand trembled as he held the phone.

This was a true battle.

Even from so far away, he could feel the oppressive aura that nearly crushed him. The surrounding space itself was shattering. How terrifyingly powerful must one be to achieve such a feat?

As Lin Fan questioned Xing Lei…

More formations activated.

The other two ancestors appeared, unleashing a barrage of attacks on Lin Fan. Despicably, they even resorted to using their treasures, relentlessly bombarding him.

The earth quaked.

Even people in cities thousands of miles away felt the tremors.

The once clear blue sky turned chaotic.

Lin Fan had no interest in them.

The three were weaker than the Dragon God and Ming, yet they persisted in attacking him relentlessly, as if driven by a blood feud.

The Dragon God and Little Buddha observed from afar.

"These fools. They were warned, yet they didn't listen. They think they're prepared, but they have no idea of the true disparity in power," the Dragon God said.

Little Buddha replied, "Amitabha. He is very strong. If he could enter the forbidden grounds with me, he would surely gain much."

The Dragon God remained silent, continuing to watch. Based on his understanding of Lin Fan, this was just a fight; he wouldn't take their lives.

At this moment…

Xing Lei roared, summoning a tattered banner stained with dark blood. The banner exuded a Fierce aura, as if an ancient terror had awakened.

"Kill!"

"Kill!"

Xing Lei waved the banner, unleashing waves of mysterious light.

Lin Fan looked up, gently pushing his hand forward. Time seemed to freeze. With a resounding boom, an overwhelming force suppressed the banner, instantly dimming its light and subduing it.

Xing Lei coughed up blood, staring at Lin Fan in terror.

The Titan Clan and Diamond Clan ancestors used all their techniques.

The situation had far exceeded their expectations.

It was beyond their wildest imagination.

They had prepared thoroughly, enough to suppress any clan ancestor, yet now they felt cornered.

"You are no match for me," Lin Fan stated.

A month or two ago…

He might have enjoyed sparring with them. But for some reason, every time he woke up at the beginning of the month, he felt much stronger. Did the strength gained in his dreams count?

He didn't dwell on these complex questions.

But it felt like that was the case.

Xing Lei's eyes darted around, landing on Old Zhang and the others in the distance. He wouldn't normally resort to such despicable tactics, but anyone driven to desperation would do anything to gain an advantage.

Hostages…

Threats…

It didn't matter anymore.

"Capture his companions!" Xing Lei finally made a foolish decision – or perhaps, in his mind, the smartest one. "Split up. I'll hold him off."

The Titan Clan and Diamond Clan ancestors hesitated.

They were reluctant.

But it was indeed the best option.

"Alright."

"No problem."

They agreed.

Lin Fan had been relaxed, not angered by their attacks, assuming it was a misunderstanding. But now, hearing Xing Lei's words, his expression changed.

His face turned cold.

This was a rare sight.

One instance was when Old Zhang had encountered the Roach Devil, and he had become truly enraged. And then the Roach Devil…

The Dragon God, observing the situation, paled.

"No…"

He hadn't anticipated Xing Lei's plan. It would be fatal.

The Titan Clan and Diamond Clan ancestors charged towards Old Zhang and the others with incredible speed. With their power, they could capture them in an instant.

Apart from the Dragon God…

No one noticed the icy aura emanating from Lin Fan.

A dragon has its reverse scales.

Old Zhang was Lin Fan's reverse scale.

They could target One-Eyed Man, they could target Sun Xiao, but they absolutely could not target Old Zhang.

Usually, playful banter and even insults were fine. But crossing this line…

This battle…

Was no longer a spar.

It would be a fight to the death.

"You're courting death!"

Lin Fan moved.

"Trying to save them from me? Dream on!" Xing Lei roared, about to act, when the Dragon God appeared before him, blocking his path. "Don't be a fool…"

At that moment…

The world trembled, thunder erupted, as if something terrifying had occurred. The sky turned crimson.

The Dragon God's face contorted, and he turned sharply.

Seeing the scene before him…

His eyes widened in horror.

"Too late." The Dragon God shook his head.

The Titan Clan ancestor's body was disintegrating, pierced through.

The Diamond Clan ancestor's head had been smashed, his internal Dao laws surging out, about to dissipate into the world.

What had just happened was astonishing.

The two ancestors had been intercepted by Lin Fan. They cursed Xing Lei inwardly for his incompetence in holding Lin Fan back. As they prepared to attack, they realized with horror that Lin Fan's power was now beyond their ability to resist.

One punch to pierce through a body.

One punch to crush a head.

In their final moments, the two ancestors thought…

Xing Lei… Damn your ancestors!

These were ancestors of great clans, their power earth-shattering, capable of controlling stars. They weren't easy to kill. While not immortal, it was nearly impossible for those of the same realm to kill them.

A shattered body was a minor issue.

As long as a part of them remained, they could regenerate, if not from a single drop of blood, then from a severed limb.

But now…

They were utterly destroyed.

There was no chance of recovery. How terrifying were those two punches from Lin Fan? They must have contained the power of annihilation.

"How could this be…"

Xing Lei stared in disbelief.

Those were two great clan ancestors.

In an instant…

They were dead.

He looked at the Dragon God, then at Lin Fan, standing there like a demon god, a chill running down his spine.

"I warned you, but you didn't listen," the Dragon God said.

He had truly warned him.

Even if Xing Lei hadn't heeded the warning, being defeated in a spar wasn't shameful. But he hadn't expected Xing Lei to resort to such tactics.

Xing Lei was lucky to be alive.

The two ancestors were truly unlucky.