Chapter 8: The Sect Belongs to All of Us

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The next morning, as the first light of dawn seeped through the horizon, Lin Fan's eyes fluttered open. He stood up, stretching slightly.

A series of crisp pops resounded through his body as his bones adjusted, his entire being surging with newfound strength. His eyes gleamed like lightning, his aura brimming with power.

"Condensing Yuan Realm… Third Level."

Lin Fan's voice was calm, yet the reality of his breakthrough was anything but ordinary.

"In less than a day, I've advanced an entire stage. If I relied solely on my own talent, this might have taken months, or even years… but now?"

He exhaled, steadying his thoughts. A breakthrough wasn't merely about absorbing the world's energy—it required surpassing limitations, breaking bottlenecks. Talent dictated how smoothly one progressed. Those born with superior gifts encountered fewer roadblocks, advancing as naturally as breathing.

If it had been his past self, achieving this in such a short time would have been impossible. But with Xiao Ling'er's monstrous talent now fused with his own, everything had changed.

The realization sent a rush of excitement through him.

"I made the right decision."

As for the controversy surrounding his method?

He scoffed internally.

"So what if I used an unconventional approach?"

His expression soon eased, replaced by a steady determination.

"Calm. I need to stay calm." He took a deep breath. "I'm the Sect Master now."

With his emotions stabilized, he made his way out of his quarters.

"Time to check on Xiao Ling'er and bring her to choose her cultivation technique."

As he stepped outside, he noticed Second Elder Wu Xingyun and the other four Elders lingering nearby. They had nothing pressing to do and were still curious about the seemingly absurd new sect rules Lin Fan had implemented. More than anything, they were intrigued by his unwavering choice to accept Xiao Ling'er as a disciple.

Lin Fan didn't mind their presence. In fact, he welcomed it.

Maybe after today, they'd finally realize how important their new Sect Master was.

…..

"Master! Good morning, Elders."

Xiao Ling'er had just finished washing up when she noticed their arrival. She quickly bowed, her movements neat and respectful.

"Morning," Lin Fan replied with a slight smile. "Did you rest well last night?"

Xiao Ling'er nodded earnestly. "Much better than sleeping under the open sky."

She had spent months in constant fear, barely getting any proper rest. Last night had been the first peaceful sleep she had in a long time.

Lin Fan chuckled. "Glad to hear that."

He turned slightly. "Let's go to the Scripture Pavilion. You should pick a cultivation technique that suits you—"

"What?!"

A sharp exclamation interrupted Lin Fan mid-sentence. He turned, raising a brow.

"Second Elder?"

Wu Xingyun stood frozen, her normally composed face contorted with shock. Her lips parted slightly, and her eyes widened as she stared at Xiao Ling'er in disbelief.

"You— The Ninth Level of Opening Xuan?!"

Her reaction sent a ripple of shock through the rest of the Elders. Supreme Elder Su Xinghai, Third Elder Li Changshou, and the others quickly turned their attention to Xiao Ling'er, their expressions shifting from curiosity to sheer astonishment.

"It's true… she really reached the Ninth Level…"

Just yesterday, she had been at the Third Level of Opening Xuan Realm.

How had she advanced so quickly?

This wasn't just unnatural—it was outright absurd!

Moreover, she had previously suffered a cultivation decline. In theory, regaining lost ground should have been significantly harder. Even the most talented individuals would need years to climb back up after such a setback.

But Xiao Ling'er had done it in a single night.

"This… this is beyond genius…" Third Elder Li Changshou muttered under his breath, his heart pounding.

A 'genius' would take at least a year to progress from the Third to the Ninth Level of the Opening Xuan Realm.

Xiao Ling'er had done it in less than a day.

This was no longer just talent—this was monstrous.

A heaven-defying prodigy.

Their minds reeled.

More importantly… how had Lin Fan known?

They had all assumed Xiao Ling'er was mediocre, a low-tier cultivator at best. Even worse, she had disguised herself, covering her face in mud. Who would have spared her a second glance?

Yet Lin Fan had picked her out with unwavering confidence.

And now… the truth was undeniable.

The five Elders exchanged bewildered glances. How had he done it? The selection rules had seemed arbitrary—nonsensical, even.

How could such random conditions lead to the discovery of an actual prodigy?

They struggled to wrap their heads around it.

And yet… the results spoke for themselves.

Was it truly just luck?

Their gazes shifted between Lin Fan and Xiao Ling'er, their minds drowning in questions.

Lin Fan, meanwhile, remained perfectly composed.

Unlike them, he had known all along.

Xiao Ling'er merely smiled at their reactions and responded modestly, "Elders, you're exaggerating. The environment of the Moon Embracing Sect is simply excellent, which allowed me to progress faster."

The Elders fell silent.

The environment of the sect?

Hah.

Their expressions turned slightly stiff. They all knew the sect's current state—while it still held some resources, it wasn't exactly the ideal training ground for rapid breakthroughs.

"As for cultivation techniques…" Xiao Ling'er hesitated. "Master, I actually have my own. It suits me well. May I continue using it?"

Supreme Elder Su Xinghai immediately frowned. "Your technique may seem adequate, but our sect's—"

"Elder," Lin Fan interrupted with a wave of his hand. "Let her be."

He turned to Xiao Ling'er. "Since you've made your choice, I trust you. Come, let's get your cultivation resources."

…..

Inside the sect's treasury.

Though the sect's wealth had dwindled, the remaining resources were still substantial—at least, they appeared so at first glance.

Xiao Ling'er took everything in with a calm gaze. However, before she could speak, Lin Fan casually gestured toward the countless Spirit Stones, medicinal pills, and rare materials surrounding them.

"Take whatever you need. No restrictions."

Xiao Ling'er's breath hitched.

"All… all for me?"

She turned to Lin Fan, her voice tinged with disbelief.

"Yes." Lin Fan's expression was serene. "Though the Moon Embracing Sect has declined, we do not hold back when nurturing disciples. We give everything we have."

He placed a firm hand on her shoulder and met her gaze directly.

"As a member of this sect, you are entitled to these benefits. The sect does not belong to me. It does not belong to any one person. It belongs to all of us."

Before she could fully process his words, Lin Fan turned and led the Elders away, leaving her standing alone amidst the vast treasures.

For a long while, she remained still.

Then, a murmur escaped her lips.

"Master… he's truly… remarkable."

A deep, ancient voice echoed in her mind, filled with admiration. "His vision surpasses ordinary men."

"Cultivate diligently. Do not disappoint him. So that one day... you may repay this immense favor."

Xiao Ling'er clenched her fists, her eyes shining with newfound determination.

"I will."