Chapter 33: Cave Heaven Realm

'The more hidden cards he has, the stronger I become after sharing them,' Lin Fan mused, barely containing his excitement. 'In this state, whether it's setting up formations, making predictions, or using those bizarre magical techniques, I surpass Fan Jianqiang in every aspect. After all, my cultivation level will be higher after sharing, making these methods even more potent in my hands. Though if we were to truly fight one-on-one, I'd probably still lose. Who knows how many more tricks he has up his sleeve? He's still alive, after all—until his last breath, his arsenal remains unpredictable.'

But Lin Fan understood this was only temporary. All "cautious protagonists" were formidable by nature, backed by countless hidden cards, making cross-realm battles standard for them. Just as level-breaking combat was standard for all protagonist templates.

'Still, I'm not the only one who can share his power. There's also Xiao Ling'er!'

Previously, Xiao Ling'er might have been slowed down by the "Grandpa in the Necklace," leaving her at only the sixth level of the Condensing Yuan Realm. But given time, she would undoubtedly catch up and become a "Tier 0" existence—a peerless prodigy with the potential to dominate an era. Once fully developed, she might even rival Fan Jianqiang in combat prowess!

'And then there's me. My own talent might be mediocre, lacking the passion of the "Flame Emperor" template, but once I share their talents and strengths... Once I fully integrate their combat power, my realm will undoubtedly crush Fan Jianqiang's.

Under absolute strength, even his "trillion hidden cards" might not matter much. Protagonist templates are powerful, but not invincible. In the end, they're still... well, my disciples. So, I must stay determined. Right now, the greatest crisis looms—perhaps in three to five days, or ten at most.

Before then, I must cultivate relentlessly and break through as soon as possible! If I can reach the Cave Heaven Realm, and the Supreme Elder succeeds in breaking through to the Mystic Finger Realm, we'll have a real chance of surviving this crisis. Not to mention, Fan Jianqiang is still here.

His earlier request to inspect the sect's feng shui was clearly part of his "stability" preparations. As for Xiao Ling'er... it's better not to rely on her unless absolutely desperate. The old man in her necklace might not have recovered even a fraction of his power. No need to risk him falling dormant again.'

After organizing his thoughts, Lin Fan steadied his mind. Just as he prepared to begin cultivating, Xiao Ling'er arrived, requesting an audience.

"Master."

"Come in."

Lin Fan waved his hand, and the door swung open without a breeze.

"Master." Xiao Ling'er bowed respectfully, then presented a jade vial. "This is the ninth-grade Profound Yuan Pill I refined during the alchemy conference. I have no use for it now, so I'd like to offer it to you."

Lin Fan accepted it, turning the vial in his fingers. "I won't pretend to refuse. I'm in dire need of this pill, and our Moon Embracing Sect faces imminent danger... But I'll remember this kindness. I won't let you down."

He truly needed it. There was no point in feigning humility—he'd rather meet sincerity with sincerity. At least for someone like Xiao Ling'er, who embodied the "Flame Emperor" archetype, honesty was the best policy.

"Master, you're too kind." Xiao Ling'er beamed. "The sect has given me so much. How could I not reciprocate? Besides, this pill isn't a big deal. With the right materials, I can refine these easily—even ninth-grade Cave Heaven Pills aren't out of reach..."

"You have a good heart." Lin Fan smiled. "I'll trust in your alchemy talent. In the future, our sect's pill supply will depend on you. Don't find it tedious."

"Never!"

Xiao Ling'er puffed out her chest, her pride evident. Though Lin Fan's words meant more responsibilities, she felt no resentment—only joy and a sense of purpose.

After some more conversation, she left, satisfied. Her biggest fear had been that her master would refuse the pill out of pride. Fortunately, Lin Fan wasn't as stubborn as the Supreme Elder, which delighted her.

And with her master's recognition, she felt more motivated than ever.

…..

'She's practically baring her soul to me—aside from the "Grandpa in the Necklace," she holds nothing back,' Lin Fan thought, watching her leave. 'That level of trust is rare. It reminds me that I can share her alchemy skills too. I could refine these pills myself... if I had a furnace and ingredients.' He smirked. 'But why bother? When I have disciples to do the work for me, why should I labor? Being sect leader means delegating!'

A memory from his past life surfaced—a story about a wife who'd believed her husband couldn't cook for seven years, only to discover his professional chef's certificate while cleaning. Scumbag move—

'Wait, am I calling myself a scumbag now? The only downside is that alchemy skills don't stack.'

Unlike cultivation, alchemy proficiency didn't combine when shared. The stronger skill simply overshadowed the weaker one. So, Lin Fan's alchemy would likely plateau at Xiao Ling'er's level unless he stumbled upon some extraordinary opportunity.

…..

'Xiao Ling'er's loyalty and bond with the sect are unquestionable, but Fan Jianqiang still needs some guidance. After this battle...' Lin Fan was certain the Moon Embracing Sect would face more conflicts in the future. 'For now, pills and cultivation! The stronger I am, the better our chances. Besides, I can always conceal my cultivation level if needed—another trick from the cautious protagonist's playbook.'

No longer hesitating, Lin Fan took the pill and began cultivating.

Boom!

The ninth-grade Profound Yuan Realm Pill's medicinal power surged, rich and potent. Even at the ninth level of the Profound Yuan Realm Realm, its effects would be significant—let alone Lin Fan's current first-level status.

As the pill dissolved, violent energy erupted in his dantian, meridians, and Xuanmen acupoint. The pain was excruciating, but his cultivation climbed as if cheating.

By midnight, the first pill's effects waned. Without pause, Lin Fan took another.

At dawn, he opened his eyes.

He had broken through!

'Second level of the Profound Yuan Realm Realm! Fan Jianqiang's talent is truly on par with Xiao Ling'er's. Combined with my own meager gifts... Though the real key was gulping ninth-grade Profound Yuan Realm Pills like candy—two in one night for a breakthrough. Marvelous!'

"Combat power, merge!"

Boom!

An even more terrifying aura erupted within the cave.

'Fourth Realm—Cave Heaven Realm, achieved!'