Chapter 34: Resources

"But I suppose I'm only at a pseudo-Cave Heaven Realm for now?"

Despite his excitement, Lin Fan quickly identified a flaw in his current state. In terms of combat power—after merging Fan Jianqiang and Xiao Ling'er's strengths—he had indeed reached the Cave Heaven Realm. His attacks, defenses, and Qi were all genuine, with no issues in sustainability.

But his physical body was lacking.

To put it in gaming terms: his attack, defense, and MP had all scaled to Cave Heaven Realm levels, but his HP was still pitifully low compared to a true Cave Heaven Realm cultivator.

"Right. The fourth realm is achieved when the Profound Yuan Qi accumulates to its peak within the Profound Yuan Realm, triggering a qualitative transformation that opens the physical cave. But my current state is temporary. I haven't truly opened a physical cave—I've just attained the same combat power through external means. Still, it's enough."

'Low HP? Then I'll just kill them before they can touch me.'

Besides, he didn't need to fight alone now. For Cave Heaven Realm threats, the elders could handle it. And as his disciples grew stronger, so would he.

'Overwhelm them with sheer cultivation. Otherwise, wouldn't it be a waste of my 'system'?'

This was Lin Fan's long-term plan. His current power boost was just a stepping stone—a necessary precaution in case of emergencies.

…..

Early Morning

Fan Jianqiang strolled down the mountain, humming to himself.

At the sect gates, he ran into Murong Loquat and Qiu Yongqin, the disciples on guard duty. He greeted them cheerfully. "Thanks for your hard work! I'm just heading down to check the feng shui."

"Ah… of course."

The two could hardly refuse. As ordinary disciples, they were in no position to stop a direct disciple of the Sect Master.

Once Fan Jianqiang was out of earshot, Murong Loquat sighed. "I'm really envious."

Qiu Yongqin nodded. "With his status and talent, he probably gets at least three Condensing Yuan Pills a month."

"Four, maybe even five," Murong Loquat muttered bitterly.

"The heavens are unkind, treating all beings as straw dogs." Qiu Yongqin sighed. "Talent varies. His is far beyond ours—envy is pointless."

"I know. I'm not jealous, just… wistful." Murong Loquat forced a smile. "I don't have your determination. I can't push myself as hard as you do."

Qiu Yongqin fell silent. 'Who wouldn't envy Fan Jianqiang? But envy wouldn't get him anywhere. Hard work would.'

Murong Loquat suddenly frowned. "Still, shouldn't someone with his talent focus on cultivation or alchemy? Why waste time on something as abstract as feng shui?"

Qiu Yongqin didn't respond, but his brow furrowed slightly. 'If it were me, I'd never squander such an opportunity.'

The path of cultivation was fraught with peril. Only by relentless self-improvement could one hope to achieve longevity and protect the sect.

…..

Sect Master's Quarters

"Sect Master."

Wu Xingyun arrived to report, her sharp eyes immediately noticing Lin Fan's changed aura.

"You… broke through again?!"

"Just luck." Lin Fan chuckled. "After taking two ninth-grade Xuanyuan Pills, I managed a small breakthrough. I suppose it's… passable?"

"Ninth-grade pills are potent," Wu Xingyun conceded, though she'd never taken one herself.

She clasped her hands. "Fan Jianqiang went down the mountain. Should I tail him discreetly?"

"No."

Lin Fan refused firmly.

He was trying to win Fan Jianqiang's loyalty. Sending someone to spy on him would only breed distrust.

"Trust those you employ; doubt those you don't."

"I understand your concern, but I can follow without being detected.

"Unnecessary."

'Without being detected? Against a cautious protagonist?' Lin Fan almost laughed.

"Let him go. I trust he won't act recklessly."

"...As you wish."

Wu Xingyun bowed, though she found her Sect Master increasingly inscrutable.

Yet, under Lin Fan's leadership, the Moon Embracing Sect had only flourished. So she deferred to his judgment.

…..

Reflections

After Wu Xingyun left, Lin Fan mulled over his approach.

Xiao Ling'er was straightforward—earnest effort won her loyalty. But Fan Jianqiang? A cautious protagonist wasn't so easily swayed.

'Only sincerity begets sincerity.'

Most protagonist templates, barring a few exceptions, were fundamentally good people. And Fan Jianqiang had temporarily taken charge of the sect's defenses. His trip down the mountain was likely just another layer of "preparation."

If loyalty could be quantified:

Xiao Ling'er's would be over 90%—solid.

Fan Jianqiang's hovered around 60%, barely passing. But as long as nothing went awry, he wouldn't betray them.

The rest? Time would tell.

"For now, cultivate and await the coming storm."

…..

Not that Lin Fan was idle.

But there was little else he could do.

The sect's defenses were already at their limit. The elders were making their own preparations. And Fan Jianqiang? He was undoubtedly "fortifying" things further.

Lin Fan's priority was his own cultivation.

'After this crisis, we'll need to expand.'

The sect's current resources were meager—a few spiritual fields, barely enough to grow common herbs. Hunting and gathering by the elders could only cover so much.

'We can't keep relying on Xiao Ling'er's alchemy to fund everything…'

She had her own cultivation to focus on. The elders needed resources too.

As he meditated, Lin Fan envisioned the future.

'First, acquire eight or ten spiritual mountains. Then…'