Chapter 40: Mutual Cooporation

Tear!

The sharp sound of weapons cutting through air echoed. Su Xinghai frowned and suddenly pivoted, positioning himself to shield Wu Xingyun as blood threatened to spill from his lips once more.

But then a hearty laugh rang out, "Hold on, fellow Daoist!"

"Leave these beasts to us!"

"Fortunate we arrived in time—this would've been difficult to explain otherwise."

"Die, you mongrels!"

The fur-clad attackers never anticipated these new players entering the stage. Before they could reach Su Xinghai, they were intercepted. A fierce battle ensued, ending with their complete annihilation.

One cultivator at the fifth level of the Mystic Finger Realm. Two at the seventh level of Mystic Finger! A perfect ambush!

After dispatching them, Liu Xun soared into the sky, his voice carrying across the battlefield, "You vermin hiding in the shadows—mark my words! The Moon Embracing Sect stands allied with the Liu family of Hongwu Immortal City! Withdraw now if you value your lives. These lands fall under Hongwu Immortal City's jurisdiction. While our Liu family may seem insignificant, we're the local serpents here. Test us if you dare—see if your mighty dragons can overpower this local snake!"

His declaration extinguished the last flickers of hesitation among the remaining groups. Whether the Liu family genuinely supported Moon Embracing Sect or sought to monopolize its secrets mattered little—the outcome remained unchanged.

When outmatched, retreat becomes the only option.

Yet within Moon Embracing Sect, astonishment rippled through the ranks. 'Since when did we forge an alliance with the Liu family? Why weren't we informed?'

Lin Fan's gaze flicked toward his 'Guiding Light'—Fan Jianqiang remained remarkably composed. 'Ah, I see.' A smile tugged at Lin Fan's lips. 'Angel investors.'

It seemed the Liu family patriarch possessed discernment. Though not visionary enough for true 'timely aid,' this 'adding icing on the cake' gesture still held value. Perhaps it wasn't lack of courage but insufficient conviction?

Regardless, icing surpassed salt in wounds.

If the Liu family proved reliable, Lin Fan wouldn't mind cooperation—perhaps even sharing future benefits. Their performance would determine whether they deserved elevation.

This wasn't arrogance; Lin Fan's confidence stemmed from his unique advantage. With two protagonist template disciples, survival alone would suffice. Within a year at most, the Moon Embracing Sect could rival—if not surpass—the Liu family's standing.

And when it came to caution... who could out-caution a true cautious protagonist?

Now that Fan Jianqiang had begun his maneuvers, barring catastrophic errors, the Moon Embracing Sect's safety seemed assured for the coming year. Still, vigilance remained paramount.

Lin Fan concealed his hands within his sleeves, quietly assimilating Fan Jianqiang's combat prowess while masking his own cultivation fluctuations. Simultaneously, he employed the Great Evolution of Heaven and Earth to divine the sect's fortunes post-Liu family's intervention.

'The Great Evolution truly lives up to its name—such precise calculations! Though the energy expenditure is substantial. Is their collective strength the cause?'

Maintaining his composed facade, Lin Fan transmitted orders to the Supreme and Second Elders to receive their guests. Despite his reservations, Su Xinghai complied—discipline overriding doubt.

Soon, Liu Xun's trio ascended the mountain.

When the groups converged, Lin Fan initiated the exchange, "What an honor to receive such distinguished guests."

"The presumption is ours, arriving unannounced," Liu Xun responded smoothly. Su Xinghai had briefed them about Lin Fan's leadership during their ascent, so their expressions betrayed no surprise or disdain. "We hope Sect Master Lin won't take offense."

Liu Xun's manners were impeccable—neither self-abasing nor arrogant, striking the perfect diplomatic balance. Stupid he might be in some regards, but as a scion groomed for leadership, such social niceties came naturally.

"Regrettably," Liu Xun sighed, "despite rushing upon receiving news, we arrived a step too late. Had we been swifter, Elders Su and Wu might've been spared their injuries… Please impose whatever penalty Sect Master Lin deems fit."

"You flatter us," Lin Fan deflected, playing along. "Previously unconnected to the Liu family, yet you braved the storm to aid us—this is grace beyond measure. How could punishment ever enter the conversation? Only gratitude remains!"

His tone turned self-deprecating, "Though given Moon Embracing Sect's current... limitations, our thanks may seem hollow. But I vow this: should the Liu family ever face tribulations, our entire sect shall answer the call!"

The Liu family elders' faces twitched imperceptibly. Liu Xun forced a laugh.

"Sect Master Lin exaggerates! Tonight's actions were but a trivial courtesy. We intervened not for repayment, but to extend friendship."

'Hmph. Empty promises cost nothing,' Liu Xun thought bitterly. 'You think I expect benefits from your crumbling sect? Dream on! But if you dare mention this 'debt' when we're actually in trouble... Preposterous! With your current state, you'd struggle to survive even if you fought tooth and nail, while our Liu family could resolve this effortlessly. When would we ever need Moon Embracing Sect's help?'

Yet voicing this outright would breach decorum. Liu Xun could only fume inwardly as Lin Fan continued missing—or deliberately ignoring—his cues.

The conversation became a frustrating dance. Each time Liu Xun steered toward substantive discussion, Lin Fan artfully diverted it, leaving the young master increasingly exasperated.

'Why won't he follow the script?' Liu Xun's mental rehearsals of verbal sparring went unused. 'I'd prepared such excellent lines!'

After repeated failed attempts, Liu Xun swallowed his pride. 'Fine, take the advantage this once. But remember this, Sect Master—there'll be reckoning.'

Masking his irritation, he finally broached the crux, "Historically, the Moon Embracing Sect enjoyed great prosperity. Though currently diminished, under Sect Master Lin's leadership, we believe resurgence is possible. Yet the path will be fraught with peril. Might Sect Master Lin consider formalizing cooperation with our Liu family? Mutual support could significantly bolster your revival prospects!"