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If there was something good to be had, Lin Fan would gladly give it to Xiao Ling'er!
After all, Xiao Linger's cultivation was practically an extension of his own. If she possessed some kind of secret advantage, it would only mean that she could progress faster, and by extension, benefit him as well. A win-win situation.
As for the concept of betrayal—reciprocating kindness with treachery? That seemed unlikely. Anyone with a shred of common sense would cherish a master who valued them so highly. It was human nature to appreciate kindness, not bite the hand that fed you.
But of course, should she turn out to be a thankless ingrate, he could always take back the power he had given her… forcibly, if necessary.
Lose to her?
Not a chance.
Talent could be borrowed, but the strength gained through that talent was real.
He and Xiao Ling'er shared the same power, the same talent—but he had the added blessing of his own unique strength. There was no reason he couldn't defeat her if it ever came to that.
From Lin Fan's perspective, even though he had transmigrated into this world, it wasn't much different from playing a game. Just like in a game, hesitation was nothing but a wasted turn.
For the next two days, the Moon Embracing Sect was eerily calm.
Then, on the third day, the Second Elder arrived, practically staggering in her steps.
"Second Elder, what happened?" Lin Fan asked, his brow lifting at her disheveled state.
"Sect Master! Sect Master!" she panted, barely able to contain herself. "Condensing Yuan—Condensing Yuan…!"
"What?" Lin Fan turned to her, a flicker of curiosity in his gaze.
The Second Elder's expression was one of pure shock as she gawked at him. "You—what have you done?"
Lin Fan tilted his head. "Hmm?"
Her eyes widened as she scanned him, disbelief plastered all over her face. "The fourth level of the Condensing Yuan Realm?!"
"I've been in a good mood these past few days," Lin Fan replied, a casual smile tugging at his lips. "Maybe I had an epiphany. My progress has been rather smooth."
"An epiphany?" she echoed, as if barely able to process his words. Then, all at once, she beamed. "To think the Sect Master has such an opportunity! This is wonderful!"
Her excitement only grew as she thought further. First, the sect had gained a talented disciple. Now, their Sect Master's cultivation was skyrocketing. Was the Moon Embracing Sect's fate finally changing for the better? Were the tides of destiny shifting?
"Second Elder?" Lin Fan prompted, pulling her out of her thoughts. "What was that about Condensing Yuan just now?"
The Second Elder took a deep breath, as if steadying herself. "Ling'er! Ling'er has broken through to the Condensing Yuan Realm!"
Lin Fan's smile remained, unfazed. "That's good news."
The Second Elder, however, blinked at him. "Sect Master, are you not… shocked?"
Lin Fan stared at her blankly for a second. Then, he coughed and forced an exaggerated expression of disbelief. "Oh! Shocked. Very shocked."
The Second Elder narrowed her eyes. That reaction was way too fake.
Before she could press further, Lin Fan's gaze shifted. "She's here."
Following his line of sight, the Second Elder turned to see Xiao Ling'er hovering outside the room, hesitating. Her fingers twisted together as if she were struggling with something.
"Shall I let her in?" the Second Elder asked.
"Of course."
"Master, Second Elder." Xiao Ling'er stepped in, her unease evident in the way she lowered her head slightly.
"It's a good thing that you've broken through the Condensing Yuan Realm," Lin Fan said, nodding in approval. "You should be commended."
"Master exaggerates," Xiao Ling'er said quickly, shaking her hands as if rejecting the praise. "I actually came here because…"
"Go on." Lin Fan chuckled.
He wasn't afraid of her making requests. In fact, he preferred it. It was proof that she had desires, that she had ambitions.
Investing in her was the wisest strategy.
Xiao Ling'er bit her lip before finally gathering her resolve. "It's about the Earth Core Demon Fire."
Lin Fan's eyes flickered.
So she knew about that?
The Earth Core Demon Fire was an ancient flame, formed tens of thousands of meters below the earth's surface. In the Moon Embracing Sect's peak, they had managed to claim it. Over time, its existence had faded from public knowledge, becoming a mere legend to the outside world.
Even within the sect, few knew of it.
The fire had never been truly tamed. Not at the sect's peak, and certainly not now. It was merely sealed away, its terrifying power kept in check. To the Moon Embracing Sect, it was both a treasure and their last trump card.
For Xiao Ling'er to know about it…
Lin Fan's expression remained neutral, but inwardly, his suspicions solidified.
She definitely had some kind of 'portable grandpa'—an unseen guide feeding her information. And judging by the circumstances, she was most likely following the 'Yan Emperor' template.
Otherwise, how would she even know about this? If she knew, then logically, others could know. And if others knew, the Moon Embracing Sect would have been destroyed long ago.
This fire was something that far surpassed the sect's current standing. The only reason they still had it was that no one else realized it existed.
The Second Elder, however, wasn't as composed. Her entire body tensed, her expression wary. "How do you know about this?" she asked sharply.
The Moon Embracing Sect had gone to great lengths to keep this secret. Yet, a newcomer—a disciple who had barely been here—knew about it?
Xiao Ling'er bit her lip, remaining silent.
The Second Elder looked ready to press further, but Lin Fan raised a hand, stopping her. "That's enough."
Then, without hesitation, he said, "Give it to her."
Both the Second Elder and Xiao Ling'er froze.
Xiao Ling'er looked utterly stunned, unable to believe what she'd just heard. The Second Elder, on the other hand, looked like she had swallowed a whole lemon.
Lin Fan was just… giving it away?
A treasure greater than the entire Moon Embracing Sect?
But remembering Lin Fan's previous stance—how he had warned them not to hoard resources—the Second Elder could only sigh in resignation. With a bitter smile, she took out the sealed Earth Core Demon Fire.
"This thing is not to be trifled with," she warned. "It has developed spiritual intelligence. Even fifth or sixth-realm cultivators struggle to suppress it. And you… you're barely at Condensing Yuan."
She shook her head but didn't refuse the request. She handed Xiao Ling'er the token containing the fire's seal.
As Xiao Ling'er touched the token, she could hear her teacher's excited voice in her head. Her gaze turned to Lin Fan, her heart in turmoil.
He… actually gave her something this important?
A surge of emotion welled up within her.
In that moment, Lin Fan's significance in her heart soared—second only to her 'teacher.' The Moon Embracing Sect came third.
"I will repay Master and the sect," she vowed silently.
She wouldn't let their expectations go to waste.
And so, the gears of fate continued to turn.