The Sect Master Only Accepts Protagonists

'If the other party is afraid, what are they afraid of? It's definitely not me! Then it can only be the five elders. In that case, what if I act a little crazy?' Lin Fan has known a truth since he was a child: if you're obedient and timid, everyone will bully you. But if you're stubborn and unyielding, even to the point of risking your life, then few will dare to mess with you! When the opponent can't kill you without suffering losses themselves, the weak fear the strong, the strong fear the reckless, the reckless fear the insane, and the insane fear those who have nothing to lose!

Lin Fan has also understood another truth since he was young—the richer one is, the more they cherish their life. Why do wealthy people often seem polite and well-mannered around ordinary people? Because they're afraid of death! They have so much wealth that they could never spend it in several lifetimes. Why would they risk their lives over a trivial matter with someone who has nothing to lose? If you suddenly go crazy and take them down with you, what do they gain?

In the Divine Martial Continent, while wealth isn't the sole measure of everything, it represents power and influence. For example, at this moment, the three sects are afraid of their five elders. If he acts tougher now, no one will dare to step on them or the Moon Embracing Sect in the future. So... if it's come to this, who's afraid of whom?

…

Lin Fan's thoughts were clear as a mirror. But his actions and behavior, in the eyes of the three sects and even Second Elder Wu Xingyun, seemed utterly insane!

"You dare?!"

"Are you seeking death?!"

"Does the Moon Embracing Sect want to be destroyed today?!"

The elders of the three sects glared furiously, their auras exploding with intensity. Their words were filled with threats and hostility.

Wu Xingyun's mouth twitched. She secretly thought, 'The Sect Master is too young and impulsive. A leader who protects his disciples is naturally beloved, but at a time like this, when we're outmatched, shouldn't we keep a low profile?' She felt conflicted but couldn't undermine Lin Fan now. She could only brace herself and prepare to face the Cave Heaven Realm elders.

Fortunately, the Great Elder Su Xinghai, Third Elder Li Changshou, Fourth Elder Chen Erzhu, and Fifth Elder Duan Qingyao arrived. They flanked Wu Xingyun, their auras surging like tidal waves, suppressing the opposing elders. The expressions of the three sects' elders shifted, but they didn't back down.

"Fine, great! The Moon Embracing Sect really has a death wish. Don't think that just because your elders are stronger, you can do as you please. You've mobilized all your forces, but how many have we sent from our three sects? If you want to die, go ahead. Let's see how your sect fares!"

The five elders remained calm, but inwardly, they were uneasy. Both sides were locked in a stalemate, wary of each other. Su Xinghai and the others knew they were stronger individually, but they also understood that the combined strength of the three sets far surpassed theirs. If a full-scale battle broke out, the Moon Embracing Sect would be annihilated, even if they took a heavy toll on the enemy.

The three sects' elders, however, were even more panicked. While any one of their sects was stronger than the Moon Embracing Sect, they hadn't brought their full forces or treasures. If a fight broke out now, they would be the ones to perish first. After all, who wanted to die? Especially Elder Wu of the Peach Blossom Sect, who had just reached the Cave Heaven Realm and become an elder. She hadn't even had time to enjoy her newfound status—was she really going to die here? It would be a waste to sacrifice their lives just to take down the Moon Embracing Sect.

They wanted to back down, but they couldn't. Their mission was clear, and their disciples were watching eagerly, expecting them to assert their sect's dominance. If they backed down now, their reputation would be ruined.

The elders on both sides stared each other down, locked in a tense standoff. The three sects' elders inwardly cursed Lin Fan.

"This little brat doesn't know his place. With just a few words, he's pushed us into this situation. We're stuck between a rock and a hard place. What do we do now?"

"If I get the chance, I'll skin this brat alive, pull out his tendons, and refine his soul into a lantern!"

"Enough cursing. We need a plan. What do we do about the Moon Embracing Sect?"

The three sects' elders communicated through soul messages, but they were all deeply frustrated. Even the usually arrogant Golden Eagle Sect elders were at a loss. The Moon Embracing Sect was acting completely insane, even life-threatening!

The disciples on both sides watched eagerly, unaware of the underlying tension. They all hoped their elders would demonstrate their power. Only Xiao Linger remained serious, ready for action. Occasionally, she glanced at Lin Fan's back, her eyes filled with admiration and tenderness. For the sake of two outer disciples, he was willing to confront three sects! With such a sect leader, how could anyone not feel loyal to the Moon Embracing Sect?

As for Fang Kun and Zuo Qingqing, they were terrified. They wanted to obey Lin Fan's order and slap the Golden Eagle Sect disciple, but they were afraid of escalating the conflict.

Lin Fan snorted coldly, "Why are you still standing there? Don't you listen to your sect leader?!" He forced them to step forward and retaliate. Although the sect rules stated that they shouldn't provoke enemies they couldn't defeat, this situation was different. Hatred had already been sown, and tolerating it further would only invite more bullying. Besides, these three sects... they clearly had no backbone. Otherwise, they wouldn't be so timid!

In that case, why should they be afraid? In front of you, the Moon Embracing Sect is just a bunch of lunatics. If you don't back down, we'll see who comes out on top!

Under Lin Fan's scolding, Fang Kun and Zuo Qingqing found their courage and strode forward. The Golden Eagle Sect elder was furious and shouted, "How dare you!" But he didn't dare to risk his life to stop them. He could only yell, "You're the ones at fault! We came here to settle the score, and now you dare to let your disciples attack?!"

"Why wouldn't I dare?" Lin Fan retorted coldly. "Since you're here to demand an explanation, you should have discussed terms before attacking. Instead, you came to my Moon Embracing Sect and beat my disciples without a word. How can I let that slide?"

"You want an explanation? Fine, I'll give you one—after they've settled their own score. If you don't like it, feel free to attack. Let's see if the Moon Embracing Sect has the guts to bury you here!"

The Golden Eagle Sect elder trembled with rage. Fang Kun and Zuo Qingqing, now emboldened, stepped forward and delivered two resounding slaps to the Golden Eagle Sect disciple. The sound echoed far and wide, leaving the disciple dazed, blood streaming from his nose and mouth, his teeth loosened.

"This is outrageous!" The disciple wanted to fight back, but when he saw his elders remaining silent, he froze. He wasn't a fool. He knew what his elders' silence meant. If they weren't intervening, he had no choice but to endure.

"Sect Master Lin," Elder Zhou of the Peach Blossom Sect finally spoke, his tone cautious. He no longer dared to look down on Lin Fan. This brat was reckless, but recklessness backed by power was dangerous. "Although the Golden Eagle Sect disciple was impulsive, your actions are excessive. Aren't you afraid of triggering a sect war? If the Moon Embracing Sect can't handle the consequences, isn't this too much?"

"Too much?" Lin Fan sneered. "If I came to your Peach Blossom Sect and beat your disciple to a pulp without a word, would your sect accept such humiliation?"

"That's... not the same."

"How is it not the same?" Lin Fan shot back. "Enough with the nonsense. Instead, let me ask you—have you ever heard an old saying?"

"What old saying?" Elder Zhou frowned, sensing trouble.

"They come, the security."

Elder Zhou: "???"

"Haven't you read the books? You're full of doubts. Can't you understand?" Lin Fan crossed his arms and said, "Then I'll explain. It means that since you've come here, you can be buried here. So, do you think my Moon Embracing Sect has good feng shui and want to be buried here?"

Elder Zhou's face turned ashen. 'What kind of nonsense is this?! Even if I haven't heard this saying, it's clearly inappropriate! No, I regret this. How do I deal with this lunatic?'

Noticing the fading confidence in his disciples' eyes, Elder Zhou knew he had to act. Fortunately, the Eight Swords Sect elder stepped in. He also felt the situation was spiraling out of control. Their three sects had come together to demand an explanation, but now they were being suppressed by the Moon Embracing Sect. If this continued, their disciples would lose all respect for them.

"What Sect Master Lin said has some merit," the Eight Swords Sect elder said calmly. "But now that your disciples have retaliated, shouldn't we discuss the main issue? A month ago, your Moon Embracing Sect interfered with our recruitment. The future of a sect lies in its disciples. Your actions are tantamount to cutting off our lifeline. If you don't provide an explanation, this matter won't end here."

"Oh?" Lin Fan still had his arms crossed, his tone indifferent. "Then what does this elder propose?"

The Eight Swords Sect elder's lips twitched. 'What kind of response is this? Shouldn't you be showing some weakness, offering compensation, or at least trying to smooth things over? Your attitude is making this impossible to resolve!'

"Fine, since you're in a hurry, I'll cut to the chase," the Golden Eagle Sect elder said angrily. "I have a solution."

"Go on."

Lin Fan glanced at him dismissively, which only fueled his anger.

"Since you poached our disciples to recruit new ones, let the new disciples from both sides fight. Regardless of life or death, the outcome will settle this matter."

"How about it?!"

The Peach Blossom Sect and Eight Swords Sect elders nodded in agreement. Lin Fan almost laughed out loud. These idiots want to pit their new disciples against Xiao Ling'er? Do they even know what a protagonist template is?

"Details," Lin Fan said, not refusing outright. This proposal actually worked in the Moon Embracing Sect's favor. Why not accept it? At most, Xiao Ling'er would have to hold back a little.

"Each of our three sects will send three disciples, and your Moon Embracing Sect will send nine," the Eight Swords Sect elder proposed. "After the battles, regardless of victory or defeat, life or death, the matter will be settled."

"With over 10,000 people coming to your sect this year, surely you can muster nine disciples, right?"

Elder Zhou added, "Let your new disciples come forward."

They assumed the Moon Embracing Sect's current disciples were all veterans. How could a new disciple reach the Condensing Yuan Realm in just a month? Impossible!

Lin Fan smiled. "I have no objections to your proposal, but our Moon Embracing Sect only recruited one new disciple this year. If we're to fight, it will have to be a one-versus-nine battle. It doesn't matter to me. I'm fine with my disciple fighting alone. What do your three sects think?"

He was smiling, but his heart was cold. After this battle, regardless of the outcome, the matter would be settled? That was his decision to make.

The elders and disciples of the three sects were stunned. Out of over 10,000 applicants, only one was accepted? Since when did the Moon Embracing Sect have such standards? And now you're proposing a one-versus-nine battle? Where does this confidence come from? Could they be looking down on them?

"Brat, don't be so arrogant!" Elder Wang of the Eight Swords Sect said, his expression dark. They knew there was a catch, but they couldn't refuse. Being afraid of a one-versus-nine battle? That would destroy their disciples' morale.

"Since you're seeking your own death, we'll agree!" Elder Zhou said coldly. They even wondered if Lin Fan was trying to use the death of his new disciple to settle the matter.

"In that case, let your disciple come down the mountain," the Golden Eagle Sect elder said. "My disciples will go first. I'm in a hurry."

"Down the mountain? She's been here all along. Ling'er, step forward. You've heard the terms. Go and spar with their disciples. Whether you live or die is up to you."

Lin Fan's tone was calm.

The three sects' elders frowned. Could it be that the new disciple had already reached the Condensing Yuan Realm? They scanned the seven mascots, trying to guess who the newcomer was.

Xiao Ling'er stepped forward, bowed to Lin Fan, and said, "Yes, Master."

Fifth level of the Condensing Yuan Realm?! Are you kidding me?!

The Golden Eagle Sect disciples were eager, and one stepped forward. "I'll go first! It's just a Moon Embracing Sect disciple. Watch how easily I suppress her!"

The Golden Eagle Sect elder's eyelids twitched. "Sect Master Lin!" he said urgently. "You're the leader of a sect. How can you be so dishonest? How could this woman be your new disciple?!"

At the fifth level of the Condensing Yuan Realm, on the verge of the sixth, she would be considered a prodigy even in a first-rate sect. How could the Moon Embracing Sect have recruited such a talent?

Li Changshou spoke up at this moment. "I, Li Changshou, swear on my Dao heart. If Xiao Ling'er is not the only disciple recruited by the Moon Embracing Sect this year, may my Dao collapse, my mind go mad, and my body perish."

The three sects' elders were stunned. A Dao heart oath! Are you serious?! What do they do now?