The Sect Master Only Accepts Protagonists

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Silence fell over the square.

Every gaze locked onto Xiao Ling'er as she bent down in a respectful salute, their expressions filled with envy beyond words. A hushed anticipation filled the air, each person secretly hoping they might be the next to receive such an honor.

But their hopes were destined for disappointment.

Lin Fan gently helped Xiao Ling'er to her feet, his expression warm yet composed.

"From this moment forward, you are an Inner Disciple of the the Moon Embracing Sect."

A murmur rippled through the crowd, but Lin Fan only sighed softly as he turned his attention to the others. "The path to immortality is arduous, as difficult as ascending to the heavens. Those who are truly destined for it are few and far between. Everyone, please return home."

Rejection.

More than ten thousand people had gathered, yet only one was chosen.

A wave of despair washed over them. Though they had braced themselves for this outcome—knowing most would be turned away—the finality of it still struck like a blow. The world seemed to lose its color as their dreams crumbled.

"Everyone, please descend the mountain," Supreme Elder Su Xinghai spoke, his voice calm yet firm.

Some wept softly, but no one resisted, nor did anyone lash out in frustration.

Fate had spoken.

Though they left disappointed, their journey had not been in vain. The experience itself had been transformative. Three days of consuming monster meat had strengthened their bodies, and they had glimpsed the divine power of an immortal sect.

One by one, they turned away, their footsteps heavy as they made their way down the mountain.

The Moon Embracing Sect returned to its usual tranquility, with only one new addition.

…..

"Wash up," Lin Fan said with a faint smile. "There's no need for all this in the sect."

Xiao Ling'er hesitated for a moment before hurrying to the nearby stream. Splashing cold water onto her face, she scrubbed away the dirt and grime, revealing delicate features beneath.

"It's because… It's because..."

She fumbled for an explanation, but Lin Fan raised a hand to stop her.

"No need to explain. Everyone has their secrets. If you don't wish to share, I won't force you."

His calm and understanding words made Xiao Ling'er lower her head, a mixture of relief and gratitude flashing in her eyes.

"Come," Lin Fan continued. "Burn incense and complete the disciple ceremony. From today onward, you are a member of the Moon Embracing Sect."

Xiao Ling'er nodded solemnly. "Yes, Sect Master!"

The induction ritual followed—an essential tradition. Even in this era, certain formalities could not be discarded. The Dao was not to be taken lightly.

With the final rites complete, Lin Fan officially welcomed his first disciple.

He wasn't concerned about loyalty. He had chosen wisely.

After all, in countless stories, characters named Xiao... often had unwavering character.

This was a calculated gamble. If Xiao Ling'er truly embodied the protagonist template, then the Moon Embracing Sect was bound to rise. Perhaps even ascend to legendary status.

And if this world truly functioned like a game, then Lin Fan was in an advantageous position—one where he could share his disciple's strength and talent. Even if she betrayed him, he would never be left behind.

At worst, he would be evenly matched.

At best, he would dominate.

With more disciples in the future, each sharing their talents with him, what was there to fear?

The conclusion was clear: Invest in talented disciples rather than hoard resources for himself. After all, his own talent was... nothing special.

This was the ultimate strategy.

All in.

Of course, this plan relied on one crucial assumption—

That he was right.

…..

After settling Xiao Ling'er in and assigning Second Elder Wu Xingyun to oversee her training, Lin Fan returned to his quarters, his heartbeat quickening with excitement.

"I hope I guessed correctly."

His mind raced.

"How strong is her talent? And more importantly... how exactly does talent-sharing work?"

As if answering his thoughts, the world around him seemed to shift. A strange clarity washed over his mind.

"Wait... Has it begun?"

A flood of information surged through him. He could sense it—the bond between him and Xiao Ling'er. He could feel her thoughts, her presence.

It was real.

His heart pounded.

"I was right!"

Without hesitation, he began cultivating.

In his current state, he was at the second level of the Condensing Yuan Realm—a minor achievement, nothing extraordinary. His absorption of the energy of heaven and earth had always been slow, akin to a kitten lapping water.

But now?

It was as if a floodgate had burst open.

His body devoured the energies of heaven and earth like a great beast drinking deeply from a river.

A visible transformation.

His Xuan Gates flung open, allowing the energy to surge through him at an unprecedented rate. His realm progressed before his very eyes.

"Unbelievable... It's real!"

Excitement coursed through him. He had truly entered a game-like world—or rather, a fantasy realm governed by similar rules.

And the most exhilarating discovery of all?

Xiao Ling'er was, without a doubt, a genius.

Even if she wasn't the destined child of this world, she was at least a protagonist-tier figure.

"With a disciple like this... the rise of the Moon Embracing Sect is inevitable."

Protagonists didn't die easily. Not true protagonists.

Lin Fan almost laughed aloud in triumph.

This was why he had ignored conventional talent evaluations and instead focused on those seemingly unrelated attributes. True talent could be overshadowed, but a protagonist template? That was something else entirely.

This was the ultimate bet.

And it had paid off.

No regrets.

No losses.

…..

Meanwhile, in another part of the sect, Xiao Ling'er lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling in deep thought.

"I've joined the sect..."

A soft sigh escaped her lips.

"I hope this choice was the right one."

A voice echoed in her mind—ancient, wise, and familiar.

"You still don't understand, child. You are probably thinking 'with me as your teacher, why join a sect?' and 'Why choose a declining one like the Moon Embracing Sect?'"

Xiao Ling'er closed her eyes, listening intently.

"It is because I am but a lingering soul," the old voice continued. "I have no physical form. To sustain my presence, you have sacrificed years of progress. Your realm has even regressed."

"But a master alone is not enough. You need resources. Training. Safety. The Moon Embracing Sect, though in decline, still has its foundations. Its people hold to their principles, unlike the so-called righteous sects that mask their corruption."

The voice softened.

"Most importantly, there is something within this sect that will awaken your true potential. If you obtain it, your talents will fully bloom."

Realization dawned on Xiao Ling'er.

"I understand now."

"But what if enemies come seeking me? Wouldn't I endanger the sect?"

The voice chuckled.

"Then let them come. Your old master still has some fight left."

A determined light flashed in Xiao Ling'er's eyes.

"Ling'er, remember this—though we are women, there are things we must do and things we must never do. A favor received must be repaid tenfold. Never be an ungrateful wretch."

Xiao Ling'er clenched her fists. "Yes, teacher! I will train diligently."

The voice hummed in approval.

"Good. No more suppressing yourself. With the energy in this sect, you can now progress freely. Let's set a small goal—"

A chuckle.

"Unlock all nine of your Xuan Gates in one day."

"Break into the Condensing Yuan Realm within three days."

"Then... we start your alchemy training."