Accidentally invincible!

"Thank you, Daoist Lin, for your concern."

"This past year has been the happiest time of my life."

Yun Shouzuo's words were clear, his tone gentle, without the slightest hint of someone being consumed by demonic influence.

Lin Fan breathed a sigh of relief. "So Yun Brother hasn't succumbed to demonic possession. I thought you had and came specifically to check. After all, everything stemmed from me."

"This matter has nothing to do with Daoist Lin. Fate brings its trials, and there is no escape." Yun Shouzuo's expression was indifferent, as if he held no interest in anything at all. "As for me now, I'm merely living a different way of life."

"But how laughable. For me, living a different way of life equates to becoming a demon. Thus, what need is there to explain? A demon is a demon. To live true to the self within the heart—that is the ultimate truth."

Hmm.

That...makes some sense.

However, in Lin Fan's eyes, Yun Shouzuo's Buddhist Law was indeed profound. By common understanding, this would indeed be considered falling into demonic possession: a frenzied mind, a blurring of good and evil, acting entirely on one's whims, and killing whoever stands in the way.

Yet now...

Yun Shouzuo's thoughts were remarkably clear; the only difference was the warmth he exuded in the past, like a spring breeze, had now turned into cold indifference.

Lin Fan said, "Yun Brother speaks truly; you understand it better than anyone else."

Then, he glanced around at the surrounding crowd.

"Everyone, you've heard it too. This gentleman has not succumbed to demonic possession. Why are you still lingering here? Might as well disperse."

He had been gone for a year.

Yet there were still those who hadn't forgotten him.

"Eh! You are Lin Fan, disciple of the Taiwu Immortal Sect."

An elder exclaimed in surprise, clearly recognizing him. After all, a year isn't a particularly long time for them. Though news about Lin Fan had disappeared for a while, they had gradually grown used to his absence and eventually forgotten.

"Indeed, it is I, junior to your senior stature. I humbly ask for some goodwill, and let's consider this matter resolved. What do you think?" Lin Fan said courteously, adhering to formalities before resorting to force. A show of magnanimity befits the dignity of a great sect. Even if your abilities pale in comparison, showing respect wouldn't hurt.

But if respect isn't reciprocated, then firmness becomes the only option.

"Little Lin, this matter is at the behest of the Great Thunder Heavenly Dragon Treasure Temple. I can only apologize." The elder cupped his hands in response. He knew Lin Fan's reputation well—an exceptional disciple capable of outwitting the Demon Ancestor so thoroughly. His strength was, naturally, formidable.

However, the Great Thunder Heavenly Dragon Treasure Temple held immense prestige.

Given a choice...

He could only side with them.

Lin Fan merely chuckled in response. So, they wouldn't honor his plea. Fine, he'd remember this.

Lin Fan continued, "Is anyone from Breaking Cloud Mountain here?"

"I am from Breaking Cloud Mountain. What might Little Lin have to say?" an elder asked curiously.

Breaking Cloud Mountain had no connections to Lin Fan. They hadn't even crossed paths before. Why bring them up?

Lin Fan tossed a token toward him.

The elder caught the token, his expression shifting drastically. "This is Brother Wu's token! How did it come into your possession?"

Lin Fan replied calmly, "Two years ago, a Daoist friend faced tribulations during their ascension. I helped them succeed, and they gave me the token in return, saying I could use it when needed. Now, I'm presenting it to request Breaking Cloud Mountain to withdraw from this matter. What do you say?"

"Thank you, Daoist Lin, for your assistance. Breaking Cloud Mountain shall not involve itself in this matter." The elder cupped his hands without hesitation. A favor rendered during such a significant event as a tribulation was impossible to repay fully, not even if they risked offending the Great Thunder Heavenly Dragon Treasure Temple.

Furthermore, their address shifted from "Little Lin" to "Daoist Lin"—a mark of respect.

"Then, thank you," Lin Fan replied.

The leaders of the Great Thunder Heavenly Dragon Treasure Temple were astonished. They hadn't expected Breaking Cloud Mountain to withdraw, and all over a mere token.

At this moment, Lin Fan posed yet another question. "Are there any representatives from the Xuankong Immortal Sect here?"

Soon, an elder stepped forward.

"I am the Supreme Elder of the Xuankong Immortal Sect. May I inquire as to your purpose, esteemed one?" This elder was curious as well—it seemed the Xuankong Immortal Sect had little connection to Lin Fan's affairs.

Lin Fan said, "Last year, during an expedition to the Forbidden Land, your Sect Leader encountered danger, and I saved them. Thus, I believe we share some camaraderie. I would hope your sect might withdraw from this matter. May I have your word?"

The elder pondered briefly before suddenly recalling. "So it turns out that you are the young talent my Senior Brother spoke of. Forgive my earlier rudeness. Life-saving grace must never be forgotten. Since you ask, we shall certainly comply."

"The Xuankong Immortal Sect withdraws," he declared.

The surrounding powers were taken aback. This young man seemed to have an extensive network of acquaintances, all of whom he had helped significantly. Remarkably audacious, wasn't it?

For the Great Thunder Heavenly Dragon Treasure Temple, however, this was becoming unacceptable.

A faction leader who was at odds with Yun Shouzuo protested urgently, "Fellow Daoists, we had agreed upon this earlier—why the sudden change of heart?"

Yet his discontent was met with silence.

The two sects that had already agreed to Lin Fan's request remained mute.

And then...

Something even more intolerable occurred to the Great Thunder Heavenly Dragon Treasure Temple.

An elder from the Ancient Immortal Sacred Land stepped forward and said, "Daoist Lin has deep ties with our sect and is a close friend of Ao Daoist. We, too, shall withdraw from this conflict."

Lin Fan clasped his hands in respect toward the elder but said nothing more—such ties would always endure in memory.

Damn!

With the Ancient Immortal Sacred Land now withdrawing, the other sects began feeling a slight unease.

What on earth was going on?

Indeed, Lin Fan was a disciple of the Taiwu Immortal Sect, but that was all. Why were sects withdrawing one by one? What were they missing here? Could there be some undisclosed secret?

"Daoist Lin, we of Kunxu Palace shall also withdraw from this battle. It was Daoist Lin who once helped us suppress the Demon Passage." Yet another elder cupped his hands.

Lin Fan smiled. "Thank you for the grace shown by Kunxu Palace. Should anything happen at Kunyu Mountain in the future, I will spare no effort to assist."

Instantly.

With all these sects withdrawing one after the other, those remaining descended into deeper confusion and hesitation.

They were now locked in contemplation.

What should they do?

This situation was becoming increasingly unfavorable.

As a result, they began transmitting messages, trying to gather more information. To their shock, the feedback matched exactly what had been said earlier: Lin Fan had no terrifying background. The sects were simply repaying debts of gratitude or acting on existing relationships.

Those tasked with investigating were utterly dumbfounded.

This had to be a joke.

It all seemed far too arbitrary. Even with such connections, would anyone risk offending the Great Thunder Heavenly Dragon Treasure Temple over it?

Or perhaps...

Oh, that's right...

Youth. Cultivation. Mana.

Lin Fan was exceptionally young, yet his cultivation had reached remarkable depths. Rumor had it he even possessed an Immortal Treasure. He was undoubtedly a figure of immense fortune, destined for greatness. These sects weren't just repaying debts; they were investing in him.

Even risking offending the Great Thunder Heavenly Dragon Treasure Temple seemed worthwhile.

After all, no overt conflict was likely to emerge.

Understanding this, several remaining sects wavered, though they didn't immediately take a stance, opting to observe further developments instead.

Lin Fan glanced around and said, "Fellow Daoists from the other sects, if you are willing to extend me this small courtesy, I assure you of generous recompense in the future."

One sect leader barked angrily, "Master Lin, as a disciple of a great sect within the Immortal Dao, do you truly intend to side with this sinner who's fallen to demonic possession?"

"If your Sect Leader learns of this, you'll surely face grave consequences!"

The Sect Leader hiding in the distance showed visible irritation over being constantly mentioned. What did his forgiveness have to do with this? If he spoke the truth, these people would certainly lose face.

Lin Fan laughed. "How ridiculous. Do you see my Sect Leader here? Do you understand what his absence signifies? Your bald head wouldn't care to think it through, would you?"

Bai Qiu, the Sect Leader, felt utterly resigned. Fine, so be it, let him do as he pleases.

What surprised him, however, was just how many allies Lin Fan had managed to gather, and that he could command such respect from them all. Such ability wasn't something anyone could achieve.

If he were the one negotiating...

There was no guarantee he could make them give him this level of face.

Just then...

A dragon's roar echoed from the horizon.

The crowd, hearing this sound, was startled. Someone from the Sky Dragon Clan had arrived. Come to think of it, it made sense. The Great Thunder Heavenly Dragon Treasure Temple shared strong ties with the Sky Dragon Clan. It was inevitable they would send someone.

Lin Fan raised his head, sensing a familiar aura—not a familiarity with the individual, but with the Divine Skills they practiced. It was something he had also cultivated.

"Yun Brother, this battle is unavoidable," Lin Fan said helplessly. The fact that he cultivated the Ancestor Dragon Floating Body must've reached the ears of the Sky Dragon Clan. Upon seeing him, they were bound to uncover it.

Yun Shouzuo replied, "Daoist Lin, why needlessly involve yourself? I alone can bear the consequences of this matter."

Lin Fan chuckled. That statement was rather exasperating. What did he mean by "why needlessly"? This was something he had to involve himself in!

In the blink of an eye...

A blinding golden light filled the sky. The domineering aura radiating from the arriving member of the Sky Dragon Clan swept across the area. Even the most formidable individuals among the sects present silently acknowledged their inferiority before the might of the Sky Dragon Clan expert.

Soon, a colossal Golden Dragon spiraled down from the heavens. With a flash of golden brilliance, it transformed into a man clad in a golden robe with distinctive curved horns atop his head, unmistakably revealing his identity.

"Esteemed monks, this one has arrived," Ao Jin said coldly.

"Many thanks to Benefactor Ao for coming to aid us."

Immediately thereafter...

Ao Jin seemed to catch the scent of something familiar. His expression shifted, and his gaze locked onto Lin Fan. Dragon flames flickered in his eyes as he roared furiously, "You there, Human cultivator! How do you know the Sky Dragon Clan's secret technique, the Ancestor Dragon Floating Body?"

Initially, he hadn't known of this, but being a practitioner of the same secret technique, he naturally sensed it.

"Hmph, it seems that Ao Wudi traitor has leaked more than a few secrets. A traitor! A disgrace to the Sky Dragon Clan!"

Lin Fan ignored him, silently summoning the Mixed Element Golden Gourd.

He was well aware...

Words would no longer have any effect here.

The Sky Dragon Clan member would undoubtedly try to kill him.

The Great Thunder Heavenly Dragon Treasure Temple's people, too, were certain to engage him in battle. Given this, what more needed to be said?

Lin Fan gripped the Immortal Treasure and declared loudly, "Say no more. This battle is inevitable. To those who've withdrawn, I ask you to retreat further to avoid collateral damage. To those who refuse to withdraw, I implore your understanding—should you fall in battle, blame no one but yourselves."

As he finished speaking, his aura began to surge.

Fighting spirit erupted.

The Immortal Dao elites who'd already agreed to his terms swiftly retreated, knowing this place would soon transform into a battleground of unmatched devastation. The aftermath of the clash would destroy everything in the vicinity.

Even for those among them who were peers of great power...

A single momentary lapse of caution could spell disaster.

Ao Jin observed Lin Fan openly deploying the Ancestor Dragon Floating Body before him, and his fury spiked. This was a blatant provocation. Unacceptable. Utterly unforgivable!

Instantly...

Ao Jin disappeared in a single step, reappearing with a fist strong enough to shatter mountains, hurtling towards Lin Fan.

Lin Fan didn't back down.

He threw a punch of his own in response.

"Impossible!" Ao Jin's face twisted in shock. The other's cultivation of the Ancestor Dragon Floating Body exceeded his own mastery.

Bam!

A figure was sent flying, crashing heavily into the ground and shattering it to pieces.

Lin Fan smirked.

"The same Divine Skill, yet your Sky Dragon Clan hasn't mastered it properly."