Accidentally invincible!

Lin Fan knew exactly what they were thinking.

The reasoning was simple.

Anything not within one's own control was an unstable variable.

If the Martial Arts legacy were under the control of the Immortal Sect, there wouldn't be such an issue.

Whether Immortals, Demons, or Monsters.

They were all selfish.

Even Immortals, who ascended to the heavens and attained enlightenment, were no exception.

If you had to find someone perfectly selfless,

they were few and far between.

Those who could live long enough to practice such selflessness were even fewer.

As for himself, Lin Fan was no different; he had his selfish motives and had never considered himself as some special existence.

On a small scale, the issue was that Martial Arts harmed the interest of Immortal Sects. Those who dominated the heavens wouldn't allow any uncontrollable force to rise, let alone one with the potential to surpass the Immortal Sects in both numbers and strength.

On a larger scale, perhaps Martial Arts was an outdated pursuit—an ancient cultivation system from the last era. This era belonged to Immortal cultivation, a path the cultivation world could not tolerate, let alone the Immortal Realm.

Lin Fan smiled, his grin broad and radiant as if remembering something genuinely amusing.

Bai Qiu said, "Lin Fan, are you seriously ignoring the Sect Leader's orders? Just store away the Martial Arts Stele and return with me. We can discuss everything slowly. Don't act on impulse, alright?"

His tone seemed stern, but it was all an act—not for Lin Fan, but for the many Sect Leaders surrounding them.

"Sect Leader, my mind is set and will not waver." Lin Fan expressed his resolve. Raising his hand, he glanced at the numerous Sect Leaders and added, "Since you've all gathered here, you must already be mentally prepared for the worst. And likewise, I won't yield on this matter."

"The existence of Martial Arts has its reason."

"Please, go ahead."

Lin Fan treated them with courtesy.

He didn't hurl insults, nor did he mock them. After all, they were acquaintances. If there were disputes, they would settle them with fists. Whoever held the bigger fist had the final say.

He was well aware that even if he won this time, the Martial Arts issue wouldn't end so easily.

But every journey begins with a single step.

He would never regret his decision.

Reflecting on the Immortal Sect's disciple recruitment exams, how many Martial Arts geniuses had fallen from heaven to hell in an instant because they lacked a Spirit Root? Some faded away in obscurity, while others refused to bow to fate, struggling desperately to reach the ultimate pinnacle of Martial Arts—only to find their efforts futile in the end.

He thought of Qin Heng, a scion of a prestigious family who felt too ashamed to return home because he lacked a Spirit Root, even harboring thoughts of suicide.

For this reason, Lin Fan didn't want such tragedies to repeat.

That's why he decided to preserve the Martial Arts legacy.

Bai Qiu's face turned pale with shock. He exclaimed, "What the hell are you doing, you brat? Can't we just sit down and talk this over? Fighting only worsens relationships!"

He was utterly flummoxed.

He simply couldn't fathom what this kid was thinking.

Why did it have to come to this?

Wouldn't sitting down for a discussion be much better?

Lin Fan had no desire to talk. Talking was futile. The moment all these Immortal Sect Leaders showed up, he knew words couldn't resolve the issue. The only way was for him to back down and agree to seal the Martial Arts Stele. Only then could things be "resolved."

But his goal was to pass on the Martial Arts legacy,

to promote and expand it.

Even if it meant jeopardizing their interests, he would not shy away. Only a decisive battle could determine the winner.

Martial Arts cultivation didn't demand the immense resources required by Immortal cultivation.

It was more about self-cultivation, unlocking the body's hidden potential, and mining the boundless treasure buried within, walking the path to godhood through Martial Arts.

"Sect Leader, there's no need to say anything more. Look around—you've seen the situation. Do you honestly believe talking will make a difference?"

"The Sect Leaders here surely understand."

"Reasoning won't persuade everyone. Let's settle this with action: if you all work together to suppress me, the matter of the Martial Arts Stele will end here. But if I manage to subdue all of you, those who lose must admit defeat."

Lin Fan's words carried an unyielding arrogance.

To the many Sect Leaders, this was a great affront to their dignity.

Bai Qiu had much to say, but after Lin Fan's domineering response, he found himself speechless, unable to think of a proper retort. How could someone possess such boundless audacity?

Why had he never witnessed this side of Lin Fan before?

Lin Fan looked down at the Martial Artists below and said serenely, "I'll send you all away shortly. Remember, Martial Arts is your sole hope. Perhaps I'll die, or perhaps I'll win. But regardless of victory or defeat, I only want one thing from you: to keep walking down the path of Martial Arts."

"Someday, when a Martial Arts God emerges, they will shoulder the burden of Martial Arts."

"Now go."

He waved his hand. The heavens spun, the sun and moon reversed. Using Supreme Divine Power, he locked down the Void and directly transported the Martial Artists who were studying the Martial Arts Stele away. What remained was just the solitary Stele, standing tall amidst the emptiness.

As those Martial Artists disappeared,

cries of "Martial Arts Ancestor" echoed across the heavens.

They knew what was about to unfold.

The Martial Arts Ancestor was about to face countless formidable foes on their behalf.

Lin Fan felt a strange sense of satisfaction. Maybe, this was the aura of greatness. Since he was now called the Martial Arts Ancestor, he should naturally carry himself like one, right?

Bai Qiu furrowed his brow, suspecting the brat was merely showing off.

It seemed as though everything Lin Fan had just said was to create a dramatic effect.

"Brat, were you just saying that for those mortals to hear? Your actual intentions… they're not really like that, are they?" Bai Qiu quietly approached Lin Fan and inquired in a hushed tone.

He still clung to a sliver of hope.

However, upon seeing Lin Fan's serious expression,

Bai Qiu's smile slowly faded, replaced by a slight awkwardness.

He understood. Things weren't what he had hoped.

They were real.

Lin Fan said, "Sect Leader, this matter has nothing to do with you. If you think like they do, then feel free to act without holding back."

"This matter must be decided."

Bai Qiu stepped back. There was no way he would attack Lin Fan.

It was simply impossible.

He then turned his gaze towards the innocent-looking Stele below, deeming it the root of all troubles.

"Stop causing trouble. Let's just end this here."

Before his words even settled,

Bai Qiu extended his fingers, grabbing for the Stele below—clearly aiming to defuse the situation himself. In his view, considering his relationship with Lin Fan, Lin Fan shouldn't overreact.

If it were someone else making a move,

Lin Fan might perceive it as losing face, escalating the fight even further.

That's why,

he thought that he was the most suitable person to intervene.

A resounding slap echoed midair as Lin Fan intercepted Bai Qiu's hand directly.

"Sect Leader, I've made my position clear. That Martial Arts Stele will not be removed from here. You're all Sect Leaders of the Immortal Sects; I understand you have your interests. But I have my own ideals, and there's no right or wrong in this. Let's rely on our own strength to decide."

"If I fall, you can take the Stele."

"But if you fall, the Stele stays."

"Please, go ahead."

For the second time, Lin Fan said "please."

His resolve was unshakable and would not change.

The Sect Leaders exchanged glances and gave slight nods. They had long been prepared. No matter what, the Martial Arts Stele must not be allowed to survive. Martial Arts must not continue.

"Master Bai, he is, after all, a disciple of the Taiwu Immortal Sect. We won't make things difficult for you. Just let this go as if it never happened."

"Everyone, attack!"

Bai Qiu wanted to say something, but it was already too late.

The Sect Leaders struck in unison. In an instant, celestial light illuminated the skies, and an unending torrent of Divine Skills cascaded down, all aimed at Lin Fan.

The sheer might was overwhelming.

The Heavenly Vault trembled.

"Come at me!"

Lin Fan showed no fear, his heart unshaken. Yet, he didn't underestimate these Sect Leaders. Their power was immense, and their combined assault was something no ordinary person could withstand.

If anyone could resist, perhaps it was Lin Fan alone.

But just as the overwhelming attack descended,

a figure appeared before Lin Fan. Bai Qiu extended a single palm to suppress the assault, controlling the heavens and earth. The yin-yang patterns enveloped the skies, neutralizing all incoming Divine Skills.

"Bai Qiu, what is the meaning of this?" an enraged Sect Leader demanded.

Everything they were doing was for the good of the Immortal Sect.

They had deliberately avoided putting Bai Qiu in a tough position by excluding him from the conflict, yet to their surprise, he chose to intervene anyway.

Even Lin Fan was taken aback, not entirely understanding the Sect Leader's actions.

It had already been agreed that Bai Qiu wouldn't step in.

Why had he acted?

With a stern expression, Bai Qiu said, "Apologies, everyone. Regardless of the circumstances, he remains a disciple of my Taiwu Immortal Sect. As Sect Leader, I cannot sit idly by."

"I understand that Martial Arts offers no benefit to the Immortal Sect, but as Bai Qiu, I must independently defend my sect's disciple."

The other Sect Leaders were infuriated by Bai Qiu's betrayal.

Damn it!

You hadn't said this earlier.

Why flip-flop at the last minute?

"Sect Leader, your actions are touching," Lin Fan said.

Bai Qiu glanced back and replied, "Keep your feelings to yourself. Don't speak them aloud."

Smack!

"You—"

Bai Qiu was stunned, utterly unprepared for Lin Fan's sudden move. A Supreme God Talisman ignited in brilliance, completely subduing Bai Qiu and leaving him immobilized.

"Sect Leader, I understand your intentions. But this is my personal matter and has nothing to do with the Taiwu Immortal Sect."

"My decision to develop Martial Arts is mine alone. I won't let this issue drag down the sect."

"Therefore, I hereby declare my withdrawal from the Taiwu Immortal Sect."

"Now, everyone, let's begin."

With those words, Lin Fan initiated the battle. In this fight, as long as he could overpower his opponents, every problem would be resolved.

In the distant Taiwu Immortal Sect, a deranged elder sensed the energy of the Supreme God Talisman and immediately launched himself into the mortal realm.

The Martial Artists Lin Fan had sent to a faraway place,

looked around at their surroundings.

It was unfamiliar.

They had no idea where they were.

But soon,

they noticed the far-off skies quaking. The Heavenly Vault splintered like shattered glass. The scene was too terrifying, far beyond what they could comprehend.

For them,

this was no less than a clash of Immortals.

Being involved felt akin to riding a fragile boat in a storm, swaying precariously with the constant threat of capsizing.

Yet, despite their fear, their hearts were ablaze.

The Martial Arts Ancestor was fighting for their future.

Some lowered their heads, clenched their fists, and walked towards the horizon.

"The Martial Arts Ancestor has handed Martial Arts down to us, so we must strive to reach the pinnacle of Martial Arts and not waste his efforts."

Though mere mortal Martial Artists, their resolve was firmer than anyone else's. Once they chose a path, they would never waver.