No one expected things to turn out this way.
With many twists and turns, the event ended with the will of the Spring Autumn Sect’s sect leader descending.
What shocked them even more was the Sect Leader’s attitude toward Duan Jingtian.
Despite Duan Jingtian's transgressions and disruptive actions, the Sect Leader maintained a gentle demeanor, appeasing Duan Jingtian's hostility and even offering him the sect leader position.
As long as Duan Jingtian advanced to the Divine Nascent realm, the sect leader position would be his. This matter had been established.
How old was Duan Jingtian?
Not even twenty-five years old!
The notion of a prodigy found its embodiment in Duan Jingtian.
The elders of the Floating Cloud Sword Sect, Burning Incense Valley, and Mountain River Sect were all very envious of the Spring Autumn Sect, having produced the stunning genius that was Duan Jingtian.
If Duan Jingtian were to advance into the Divine Nascent realm, the Spring Autumn Sect would have three Divine Nascent realm powerhouses—a situation that unsettled the three great sects.
Thankfully, they could find solace in the fact that the Spring Autumn Sect wasn’t united.
“Alright, Sect Leader, if that's your decision, I'll let this matter rest. However...” Duan Jingtian's piercing gaze fixed upon Chen Fan, sending a shiver down his spine.
Duan Jingtian extended his palm, and a powerful gust of wind materialized.
Unable to maintain his footing, Chen Fan was forcefully swept to the ground, tumbling twice before the Ice Jade Snow Lotus floated before Duan Jingtian.
“While he may escape the death penalty and punishment, Sect Leader, I'll be claiming this Ice Jade Snow Lotus as compensation. Handle the other matters as you see fit," declared Duan Jingtian as he put away the lotus and prepared to depart, stepping into the void.
“Duan Jingtian!” Chen Fan's voice rang out suddenly, stopping him.
Shaking violently, Chen Fan rose to his feet with bloodshot eyes, glaring at Duan Jingtian. “Duan Jingtian, you snatched my treasure and insulted my dignity today. I must accept it wholeheartedly because you're stronger, but I wonder if you dare to grant me three years!”
Duan Jingtian turned around, casting a mocking gaze down at Chen Fan. “What is your intention? Planning to use those three years to cultivate fiercely and seek revenge?”
Chen Fan gritted his teeth, his voice strained. “I challenge you to give me this time. If you dare not, then either cripple my cultivation now or have other disciples secretly cripple it later.”
The onlookers were stunned by Chen Fan's audacity. He was challenging Duan Jingtian, akin to a farmer declaring he would seize the emperor's throne—a preposterous notion.
“Hahahaha!” Duan Jingtian burst into laughter, caught off guard by Chen Fan's unexpected challenge.
"You, insignificant as an ant, should be grateful that Wei Buyu and the Sect Leader intervened. I could have killed you with a slap. A nobody like you dares to challenge me?! Fine, not just three years, I could grant you a hundred!”
Chen Fan suddenly knelt, raising his fingers towards the sky, and made a solemn oath. “May the heavens bear witness. I, Chen Fan, pledge to become a holy disciple within three years and fight Duan Jingtian in a life-or-death battle at the Heavenly Punishment Platform! If I fail to emerge victorious, I shall commit suicide at once, condemned for eternity, never to be reborn! Let the heavens record that any violation of this oath warrants my extermination by the forces of Heaven and Earth, condemned by all beings!”
Duan Jingtian was slightly shaken when Chen Fan made such a vicious oath.
Meanwhile, onlookers like Leng Feng, Cai Chixia, and Yu Shengyan were initially shocked before conversing amongst themselves.
“This brat, what a vicious oath. However, catching up to Duan Jingtian within three years is akin to reaching the heavens.”
“Based on my speculations, Duan Jingtian’s cultivation is currently at the sixth or seventh level of the Core Formation realm. With the Ice Jade Snow Lotus, he could even advance to the ninth level, just a step away from the Divine Nascent realm.”
“Given Duan Jingtian’s talent, he could enter the almighty Divine Nascent realm within three years. Although Chen Fan has potential, compared to Duan Jingtian... it’ll be pretty good if he can advance to the Core Formation realm within three years!”
“In truth, this boy isn’t ordinary, either. His words have cornered Duan Jingtian. At the very least, no one will trouble him in the next three years. Duan Jingtian must even protect him, or else it would seem he fears Chen Fan's potential and let others harm him.”
“Who couldn’t see through this little bit of wit? But he only has three years to live. Three years will pass in the blink of an eye. He’ll regret it when the time comes.”
Duan Jingtian’s gaze shone slightly after he heard the oath. He chuckled coldly and said, “Your courage is commendable, but your temper has strayed into the demonic path. I want to see what you’ll become in three years. Judging by your temper, however, even stepping into the Core Formation realm will be tough!”
With those words, he vanished into the clouds.
A huge event came to a disappointing end, leaving the matter unsettled.
Everyone now knew that while Chen Fan had escaped immediate trouble and Duan Jingtian wouldn't pursue him for three years, others might not share the same restraint.
Of course, Leng Feng and the others have also witnessed Duan Jingtian’s ferocity, tyranny, and insufferable arrogance, leaving a deep impression in their hearts.
Even the Spring Autumn Sect Leader had to appease such a powerful character.
Chen Fan’s complexion turned ashen the moment Duan Jingtian left.
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “Duan Jingtian, the day will come when I will trample you with even greater strength to erase today's shame!”
This defeat weighed heavily on him. Duan Jingtian had even snatched his Ice Jade Snow Lotus.
He recognized his own weakness, utterly powerless against Duan Jingtian.
If it weren’t for Zhuo Bufan, Wei Buyu, and even the Spring Autumn Sect Leader’s will descending to appease Duan Jingtian, things wouldn’t have ended as they did today.
In the end, his outcome was still uncertain.
Determined, Chen Fan swore to cast aside all concerns, dedicate himself to cultivation, forge his primeval vessel, condense a golden core, and advance to Divine Nascent—perhaps even surpassing it.
“I must have the power to fight Duan Jingtian before he advances to the Divine Nascent realm. Otherwise, once he breaks through to the Divine Nascent realm, there won’t be a place for me in the entire Great Chu Empire.”
Chen Fan knew time was running out and waited for no one.
He only had three years, perhaps less.
His doom would arrive once Duan Jingtian advanced to the Divine Nascent realm.
The future also held numerous challenges for his cultivation.
Duan Jingtian’s prestige and influence in the Spring Autumn Sect would, on the other hand, allow him to cultivate in peace after entering the inner sect.
“Alright, Zhuo Bufan, you handle the rest. I’ll be bringing Chen Fan away first.”
As Chen Fan was thinking things through, Wei Buyu’s voice rang out.
Afterward, he felt himself become lighter. A whirlwind swept him up, and he flew away, following Wei Buyu.