“I know this matter is unfair to you, or rather, you are being forced into it.” Wei Buyu could seemingly read minds, hitting the nail on the head again.
Chen Fan shook his head and said, “Senior is overstating things. Without your intervention, Duan Jingtian would have ruined my cultivation, leaving me crippled.”
Those words came from the bottom of his heart.
He was now clearly aware of the internal struggles of the Spring Autumn Sect.
Three major factions.
Judging by recent events, Outer Sect Master Zhuo Bufan appeared to be in a neutral position.
When Duan Jingtian was suppressing him, Zhuo Bufan had stood up for him and said a few words. Even though he ultimately gave up, he had spoken for Chen Fan twice.
The situation wouldn't have concluded so peacefully had it not been for Wei Buyu's intervention, opposing Duan Jingtian and going as far as to start a fight, prompting the descent of the Spring Autumn Sect Leader's will.
Wei Buyu had saved him!
This debt of gratitude would be etched in his heart.
Moreover, what if he got on the High Elder’s boat?
His relationship with Duan Jingtian was beyond repair, foreshadowing an inevitable clash between them.
Given Duan Jingtian’s influence in the sect, Chen Fan would face numerous challenges without a Read the latest chapters on NovelHub - completely free!
However, now that he was part of the High Elder’s faction, even if certain individuals continued to cause trouble for him, it would be to a much lesser degree. At the very least, they would need to weigh the consequences of provoking the High Elder's faction.
It wasn’t like there weren’t any benefits for Chen Fan at all.
Wei Buyu said, “But Chen Fan, you were a little too reckless. Duan Jingtian is already at the seventh level of the Core Formation realm, and he can advance to the eighth level soon, thanks to the Ice Jade Snow Lotus. He’ll definitely advance to the Divine Nascent realm within three years.
“I’m not trying to throw a wet blanket on you. But why did you make that three-year promise when we aren’t even certain you’ll enter the Core Formation realm by then?”
Chen Fan chuckled lightly and said, “Senior, even without this three-year promise, would Duan Jingtian have spared me?”
Wei Buyu shook his head.
“Since he would have pursued me regardless, challenging him adds pressure and keeps a sword hanging over me, motivating me to cultivate harder.
“Moreover, how long before Duan Jingtian advanced to the Divine Nascent realm? Three years? Two years? Once he advances and becomes Sect Leader, there won't be a place for me in the entire Great Chu Empire.”
A sharp light suddenly rose in Chen Fan’s eyes. “Adversity extracts potential. The more dangerous the situation, the greater the eruption of one's potential.
“There is no way I can retreat now. Three years is all I have. Within that, if my cultivation doesn't reach a level to resist Duan Jingtian, then one thing awaits me—Death!”
Wei Buyu displayed a look of admiration. He said with a smile, “That’s right. Everything you said is true. I really didn’t misjudge you!”
“I, Chen Fan, can die standing but will never live on my knees! Although Duan Jingtian forced me to kneel today with his overwhelming strength, he can't crush my will. One day, I will trample him under my feet and crush him ruthlessly!” Chen Fan said resolutely.
Although he only had three years, perhaps less, Chen Fan was confident that he would erase today's shame.
Wei Buyu's admiration deepened. Martial artists should have this kind of indomitable will. “Chen Fan, are you willing to acknowledge me as your Master?”
Wei Buyu abruptly changed the topic, catching Chen Fan off guard.
“Back at Dragon Mountain Peak, I said you are my personal disciple in front of everyone. Are you going to turn me into a laughing stock?” Wei Buyu said, laughing.
Chen Fan quickly bowed, paying his respects. “Disciple Chen Fan pays his respect to Master!”
Laughing heartily, Wei Buyu patted Chen Fan's shoulders. "Chen Fan, I look forward to the day you trample Duan Jingtian under your feet."
“I will. I definitely will.”
Chen Fan looked into the distance with determination.
As Chen Fan reflected on the day's events, he found it surreal.
When he exited Dragon Mountain Blessed Land, Duan Jingtian made things difficult for him, wanting to cripple his cultivation.
Wei Buyu had intervened, standing against Duan Jingtian and ultimately invoking the Spring Autumn Sect Leader's will, swiftly concluding the matter.
Now, he was privy to the internal struggles within the Spring Autumn Sect and had become Wei Buyu's personal disciple.
Walking along the mountain path, Chen Fan shook his head.
“I should check on Uncle Qin and see how he's faring after being injured by Duan Jingtian.” Chen Fan’s gaze turned sharp. His hatred towards Duan Jingtian grew a little more.
“Look, it’s Chen Fan.”
“This guy is challenging Senior Brother Duan Jingtian's prestige. He's asking for death!”
“He could never compare to Senior Brother Duan Jingtian, even if he cultivated for a hundred years!”
“I think he lost his mind after being scolded by Senior Brother Duan Jingtian.”
“Such hubris. Only Senior Brother Duan Jingtian is nice enough to give him another chance. If it were me, I would have killed him with a slap long ago.”
“Three years. Even in three hundred years, he won't catch up to Senior Brother Duan Jingtian.”
“He simply doesn’t know what’s good for him, daring to challenge Senior Brother Duan Jingtian. It’s like throwing an egg at a stone, overestimating his capabilities. It’s nothing more than a vulgar claptrap to seek attention!”
Obviously, what happened on Dragon Mountain Peak had spread throughout the outer sect. He had become the public enemy of the outer sect.
The murmurs reached his ears as he walked by, but he paid no attention, brushing it off.
Listening to the discussions, he realized he had become a symbol of arrogance and overconfidence. It was likely that the entire Great Chu Empire would know of it soon, and countless people would mock him.
However, this only fueled his determination to pursue strength.
Never before had he felt such a thirst for power.
Without power, he would have no dignity, and others could easily oppress him. Chen Fan couldn't bear to relive the events of today. Never again in the future.
He needed great power!
One day, he would trample Duan Jingtian, the man admired and feared like a god by all, under his feet ruthlessly, in front of everyone.
He looked forward to the reactions of those who once revered Duan Jingtian. It would be a spectacular sight.
“That damned little bastard is getting more arrogant by the day. If it weren’t for his good luck, he would have long been smacked to death by Senior Brother Duan Jingtian!”
“That’s right. Just look at him. He makes me want to go up and punch him.”
“Hehe, although Senior Brother Duan Jingtian accepted his challenge and even guaranteed he wouldn’t touch him in the next three years, more than half of the people in the inner sect see Senior Brother Duan Jingtian as their idol. He will have a hard time doing anything after he enters the inner sect.”
As Chen Fan traveled, almost everyone he came across was pointing fingers at him. Some even pulled away from Chen Fan, avoiding him like the plague.
It seemed that everyone now knew of his audacity to challenge Duan Jingtian.
Who would dare to approach him?
However, Chen Fan didn’t mind any of this. Under the crowd’s gazes, he soon arrived at Qin Changkong’s residence.