Chapter 215: A Condition—How to Convince the Masses?
"I didn't say I could fix it," Lin Fan replied with a smile and shake of his head. "I just said—I know the reason the Great Desolation Stele has gone silent."
"Once we know the reason, with Dao Sect's resources, do you really think we can't solve the problem?"
Chen Zhen said, "Then tell me, why has the Great Desolation Stele fallen silent?"
Lin Fan turned to glance at Wudao and smiled. "Vice Hall Master Wudao still hasn't fulfilled the conditions he promised me back on the Hundred Dynasties Mountain."
"This time, I'd like the Hall Master to fulfill the reward first."
Wudao rolled his eyes and grumbled, "Didn't I already say Lin Dong can undergo the Dan River Baptism next year?"
"A year ago, Lin Dong was only at the Minor Creation Stage. Now, one year later, he's already reached the Fourth-Stage Nirvana Realm. Who knows, by next year, he might not even need the baptism."
Lin Fan's calm words caused both Wudao and Chen Zhen to jolt inwardly.
"As for me, there's even less need to delay. Within a year, I'll break through to the Profound Life Stage. If I'm to benefit from the Dan River Baptism at all, it has to be now."
Both Wudao and Chen Zhen glanced at Lin Dong, evaluating him anew.
Lin Dong scratched his head with an awkward smile. "I guess I've just been lucky."
Lin Fan smiled. "How you choose is up to the two of you. Also, save me the lecture like the one that Ying Huanhuan gave."
"After all, I've just joined the sect. I haven't received a single benefit. You expect me to make great sacrifices for the greater good? Be realistic."
Chen Zhen had originally planned to talk Lin Fan down, but that one remark silenced him completely.
"You brat… really don't hold back," Wudao muttered with a scowl, then looked to Chen Zhen.
"Still, he's not wrong. Maybe we should talk to the Sect Master."
Wudao clearly had high hopes for Lin Fan and was inclined to support him.
Chen Zhen thought for a moment, then looked at Lin Fan. "If you're lying, I won't go easy on you."
"I understand," Lin Fan said nonchalantly with a nod.
"Wait for our word," Chen Zhen said before turning and flying off.
"You really don't like coming out short, do you?" Wudao glanced at Lin Fan with a grin.
"We'll help you fight for the opportunity. But if other disciples are unhappy about it, that's your problem."
Lin Fan nodded. "Don't worry, Vice Hall Master. Anyone who's got a problem with it—my brother and I will beat some respect into them."
"Good spirit," Wudao laughed, then followed Chen Zhen into the sky.
Lin Dong looked a bit worried. "Brother Lin Fan… was it okay to negotiate like that with the Hall Masters? If not, I can skip the Dan River Baptism."
"Relax. Dao Sect's elders aren't that petty," Lin Fan replied calmly.
"Besides, what I'm offering is worth far more to Dao Sect than what I'm asking. As for the disciples, complaints are inevitable. We'll just beat them into submission."
"Mm." Lin Dong nodded firmly, fully agreeing with his brother.
"Don't know whether to laugh or shake my head," muttered Chen Zhen from the skies above, having stayed to observe without revealing himself.
Wudao, hovering beside him, had a glint of anticipation in his eyes. "Maybe this is the turning point for our Desolate Hall."
"Let's go speak with the Sect Master," Chen Zhen said after giving Lin Fan a long look.
With that, he flew toward the main hall where the Sect Master, Ying Xuanzhi, resided.
Wudao chuckled and followed close behind.
Since the matter involved borrowing another hall's Dan River—and even the Great Wilderness Sutra—it was best for the Sect Master to personally handle the negotiations.
Back in the courtyard, Xiao Diao glanced in the direction the two elders had gone and chuckled. "You sensed them watching us just now, didn't you?"
Lin Fan blinked in confusion—then quickly played dumb. "Huh? The Hall Masters didn't leave?"
Xiao Diao rolled his eyes, assuming Lin Fan was pretending. He changed the subject. "After you and Lin Dong complete the Dan River Baptism, Xiao Yan and I will be heading out."
Lin Dong looked surprised. "What's going on?"
Xiao Yan scratched his head. "Third Brother says there's a place in the Eastern Xuan Region that will greatly help my cultivation."
"I see," Lin Fan nodded, understanding. "Be careful out there. Especially you, Xiao Diao—make sure you don't expose yourself."
"Relax. We'll be fine," Xiao Diao replied with a grin.
"Just be careful," Lin Dong said seriously. "If anything happens, send us a soul transmission. We'll face it together."
"Mm." Xiao Diao nodded solemnly.
...
The next morning.
As the sun bathed Dao Sect in golden light, the usually peaceful Desolate Hall was already stirring with tension.
The reason? The Dan River Baptism.
Normally, only the most outstanding disciples of Desolate Hall would qualify for it.
This year, many had been secretly preparing in hopes of claiming the honor.
But no one expected an "outsider" to snatch the spot.
Needless to say, this upset quite a few people.
To the north of the Desolate Hall, near the Dan River, stood an enormous mountain. At its peak lay a vast platform, now bustling with activity.
Near the front of the platform, a group of disciples had gathered around a grey-robed young man, whose expression was especially sour as he stared toward the Dan River.
"Senior Brother Tong Chuan, don't be upset. No one saw this coming..." others tried to comfort him.
Tong Chuan had been the most likely candidate this year to receive the Dan River Baptism—a personal disciple with high hopes.
But the spot had been snatched away. And not by Lin Fan—the Hundred Dynasties War champion—but by his younger brother, Lin Dong!
Aside from Tong Chuan, other personal disciples had also gathered. Most weren't as furious—just waiting with interest to see what would happen next.
Whoosh!
As the disciples waited atop the platform, the sound of wind tearing through the air came from afar.
A dozen figures swiftly approached and landed on the platform.
At their head were Lin Fan and Lin Dong.
The rowdy crowd fell quiet.
"Which one of you is Lin Dong?"
Tong Chuan stepped forward, his voice low and heavy.
"He's looking for you," Lin Fan said with a smile, glancing at Lin Dong.
Lin Dong stepped forward and cupped his fists with a smile. "Greetings, Senior Brother."
Tong Chuan said coldly, "The Dan River Baptism grants only one spot per year. You think you can steal it through connections? You expect everyone to just accept that?"
Lin Dong replied calmly, "Then what would it take to convince them?"
Tong Chuan narrowed his eyes. "Strength and seniority. Which do you have?"
"I understand," Lin Dong nodded, then gave a slight bow. "Senior Brother, please instruct me."
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 30 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Franklin1