Chapter 17: Yunxiao

"Hmm?"

Frowning, Qiongxiao looked at Yunxiao in confusion and asked, "Eldest Sister, what do you mean by that?"

"I admit, Master summoning all of us to meet Junior Brother Lin Fan before was indeed a bit unusual."

"But after that, Master never had any further contact with him, nor did he summon Junior Brother Lin Fan privately. What could be so special about that?"

Hearing this, Yunxiao shook her head.

To others, it might seem that way, including personal disciples like Duobao, Jinling, Guiling, and Wudang.

However, she had noticed some differences.

Especially when Lin Fan was first brought back, she clearly felt that Tongtian's mood was extremely joyful.

Although Tongtian quickly restrained his emotions, Yunxiao was certain she hadn't seen it wrong.

If that was the case, then Lin Fan, who returned with Tongtian, was likely the source of Tongtian's joy. But why exactly could he achieve such a level?

Thinking of this, Yunxiao felt incredibly curious—not just about the reason, but also about what exactly was so special about Lin Fan.

However, she couldn't state such a deduction directly. After glancing at Qiongxiao, she said, "You will know in time, and I will also uncover the clues behind this."

……

On the other side, Yuyixian flew back to his residence.

Upon reaching his cave dwelling, Yuyixian looked around to ensure no one was following him before stepping inside.

"You're back!"

"How was it? Did he agree?"

As Yuyixian entered, a calm and unhurried voice echoed.

Looking toward the sound, one could see a handsome young man dressed in a Daoist robe, holding a five-colored fan. His brows were full of heroic spirit, and he carried an air of natural authority.

This person was none other than the son of Yuanfeng: Kong Xuan.

He was also the Eldest Prince of the Phoenix Clan and Yuyixian's elder brother!

"No!"

Shaking his head, Yuyixian glanced at the man, then walked to the area in front of him and sat down. "He refused, and even wanted to investigate the distribution information of the Neutral Faction."

"I thought you were overthinking it before, but now it seems this Junior Brother Lin Fan is indeed not to be underestimated."

"Don't look at his mediocre cultivation; in reality, he has quite a lot of schemes in his mind."

Upon hearing this, Kong Xuan frowned.

Clearly, he was not very satisfied with this answer.

But as things stood, he was well aware that this matter could not be forced.

After a moment of contemplation, Kong Xuan said, "Since he refused, it means he already has a target in mind."

"It can't be the Eldest Senior Brother; the information I received says the Eldest Senior Brother's relationship with him is not good."

"The same goes for Senior Sister Guiling and Senior Sister Jinling; they only met once and have no connection."

"The only ones with a connection are the Three Xiao sisters, but since Duobao personally went to their residence to issue a warning, Lin Fan wouldn't be foolish enough to choose to walk the same path as them."

Speaking of this, a sharp glint flashed in Kong Xuan's eyes: "Then there is only one choice left: Senior Sister Wudang!"

"Wudang!"

"It's her!"

Hearing this, Yuyixian frowned, puzzled. "But the entire Jie Sect knows Wudang's situation—she is truly without desire or pursuit, not competing or fighting for anything. Lin Fan is highly valued by Master; could he really have no ambition at all?"

These words also voiced the doubt in Kong Xuan's heart.

After all, even a fool could see what it meant to choose Wudang's team.

While there was the protection of a personal disciple, there would be no possibility of rising within the Jie Sect.

Could Lin Fan really have no ambition?

But given how highly Tongtian valued him, how could he have no ambition?

For a time, both brothers fell silent.

"Forget it!"

After a full quarter of an hour, Kong Xuan raised his head and said, "Since he cannot be won over, then stop paying attention to Lin Fan's existence."

"Our main priority now is to win over more people to join the Neutral Faction."

"Also, you and I are Princes of the Phoenix Clan; we have a higher degree of control over cultivators of the avian lineage. Focus on finding and winning over those who have transformed from the avian lineage."

"As long as the disciples of the Jie Sect belong to our command, the Phoenix Clan can be completely bound to the Jie Sect. With the protection of a Saint and the blessing of the Jie Sect's fortune, the decline of the Phoenix Clan over these many years can be slowed, or even..."

……

On the other side, Lin Fan had successfully reached his destination.

As far as the eye could see, there was a bamboo forest, a waterfall, and swirling mist. The spiritual energy was abundant, and one could even see many butterflies and bees dancing within.

Not only that, Wudang's residence was not a cave dwelling, but a bronze palace. Judging by the fluctuations it emitted, it was clearly a special innate spiritual treasure.

"What a residence!"

"Truly worthy of the treatment of a personal disciple!"

Taking in this scene, Lin Fan couldn't help but mutter to himself.

Immediately after, he stepped toward the palace.

He had made up his mind: if Wudang did not refuse, he would join her team and truly find himself a backer.

Besides, he had already received his task reward. If he couldn't fulfill the prerequisite of joining Wudang's team, the system's reward would be taken back.

Not long after, Lin Fan arrived at the entrance of the palace.

Looking at the tightly closed doors, Lin Fan took a deep breath, cupped his hands, and said, "Lin Fan requests an audience with Senior Sister Wudang!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the area fell into silence.

Creak—

After about three minutes, the tightly closed palace doors quietly opened.

Then, Wudang's voice came from within the palace: "Junior Brother Lin Fan, you have come."

"Come in!"

"Yes, Senior Sister Wudang!"

Responding, Lin Fan did not hesitate and stepped inside.

Tap, tap, tap—

Accompanied by the sound of footsteps, Lin Fan soon arrived in the main hall of the palace.

Looking ahead, Wudang was standing in the hall. Even a long white dress could not hide her proud figure. A faint smile hung on her beautiful face, making her feel approachable, like a harmless girl next door.

"Greetings, Senior Sister Wudang!"

Withdrawing his gaze, Lin Fan cupped his hands in a salute.

"Junior Brother, there is no need for such formalities."

Smiling slightly, Wudang walked forward.

After sizing Lin Fan up a few times, she said, "I didn't expect you to have truly mastered Master's Shangqing Sword Dao, and even more extensively than I have!"

"I have already inquired about your affairs from Master. With such outstanding talent and comprehension, you can learn any technique or divine ability at first sight. Junior Brother Lin Fan, you are truly enviable." ===== CHAPTER 18 =====