Chapter 18: Showdown Without Concealment, Achieving the Goal

Holy crap!

Tongtian sold me out!

Upon hearing this, Lin Fan became nervous.

He never imagined that Tongtian would actually give his information to Wudang.

From this, it is evident that although Wudang is merely one of the four Personal Disciples, her status and the degree of favor she holds in Tongtian's heart indeed surpass those of the other three Personal Disciples: Duobao, Guiling, and Jinling.

Now, what Lin Fan worries about most is whether Tongtian has informed Wudang about his origin.

If Wudang knows that he is an Extreme Yang Oyster in human form, would she harbor covetous thoughts toward him?

After all, eating him could significantly boost one's cultivation, origin, foundation, and even elevate one's origin.

Even if she were to just capture him, the Oyster Oil that his talent produces endlessly is also incredibly precious and of extraordinary value.

"Junior Brother, no need to be nervous!"

Seeing this, Wudang thought Lin Fan was frightened by her words, so she immediately changed her tone: "Having such a talent is the good fortune of our Jie Sect. Master has already instructed me; I will not spread the word about your terrifying talent."

"Besides that, as the price for knowing your secret, how about I owe you a favor?"

Just this?

Raising an eyebrow, Lin Fan looked at Wudang in surprise.

He had thought the latter knew about his origin, but now it seems he overthought it.

Tongtian values him even more than he had anticipated; otherwise, it would be impossible for him to hide Lin Fan's origin even from his own Personal Disciples.

Thinking of this, Lin Fan let out a sigh of relief, though on the surface he feigned helplessness and said, "Do I have any other choice?"

"Since Senior Sister already knows, I ask that you please keep my secret."

"As for the favor Senior Sister mentioned."

Having said this, Lin Fan paused.

He calculated for a moment, struggling over whether to seek insights into the Shangqing Art or to join Wudang's faction.

But very quickly, Lin Fan made his decision.

While insights into the Shangqing Art are tempting, he truly needs a Personal Disciple as a backer right now.

Outside, with the Saint Tongtian as a backer, ordinary cultivators in the outside world would not dare to do anything to him.

But within the Jie Sect, Tongtian does not manage such matters; unless one violates sect rules or kills fellow disciples, he turns a blind eye to everything else, letting his disciples compete, scheme, and gamble against one another.

Therefore, joining Wudang's faction is the most urgent matter.

Only with Wudang's protection can he do his own things with peace of mind, not just improving his cultivation, but also learning more things.

Such as Alchemy, Artifact Refining, formations, spells, and divine abilities...

These are all things Lin Fan lacks and does not yet possess.

As a transmigrator, combined with an origin like an Extreme Yang Oyster, Lin Fan has no sense of security.

Aside from keeping a low profile, what he needs to do is improve his cultivation, strength, combat power, and even enhance his own ability to survive.

Therefore, under these circumstances, he must learn more methods and practice more things to ensure his absolute safety.

Thinking of this, Lin Fan looked up at Wudang and said, "Since Senior Sister thinks she owes me a favor, how about letting me join your faction?"

"I know Senior Sister's philosophy is to not contend or fight; coincidentally, I am the same. I only want to cultivate and become stronger. If there is hope, I also want to achieve Proving the Dao, and other than that, rights and benefits mean nothing in my eyes!"

At this moment, Lin Fan decided to be direct, stating his thoughts with complete sincerity.

After all, whether it is taking a master or following Wudang's path, it is all to preserve his life and to become stronger.

"Oh? Does Junior Brother truly think so?"

Wudang also looked at Lin Fan in surprise, her eyes piercing as she tried to discern some clues.

Yet at this moment, Lin Fan was full of sincerity, with no intention of lying at all; even if Wudang felt it was incredible, she had no choice but to believe him.

After believing him, the gaze Wudang cast upon Lin Fan became three parts softer.

She has exactly this kind of personality: not contending or fighting, focused solely on seeking the Dao.

Although she is a Personal Disciple, she has never formed cliques or participated in the struggle for power.

Now that she knows Lin Fan shares her philosophy, and she has roughly grasped the reason why Lin Fan wants to join her faction—which is entirely to use her as a shield to prevent others from soliciting, suppressing, or pressuring him—she understood.

Thinking of this, Wudang continued, "You should know that once a choice is made, it cannot be changed!"

"I know."

"I am certain!"

"I do not regret it!"

With these three consecutive answers, Lin Fan looked at Wudang solemnly and said, "I ask Senior Sister to grant this!"

"Junior Brother is merely an Innate Living Being in human form; regardless of origin, potential, or strength, I am lacking. Being able to take the Shangqing Saint as a master is already a blessing earned over several lifetimes. I have no other thoughts but to focus on the Dao."

"Good!"

Having received Lin Fan's repeated affirmation, Wudang did not refuse again.

After all, having finally met someone who shares her philosophy, she truly did not want to see him fall into the quagmire of factional strife, nor did she want Lin Fan to lose his original heart to scheming.

Thinking of this, Wudang immediately took out a Jade Talisman and tossed it to Lin Fan: "This is my Identity Token. Wear it on your person, and everyone will know you have chosen to join my team, and they will not make things difficult for you."

"Besides this, does Junior Brother Lin Fan have any other requests?"

"Many thanks, Senior Sister Wudang!"

Excitedly taking the Jade Talisman, Lin Fan wore it at his waist without hesitation.

After doing all this, he let out a sigh of relief in his heart.

It's done!

Not only was the task completed, but he also has the care of a Personal Disciple, and in the future, the vast majority of Jie Sect affairs will not affect him.

Thinking of this, Lin Fan immediately spoke up: "Senior Sister Wudang, I do indeed have a few more requests!"

"The time since I became a disciple is still short; although I have received the Shangqing Art and the Shangqing Sword Dao Inheritance bestowed by Master, apart from that, I possess no other foundation."

"Furthermore, as my cultivation level has increased, I have discovered that my own insights into the Shangqing Art are not particularly abundant, so I hope to obtain your cultivation experience regarding the Shangqing Art, Senior Sister. Would that be possible?"

"In addition, I am very interested in Alchemy, Artifact Refining, and Array Formations. I wonder if you have the introductory cultivation methods for these three paths here, Senior Sister?"

After stating his requests in one breath, Lin Fan looked at Wudang with anticipation.

After all, speaking of it now, he could be considered Wudang's subordinate, though only in name; it was impossible for the latter to treat him as a subordinate.

But if there is wool to be plucked, why not pluck it? If matters can be resolved here with Wudang, Lin Fan does not want to go looking for others, and that includes Tongtian Jiaozhu as well!

Lin Fan looked at the system panel, his heart filled with anticipation.