When they returned to the camp, the prison elder wasn’t there—he had gone elsewhere to discuss the battle tactics for the next day with several other major sects.
A direct assault wasn’t impossible, but the Snow King Lion possessed extraordinary combat strength. Charging recklessly would likely result in heavy losses. Moreover, the exact situation remained unclear. If the Snow King Lion had hidden tricks up its sleeve, their strategy might need to change accordingly.
“Master Uncle, Senior Brother, have all the beasts on the perimeter been cleared?” As Lin Fan and the others returned, several inner sect disciples approached and asked.
“Yeah, they’ve all been dealt with. I didn’t expect there to be high-level beasts at the Ascension Realm here. I wonder how many high-level beasts have been drawn here,” said Zong Hentian, his expression slightly worried.
One high-level beast at the Ascension Realm was manageable, but if there were dozens or even hundreds, it would become a real problem.
“High-level beast at the Ascension Realm? This Piaomiao Snow Peak is just an ordinary mountain. How could so many high-level beasts be drawn here just because the Snow King Lion came to give birth?” One inner sect disciple was puzzled and couldn’t help but feel concerned. Compared to humans, beasts had the advantage—being invincible within the same cultivation level.
…
At this moment, Lin Fan’s mind was occupied with the thought of skill fusion.
In Lin Fan’s opinion, this must be another powerful new function. After all, every function recommended by the system thus far had proven to be extremely strong.
After informing everyone briefly, Lin Fan entered one of the nearby tents to investigate what this “fusion” function was really capable of.
Without hesitation, Lin Fan immediately entered his spiritual consciousness, opened the fusion function, and two circular slots appeared in his mind. Two golden lines extended from these slots and converged into a golden slot above them.
At this moment, Lin Fan took out some herbs and threw them into the slots, hoping to see if they could be fused. Unfortunately, nothing happened. Then he tried some pills, one after another, but still, nothing worked.
Weapons, armor, and other items also failed to produce any result. That left only the martial arts techniques.
To test his theory, Lin Fan casually placed two techniques into the slots. To his astonishment, the slots holding the two techniques began to glow, and the light flowed into the golden slot above.
*Ding!* “Are you sure you want to fuse ‘Reversing the Heavens’ and ‘Black Tiger’s Heart’?”
Come on, without knowing the full situation, how could he possibly fuse two powerful techniques like these? If he was going to fuse anything, it should be something he rarely used.
Lin Fan removed the two techniques and replaced them with two others.
The mid-tier Yellow Rank techniques, “Immovable Emperor Fist” and “Chasing Wind Sword Method.”
These two techniques were ones Lin Fan used very rarely. Even during fights, he hardly ever relied on them. Even if fusing them resulted in a useless outcome, he wouldn’t feel any regret.
*Ding!* “Are you sure you want to fuse these two techniques?”
“Fusion confirmed.”
Without hesitation, Lin Fan pressed forward. In his view, these two techniques were practically useless and had no practical application.
Suddenly, a blinding flash filled Lin Fan’s vision, obscuring everything from sight.
*Ding!* “Congratulations! Fusion successful. Please name the new technique.”
Naming things was always a headache for Lin Fan. Since the fusion required a name, he decided to go with something fitting.
“Emperor Sword.”
To Lin Fan, this name sounded powerful and awe-inspiring, giving off an air of majesty that was almost unbearable to behold.
“Lowly Emperor” also suited him quite well.
*Ding!* “Congratulations! Naming successful.”
“Technique Infinite Upgrade, current level 1.”
Lin Fan felt the new technique’s presence and sensed that his aura was significantly stronger than before the fusion.
In his eyes, the difference was like that between heaven and earth.
Although the newly fused technique was impressive, Lin Fan wasn’t ready to take any risks. He decided to conduct more experiments to ensure the fusion process was reliable before considering fusing other techniques.
When Lin Fan finally exited the tent, the sky had already begun to darken.
“Leave your goods here and you may go,” said an inner sect disciple to some people who appeared to be ordinary townsfolk from Yung Tian City.
“Oh, and don’t forget the whole roasted lamb,” Lin Fan noticed several roasted ducks and fine wines on the long table ahead, and his stomach began to grumble.
“Master Uncle, you’re out! Dinner is already prepared,” a disciple standing beside the table, eyeing the delicious food with great anticipation, hurried forward to greet Lin Fan as he emerged from the tent.
Although they didn’t know the extent of Lin Fan’s cultivation, his ability to deal a heavy blow to the Feng Tian Sect earned him their respect.
Moreover, Elder Prisoner’s behavior had been clear for all to see. How could they not understand that Lin Fan’s life was the most important among them?
“Esteemed sirs, this is my younger sister. Might she possibly be accepted into your sect?” At this moment, a young boy led a little girl by the hand and respectfully addressed Zong Hentian.
This boy was Cai Heng, the eldest son of the Cai family. His purpose in coming here was not only to have his servants provide a feast for the sect’s elders but also to seek an opportunity for his sister to join the sect.
Cai Heng knew his own talent was insufficient to be accepted by the sect, so he had no choice but to pin all his hopes on his younger sister.
In Cai Heng’s view, the Chu family was likely doing everything possible to establish connections with other sects. If the Chu family managed to form alliances, it might pose a threat to the Cai family.
Zong Hentian glanced briefly at the boy, then at the little girl, and said indifferently, “Her talent is too poor,” before turning his attention elsewhere.
As a proud inner sect prodigy, Zong Hentian naturally looked down on ordinary people like them.
He had encountered countless families like the Cais, all eager to establish ties with the sect.
If the girl had truly possessed outstanding talent, she might have been accepted. But with just one glance, Zong Hentian had already assessed both of them—clearly not meeting the sect’s standards.
“Master Uncle,” Zong Hentian greeted respectfully as he noticed Lin Fan approaching.
Lin Fan nodded and smiled brightly at the little girl, who looked about five years old. “Little sister, what’s your name?”
Seeing the little girl reminded Lin Fan of someone from his past life.
He also had a deep understanding of little girls.
Soft skin, big eyes, and small stature—light makeup and simple clothes suited her well. Her cherry lips barely touched food, and a little candy or cake kept her from fussing. She was sweet and adorable.
“Big brother, my name is Cai Zhiqiao,” the little girl tightly held her brother’s hand. Though a bit frightened, she spoke clearly and sweetly.
Lin Fan slowly crouched down and patted her head. “She’s a promising one.”
Zong Hentian looked slightly puzzled but naturally didn’t dare to contradict Lin Fan’s words.
Cai Heng’s heart leapt with joy. He had thought all hope was lost, but now this unexpected turn of events suggested there might actually be a chance for his sister to join the sect.
“Would you like to go to another place? But it might be a long time before you see your family again. Are you willing?” Lin Fan asked gently.
In Lin Fan’s mind, taking this little girl back to the sect might add some liveliness—after all, it would be nice not to see old men like Zhang Erdog every day.
At this moment, Cai Heng was overwhelmed with excitement. His hand trembled slightly as he held his sister’s, and his eyes eagerly awaited her response. He wanted to shout, “Say yes…”
Cai Zhiqiao, with eyes as bright as the moon, looked at Lin Fan and then at her brother. Then she shook her head and even took a step back. “Wherever my parents and brother are, that’s where I will be.”
“Esteemed sir, my sister is still young and doesn’t understand things well…” Cai Heng panicked and hurriedly tried to explain.
Beside them, Zong Hentian snorted coldly, muttering about the girl’s ingratitude.
“The prison elder is back.”
Just then, the prison elder, who had been away discussing the expedition, returned from the distance. Seeing the prison elder’s gloomy expression, Lin Fan sensed that something must have happened.
“What are you doing here?” The prison elder’s tone was sharp as he approached.
“Cai Heng, eldest son of the Cai family from Yung Tian City, pays homage to you, esteemed sir,” Cai Heng replied nervously, visibly trembling at the prison elder’s presence.
“Hmph! Instead of guarding the perimeter exits, you’re lingering here? Leave now!” The prison elder snapped, clearly burdened with pent-up anger.
“Y-yes, right away…” Frightened by the prison elder’s harsh tone, even Cai Heng, let alone the little girl, felt terrified.
“You two may return first. Once things are settled here, I will personally visit your home,” Lin Fan said with a light smile.
Matters had their priorities. As for whether he could successfully take the little girl back with him, that would depend on fate.
Hearing these words, Cai Heng, who had previously felt all hope was lost, was overjoyed. He hurriedly expressed his gratitude and finally left with his sister and the servants.
“Elder Prisoner, did something happen?” Lin Fan asked.
“Tsk! Those damned bastards!” The prison elder growled in anger, his teeth clenched tightly as if he had an endless amount of resentment to vent.
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