Chapter 1035: The Position of Sect Leader Candidate

Raindrops fell upon him, exuding a mysterious aura, and Lin Fan smiled faintly.

“Haha, it’s indeed you, the original you! To have advanced this far in three years, I couldn’t believe it at first—I even wondered if you had been replaced by some demonic force,” Han Jun Tian said, stepping out from the void, a slight smile curling his lips.

Qing Yang Zi, standing beside the Sect Leader, felt relieved as well.

The reason was simple—this young man’s progress had been too rapid.

To suppress a Golden Immortal within three years—what an incredible feat! He had even speculated whether something unfortunate had happened to him during those three years or if he had been replaced by some evil entity infiltrating the sect.

Now that the Sect Leader had tested him and confirmed his identity, Qing Yang Zi finally relaxed.

“Sect Leader,” Lin Fan bowed respectfully.

Han Jun Tian was in a particularly good mood. “Good, very good indeed! What reward would you like?”

As for rewards, Lin Fan didn’t really care. What he needed most now was experience.

“Sect Leader, this is merely my duty,” Lin Fan replied politely.

Han Jun Tian nodded, then flicked his sleeve, causing several pills and treasures to float in midair. “You’ve made great contributions to the sect. These are all rightfully yours.”

Lin Fan glanced at them and couldn’t help but feel delighted. To his surprise, these were all Immortal Pills—each one brimming with immense power and containing profound Daoist Laws of Immortality, offering significant benefits.

Especially for Lin Fan, they meant a massive influx of experience.

However, after breaking through to Golden Immortal, ordinary Immortal Pills were no longer effective. Only top-grade or supreme-grade Immortal Pills could grant him substantial experience now.

These were merely low-grade and mid-grade Immortal Pills, but they were still acceptable. Since they were bestowed by the Sect Leader, he naturally accepted them.

Seeing the Sect Leader’s generosity, Qing Yang Zi was also in high spirits. Having personally brought in a disciple who gained the Sect Leader’s recognition was an immense honor.

Among the treasures was a low-grade Immortal Artifact, radiating a brilliant Daoist glow. While it was of little use to Lin Fan, for others, it was an invaluable treasure.

Even a low-grade Immortal Artifact was extremely rare and precious.

“Thank you, Sect Leader,” Lin Fan said.

“You’re welcome. Continue cultivating diligently. Also, be cautious when you leave sect grounds. Tai Qian Tian is a petty person. Though he probably won’t act personally, always be on your guard,” Han Jun Tian warned.

Lin Fan had never feared trouble—no matter how much came his way, he would eliminate it all. However, if the Sect Leader of Kunlun Divine Sect were to personally intervene, that might pose a real challenge. But since the Sect Leader was so confident, it was unlikely to happen. Even if it did, Lin Fan believed the Sect Leader must have prepared countermeasures.

After all, if he dared to face the future King Buddha, how could he fear someone like Tai Qian Tian?

After exchanging a few more words, the Sect Leader departed, granting Lin Fan greater authority and officially promoting him to one of the candidates for the next Sect Leader—a position eligible for succession.

Within the sect, aside from the Divine Heir, there was also the position of Sect Leader Candidate.

These disciples were chosen from among the Divine Heirs but did not remain within the sect. Instead, they traveled across the Infinite Continent and only returned when competing for the position of Sect Leader.

Lin Fan had never encountered these disciples before, mainly because three years ago, his power had been too weak. At that time, being a Divine Heir was the highest status any disciple could attain within the sect.

“You truly haven’t disappointed me. Three years later, you’ve brought me such an incredible surprise. It’s truly astonishing,” Qing Yang Zi exclaimed in admiration.

Lin Fan smiled. “Senior Qing Yang, who are the current candidates for Sect Leader?”

“With your current strength, you’ve already become a strong contender for the position. There were originally twelve candidates for the Sect Leader position. Now, with you, there are thirteen.”

“You can take a look. The list of Sect Leader Candidates is recorded within this jade slip,” Qing Yang Zi said, handing over a jade tablet.

Lin Fan examined it and was shocked. Indeed, they were extraordinary. The lowest cultivation among them was already at the peak of Golden Immortal.

“These disciples rarely return to the sect. They have been cultivating across the Infinite Continent for years. Except for the sect’s elders, no one else can rival their status within the sect,” Qing Yang Zi explained.

“I see. I was just wondering—if the Divine Heirs were the only new blood in the sect, the sect might not even survive for another hundred years,” Lin Fan remarked.

“Haha,” Qing Yang Zi laughed. “That’s not entirely true. The true protectors of the sect are the Supreme Elders, who are cultivating at even higher realms. Unless the sect faces annihilation, they won’t emerge.”

“The Heaven and Earth Sect has been passed down for hundreds of thousands of years, with countless former Sect Leaders. After each one steps down, they retreat into the sect’s deepest regions to cultivate. Therefore, no one knows the true depth of the sect’s resources—except the current Sect Leader.”

Lin Fan nodded in understanding. He realized he had previously underestimated things.

He also understood why these Sect Leader Candidates chose not to cultivate within the sect. They knew that staying here their entire lives wouldn’t lead to much progress. Only by venturing into the Infinite Continent and enduring countless trials and dangers could they hope for a greater future.

“Senior Qing Yang, I’d like to know about the countless secret realms and perilous places in the Infinite Continent. I plan to go out for cultivation soon,” Lin Fan said.

“Don’t worry, I’ll take care of everything for you,” Qing Yang Zi assured him, clearly determined to handle all preparations himself.

After all, Lin Fan had been personally brought into the sect by Qing Yang Zi. If he could become the next Sect Leader, Qing Yang Zi would die content, even in the afterlife.

Some of the other Sect Leader Candidates had been away for decades or even a century, their strength unknown to anyone.

After Qing Yang Zi left, Lin Fan returned to his room.

Qiu Zhan Yu and Golden Mushroom had developed an interest in the Heaven and Earth Sect.

Lin Fan didn’t want to bring them along, as it would be far too dangerous.

This time, he intended to venture deep into the Infinite Continent, where greater dangers awaited. One misstep could cost him his life.

The rain fell on his body, emanating a mysterious aura, and Lin Fan smiled faintly.

“Haha, it’s indeed the same you as before. In three years, you’ve progressed to such a level that even I, the sect master, can hardly believe it. I had to check if you had been replaced by some demonic entity,” Han Juntian stepped out from the void, a smile playing on his lips.

Qing Yangzi stood beside the sect master, also feeling a sense of relief.

The main reason was that this young man’s progress was too astonishing.

To suppress a Golden Immortal in three years—what kind of concept was that? He had even wondered if Lin Fan had met with misfortune or been replaced by some evil entity, infiltrating the sect.

Now that the sect master had tested him, he too felt relieved.

“Sect Master,” Lin Fan clasped his fists respectfully.

Han Juntian was in a good mood, “Good, very good. What reward would you like?”

As for rewards, Lin Fan wasn’t particularly concerned. What he needed most now was experience.

“Sect Master, this is what a disciple should do,” Lin Fan replied modestly.

Han Juntian nodded, then with a flick of his sleeve, several pills and treasures floated in the void. “You have contributed to the sect. These are what you deserve.”

Lin Fan glanced at them and felt a surge of joy. To his surprise, these pills were all immortal pills, each containing the laws of the immortal path. Each immortal pill had immense uses.

Especially for Lin Fan, they represented a vast amount of experience.

However, after breaking through to the Golden Immortal realm, ordinary immortal pills were no longer useful. Perhaps only high-grade or supreme-grade immortal pills could provide significant experience.

These pills were of low and medium grade, but they were still valuable. Since they were a gift from the sect master, he naturally accepted them.

Qing Yangzi, seeing the sect master’s generosity, was also in high spirits. The disciple he had found being recognized by the sect master was a great honor.

Among the treasures was a low-grade immortal artifact, radiating the light of the immortal path. For Lin Fan, it was of little consequence, but for others, it was a different story.

A low-grade immortal artifact was no small matter.

“Thank you, Sect Master,” Lin Fan said.

“Good, cultivate well. Be careful when you go out. Tai Qian Tian is a petty man. Although he won’t personally intervene, you must be cautious in all matters,” Han Juntian advised.

Lin Fan wasn’t afraid of trouble. He would kill as many as came. But if the sect master of Kunlun Divine Sect personally intervened, it might indeed be troublesome. However, since the sect master was so confident, it was unlikely to happen. Even if it did, Lin Fan believed the sect master had prepared countermeasures.

Especially since he dared to face the Future Infinite Buddha, how could he fear Tai Qian Tian?

After some instructions, the sect master left, granting Lin Fan greater authority and elevating him to one of the candidates for the sect master position, eligible to compete for the role.

In the sect, apart from the Divine Sons, there were also candidates for the sect master position.

These disciples emerged from the Divine Sons but were not within the sect. Instead, they roamed the Endless Continent, only returning when competing for the sect master position.

Lin Fan had not interacted with these disciples, mainly because his strength was too low three years ago. The Divine Sons held the highest status among the top disciples in the sect.

“You truly haven’t disappointed me. Three years later, you’ve given me such a huge surprise. It’s truly astonishing,” Qing Yangzi exclaimed.

Lin Fan smiled, “Elder Qing Yangzi, who are the candidates for the sect master position?”

“With your current strength, you are also a strong candidate for the sect master position. In the sect, there are twelve candidates, and now with you, it’s thirteen.”

“Here, take a look. The list of candidates is here,” Qing Yangzi handed over a set of jade slips.

Lin Fan glanced at them and was startled. Indeed, they were extraordinary. The lowest cultivation level among them was Golden Immortal Perfection.

“These disciples rarely return to the sect, always cultivating on the Endless Continent. Apart from the sect’s elders, their status in the sect is unmatched,” Qing Yangzi explained.

“So that’s how it is. If the Divine Sons were the sect’s fresh blood, the sect might not even exist in a hundred years,” Lin Fan remarked.

“Haha,” Qing Yangzi laughed heartily, “That’s not the case. The true guardians of the sect are the Grand Elders. They are all comprehending higher realms. Unless the sect faces a catastrophic disaster, those Grand Elders won’t emerge.”

“The Heaven and Earth Sect has been passed down for hundreds of thousands of years. No one knows how many sect masters there have been. After each sect master steps down, they enter the depths of the sect to cultivate. So, as for the sect’s current reserves, apart from the sect master, no one knows.”

Lin Fan nodded, understanding this point. Perhaps he had been too simplistic in his previous thoughts.

He also understood that these candidates for the sect master position did not cultivate within the sect because they knew that cultivating here for a lifetime would not bring significant progress. Only by venturing into the Endless Continent, enduring countless hardships, could they achieve greater prospects.

“Elder Qing Yangzi, I want to know about the countless secret realms and dangerous places on the Endless Continent. In a while, I plan to go out and train,” Lin Fan said.

“Rest assured, I will prepare everything for you,” Qing Yangzi was determined to take care of all matters.

Lin Fan was the one he had brought into the sect. If Lin Fan could become the sect master, it would be extraordinary. Even if he died, he could rest in peace.

Some of the candidates for the sect master position had gone out to train for decades, even a century. No one knew to what level their strength had risen.

After Qing Yangzi left, Lin Fan returned to his room.

Qiu Zhanyu and Jin Zhengu were interested in the Heaven and Earth Sect.

Lin Fan didn’t want to take them along, as it was too dangerous.

This time, Lin Fan wanted to venture into the depths of the Endless Continent, where there might be greater dangers. If he wasn’t careful, he could perish there.

No one knew how vast the Endless Continent was. Even a powerhouse like the sect master had never reached its end. There were still many unknown places beyond their knowledge.

…

After returning to the mountain peak, Ling Wuzun had made a decision.

Lin Fan’s performance upon his return had dealt him a heavy blow. He felt like a frog at the bottom of a well. He had decided.

He would leave the sect and train outside. Even if he died out there, he would elevate his strength. If he couldn’t suppress Lin Fan, he would be unwilling. Even if he couldn’t suppress him, as long as he could match him, he would be satisfied.

Three days later, Ling Wuzun left the sect. No one knew where he went.

Ten days later.

Lin Fan had made all preparations within the sect and had also obtained from Qing Yangzi some known places on the Endless Continent.

Qiu Zhanyu and Jin Zhengu had reached the True Immortal realm and became inner sect disciples. Everything was entrusted to Elder Qing Yangzi for care.

At the sect’s entrance.

Qing Yangzi, Qiu Zhanyu, and Jin Zhengu watched Lin Fan’s departing figure, sighing softly.

“Big brother has left. I wonder when he’ll return,” Qiu Zhanyu said with reluctance.

“Next time big brother returns, he might bring us an even greater surprise,” Jin Zhengu speculated.

Qing Yangzi’s heart was also filled with infinite curiosity. He didn’t know how many surprises Lin Fan would bring him.

At this moment, Lin Fan was heading towards the direction of Sheng Long City. He still wanted to visit there, after all, he had lived there for over a decade.

…

After returning to his mountain peak, Ling Wu Zun had already made a decision.

Lin Fan’s return had deeply shaken him. He felt like a frog at the bottom of a well, unaware of the vast world beyond. He had resolved to leave the sect and seek cultivation outside, even if it meant death.

If he couldn’t surpass Lin Fan, he would at least strive to stand on equal footing with him. Otherwise, he would never be at peace.

Three days later, Ling Wu Zun left the sect without a trace. No one knew where he had gone.

Ten days later,

Lin Fan had completed all his preparations within the sect and received information about known locations in the Infinite Continent from Qing Yang Zi.

Qiu Zhan Yu and Golden Mushroom, now at the True Immortal level, had become inner sect disciples. Qing Yang Zi was entrusted with their care.

At the sect’s entrance,

Qing Yang Zi, Qiu Zhan Yu, and Golden Mushroom watched Lin Fan’s retreating figure, sighing softly.

“Big Brother has left. I wonder when he’ll return,” Qiu Zhan Yu murmured, filled with longing.

“When he returns, Big Brother will surely bring us even more surprises,” Golden Mushroom speculated.

Qing Yang Zi, too, felt a surge of anticipation. He couldn’t wait to see what new wonders Lin Fan would bring.

As for Lin Fan himself, he was now heading toward Sheng Long City. He still needed to visit that place—it was where he had lived for over a decade, after all.