All Defeated in Seconds, What More Is There to Say?

With just one punch, effortlessly, Xiao Ling'er defeated her opponent in seconds.

The elders of the three sects appeared composed, but in truth, they were even more apprehensive.

They had assumed that given Xiao Ling'er's age, her foundation would be unstable. Yet, contrary to their expectations, Xiao Ling'er showed no signs of an unstable foundation and instead seemed capable of fighting above her level.

How were they supposed to fight this?

But at this point, retreating was not an option.

They had no choice but to grit their teeth and continue.

"Qian Wu, your turn!" Elder Zhou of the Peach Blossom Sect ordered.

"What?!" Qian Wu's face turned pale.

He was a member of the Qian family, a subsidiary force of the Peach Blossom Sect, considered the smallest cultivation force. He had been cultivating since childhood and joined the main sect as an adult to further his studies.

However, even so, he was only at the eighth level of the Meridian Opening Realm, not even at the ninth.

How could he fight?

"What what?" Elder Wu's voice cut through.

Qian Wu shivered. "Yes, Elder."

He stepped forward, taking a deep breath, "Qian Wu of the Peach Blossom Sect, please instruct me. Ha!"

Under immense pressure, he showed considerable courage, shouting angrily and launching the first attack. Remarkably, under this high pressure, he broke through on the spot, opening his ninth Profound Gate!

"What?!"

The disciples of the three sects were all shocked.

Elder Wu smiled slightly, "Qian Wu has good talent; he is a reliable individual."

Elder Zhou also smiled, "This pressure has indeed stimulated his potential. When we return, we should cultivate him well. He could become a cornerstone of our Peach Blossom Sect."

Qian Wu himself was elated.

Reaching the ninth level of the Meridian Opening Realm!

He had broken through just like that, what a joyous event!

However, before he could savor his excitement for even a second, he met the same fate as the disciple from the Golden Eagle Sect.

Defeated in seconds, with just one punch.

The elders of the three sects winced.

"At this rate, how can we exhaust her true essence?"

The elder of the Eight Swords Sect sighed, "Let's do our best and leave the rest to fate. Our sect's disciple has a special skill; we may not be entirely without a chance."

"Oh?!"

The elders of the Peach Blossom Sect and the Golden Eagle Sect couldn't help but feel envious.

A disciple at the first level of the Condensation Realm against the fifth level, and they still had a chance of winning?

The Eight Swords Sect had really found a gem.

Damn it, such luck!

***

The next six rounds proceeded without any surprises.

New disciples, having been in the sect for only a month, had severe limitations, and the disparity in cultivation levels was insurmountable.

Lin Fan watched with great joy in his heart.

As expected, the protagonist template is indeed extraordinary. I chose the right path! As long as I continue, the future is bright!!!"

As for sparing their lives, that was naturally his intention.

Killing them would be easy for Xiao Ling'er, but as the saying goes, if you can't completely eradicate them, don't recklessly escalate the hatred.

Otherwise...

Even if any one of the three sects wanted to destroy the Moon Grasping Sect, they would have to pay a heavy price. But what if they joined forces?

Defeating and driving them away was enough.

Without a life-and-death feud, even if they wanted revenge, it wouldn't come quickly—they would take their time to prepare.

And what Lin Fan and the Moon Grasping Sect needed most right now was time.

With enough time, Xiao Ling'er could rapidly grow, and he could rise alongside her. If they could recruit a few more disciples who met their criteria...

What fear would they have of these mere three sects?

***

"Eight Swords Sect, Wen Jian."

The last disciple from the Eight Swords Sect stepped forward, carrying a long sword on his back and wearing a cold expression.

"Huh?" In Xiao Ling'er's mind, her "teacher's" voice sounded, "This person carries a familiar aura."

"Please."

Xiao Ling'er remained calm.

First level of the Condensation Realm?

Strong among "newcomers," but still no match for her.

"I have only one sword strike. If you can withstand it, I will concede." Wen Jian spoke, gripping his sword hilt, "This sword strike, I originally intended to nourish for over a hundred years, but you are strong and worthy of my blade."

"I see."

Her "teacher" sighed, "It's the Sword Nourishing Technique, no wonder I find it familiar."

"Sword Nourishing Technique?" Xiao Ling'er was puzzled.

"Yes, sword cultivators never part from their swords and use a special secret technique to nourish their sword with their essence, spirit, and true essence. The longer the sword is nourished, the more astounding it is when unsheathed. Especially the first strike—if a great cultivator nourished a sword for thousands of years, that strike could potentially slay immortals!"

"That formidable?" Xiao Ling'er's eyes narrowed slightly, "I can't withstand it?"

"The sensation is very faint; he hasn't been nourishing the sword for long, his cultivation isn't deep, and the sword itself is ordinary. You can certainly withstand it, but it would reveal some of your abilities."

"I understand." Xiao Ling'er smiled, "Why don't you take my punch instead?"

She moved.

With swift and graceful steps, she was beside Wen Jian in an instant. He was startled and about to draw his sword, but Xiao Ling'er was quicker. She pressed down on his sword hilt, preventing him from unsheathing it, and simultaneously delivered a punch to his chest.

Wen Jian was sent flying, crashing heavily to the ground, unable to draw his sword.

***

Lin Fan observed the scene, filled with joy.

Indeed, the protagonist template is extraordinary.

***

The elders of the three sects watched with growing dread.

Initially, they had believed that Xiao Ling'er's young age would imply an unstable foundation. To their dismay, Xiao Ling'er exhibited not only a solid foundation but also the strength to fight beyond her level.

What could they do?

The elders of the three sects were becoming increasingly nervous.

The disciple from the Golden Eagle Sect was already taken down with one punch. Now, the disciple from the Peach Blossom Sect who had broken through under pressure was also instantly defeated.

Elder Wu muttered, "What do we do now?"

Elder Zhou replied, "We have to continue, even if it's with gritted teeth. Qian Wu, step forward!"

Qian Wu's face turned pale. "What?"

Elder Zhou's voice turned icy. "Step forward!"

"Yes, Elder," Qian Wu said, stepping forward reluctantly.

***

By the end of the day, all disciples were defeated within moments, highlighting the stark difference in their abilities.

Lin Fan was content. The future was indeed promising.

With a dull thud, Wen Jian's chest caved in. His eyes bulged, his face turned crimson, and he slumped to the ground, limp.

Xiao Ling'er released her hold.

Wen Jian, knocked unconscious by the single punch, had been unable to draw his sword.

The elders of the three sects were speechless.

The elder from the Eight Swords Sect, fuming, shouted, "You were supposed to take his sword strike! Why did you go back on your word?!"

"Elder, have you perhaps grown hard of hearing in your old age?" Xiao Ling'er looked genuinely puzzled. "When was this agreed upon? He said he only had one sword strike, and I had to take it? What kind of reasoning is that? This is a fair duel, yet I am taking on nine in a rotation battle. Am I not allowed to strike first? Should I then tell you to remove all your defenses and clean your neck for me to slice? Would you comply? If so, I apologize."

The elder from the Eight Swords Sect was furious. "You sharp-tongued wild girl!"

With a sharp clang, he drew his sword, and terrifying sword energy filled the air. Xiao Ling'er's expression changed drastically.

In that moment, he had murderous intent.

Not only was Xiao Ling'er exceptionally talented, but she was also cautious and adaptable. If she were allowed to grow, she would become a significant threat.

But almost simultaneously, Su Xinghai and the other four erupted with power, instantly suppressing the terrifying sword energy.

"Old man, do you intend to bully the young?"

The elder from the Eight Swords Sect had a conflicted expression. Finally, he sheathed his sword with a cold snort. "We're leaving!"

He led his people away in disgrace.

The elders from the Golden Eagle Sect and the Peach Blossom Sect couldn't stay any longer either. They hurriedly withdrew their disciples, though their faces were filled with bitter smiles and helplessness.

They too wished to act, as it was clear to everyone that Xiao Ling'er would become a significant threat in time. However, the timing was not right. Acting now would be akin to courting death.

The elders' expressions were dark.

The new disciples, however, were on the verge of having their Dao hearts shattered.

They had come to assert their sect's might, to demonstrate their power.

Why, then, were they suppressed at every turn, ultimately being easily defeated nine against one, and forced to leave in disgrace?

Wasn't the Moon Grasping Sect supposed to be in decline, their lineage on the brink of extinction?

How could a sect on the verge of extinction defeat them so thoroughly?

What did that make them?