The Bold Fear the Reckless, the Reckless Fear the Fearless
If the other party had reservations, what were they afraid of?
Certainly not him!
It could only be the five elders.
In that case, why not act more brazenly?
Lin Fan had understood from a young age that if you were timid and fearful, everyone would bully you. But if you stood your ground and fought fiercely, as long as you didn't die, few would dare to challenge you.
In a situation where the other party couldn't kill you without sustaining damage themselves, the weak fear the strong, the strong fear the bold, the bold fear the reckless, and the reckless fear the fearless!
Lin Fan had also grasped another principle early on — the wealthier a person is, the more they fear death.
Why do the rich often seem so well-mannered and polite to ordinary people? Because they are afraid of dying!
I'm so wealthy, with enough money for several lifetimes. Why would I bother with an ordinary person or even a beggar? If you suddenly go mad and kill me or even just bite me, wouldn't I be at a loss?
In the Immortal Martial Continent, while money isn't the measure of everything, it does represent a lot.
For instance, at this moment, they feared his sect's five elders.
If he didn't act tough now, soon everyone would dare to trample on him and the Moon Grasping Sect.
Therefore…
Just do it. Who's afraid of whom?!
Lin Fan's mind was as clear as a mirror.
However, his actions and behavior appeared to be 'madness' in the eyes of the other three sects, and even Wu Xingyun.
"You dare?!"
"Are you looking for death?!"
"A mere Moon Grasping Sect, do you wish to be annihilated today?!"
The elders of the three sects glared angrily, their auras bursting forth, creating an imposing spectacle.
Their words were ferocious, full of threats.
Wu Xingyun's mouth twitched.
As expected…
She thought the sect leader was too young and a bit impulsive.
A sect leader who fiercely protects their own is naturally beloved by their disciples, but at times like this, when the situation is dire, wouldn't it be better to keep a low profile? She felt conflicted but couldn't undermine her own people now. She had to brace herself and confront all the Cave Heaven realm elders of the opposing sects.
Fortunately, Grand Elder Su Xinghai, Third Elder Li Changshou, Fourth Elder Chen Erzhu, and Fifth Elder Duan Qingyao arrived, flanking her and coordinating their efforts. Their terrifying auras surged like ocean waves, suppressing the other side…
The elders of the three sects turned pale but didn't back down.
"Fine, very fine indeed!"
"The Moon Grasping Sect truly seeks its own destruction. Don't think that just because you have a slight advantage over us, you can do as you please. You've brought out your entire strength, but how many of our forces have we deployed?"
"If you wish to die, go ahead and make a move. Let's see what fate befalls the Moon Grasping Sect!"
The five elders maintained their composure, but inwardly they were anxious.
Both sides were wary!
Su Xinghai and the other elders knew their own strength was superior and that the three sects were wary of their top-tier combat power. However, they were also acutely aware that the overall strength of any one of the three sects was greater than that of the Moon Grasping Sect.
If a fight broke out, they might exact a heavy toll, but the Moon Grasping Sect would surely be obliterated.
The elders of the three sects, however, were even more frightened.
Yes, any one of their sects was stronger than the Moon Grasping Sect, but they had come with fewer people! They couldn't have brought their entire forces and all their treasures, right?
So if a battle were to start now…
The ones to die would be those from the three sects, including themselves!
Who wants to die?
Especially Elder Wu of the Peach Blossom Sect. She had cultivated for a lifetime, finally advancing to the Cave Heaven realm and becoming an elder. She hadn't even had a chance to enjoy it. Did she have to perish here? Or rather, should they use their lives to send off the Moon Grasping Sect?
What a loss that would be!
They were already contemplating surrender.
But there was no way around it!
What was the purpose of this mission, after all?!
Behind them were all the newly recruited disciples from this year, their eyes shining with anticipation, eagerly watching and expecting them to flaunt their power and showcase the sect's might. If they backed down now, what kind of message would that send?
It was a dilemma!
It was excruciating!
What should they do?!
The elders from both sides glared at each other.
Meanwhile, the elders of the three sects were cursing Lin Fan to their core.
"This ignorant brat, with just a few words, escalated the situation to this extent. We're already riding a tiger; what should we do now?"
"This scoundrel, if given a chance, I will skin him alive, extract his tendons, refine his soul, and use it to light a lantern!"
"Enough of the cursing, we need to decide immediately what our three sects should do next."
"..."
The elders of the three sects communicated telepathically, each feeling the acute discomfort of their situation.
Even the typically domineering elders of the Golden Eagle Sect found it impossible to maintain their usual arrogance.
They were tough, but this Moon Grasping Sect was utterly reckless, even fearless!
Both sides' disciples were watching with anticipation, hoping to see their elders display great prowess.
Only Xiao Ling'er's face remained solemn, ever vigilant. Occasionally, when she glanced at Lin Fan's back, her eyes filled with warmth and admiration. For the sake of two outer disciples, he was willing to risk a confrontation with the three sects!
With such a sect leader, how could the Moon Grasping Sect not inspire loyalty?
As for Fang Kun and Zuo Qingqing, they were already petrified with fear.
They were caught in a bind.
They wanted to obey and slap the disciples of the Golden Eagle Sect, but they feared sparking greater conflict...
Lin Fan snorted coldly, "What are you standing there for? Do you not hear your sect leader's orders?!"
He forced the two to step forward and retaliate.
Although the sect rules clearly stated not to provoke enemies that couldn't be eradicated and to endure even when confronted, this situation was different. Besides, the enmity was already established and wouldn't simply disappear by enduring.
Moreover, these three sects... were obviously not promising.
Otherwise, they wouldn't be so timid. If they had any real backing, they wouldn't act like this! Given this, why should he be afraid?
Before you, the Moon Grasping Sect is indeed reckless. Let's see if you dare to fight me!
Under Lin Fan's stern command, the two disciples regained their confidence and boldly stepped forward.
The Golden Eagle Sect elder was frantic, shouting, "How dare you!"
But now, riding the tiger, he couldn't bet his life on the Moon Grasping Sect's recklessness.
He could only shout, "It was your fault to begin with. We came here to settle the score and seek justice! And you dare let your disciples strike first?!"
"Why wouldn't I dare?!" Lin Fan snorted coldly, "If you come seeking justice, you should talk before acting. But you, you came to our mountain gate and attacked our disciples without a word. How can this be tolerated? If you want justice, I'll give you the chance, but only after they reclaim their dignity. If you're dissatisfied, go ahead and make a move. Let's see if the Moon Grasping Sect dares to bury you here!"
The Golden Eagle Sect elder trembled with rage.
Fang Kun and Zuo Qingqing finally understood.
Yes, if you want to seek justice, then seek it.
Why hit us?
Slap! Slap!
The two struck out with fury, their slaps resounding loudly, echoing far and wide.
The Golden Eagle Sect disciple was instantly dazed, his vision blurred, blood trickling from his nose and mouth, and his teeth loosening.
"Unbelievable!"
He was burning with rage, ready to retaliate, but seeing that his elder had remained silent, he immediately backed down.
He wasn't a newcomer; he knew well the usual demeanor of his sect's elders. Their current silence spoke volumes about the situation.