Chapter 158: Confrontation

"That is true. They do carry healing items; although they are useless to us, they are still quite decent at the Pulse Condensation Realm."

The ancestor of the Yi family frowned and spoke.

Since the healing supreme medicine on Senior Brother Feng could not be hidden from Lin Fan, it was even less possible to block the prying gaze of the Yi family's ancestor, except that the latter had not cared about it previously.

"Someone is definitely injured. I wonder if it's an old acquaintance of mine."

Lin Fan smiled faintly, his figure shifting to conceal himself within the void. The Yi family's ancestor closely followed suit upon seeing this.

Fortunately, Senior Brother Feng and his party were walking toward the outside of the Ancient Demon City and had not crossed paths with the powerful figures within the city; otherwise, it would not have been so easy for Lin Fan and the other to act so blatantly, or at least they would have needed to be more discreet.

"Senior Brother Feng, our Divine Court has truly taken a heavy fall this time. Two protectors have suffered severe injuries. Although on the surface they were beaten down by powerful members of the Demon Clan, who inside the entire Heavenly Capital Gate is unclear about who actually dealt the vicious blows? Could the Son of God Alliance really cover the heavens with a single hand to such an extent, while the elders within the sect turn a blind eye?"

Junior Brother Yun dared to speak about it only after seeing that there was no one else around. The matter was simply too grave; the two heavy protectors of the Divine Court being on the verge of death meant that the Divine Court had lost two peak combat strengths, instantly weakening its momentum a bit in the struggle against the Son of God Alliance.

It had been more than a year and a half since Lin Fan left the Heavenly Martial Domain, and the conflict between the Heavenly Capital Gate's Son of God Alliance and the Divine Court had grown increasingly fierce. Group battles triggered by a single disagreement were no longer rare occurrences. However, for some reason, the higher-ups of the Heavenly Capital Gate had always remained indifferent to this, neither stopping nor endorsing it.

"Do not speak nonsense. The higher-ups of the sect have already reached a verdict on this matter; it truly has nothing to do with the Son of God Alliance. I do not wish to hear such baseless rumors echoing the crowd again in the future."

Senior Brother Feng gave a low rebuke, but he had no intention of scolding him, because in truth, he thought the exact same way.

"I think the various protectors are simply too weak. All four major noble clans stand behind the Divine Court, and some secretly support us as well. Do we truly lack the strength to stand up to the Son of God Alliance? If there is no counterattack for a long time, I'm afraid the hearts of the people within the Divine Court will inevitably become unsettled."

That female disciple evidently had some background and knew quite a few secrets.

"Junior Sister Zhuge, the higher-ups of our Divine Court have their own judgment on this matter. It is best not to guess blindly, lest you bring disaster upon yourself."

Senior Brother Feng shook his head. Although some things were known to everyone, they could not be spoken aloud, because none of these things could bear the light of day. Once laid out in the open, they would lose their meaning.

"Truly a small temple breeds chaotic winds, yet you people of a tiny sect do not think of refining your cultivation and elevating your realms, but instead engage in inner strife and petty schemes. It is truly putting the cart before the horse. If a great catastrophe were to befall you, not a single one of you would survive."

The ancestor of the Yi family in the void sneered, though it was unclear what thoughts were passing through his mind.

The conversation between Senior Brother Feng and his companions could not possibly be hidden from him and Lin Fan, even while they concealed themselves within the void.

"Actually, that is not entirely true. Having a faction allows one to acquire more cultivation resources, which is why everyone strives for fame and fortune. Solitary bitter cultivation is fine, but it must be premised on having sufficient opportunities; otherwise, in the end, one is merely an ant."

Lin Fan sighed with emotion. How could he not know this principle? Yet the reality of the world was precisely this.

Resources were forever grasped in the hands of the minority. If not for his Sovereign Human Saint Statue, he would likely have been fighting tooth and nail for meager resources just like everyone else.

"What you say makes some sense. Therefore, people may scheme against one another, but they must never forget their original intent."

The ancestor of the Yi family nodded noncommittally. As for how much he agreed, only he himself knew.

"Higher-up judgment? In my view, they have all lost their backbone."

Junior Brother Yun snorted coldly, acting as a thorough firebrand. However, this personality happened to suit Lin Fan's taste quite well.

"It's not quite like that. I heard that the Son of God Duanmu Ci has an extraordinary background. Even our Sect Master has to treat him with a measure of courtesy. Legend has it that he is the progeny of the Lord of Poluo Commandery and possesses an ancient inheritance."

Junior Sister Zhuge stood on Senior Brother Feng's side this time, revealing a secret.

"So that's how it is."

Lin Fan's eyes flickered in the void, finally understanding the cause and effect.

No wonder Duanmu Ci had dared to act so recklessly back then, even summoning figures of the Void-Breaking Realm; it turned out he had such a backing.

"Eh?"

Suddenly, Lin Fan's expression changed as he looked into the distance.

A group of people was approaching from over there, and among them was a Pulse Condensation Realm cultivator.

"They should be people from the Son of God Alliance. Truly audacious."

Lin Fan let out a cold snort, his gaze turning chilly, but he did not make a move immediately. Instead, he continued to watch, treating this as a test for Senior Brother Feng and his group.

"It seems we are about to watch a good show."

The ancestor of the Yi family crossed his arms, a hint of interest appearing in his eyes. He took on completely the posture of a spectator.

The time it takes to brew a cup of tea passed in the blink of an eye.

"Not good, someone is heading this way."

Senior Brother Feng was truly worthy of being a half-step Pulse Condensation Realm expert; he had already sensed someone rushing toward their direction from afar.

Junior Brother Yun and Junior Sister Zhuge exchanged a glance, their expressions turning faintly grave. Even they could now sense a trace of hostility.

"Feng Qingming, I didn't expect to run into your group here, along with Yun Yi and Junior Sister Zhuge."

A loud laugh rang out as a group of five appeared. The one in the lead was a young man with an extremely pale face, his eyes suffused with a sinister and wicked aura. He was also the strongest cultivator among the opposing party.

"So it's you. I wonder what business you have here?"

Senior Brother Feng's expression remained unchanged, but his eyes were deeply grave and filled with extreme wariness.

"Nothing much. I heard that a few fellow junior brothers were in the vicinity, so I came over to take a look."

The young man chuckled derisively, paying no heed to Senior Brother Feng and the others whatsoever—he possessed the strength to afford such arrogance.

"Since you've looked, you may leave now. Well water does not violate river water."

Senior Brother Feng snorted coldly, not wishing to waste any more words.

"That won't do. I heard that someone stole some healing supreme medicines from our sect and even fled near the Ancient Demon City. Although I would very much like to trust Junior Brother Feng, I have a heavy responsibility upon me and am forced to commit an offense. I must ask you all to hand over your cosmos sacks for me to inspect. I have already checked some other fellow disciples earlier, but the items were not on them."

The young man narrowed his eyes, slowly stepping forward with a cold sneer on his lips.

"What?!"

Senior Brother Feng and his group felt a jolt in their hearts, a flash of panic crossing their faces.

"After all, their experience in the world is still far too lacking."

Witnessing this from the void, Lin Fan shook his head and couldn't help but chuckle softly.

Initially, that young man probably hadn't been certain whether the healing supreme medicine was on Senior Brother Feng and his group, but the drastic shifts in their expressions could not possibly be concealed from him.

Sure enough, the young man sneered, realizing instantly that the three people before him were precisely the ones he was looking for.

"It seems it truly is you. My heart aches with grief—I never expected such worms to emerge within our sect. Hand over the supreme healing treasures, and then follow me back to the sect to await punishment."

Abandoning all riddles, the young man stepped directly forward, preparing to strike.

"Han Feng, how dare you!"

Junior Sister Zhuge arched her brows and rebuked angrily.

"What is there that I wouldn't dare? You are the ones whose audacity knows no bounds."

Disregarding everything, the young man strode forward aggressively, his vital blood surging, on the verge of erupting at any second.