Chapter 172: Dare You Take My Brick

"Transcending all, roaming freely, eternal freedom—but who can be eternal? Freedom is easier said than done. In the Saint Sect's ten-thousand-year legacy, with a hundred patriarchs, can even one achieve eternity? Can one be free? Elder Liang, can you be eternal? What is the purpose of martial arts? It is to push one's own limits, to act with righteous vengeance, to protect what is important. Once you enter a sect, you are no longer free; whether you are a prodigy or a menial disciple, you are an indispensable part of the sect."

"If the sect is strong, you are strong; if the sect declines, you decline. As a member of the sect, you must devote all your efforts to make the sect stronger. How can you speak of freedom..." At this moment, Lin Fan was possessed by a chatterbox, spouting a torrent of words regardless of whether the other understood, leaving him speechless.

Lin Fan certainly agreed with eternal freedom. If cultivation didn't pursue eternal freedom, what was the point?

But since this old man was so arrogant, he had to be put in his place.

Though he might incur the old man's displeasure, Lin Fan wasn't afraid. He was a member of the Saint Sect, not the Nine Heavens Sect. Why should he fear being given a hard time?

"Well said, Uncle-Master Lin!"

"Uncle-Master Lin, every word is truth. Cultivation is about protecting what is most important. With my low talent, how could I ever achieve eternal freedom?"

...

The Saint Sect disciples chimed in one after another. Though they were on Uncle-Master Lin's side, his words had stirred their hearts deeply.

Some disciples had poor talent and could not advance in cultivation. Seeking eternal freedom was nothing but a pipe dream.

Now, Lin Fan's words gave them a new purpose in life.

As disciples of the sect, they naturally hoped the sect would grow stronger. Thus, they had to devote all their efforts to maintain the sect and make it better.

...

Liang Yichu was dumbfounded. He had been rebutted by this junior until he was speechless, not even knowing how to argue back.

Especially the line "Can you be eternal and free?" left Liang Yichu at a loss for words.

Among the patriarchs of the Nine Heavens Sect throughout history, which one had achieved eternal freedom? None.

As for himself, could he be eternal and free? That was pure fantasy.

No matter how much he wanted to save face, he dared not claim he could be eternal.

"Alas, the world thinks cultivation is good, but they don't know that once you enter the path, it's as deep as the sea—not as simple as imagined." At this moment, Lin Fan shook his head and sighed, speaking with an air of aged wisdom.

With this, Lin Fan had completely blown his own trumpet.

Wuya stared at Lin Fan in astonishment. He hadn't expected this kid to say such things, and upon reflection, they actually made some sense.

"Hmph."

Just then, a sharp and fierce sword intent suddenly erupted.

"Hum..."

A long sword came from the void, its sharp dark light seeming to sever everything, churning the void until it trembled, as if it could be torn apart at any moment.

"Survival of the fittest, the weak are prey. Only the weak find excuses to escape everything. The strong are firm in heart; eternal freedom is the highest realm. In this life, no regrets. Even if one fails, at least they stay true to their heart. Dare you take my sword?" At this moment, Xin Feng's long hair flew, his eyes sharp as sword beams, cutting through all obstacles before him.

The sword pointed directly at Lin Fan.

"Dare you take my sword?" Xin Feng said coldly.

His heart was already furious. This man was even more arrogant than himself, leaving even the elder speechless. As a prodigy disciple of the Nine Heavens Sect, he had to win back the sect's honor.

He would use his strongest sword intent to make the other understand what disparity meant. No matter how many arguments one had, before absolute power, one must lower their proud head.

Liang Yichu's heart showed a faint smile, but his expression revealed a hint of displeasure. "Disciple, how can you be like this? Put away your sword intent at once. If you affect the Saint Sect's junior disciples, you will have made a grave mistake."

Xin Feng's expression remained unchanged, his eyes like gods, fixed on Lin Fan. He did not relent because of his master's words.

He had followed his master for over a decade and knew every nuance of his master's words and actions.

Now, though his master's words outwardly told him to withdraw his sword intent, he understood his master was saying,

"Let loose, make them understand your power..."

Under this sword intent, some low-level Saint Sect disciples turned pale, sweat beading on their foreheads. The sword intent pressed like a great mountain on their hearts.

It was even like a sharp sword tearing at their hearts, instilling a sense of fear.

The prodigy disciples of the Nine Heavens Sect curled their lips and gradually smiled.

The senior brother was angry. He was making them understand the gap in strength.

Before coming, the elder had already analyzed the situation.

Three years ago, the prodigy disciple Mie Qiongqi had been imprisoned for killing a fellow disciple, leaving the sect without a pillar. As for Zong Hentian, though strong in strength, compared to Xin Feng, he was far, far behind.

Thus, with Xin Feng's sword intent rampant, forming a domain of sword intent, no Saint Sect disciple could withstand it.

"This sword is extraordinary. What is it?" Lin Fan, hands behind his back, stepped forward calmly, his indifferent gaze fixed on the sharp-edged Xin Feng.

"A sword is just a sword..." Xin Feng said coldly, his eyes containing two towering swords of sword intent, exuding a fierce aura.

"What harm is there in taking your sword? Give me the sword." At this moment, Lin Fan exuded dominance, his eyes sweeping over the world as if nothing in it mattered.

Xin Feng snorted coldly. The long sword in his hand hummed, left his palm, and came into Lin Fan's hand.

"A sword has only one master in its life. Be careful with your hand." Xin Feng stared at Lin Fan. This sword was filled with supreme sword intent. When another held it, the sword's intent would torment their mind. He didn't mind making the other understand how terrifying this sword was.

Lin Fan held the long sword, a faint smile curling at the corner of his mouth.

"Ding, congratulations, 'Undying Demon Body' experience +10,000."

The moment he grasped the sword, Lin Fan felt a fierce sword intent surge into his body, but unfortunately, it had no effect on him.

The prodigy disciples of the Nine Heavens Sect were astonished that he could hold Senior Brother Xin Feng's sword, finding it hard to believe.

Liang Yichu's ever-present smile gradually faded.

This Saint Sect disciple was problematic. His disciple's sword had been infused with boundless sword intent through years of cultivation.

Yet this disciple was completely unaffected—truly baffling.

"This is a fine sword, but it's a pity." Lin Fan said calmly, shaking his head regretfully.

And in that instant, a shocking scene unfolded.

Lin Fan raised the sword with one hand and struck it heavily against his own body.

Clang!

The sound of metal shattering rang out.

The moment Xin Feng's long sword touched Lin Fan's body, it instantly shattered, breaking into pieces that scattered on the ground.

This...

At this moment, everyone was completely stunned. Even Wuya and Liang Yichu were taken aback.

"Dare you take my brick?" At this moment, Lin Fan extended his right hand, in which he held a red brick.

The brick was ordinary, without any special features.

But such a brick, paired with Lin Fan's unique posture, gave off an immense pressure.