Chapter 321: The Gu Clan's Offer, The Sea Chart Secured!
As soon as Lin Fan spoke, the previously lively crowd fell silent. All eyes turned toward the Shentu Clan's seats.
The Shentu Clan's referee furrowed his brows and looked toward the Shentu Clan's leadership for instructions.
On the Shentu side, the expressions of many clan members shifted subtly after hearing Lin Fan's challenge.
After the overwhelming display Lin Fan had just shown, even the powerful Shentu Clan didn't dare to take him lightly.
From their seats, a blue-robed elder slowly rose and hovered in the air.
His gaze swept across the mountaintop before finally settling on Lin Fan. A faint sharpness glinted in his eyes, betraying his seriousness.
"That's Elder Shentu Tao from the Shentu Clan..." someone in the crowd whispered in awe.
Shentu Tao gave Lin Fan a long look and then said, "Today's Martial Meet has concluded. The Gu Clan is the victor and now holds the right to challenge the Shentu Clan."
"If you win again tomorrow, the three entry slots to the Desolate Tower will belong to the Gu Clan. However, according to the rules, that match must take place tomorrow."
His powerful voice echoed through the air, carried on Yuan Power so intense it stung the ears.
Shentu Tao had witnessed Lin Fan's earlier battle and, even at his level, felt a trace of danger emanating from the youth. His confidence in Shentu Jue had clearly diminished.
He planned to use the rest of the day to help Shentu Jue strategize for the final match—so that they could still guard the Desolate Tower.
"I see. Then tomorrow it is," Lin Fan replied with a calm smile before turning and flying back to the Gu Clan's seats.
Shentu Tao silently watched him land, then returned to the Shentu Clan's side.
"Let's go," he ordered. At once, the Shentu Clan departed the mountaintop plaza.
Shentu Tao, however, separated from the group and made his way alone toward the Desolate Tower.
"Thank you, Young Master Lin Fan!"
No sooner had Lin Fan landed than Elder Gu Shuo approached with visible excitement and gratitude.
Lin Fan smiled. "I fought for my own reasons. Elder Gu Shuo doesn't need to thank me."
"Haha, but if it weren't for you, the Gu Clan would've had no hope at all," Gu Shuo chuckled.
Lin Fan's expression remained relaxed as he changed the topic. "After tomorrow's match, the Desolate Tower's slots will be settled, right?"
"Indeed," Gu Shuo nodded with a smile. "If we win, you and Brother Lin Dong will both be able to enter."
He paused, eyes twinkling, then added, "Actually, I noticed neither of you belongs to a major faction. Our Gu Clan just so happens to be in need of protectors. If the two of you are willing to stay, next year's Desolate Tower slots could also be yours. It would greatly aid your cultivation."
It was a very obvious recruitment attempt.
After witnessing Lin Fan's strength firsthand, Gu Shuo was deeply impressed. To possess Perfect Life Xuan Stage power at such a young age meant that a Revolving Wheel Stage breakthrough in the future was all but guaranteed.
Even Lin Dong, though not as strong, was quite formidable. If both of them joined, the Gu Clan's power would skyrocket—potentially elevating its status across the entire Chaos Demon Sea.
Lin Fan glanced at Lin Dong, and the two shared a look before smiling and shaking their heads.
"Sorry, Elder Gu Shuo. We have important matters to attend to. Once we've exited the Desolate Tower, we'll be leaving."
Gu Shuo's aged face showed a flash of disappointment, but he sighed and said, "Then I won't force you. The Gu Clan will always be your friend. You're welcome to visit anytime."
"We'll remember that," Lin Fan nodded.
At that moment, Lin Dong asked, "Elder Gu Shuo, what format will tomorrow's match use?"
"There aren't any special rules. Just defeat the tower's guardian, Shentu Jue. We're allowed to send out up to three fighters," Gu Shuo explained with a smile.
Lin Fan shook his head. "Three? That won't be necessary. If Shentu Jue is at most at the Great Mastery Life Xuan Stage, I can handle him with a flick of the wrist."
Gu Mengqi and Gu Yan exchanged glances, both showing wry smiles.
They were only at the Minor Mastery stage themselves. Yet Lin Fan was already brushing off Great Mastery opponents as if they were nothing. The gap was vast indeed…
Gu Shuo laughed. "With your strength, there's no need to worry. Let's return and rest for tomorrow."
Lin Fan nodded, not objecting.
The group returned to the Gu Clan's residence on Xuanling Island.
Back at their estate, Gu Yuntian, Gu Mengqi, Gu Yan, and the Gu Clan's higher-ups held a celebratory banquet to honor the day's victory.
After the feast, Lin Fan returned to the small courtyard that had been arranged for him.
With nothing urgent to do, he entered a shallow meditative state to cultivate.
But midway through, he suddenly raised an eyebrow—he had sensed someone's presence outside his courtyard.
He opened his eyes and looked toward the entrance.
A slender, graceful figure stood there, draped in a simple white dress that perfectly outlined her elegant curves. Her beautiful and gentle features revealed her identity—Gu Mengqi.
"Miss Mengqi, do you need something?" Lin Fan stood up and asked.
Gu Mengqi smiled sweetly and stepped into the courtyard. She walked over to Lin Fan, then raised her hand and took out a thick parchment scroll.
"Here. I heard from Xiao Yan that you needed a map of the Chaos Demon Sea."
"Thank you, Miss Mengqi," Lin Fan said with a smile as he accepted the sea chart.
"It's nothing compared to a Life Xuanling Fruit," she replied softly. "You helped the Gu Clan so much—we should be the ones thanking you."
"Haha, then I won't say anything polite," Lin Fan chuckled.
"…You really won't consider staying in the Gu Clan? Becoming a protector won't restrict your freedom at all," she asked gently after a short pause, clearly hesitant.
"Sorry. I still have a lot to do. I have to leave," Lin Fan shook his head.
Gu Mengqi's eyes dimmed slightly. She sighed quietly and said, "Xiao Yan probably told you already, but the Chaos Demon Sea still has many uncharted zones. You might not find what you're looking for with this map."
"However, at large auctions, sea charts of unknown regions do appear from time to time—usually provided by the Sea Demon Tribe. If you find such an auction, it's worth taking a look."
"Thanks for the tip," Lin Fan nodded.
Gu Mengqi gave him a smile, then stayed to chat for a bit longer before finally taking her leave.
After she left, Lin Fan returned to his room with the chart in hand. He spread it open and extended his spiritual sense, memorizing every detail within the map.
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