Chapter 482: Return to Dao Sect, Activation of the Ancestral Palace Gate!
In the end, the Flame Sovereign did not leave. He calmly stated that until Ying Huanhuan awakened, he would remain in Dao Sect to protect her.
As for this clingy "guardian," Lin Fan didn't bother to argue. Instead, he simply gathered everyone and prepared to return to the sect.
Lin Fan planned to enter closed-door cultivation as soon as they returned to Dao Sect—his goal: break through to the Samsara Stage.
Not just for himself—he also intended to bring Ying Huanhuan, Ling Qingzhu, Lin Dong, and others to cultivate within the Ancestral Palace Gate.
With the Flame Sovereign present, Dao Sect's safety could be entrusted to him.
As for the Anti-Yuan Alliance, it had already served its purpose. With Yuan Gate destroyed, there was no longer a need for it. Many powerhouses took their leave.
Lin Fan didn't stop them. There was no reason to.
…
When Lin Fan and the great contingent returned to Dao Sect, they were greeted by countless bright eyes—and a thunderous wave of cheering that reached into the clouds, echoing even dozens of kilometers away.
Dao Sect disciples rushed out, tears in their eyes.
Over the past year, many of their brothers and sisters had died at the hands of Yuan Gate, and all they could do was endure their grief and hatred, clenching their teeth as they watched Yuan Gate parade around in arrogance.
But now… Lin Fan had returned.
Three years ago, in the Yi Mo Domain, Lin Fan had reversed a desperate situation and destroyed all five hundred of Yuan Gate's elite disciples.
Three years later, once again, it was Lin Fan who returned in the nick of time to reverse the tide!
At this moment, in the hearts of every disciple in Dao Sect, Lin Fan's status had already surpassed even that of Sect Master Ying Xuanzi.
Though Dao Sect had seen many brilliant disciples throughout its long history, everyone knew in their hearts:
Lin Fan had surpassed them all.
…
The celebration lasted for five full days. During this time, news of Yuan Gate's destruction spread like wildfire across the Eastern Xuan Region.
And the wave of celebration that began in Dao Sect soon swept through the entire region.
With the fall of Yuan Gate, Dao Sect's prestige soared to new heights.
And the name Lin Fan of Dao Sect was etched into the hearts of everyone across the land.
Unlike the outside world's clamor, Dao Sect itself quickly returned to peace after the initial excitement faded.
Though the sect still carried a proud and relaxed air, the wild revelry of days past faded into a more stable rhythm.
The disciples of Dao Sect resumed their training according to their usual routines.
As for Xiao Diao, Xiao Yan, and the other demon realm experts, they returned to the Beast Domain after a few days of rest.
Lin Fan didn't stop them.
After all, Four Symbols Palace still needed someone to guard it. Moreover, Xiao Yan still had a destiny to fulfill in the Beast Domain—specifically, one that involved the Ancestral Chaos Symbol Lin Fan hadn't forgotten.
Once Sect Master Ying Xuanzi and the elders finished handling Dao Sect's affairs, Lin Fan gathered a group of key individuals:
Ying Xuanzi, Ying Huanhuan, Lin Dong, Ling Qingzhu, and a few elders.
"Lin Fan, why did you call us together?"
Ying Huanhuan looked at him curiously.
The others also looked toward Lin Fan, waiting.
"I've obtained a treasure," Lin Fan said with a smile. "Training within it will help us comprehend the path of Samsara."
"What? That's true?!"
Even Ying Xuanzi, usually calm and composed, couldn't help exclaiming in surprise.
"Of course," Lin Fan nodded. "As you all know, the threat of the Yi Mo is real. According to what the Four Kings Envoy and the Flame Sovereign said, another great war is not far off."
"Before that happens, we must raise our strength to the highest level possible. That's why I want to bring all of you into this treasure to cultivate."
"I'll stay," Ling Qingzhu interjected. "I plan to lead my people and rebuild Nine Heavens Taiqing Palace."
"That can be left to others," Lin Fan said firmly, his eyes locking onto hers. "What you need now is strength. When the war comes, you'll need to be powerful enough to protect them."
Ling Qingzhu turned her head slightly, neither agreeing nor refusing.
"Then it's settled," Lin Fan said with finality, looking from her to the others.
Ying Xuanzi hesitated. "I should remain to guard Dao Sect…"
"With the Flame Sovereign here, there's no danger," Lin Fan said with a smile. "Besides, even if I'm inside, I can still sense changes in the outside world. There's nothing to worry about."
As he spoke, Lin Fan raised a hand. A thought activated the Ancestral Palace Gate, and he summoned it from his system space.
Hummm—
A low vibration echoed across the area.
Then, a grand, ancient palace appeared out of thin air.
It was old and majestic—not luxurious, but filled with deep, mysterious power. Ancient and profound runes adorned its structure, and faint celestial music echoed faintly around it.
Everyone was stunned.
"The Ancestral Palace Gate?! How is that possible?!"
Even Lin Dong was speechless, and in his mind, Yan exclaimed in disbelief.
"You know what this is?" Lin Dong asked mentally.
"…Of course I do," Yan replied with a complicated tone. And then he explained the origin and legend of the Ancestral Palace Gate.
After listening, Lin Dong felt a wave of awe.
And Yan… once again considered the same thought he'd had before:
Could Lin Fan be the reincarnation of the Symbol Ancestor?
Ying Huanhuan, too, stared at the palace, a strange familiarity rising in her heart.
Though she had not fully awakened as the Ice Master, something within her stirred in response.
As for Ling Qingzhu, Ying Xuanzi, and the Grand Elder, they simply felt a deep and profound reverence when facing the palace.
"Master, Grand Elder, Huanhuan, Lin Dong—you all go in first," Lin Fan said, gesturing toward the palace gate.
With a flick of his hand, an entrance appeared on the shimmering barrier at the gate.
Ying Huanhuan's eyes paused briefly on Ling Qingzhu before she turned and stepped into the palace.
Ying Xuanzi, the Grand Elder, and Lin Dong followed closely behind.
"Let's walk a while," Lin Fan said, sealing the palace behind a concealment array that hid it in the void. He turned to Ling Qingzhu.
She hesitated, then nodded.
They walked side by side, silently, through the quiet corridors of Dao Sect.
Unknowingly, they arrived at a remote mountain peak deep within the sect.
Lin Fan turned to face her.
Looking into her beautiful face, still half-veiled, he smiled gently and said softly:
"We've known each other… for eight years now, haven't we?"
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