Chapter 2094: Chapter 2131: Ding Fan Takes Action
Ding Fan’s eyes were fixed on the Fourth Elder, as if ready to fight him. Apart from the Second Elder and Wu Qingxia, the others here weren’t really aware of how formidable Ding Fan truly was.
Ding Fan’s killing of Liew Bao wasn’t witnessed by these people, not even by Wu Qingxia. Even the incident of him slaying the Divine Realm Second Level Peak before charging into Tianmu Sea was only seen by Wu Qingxia, and others didn’t notice. Now, as they watched Ding Fan, they felt like he was simply courting death. To know that the Fourth Elder possessed Divine Realm Second Level Peak strength, no matter how you looked at it, Ding Fan was nothing more than a Divine Realm Second Level Elementary Stage, yet he dared to challenge the Fourth Elder—he must be tired of living.
The Second Elder knew of Ding Fan’s strength and said to him, "Ding Sect... Fan, what are you doing? Why are you turning on your own people? How can a young man be so impulsive? How can you undertake heavy responsibilities this way?"
Ding Fan sneered inwardly, the Second Elder was speaking from his seniority again. His words clearly indicated he did not acknowledge Ding Fan’s position as Sect Master. It seemed today, unless he subdued these old folks, Wu Qingxia wouldn’t be able to sit firmly in the Sect Master position, and his own status would be even less certain in the future.
Right now, Ding Fan felt he had to let these old men recognize the situation. He needed to show that Wu Qingxia had his support, so they wouldn’t dare to act recklessly. Eventually, he would have to leave, and Xia Mengqing was waiting for him to rescue her. If this matter wasn’t handled clearly now, Wu Qingxia would have a difficult time later.
Thinking of that, he no longer hesitated, stood up, and walked to the open area outside, saying to the Fourth Elder, "Fourth Elder, please guide me!"
This completely angered the Fourth Elder. In his view, Ding Fan was just a fledgling calf, absolutely not his match. If he didn’t repress Ding Fan’s arrogance, the Second Elder would definitely fail to rise, and he’d have no future days of prominence.
Both the Fourth Elder and the Second Elder were seasoned figures of the Skeleton Sect. Previously, to avoid Ding Fan and Zhuge Qing’s pursuit, he had given up his entire villa without getting a chance to confront Ding Fan directly. Thus, he had been disgruntled. Now the opportunity was here; he felt he could surely defeat this young brat, for the sake of the Second Elder and his future status, he had to give Ding Fan something to remember.
The Fourth Elder suddenly stood up, walking towards Ding Fan, empty-handed, and said, "Since you’re being so aggressive, I have no choice but to oblige you. But let’s not use weapons, let’s just tiptoe around, we don’t want to spoil the harmony."
It must be said, an old fox is sly like an old horse. The Fourth Elder had seen Ding Fan wielding a Giant Axe to kill enemies before, thinking he merely had brute strength. Therefore, he verbally manipulated Ding Fan into refraining from using weapons, feeling more confident to deal with Ding Fan.
He miscalculated. Ding Fan used the Giant Axe not due to a lack of Martial Skills, but because of its enormous destructive power during battle, with a strong intimidation factor. Ding Fan’s own Martial Skills weren’t weak; now that the Fourth Elder suggested not using weapons, it was simply a self-dug grave.
Ding Fan threw the Giant Axe aside, said nothing, and just nodded to the Fourth Elder.
"Look, that fellow just put down the Giant Axe, the Fourth Elder’s hand-to-hand skills are exceptional, he really got what he deserved!"
"A fresh-faced youngster, still wanting to challenge the Fourth Elder, in a moment he’ll realize how humiliating his death will be!"
Watching the spectacle, the people couldn’t help but comment. Zhuge Qing was dead, Sect Master’s Guard Captain Xue Wu had fled, and there were few disciples left who knew Ding Fan’s prowess. Those who had been following the old guard of the Second, Third, and Fourth Elders didn’t have high hopes for Ding Fan.
"You strike first, I don’t want people to say I’m bullying the young; I’ll allow you three moves, if you can knock me down, I’ll respect you from then on."
The Fourth Elder stood proudly in the open arena, addressing Ding Fan.
Seeing his demeanor, Ding Fan secretly sneered, the Fourth Elder was indeed showing off, allowing three moves, really wondering what was on his mind.
"Cut the crap! Here I come!"
Ding Fan said no more, True Qi surged within him, his body exploded forward, rushing towards the Fourth Elder. Since he wanted to act cocky, Ding Fan would make him the fool.
Pushing off strongly with his feet, Ding Fan’s whole body leaped into the air, Sirius’ inheritance coursed within him, his eyes instantly turned a bizarre green, terrifying aura erupted from his body, his muscles all bulged—at that moment, Ding Fan felt he was Sirius.
Ding Fan didn’t hold back, exerted all his strength, directing all his energy into his fists, fiercely striking towards the Fourth Elder.
"Wow! What’s happening? How can there be such a strong aura!"
The onlookers were in an uproar, they weren’t close to the duo, yet could still feel the terrifying aura from Ding Fan’s body, an aura so powerful that even those far away could sense it. Now Ding Fan gave everyone the impression, he was no longer just a Divine Realm Second Level Martial Artist, this aura was clearly that of a Divine Realm Third Level Elementary Stage expert.
The Seventh Elder and several other elders were simultaneously shocked, unable to comprehend how Ding Fan, who had previously demonstrated strength only at the Divine Realm Second Level Intermediate Stage, could possess such a powerful aura.
The most surprised one was actually the Fourth Elder. Ding Fan unleashed the Sirius inheritance in mid-air, his attack speed like a lightning bolt, leaving the Fourth Elder unable to react. Now, he realized he was the world’s biggest fool for claiming he’d give Ding Fan three moves. That was a ridiculous thing to say!
Originally, the Fourth Elder could have sidestepped to avoid Ding Fan’s attack. But he had previously declared he’d give Ding Fan three moves, so backing down was not an option. With no other choice, he gritted his teeth and threw a punch, hoping to rely on his strong cultivation to send Ding Fan flying.
"Boom!"
A loud bang resounded, and a figure flew out. It wasn’t Ding Fan; it was the Fourth Elder, sent flying back over ten meters in full view of everyone. His right hand was covered in blood, with the entire arm grotesquely deformed. His face contorted in pain, the shock evident as he stared at Ding Fan, whose single punch had broken his arm.
With just one punch! That’s right! Just one punch to injure the Fourth Elder. Everyone’s expressions changed, staring at Ding Fan in disbelief, as if he were a monster.
Ding Fan coolly turned around and coldly addressed everyone, "Is there anyone else who wishes to fight?"
Everyone was speechless, even the Fourth Elder, who usually talked the most, dared not utter a word. Elder Wu Ren’s face briefly flashed with awe before returning to normal. The Fourth Elder’s strength was top-tier among them, even with his hidden power, yet Ding Fan injured him with one punch. The Second Elder, being just slightly stronger, dared not boast, as even he couldn’t possibly do the same to the Fourth Elder.
The martial artists of the Wu Family’s eyes lit up. Elder Wu Ren approached Ding Fan and said, "Sect Master Ding, your combat power has increased so quickly. Have you obtained some Heaven and Earth Treasures?"
"I was never one of your people. Here, I’ve only been entangled with your Skeleton Sect. Have you given me any of such Spiritual Materials?"
Ding Fan’s response was quite clever, leaving Elder Wu Ren speechless. Nonetheless, he persisted in asking, "This is strange; your combat power has risen unbelievably. How did you manage it?"
"I have my ways, but I can tell you that, up till now, I’ve slain nearly ten Divine Realm Second Level Masters. Furthermore, I’ve slain two Divine Realm Second Level Peak Masters in front of Miss Qingxia. If you don’t believe me, ask her!"
Of course, Ding Fan wouldn’t reveal to them that he was the Sirius heir. He merely spoke coldly of the Divine Realm Second Level experts he had previously slain.
This left everyone feeling a bit dazed. They had heard some stories about Ding Fan killing Divine Realm Second Level experts before but didn’t know he’d also killed Second Level Peak experts. If that’s the case, isn’t his current combat strength at the Divine Realm Second Level Peak, possibly even reaching the Divine Realm Third Level Elementary Stage?
"I owe nothing to your Skeleton Sect or Wu Family. I’ve done quite a bit for all of you. Frankly, I have no feelings for any of you. Sometimes, your actions are disheartening. To talk about becoming friends, the only one among you is Miss Qingxia. However, if she doesn’t become the Sect Master today, then the affairs of the Skeleton Sect will be irrelevant to me, and I’ll leave. I’ve finished speaking; weigh the importance yourselves!"
Having said everything, Ding Fan ignored the rest and turned to leave their meeting place. He had said what needed to be said; how they acted was their choice.
Watching Ding Fan leave, the Second Elder and the others remained silent for a while, pondering Ding Fan’s words. Within the Divine Realm, cultivation realm enhancement was most crucial. It seems Ding Fan’s power has surged rapidly, surely holding a secret, though none could comprehend what it was.
Many had connected it to the inheritance warrior aspect. However, in the Northern Wastelands, inheritance warriors bore distinctive marks. Even if those marks could be hidden in normal times, during battle, they would still reveal themselves. But when Ding Fan struck earlier, there appeared to be no visible mark on him, leaving everyone utterly baffled.
No matter what, Ding Fan now exists as a formidable presence in everyone’s minds. A young man of such age with the power to kill a Divine Realm Second Level Peak now, if given time and abundant resources to nurture him, might he achieve the Divine Realm Third Level, perhaps even the Fourth Level or beyond?
The elders’ eyes lit up with excitement. Although Ding Fan claimed no affection for the Skeleton Sect, hadn’t he always been helping them? Now, he was alone, and with time spent amongst them, wouldn’t feelings develop?
Moreover, there’s always Wu Qingxia! He stood up for Wu Qingxia, showing he has feelings for her. If, in the future, he marries Wu Qingxia, wouldn’t he become part of the Wu Family and Skeleton Sect? If the Skeleton Sect encounters trouble, he couldn’t possibly stand by and do nothing.
When he reaches the Divine Realm Third Level, Fourth Level, and perhaps even Fifth Level, won’t the Skeleton Sect rise again?
So many possibilities thrilled the elders. They understood that a Divine Realm Fourth Level martial artist would attract countless martial artists, akin to an alluring treasure!
