Chapter 369: I Want to Report Everything

After suffering such a crushing defeat to Jiang Fan, how could Hua Xiangchen possibly show his face in front of him? He probably would have proactively avoided him to prevent any awkwardness.

"Uh—" Lin Yuheng, who was close enough to hear Jiang Fan's mumble, was momentarily stunned. "Why would Hua Xiangchen avoid you?" she asked. "It's good enough he hasn't caused you trouble; why would he avoid you…?" As she spoke, Lin Yuheng trailed off. An utterly absurd thought had just popped into her head.

"Boy, was Hua Xiangchen present at the Grand Competition for Taishang Sect disciples that day?"

Jiang Fan nodded. "He was there."

Gulp… Lin Yuheng swallowed hard. "Then when you consecutively defeated the Taishang Sect's prodigies, he didn't enter the arena?"

Jiang Fan replied, "He did."

*Thump-thump—* Lin Yuheng's heart began to pound. "Then, did you two fight?"

Jiang Fan nodded again. "Yes, it was quite intense."

At this, everyone present widened their eyes in shock! Jiang Fan had actually fought against Hua Xiangchen, the chief disciple of the Taishang Sect, the Sect Leader's most senior apprentice, and a formidable Core Formation realm expert!

Liu Wenchen gasped, staring at Jiang Fan without blinking. At this moment, it wasn't just Lin Yuheng who looked at him with newfound respect; even he, as Jiang Fan's master, felt a profound sense of unfamiliarity. *Is this really my disciple?*

Wen Hongyao looked as if she had seen a ghost. "Oh my god!" she exclaimed. "When did Jiang Fan grow strong enough to fight a Core Formation realm cultivator?"

Li Qingfeng's eyes bulged. "Core Formation realm? This… this would be astonishing even if he lost!"

Lin Yuheng's gaze was fixed on Jiang Fan. With a sliver of hope, she asked, "What was the outcome?"

There was a vast chasm between the Foundation Establishment realm and the Core Formation realm. The difference in spiritual power was several times over. Even without considering their cultivation techniques, the sheer disparity in spiritual power alone was enough for a Core Formation realm cultivator to easily overwhelm a Foundation Establishment realm one. There was almost no room for maneuver. Jiang Fan's chances of victory were miniscule. Therefore, she held only a faint hope, expecting nothing.

However, Jiang Fan's reply struck her like a bolt from the blue, leaving her mind utterly blank.

"Of course, I won."

Those six words were like a thunderclap, causing her eyes to lose focus. Not only had Jiang Fan fought a Core Formation realm cultivator, but he had also won?

Liu Wenchen also felt his mind reeling. He stammered, "You… you won against the Taishang Sect's chief disciple?"

Wen Hongyao's expression was similarly dazed. "No, how did you win?" she asked. "He's Hua Xiangchen, the Taishang Sect Leader's most favored and talented disciple!"

Li Qingfeng and the many elders present were equally incredulous. Jiang Fan defeating Li Shiqian was already an almost unbelievable marvel, something they could barely accept. But to say Jiang Fan had defeated the Taishang Sect's chief disciple? No one could convince themselves to believe it. Even Lin Yuheng, after recovering from her shock, was filled with doubt.

"It's not that I want to doubt you, but this outcome is simply too astonishing to believe," Lin Yuheng said. "May I test your physique?"

A Foundation Establishment realm Eighth-level physique defeating a Core Formation realm expert? Even if Hua Xiangchen stood still, Jiang Fan might not be able to win.

Jiang Fan replied, "Is that really necessary?" His current physique was vastly different from what it was when he was at the Taishang Sect; testing it now would be meaningless.

However, Liu Wenchen's breath hitched. "Test? Why not test?" He also wanted to know just how strong his disciple's physique had become.

Jiang Fan frowned deeply.

Seeing his reluctance, Lin Yuheng said, "Don't be nervous. I'll have Qingsu come. She's a girl, very gentle. If you're really worried, I'll just have her stand still and take one of your blows."

Ruan Qingsu retreated in terror. "Master, if you want to replace me as a disciple, just say so!" Take a blow from Jiang Fan? What kind of joke was that? From her past encounters with Jiang Fan, she knew his methods were incredibly astonishing! How could his physique be weak? It was definitely not as simple as merely Core Formation First Level! In a direct sparring match, this little monster might even kill her with a single punch, let alone if she stood still. Wasn't that asking her to die? She had seen masters who tricked their disciples, but never one this treacherous!

Annoyed, Lin Yuheng snapped, "Come here!"

Ruan Qingsu not only didn't come but kept retreating. "No, no, I won't spar with him. I won't, not even if it kills me!" Given the choice between angering her master and being beaten to death, she unhesitatingly chose the former.

Lin Yuheng's face turned green with rage. Her precious disciple actually didn't dare to spar directly with Jiang Fan? Her own dignity aside, she still had her reputation as a master to consider. "You… you good-for-nothing!" Lin Yuheng had completely lost face. "When you get back, you're going to meditate facing the wall for a year! No, three years!" She was so furious her head felt like it was about to smoke.

Then, with an awkward expression, she looked at Jiang Fan and said, "It seems I'll have to test you myself. I'll stand still; you unleash your full physical power. I want to see what level your physique has reached."

Jiang Fan's mouth twitched. *These lines sound so familiar! The Beast Spirit Sect Master and the Joyous Union Sect Master both said something similar before.* Seeing that he couldn't refuse, he said helplessly, "Alright then, Senior Lin, please be careful."

Lin Yuheng chuckled dismissively. Even if he truly possessed a physique equivalent to a Core Formation First Level, could he really harm her, a powerhouse from the Heavenly Secret Pavilion? "Remember to use your full strength," she instructed.

Jiang Fan nodded. He immediately activated his Dragon-Elephant Battle Body, simultaneously executing the ultimate move of his body cultivation technique. "Sky-Rending!"

A fist brimming with power slammed directly into Lin Yuheng's shoulder blade.

*Thud—* A dull, metallic sound echoed. Lin Yuheng's body swayed slightly, but she remained completely unfazed.

Her eyes gleamed with approval. "Not bad, not bad at all. Your physique truly is at the Core Formation First Level. No wonder you could defeat Hua Xiangchen! I believe you now."

Then, she cupped her hands towards Liu Wenchen once more. "Congratulations! Your disciple's body cultivation talent is truly enviable. When you have time, bring him to the Heavenly Secret Pavilion, and I can introduce him to some body cultivation masters who can give him pointers. My business here is concluded, so I won't bother you further. Qingsu, let's go."

With that, she turned and walked down the mountain with her hands behind her back.

Liu Wenchen watched her depart with a peculiar expression, muttering, "Why the sudden departure? And in such a hurry?" He had planned to host a grand banquet for her.

However, the most important matter at hand was Jiang Fan! He was beaming with excitement. "You actually defeated Hua Xiangchen? No wonder! No wonder!" he exclaimed. "This must be the real reason the Taishang Sect Leader reported you! You completely broke his composure! Hahaha!"

Wen Hongyao also couldn't help but burst into laughter. "If you ask me, the Taishang Sect Leader was being too lenient. If I were him, and an outer sect disciple dared to cut through the Taishang Sect's elites and even defeat my most prized disciple, there's no way I would have let him leave the Taishang Sect in one piece!"

Li Qingfeng said with a wry smile, "We've wronged the Taishang Sect Leader. We thought he was making a mountain out of a molehill, but it turns out he truly suffered an immense humiliation. If it were me, would one report letter be enough? I'd have to write a hundred!"

Feeling their joyous atmosphere, Jiang Fan couldn't help but smile. He wondered if this current lightness and joy would remain when the beast tide fully engulfed the lands of the Nine Sects.

As this thought crossed his mind, his desire to improve his strength became even more urgent. He cupped his hands and said, "Master, your disciple wishes to go to the Giant Sect's front lines to earn merits. Only through merits can I exchange for enough cultivation resources from the Heavenly Secret Pavilion."

Liu Wenchen's smile faded. He sensed Jiang Fan's intent to leave. Although he felt reluctant, he understood that keeping Jiang Fan in the sect would only hinder his progress.

"I'll arrange a Tier-1 mission for you at the Giant Sect," he said. "Before you depart, is there anything you need? Your master will do his best to prepare it for you."

If there was anything he needed, it was naturally to break through to the Core Formation realm.