Chapter 248: Victory and Defeat—Command Rights Secured!
Wang Yan stared at Lin Fan, his expression deeply conflicted.
He had always believed himself to be strong—his ruthless will alone had allowed him to crush same-realm opponents in places like Bloodrock Grounds. But now, facing Lin Fan, who was at the same cultivation level, the difference was staggering.
He still had trump cards left to play. But seeing Lin Fan's relaxed demeanor, he understood—those final cards wouldn't make a difference.
Even so, admitting defeat wasn't something his pride could easily allow.
"Senior Brother Wang Yan, I don't want to hurt you too badly," Lin Fan said calmly, sensing Wang Yan's internal struggle. "Don't force my hand. The Sect Tournament is coming soon. Don't you want to kill more Yuan Gate scum when the time comes?"
Lin Fan understood Wang Yan's story. He even felt a bit of sympathy for him. That's why he'd held back.
If Wang Yan continued to resist, however, he wouldn't be offered such mercy again.
After all, Wang Yan wasn't someone who'd be treated like Ying Huanhuan.
"…You win."
After a long silence, Wang Yan's eyes dimmed. He closed them slowly, and a hoarse voice escaped his lips.
Whew...
With those words, the entire mountaintop seemed to breathe out a collective sigh of relief.
The wind stirred fallen leaves and broken stones across the scarred arena.
Everyone stared at the pale, defeated figure of Wang Yan with complicated expressions.
Wang Yan had lost.
He had defeated even Ying Xiaoxiao—considered the most outstanding of Dao Sect's younger generation. Yet now, he had conceded defeat to a disciple who had only joined the sect less than a year ago.
No one could have predicted this.
True, Lin Fan had declared his intent to win the Grand Hall Trials from the start. But few had believed he could.
Most had assumed the title would go to either Ying Xiaoxiao or Wang Yan.
Yet now, Lin Fan had proven everyone wrong.
He had fulfilled his bold claim—and with shocking ease.
Defeating the same Wang Yan who had bested Ying Xiaoxiao… and doing so without using his full strength!
"This guy… really is something else."
Disciples looked at one another, awe written all over their faces. The admiration was genuine.
As for the disciples of the Desolate Hall, their initial shock gave way to unrestrained joy and pride.
They knew that after today, Desolate Hall's status in Dao Sect would rise significantly.
No one would dare call them the weakest branch again.
This year's trials had made one thing clear: Lin Fan was the brightest star of all.
"Big Sis… he really won!" Ying Huanhuan's fists clenched with excitement, her eyes shining with joy and relief.
Ying Xiaoxiao nodded gently. A faint smile touched her otherwise calm face.
Although Lin Fan would now receive the command rights for the Sect Tournament, that was still better than Wang Yan holding them.
"For someone also at the Ninth Nirvana Stage… Lin Fan is shockingly powerful," Ying Xiaoxiao murmured as she looked at his figure, standing tall in the arena.
"You're strong too! If you hadn't gone soft, Senior Brother Wang Yan might not have won," Ying Huanhuan said, looping her arm around her sister's with a playful grin.
Lin Fan's victory had clearly lifted the weight off the younger girl's shoulders—her expression regained its usual brightness and vitality.
Ying Xiaoxiao shook her head, not denying but not affirming.
She knew her strength matched Wang Yan's, but she lacked that final spark of ruthlessness. That sort of resolve could only be forged through blood and fire.
And Lin Fan… had it all.
Wang Yan's defeat was the proof.
On the high platform, the hall masters—Chen Zhen, Qi Lei, and the others—snapped out of their daze.
Even they couldn't hide the smiles forming on their faces.
Chen Zhen looked toward the center, where Ying Xuanzhi sat.
The Sect Master's face remained calm as a still lake, but if one looked closely, a trace of satisfaction flickered in his eyes.
"Announce it," he said.
Chen Zhen stood and swept his gaze across the mountaintop.
"In this year's Grand Hall Trials," he said, voice deep and resonant, "the final victor is: Lin Fan of the Desolate Hall!"
"As the champion, he shall also hold command authority over Dao Sect's disciples in the upcoming Sect Tournament!"
The declaration echoed across the mountains.
Then—like a tidal wave—cheers exploded from the crowd.
Countless gazes fell upon Lin Fan, eyes full of awe and admiration.
Seeing the dust settle, Lin Fan turned his palm and stored away the black tree trunk. The golden Divine Slaying Dagger also vanished without a trace.
He looked up toward the high platform and said with a smile, "Uncle Chen Zhen, as for the command authority—please pass it to Senior Sister Ying Xiaoxiao. I'm not suited for that kind of responsibility."
In truth, Lin Fan had no plans to stay with the main group during the tournament. It made no sense to take the role.
On the field, Ying Xiaoxiao blinked in surprise.
Beside her, Ying Huanhuan giggled. "At least he knows his limits."
On the platform, Chen Zhen paused. Then he glanced at Ying Xuanzhi, who thought for a moment and nodded.
Objectively, Ying Xiaoxiao was the most suitable candidate.
"Since you're offering it, so be it. The command will go to Ying Xiaoxiao. Also, as per the rules, the champion of the trials is entitled to a reward. Go to the Sect Master's hall to receive yours," Chen Zhen said.
Unlike Lin Dong in the original timeline, Lin Fan didn't need recovery time—he was in peak condition.
Down on the field, Wang Yan stood silently, shouldering his sword and preparing to leave.
His lonely figure looked somewhat desolate.
Ying Xiaoxiao and Ying Huanhuan watched him go. The smiles on their faces faded unconsciously.
"Senior Brother Wang Yan," Lin Fan called out, "I don't like Yuan Gate either. During the Sect Tournament, let's kill as many of their disciples as we can—to bring glory to Dao Sect."
Wang Yan paused. He turned slightly and looked at Lin Fan.
"You tell me who to kill… and I'll kill them," he said coldly. "And… you were right. Ying Xiaoxiao is indeed the best choice. I'm just not as open-minded as you."
With that, he turned and left.
As Wang Yan disappeared into the crowd, this year's Grand Hall Trials came to an end.
The crowd began dispersing under the direction of the four hall masters.
And Lin Fan—Dao Sect's newest champion—turned to leave with Sect Master Ying Xuanzhi to claim his reward.
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