Chapter 249: Xiao Diao's Call for Help, Borrowing the Zither!
The Grand Hall Trials that had shaken the entire Dao Sect finally came to a close beneath the slanting rays of sunset.
Countless Dao Sect disciples dispersed, still feeling the lingering thrill and awe from what they had just witnessed.
This year's trials had been full of twists and turns.
First, Ying Xiaoxiao's unexpected loss to Wang Yan. Then, just as everyone thought Wang Yan would seize the championship, Lin Fan appeared out of nowhere.
With a dominant stance and to the disbelief of all, he defeated Wang Yan cleanly—becoming the undisputed star of the entire competition.
Even more astonishing was that after claiming victory, Lin Fan willingly handed over command rights for the upcoming Sect Tournament to Ying Xiaoxiao.
This decision not only stunned many but also earned him sincere respect.
Such selfless conduct was rare. It elevated Lin Fan's already sky-high reputation to new heights, faintly surpassing even Ying Xiaoxiao and Wang Yan.
…
Days passed quickly after the trials.
On the day of the finals, Lin Fan had followed Sect Master Ying Xuanzhi to receive his reward.
He was given a choice between a Heaven-tier spirit treasure or the Stasis Token.
Lin Fan already had more than enough spirit weapons, and they added little to his power. So he chose the Stasis Token.
After returning to Desolate Hall, he gave the token to Lin Dong, along with instructions on how to use it.
After all, he himself already had the real Stasis Divine Talisman—this replica was meant for Lin Dong from the start.
In the days that followed, Lin Fan became the hottest name in all of Dao Sect.
Not just within Desolate Hall—disciples from the other three halls also sought him out to befriend him.
During this time, Ying Huanhuan came to find him again.
She thanked him—albeit indirectly—for defeating Wang Yan and transferring command to her sister.
Their relationship grew noticeably deeper after this exchange.
After several days of nonstop attention, the flood of visitors finally slowed down. Lin Fan began preparing to go into seclusion and refine the Life-Spirit Fruit and Earthheart Vital Essence to break through to the Life Profound Realm.
Just as he was about to enter closed-door cultivation, Lin Dong came looking for him.
"Brother Lin Fan…" Lin Dong looked conflicted.
"What is it? Just say it," Lin Fan smiled calmly.
"…Xiao Diao contacted me with his soul imprint. He said Xiao Yan's been injured."
Lin Fan's heart stirred. He quickly recalled the matter of the Earthheart Essence Dew.
He had already used it to condense his soul, so the issue had slipped his mind.
"What happened?" Lin Fan asked, expression calm but eyes sharpening.
"Xiao Yan found something valuable in a certain area," Lin Dong explained, "but he was injured by the guardian of that place."
"The enemies there are strong and have the advantage of terrain. Xiao Diao can't handle them alone, so he wants our help. Also…"
Lin Dong paused awkwardly.
"…What else?" Lin Fan asked.
"Well, Xiao Diao said there's a Pure Origin Treasure in Heaven Hall called the Phoenix Zither. He needs it to break the enemy's strange defenses."
"He hoped we could borrow it, and I figured you've got more connections in Dao Sect, so…"
"I'll give it a try," Lin Fan nodded.
"If you can't get it, we'll just fight our way through," Lin Dong said, eyes flashing with resolve.
"Go wait for my news," Lin Fan replied.
"Okay." Lin Dong turned and left.
Without delay, Lin Fan headed straight for Heaven Hall.
Before long, he found the energetic girl he was looking for.
"Well well, the big shot actually came looking for me?" Ying Huanhuan teased, eyes gleaming as she looked at him.
Lin Fan took the jest in stride. "I heard Junior Sister Huanhuan is not only the most beautiful but also the kindest in Dao Sect, always willing to help others…"
She snorted with a smirk, though her eyes sparkled with amusement. "Enough flattery. What are you really after?"
Lin Fan smiled. "You saw right through me. I do have a favor to ask—but it's to help a friend."
"Go on then, what do you want?" she asked, arching a brow.
He glanced around, then leaned closer. A faint, delicate fragrance from her body filled his nose.
"I need to borrow something," he whispered.
"What is it?" she asked, puzzled.
Under her curious and captivating gaze, Lin Fan lowered his voice further:
"Can I borrow the Phoenix Zither from Heaven Hall for a few days?"
"What?!"
Ying Huanhuan's beautiful face froze in disbelief.
The Phoenix Zither was a Pure Origin Treasure. Even elders of Dao Sect rarely got to see it.
And now Lin Fan wanted to borrow it?
If anyone else had asked, she'd have laughed in their face.
But… this was Lin Fan.
"I really need it," Lin Fan said earnestly.
"…Elder Qi Lei won't approve. The Phoenix Zither is a top treasure. Even elders can't borrow it easily," she said, frowning.
"That's why I came to ask the kindest person in Dao Sect," Lin Fan said with a helpless shrug.
"Oh? You want me to sneak it out for you?" she asked sweetly.
The sunlight fell across her face, highlighting the soft glow of her skin.
"And why should I help you?" she asked innocently.
"I helped your sister reclaim command. That's worth something, right?" Lin Fan smiled.
"Hm…" She tapped her chin thoughtfully. "I suppose that makes us even."
"But someone was awfully rude during the trials, so maybe I'll just forget that little favor," she added with a sly grin.
"I only caught you to stop you from falling. How is that rude?" Lin Fan asked, helpless.
"Don't bring that up again!" Ying Huanhuan blushed, remembering the embarrassing scene.
"Fine, I won't," Lin Fan said, the smile fading from his face. "If I can't borrow it, I'll find another way."
He turned to leave.
"Hey… are you mad?" she asked softly.
"No," he replied with a shake of his head. "It's just urgent."
"You don't look mad? Then again, you never show anything," she murmured, watching him closely.
"So… you really need it?" she asked.
Lin Fan nodded. "Can you help?"
Ying Huanhuan's black eyes darted back and forth. Then she turned and waved at him.
"Come with me."
She spun lightly like a butterfly and flew ahead.
Lin Fan smiled and followed.
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