The Disciples Were Astonished!

"Impressive! Every one of them has an exceptionally powerful aura. Though most are Outer Sect Disciples, their strength is nothing to scoff at!"

"If they joined forces, they'd be a formidable force."

Zhao Gongming's expression was grave.

Then he looked into the distance, where several terrifying auras lingered—ones that even made him wary.

Even in a one-on-one fight, he might not be their match.

And besides...

So many disciples had gathered here.

The situation didn't look good!

His heart weighed heavily, and he knew that if he didn't take this seriously, the consequences could be unimaginable.

He glanced at Lin Chuan.

"Senior Brother Lin, don't worry. I absolutely won't let anyone disturb you."

"Even if it costs me my life!"

Zhao Gongming's gaze hardened. He knew perfectly well that everything he had now was thanks to Lin Chuan.

Though they hadn't known each other for long...

Lin Chuan's actions had already won him over completely.

He was willing to stand guard for Lin Chuan.

He took a step forward.

"You'd better all keep your distance. Otherwise, I'll consider you my enemies."

"Even if you're fellow disciples, no one may pass through here for now. I won't show any mercy to anyone who crosses the line!"

Zhao Gongming swung his Golden Whip, and a formidable aura surged from him.

Everyone shuddered.

Their faces filled with disbelief. They had never imagined that Zhao Gongming would dare to act this way in the face of so many powerful figures.

How dare he?

My goodness!

Everyone was stunned, while those who had just arrived were bewildered. They had only come to take a look at Lin Chuan.

But now they were faced with Zhao Gongming, who even seemed to be trying to intimidate them. It left everyone utterly shocked.

"H-he's not afraid of dying?"

"How could he do something like this? Doesn't he know that this will offend so many people?"

The newcomers didn't know the full story. They'd heard bits and pieces, but most of them paid little attention to what was happening outside.

They'd been focused on cultivation.

Now that they'd heard about such a major event, they'd naturally rushed over. Most had just come out of seclusion, so they'd all gathered here.

Seeing this scene, they couldn't help but be astonished.

Then they looked at Lin Chuan. Though nothing particularly unusual was happening, they could feel the surging aura within him.

More than anything, Zhao Gongming's behavior drew everyone's attention.

"What kind of spell did he cast on Zhao Gongming? How could he make Zhao Gongming sacrifice so much for him—and even dare to stand at the forefront now?"

"Remarkable! Truly remarkable!"

"Though he was unknown before, it seems he really has shown quite a few impressive abilities since becoming a Personal Disciple."

"To have someone this powerful stand up for him already speaks volumes about his charisma. And in the face of so many powerful figures, he remains unfazed."

"Remarkable!"

Many Inner Sect Disciples sighed in admiration. Some of them had only come to watch, and a few might even have been hoping to see Lin Chuan get into trouble.

But that didn't mean they wanted to cause trouble themselves.

This was Golden Ao Island, after all!

Any move they made might come to the attention of Sect Master Tongtian. If they acted like this now, wouldn't they be digging their own graves?

No matter how dissatisfied they were, they couldn't show it. And they absolutely couldn't interfere when someone was breaking through. If they caused the breakthrough to fail...

The cultivator could suffer cultivation deviation, or even fall into the Place of Eternal Damnation!

And they would be the ones to blame!

It would be tantamount to becoming enemies for life.

So, of course, no one dared to step forward lightly.

Still, Zhao Gongming's actions had truly stunned everyone. Strange expressions flickered across their faces as they kept their eyes fixed on Lin Chuan.

Just what kind of charisma could make someone protect another without regard for his own life?

Before, Lin Chuan might have been unknown, but ever since he became a Personal Disciple, everyone had heard of him. Still, most had assumed he'd simply gotten lucky.

Sect Master Tongtian had happened to take a liking to him.

They hadn't thought there was anything more to it.

But now, they didn't dare judge him too hastily. Even if Lin Chuan had spoken so arrogantly, they could set his brazen words aside for the moment.

Zhao Gongming's actions alone...

Had already made everyone gradually reassess him. They had no choice but to take Lin Chuan seriously.

After all, Zhao Gongming had revealed the strength of a Grand Unity Golden Immortal. That alone was extraordinary.

What's more, even with such strength, facing so many powerful figures would be difficult. Yet he was willing to make them all his enemies for someone else.

That was truly astonishing.

And so...

Though most of the disciples didn't know much about Lin Chuan, they'd already begun to learn a little about him.

"Remarkable! Truly remarkable."

"No wonder he became a Personal Disciple. Without a few tricks of his own, someone else would've devoured him bones and all by now."

"Even if he was incredibly lucky and caught Master's eye, earning an exception to become a Personal Disciple, he'd have become an Outer Sect Disciple again by now if he had no real ability."

"From what we've seen, he can make a Grand Unity Golden Immortal stand by his side without fear of death."

"That's quite an achievement!"

"And what he said—was it arrogant bravado, or confidence in himself?"

Some people weren't so easily fooled.

They wouldn't let others manipulate them so easily, and they were more inclined to think things through. They quickly figured out the crucial point. Still, there was no way they could make a move right now.

Besides, harming a fellow disciple was a grave offense.

No one could bear the consequences!

That made them even more reluctant to act rashly, though Lin Chuan had certainly piqued their curiosity.

Immortal Chang'er Dingguang was rather pleased with how things were going. He'd acted quickly, and his actions had drawn so many disciples here.

Even without taking action, he could make sure Lin Chuan's words became known to everyone. If Lin Chuan had exaggerated...

Public opinion would naturally punish him later!

Then Immortal Chang'er Dingguang wouldn't need to act personally!