The sounds of conversation continued, and Lu Fan and the other retreated rapidly, crashing heavily onto the ground, blood trickling from their lips.
In the presence of a true Battle Emperor, their strength was still too weak; within three rounds, they would be dead.
Blood seeped from Lu Fan’s mouth, but his eyes held a hint of helplessness. Even though he had obtained the snow lotus, it was of no use now. After all, if they couldn't get past the Volcano Sect, everything would be in vain.
"You two possess extraordinary talent. Reaching this realm at such a young age is already quite an achievement!"
The Ancestor spoke, "It's a pity you are too stubborn, insisting on seizing my Volcano Sect's treasure. Today, I fear I cannot spare you!"
"Saving a life is more meritorious than building a seven-story pagoda. Even if the Fire Lotus Grass is a treasure, is it more important than a life?" Long Yi interjected.
"Perhaps in your eyes, that person is very important!"
The Ancestor narrowed his eyes, "But in my eyes, it carries no weight! Today, you trespassed into my Volcano Sect and have now been defeated. You will leave your lives behind as an account to my Volcano Sect!"
Lu Fan’s face darkened, and he looked at Long Yi, "I'll find a way to hold him off. You leave this place quickly, don't make a futile sacrifice!"
"It's useless. His strength is immense; even our combined efforts couldn't budge him an inch."
Long Yi shook his head, feeling helpless. He was all too aware of this fact, as, after their recent exchange, he had already accepted this reality.
Lu Fan also managed a bitter smile. Did he not know that before a Battle Emperor, he was still too weak? In that very instant, an idea formed in his mind: to become stronger, so strong that no one could obstruct him.
Without hesitation, the Ancestor unleashed a palm strike imbued with immense internal energy, surging towards Lu Fan. The path it took was accompanied by boundless momentum.
The Volcano Sect disciples scattered to avoid it. The Ancestor personally taking action, the techniques he displayed were extremely fierce, far beyond their reach. A slight misstep could lead to immediate death, a fact they were well aware of.
Lu Fan and Long Yi tried to resist with all their might, but they had already lost their combat strength and possessed no means to defend against such a powerful strike.
A deep despair filled Lu Fan, making him feel ashamed. Not only had he failed to obtain the Fire Lotus Grass, but Long Yi was also caught in this predicament.
However, just then, a figure flashed in the distance, arriving at the Volcano Sect in an instant and dissipating the Ancestor's attack as if it were nothing, appearing effortless.
"You two are something else. I thought you could handle it!"
Xiao Jiu rolled her eyes, seemingly with a hint of dissatisfaction.
"Senior Sister Xiao Jiu!"
Lu Fan was slightly startled. He hadn't expected Xiao Jiu to save him at such a critical moment.
Long Yi was also somewhat stunned. The technique Xiao Jiu had just displayed, though seemingly ordinary, was able to resist a Battle Emperor-level expert, which was astonishing.
"Who are you, daring to interfere in my Volcano Sect's affairs!"
The Ancestor frowned, looking at Xiao Jiu with a hint of wariness.
His previous strike was not weak, yet it was easily neutralized by Xiao Jiu. With such a capability, she could not be an ordinary person.
"As the saying goes, where you can be lenient, be lenient. Old man, having lived so long, why bother arguing with youngsters!"
Xiao Jiu smiled, "It's just the Fire Lotus Grass, not worth much. Why not let us take it? It'll also be a favor from you!"
Lu Fan stood up slowly, a hint of awkwardness on his face. He hadn't expected Xiao Jiu to be even more shameless than him in her speech.
"What a joke! The Fire Lotus Grass is the treasure of our Volcano Sect; how can we easily hand it over to others!" an elder said coldly, "Now that the Ancestor has personally emerged, there is no room for negotiation. Who exactly are you, daring to speak so boastfully here!"
"When the elders speak, it's not your place to be unruly!"
Xiao Jiu's expression turned cold as she glared at the elder, her demeanor conveying clear displeasure.
The elder was startled at first and quickly shut his mouth. Xiao Jiu's gaze was enough to make him tremble.
"Little girl, your aura is not weak. I presume you have some background as well!"
The Ancestor smiled, "On your account, I won't make things difficult for them. As long as you hand over the Fire Lotus Grass, I can spare their lives!"
Lu Fan was unwilling. The Fire Lotus Grass was already in his possession; how could he easily hand it over? Moreover, this matter was of great importance. Lin Ke was in imminent danger. If he couldn't bring back the Fire Lotus Grass and the Snow Lotus Grass, their lives might be at risk.
"I say, old man, we must take this Fire Spirit Grass with us!"
Xiao Jiu stated, "Though it's a bit forceful, this world is like this: the strong prey on the weak!"
"Well said, the strong prey on the weak!"
The Ancestor burst into laughter, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. Xiao Jiu's words had clearly provoked him, filling him with displeasure.
"Don't be angry, old man. I'm just stating facts."
Xiao Jiu shrugged, "If you don't want to listen, there's nothing I can do. But one thing you must understand: we must take the Fire Lotus Grass!"
"Very well, very well!"
The Ancestor sneered, "Since that's the case, let me see what kind of abilities you possess to utter such wild boasts!"
Xiao Jiu shrugged, appearing quite nonchalant. She hadn't wanted to fight, but it seemed unavoidable now.
"Senior Sister, you must be careful. This old man is not simple!"
Lu Fan cautioned, "Even a slight oversight could be life-threatening."
"You brat, you're actually concerned about me!"
Xiao Jiu waved her hand, "This old geezer can't do anything to me!"
Seeing Xiao Jiu's confidence, Lu Fan said no more. He remembered that when he was very young, Xiao Jiu had always followed an old man, suggesting she possessed extraordinary strength.
In fact, when they were on the mountain, Lu Fan had clashed with Xiao Jiu several times, but always without success. If Xiao Jiu could truly defeat the Volcano Sect Ancestor this time, her strength must be formidable.
Seeing Xiao Jiu's resolve, the Volcano Ancestor said no more and attacked her with powerful internal energy, not daring to be the slightest bit negligent. Su Dan Novel Network
Xiao Jiu, knowing he was a Battle Emperor, still dared to confront him. From this, it could be seen that Xiao Jiu was not afraid of him.
"Old man, you've lived so long, have you ever heard of Mount Jiulong?"
Just as the Ancestor was about to attack, Xiao Jiu suddenly spoke, her words light and airy, but they made the Ancestor's movements halt abruptly. "Mount Jiulong?"
"That's right. Both I and my junior brother are from Mount Jiulong!" Xiao Jiu said softly, "If you know of it, you should know what kind of existence Mount Jiulong is!"
"So you are all esteemed guests from Mount Jiulong!"
The Ancestor's body trembled, and he quickly put on a smile, "It seems we've met by chance. It was my rashness earlier; please do not take offense!"
Lu Fan stood by, somewhat bewildered. The Volcano Ancestor had changed his demeanor too quickly, catching him off guard.