"Elder, please don't joke!" Lu Fan said awkwardly, "This is the Grand Elder's Token, representing the authority of the Dragon Country. How can it be easily handed over to me!"
"After the vote by all the elders, this is no joke!" The Fourth Elder stated directly, "If it weren't for you, the heartland of the Dragon Country would have long been occupied!"
Lu Fan was shocked internally. Looking at the white-haired old men before him, he felt even more admiration.
For the betterment of the nation, they were even willing to hand over their power. Such magnanimity was likely rare.
Lu Fan knew very well what the Grand Elder's Token represented. With this token, many martial arts powerhouses in the Dragon Country would have to obey his command.
"Thank you all, Elders, for your high regard!"
Lu Fan bowed. "Even without this token, I would still protect the Dragon Country. Please, Fourth Elder, take it back!"
"Youngster Lu, don't refuse!"
The Seventh Elder spoke, "On the extraterrestrial battlefield, you fought valiantly, repelling numerous powerful enemies. With your current strength, you are more than capable!"
"Indeed, this is our collective decision!" The Ninth Elder chimed in, "Youngster Lu, don't decline. Don't disappoint us!"
Lu Fan stood frozen, not taking the token. He was acutely aware of the authority it commanded.
"What, are you truly going to disappoint us, youngster?" the Fourth Elder chuckled.
"The Grand Elder's Token is no small matter. Please, Fourth Elder, keep it safe!" Lu Fan smiled. "After all, I've said before that I wouldn't become a member of headquarters!"
"Precisely, that's why we are entrusting the Grand Elder's Token to you!" the Fourth Elder said solemnly.
"I implore all Elders to respect my wishes!"
Lu Fan spoke again. No matter what, he would not accept the Grand Elder's Token.
Seeing this, the Elders' expressions shifted. This was their agreed-upon decision, and they hadn't expected Lu Fan to refuse.
For a moment, many martial arts experts in the banquet hall watched, feeling a sense of awe.
They knew too well what the Grand Elder's Token signified. Ordinary people could not resist such temptation, yet Lu Fan could. This further deepened their admiration for him.
But then, a surge of black wind swept through the banquet hall. Before anyone could react, the token in the Fourth Elder's hand vanished.
A figure clad in black stepped out, heading towards the exit of the banquet hall, accompanied by a whistling sound.
"If you don't want this token, then it's mine!"
A peculiar voice echoed through the hall, making everyone's hearts pound.
"Who is this person? How did he enter the banquet hall?" the Ninth Elder's expression changed.
The other Elders also rose. The Grand Elder's Token was of immense importance. If it fell into the wrong hands, it would have significant repercussions for the Dragon Country in the future.
"Hundred-Faced Scholar!"
The Fourth Elder's expression turned cold. "Elders, where are you! Intercept him. We absolutely cannot let him leave the Dragon Country with the token!"
As soon as he spoke, over a dozen figures shot into the sky, pursuing the black-clad figure.
The Grand Elder's Token was of utmost importance, and they dared not be negligent.
"Qingyun Sect members, where are you!"
Lu Fan's expression was cold. "Seal the country and track this person!"
"We obey your command, sir!"
Numerous powerful figures from the Qingyun Sect stepped forward, chasing the black-clad figure with icy gazes. They never imagined things would turn out this way.
The experts of the Dragon Group also didn't hesitate, giving chase with grave expressions. Such an incident happening right under their noses, if the Dragon Country's Grand Elder's Token were truly stolen, the Dragon Country would undoubtedly be mocked by other nations.
Meanwhile, within the banquet hall, many martial artists exchanged glances, looking at each other in bewilderment. The Hundred-Faced Scholar was not from the Dragon Country and was quite mysterious.
Rumor had it that the Hundred-Faced Scholar could change his face a hundred times, making him impossible for ordinary people to discern, and his strength was unfathomable.
The Hundred-Faced Scholar's shadow had appeared in various nations, his sole purpose being to earn intelligence fees, owing allegiance to no country.
It was precisely for this reason that the Elders were even more worried. They knew very well that the Dragon Country was in a critical period. If the Grand Elder's Token fell into the hands of the Sky-Vault Country, it would be extremely disadvantageous for the Dragon Country.
At this moment, the Dragon Capital was in an uproar. The appearance of the Hundred-Faced Scholar had captured the attention of many martial artists in the Dragon Country.
If anything were to happen to the Grand Elder's Token, they would also be held accountable.
"The Hundred-Faced Scholar is incredibly fast. If we just chase him like this, catching him will be harder than climbing to heaven!"
The Ninth Elder spoke, "He hasn't appeared for so many years, why would he show up at the banquet hall now!"
"Likely, the Sky-Vault Country offered a high price!"
The Fourth Elder said coldly, "That's why he stole the Grand Elder's Token!"
As they spoke, the black-clad figure had already disappeared from their sight, causing their expressions to darken.
To have the Elder's Token snatched away during a national celebration banquet. If this news spread, what would become of the Dragon Country's reputation?
"Elders, this person is adept at concealment. Chasing him like this might not be enough!"
Lu Fan's figure approached. "I've left a tracking item on him. As long as we seal the Dragon Country and prevent him from leaving, we will surely capture him!"
"Seal the country?"
The Seventh Elder frowned slightly. "The strongest experts at the Dragon Country's borders are only at the Grandmaster level. How can they seal him within the country?"
"Indeed, even if we were to act, we might not be able to apprehend him. Sealing the country to contain him is simply impossible!" the Ninth Elder frowned.
"I have an Eight Trigram Formation here. If the Elders cooperate! We can seal all the Dragon Country's borders!" Lu Fan said solemnly. "However, once the Eight Trigram Formation is activated, no one in the Dragon Country can leave, and no one from outside can enter!"
"Is there truly such a peculiar formation?" the Fourth Elder asked in surprise.
"Do the Elders doubt me!" Lu Fan's voice rang out.
"You are the protector of the Dragon Country. How could we not trust you!" the Seventh Elder stated directly. "It's just that the Hundred-Faced Scholar is no ordinary person, and his strength is extremely terrifying. Containing him within the Dragon Country is by no means an easy task!"
"That's why I need the Elders to cooperate!"
Lu Fan smiled faintly. "The Elders will occupy the eight trigram positions, forming the Eight Trigram Formation, which will make the formation impenetrable! Unless his strength surpasses all of ours!"
Seeing Lu Fan's confidence, the Elders began to believe him.
Soon after, the Elders took their positions according to Lu Fan's instructions. Lu Fan stood at the eye of the formation and, using the principles of Qimen Dunjia, began to reshape the world.
These skills were learned from his old master years ago, and they were now proving useful.
In an instant, the Eight Trigram Formation materialized. Beams of light surged in all directions, forming a powerful shield that enveloped the Dragon Country.
Numerous martial arts experts looked up at the sky, wondering what had happened.