Xuanwu trembled in surprise. This giant python was no ordinary creature; a moment's carelessness could cost him his life. Lu Fan's nonchalant words only deepened his astonishment.
"Sir, this giant python has become a spirit!" Han Yunhai exclaimed. "Please be careful and do not get injured!"
"Rest assured, this old platform doesn't have that kind of ability!" Lu Fan shrugged, sending a calming aura towards the giant python.
Xuanwu's face turned ashen. "Little brother, this is no laughing matter. Leave this place quickly, or you'll be buried here today!"
Lu Fan, however, paid no heed. He gazed at the giant python. For some reason, upon seeing Lu Fan, the python ceased its attack. Instead, it coiled beneath the waterfall, watching Lu Fan with vigilance, seemingly wary of him.
"I want the spirit herb in the cave!" Lu Fan said with a smile. "If you're wise, you'll leave, and I won't harm you. But if you're foolish, I won't hold back!"
The giant python let out a sky-piercing roar, as if it understood Lu Fan's words. It then assumed an offensive posture. The medicinal herbs in the cave were its guardians of a thousand years; how could it hand them over so easily?
After all, it had paid a great price to protect this spirit herb for so many years. This herb was crucial for its transformation into a flood dragon, so how could it give it up?
"It seems you wish to fight?" Lu Fan sneered. "In that case, I shall oblige you."
Lu Fan ascended into the air, exuding an immense aura. Light flickered around him, and surges of internal energy gathered in his palm.
Watching Lu Fan leap more than ten meters into the air, Xuanwu was inwardly shocked. He had initially thought Lu Fan to be an ordinary individual, but he had misjudged him. With such skill, Lu Fan had at least reached the peak of martial arts.
Unfortunately, this python possessed the prowess of a Grandmaster. Even if Lu Fan were a martial arts master, he might not be able to subdue the python.
With this thought, Xuanwu became instantly worried, unsure of what to do. After all, he knew very well that this matter was far from simple.
Rumble...
A massive impact resounded tens of meters in the air. The giant python fell, crashing heavily beside the waterfall, sending spray into the air.
Hiss...
The giant python was severely wounded, blood trickling from its mouth. It flicked its forked tongue, its eyes filled with resentment, but it dared not make a move. It had experienced Lu Fan's abilities and knew his strength was not inferior to its own.
Xuanwu was inwardly shaken. The ability to severely wound the giant python suggested a strength that likely reached the Grandmaster realm.
"How is this possible? A Grandmaster at such a young age?" Xuanwu muttered, utterly astonished.
In his view, only the older generation of cultivators could become Grandmasters. How could such a master emerge from the younger generation?
Knowing it was outmatched, the giant python quickly retreated into the cave. Using the waterfall's current, it reached extreme speed and vanished into the cascade in an instant.
Lu Fan also descended slowly, gazing at the cave behind the waterfall. "This beast runs when it can't win!"
"Sir, the cave contains the thousand-year spirit herb, but with the beast inside, how will you obtain it?" Han Yunhai asked.
"I'll go in myself. You all wait outside," Lu Fan stated directly, then headed towards the cave.
"The cave is its territory, and it's likely filled with danger," Xuanwu urged. "While the medicinal herbs are precious, it's not worth trading your life for them."
"Trading my life?" Lu Fan glanced at him. "This giant python doesn't have the strength for that!"
With that, Lu Fan stepped directly inside, showing no fear.
Xuanwu was even more astonished. Someone with such courage was likely no ordinary person, earning his respect.
"Will Master be alright going in like that?" Gu Wen worried. "After all, it's the giant python's cave."
"Since Sir has made his decision, there will be no problem," Han Yunhai stated. "You don't need to worry too much."
Gu Wen didn't know what to say. He never expected Han Yunhai to trust Lu Fan so implicitly, showing no concern no matter what happened.
Upon entering the cave, Lu Fan saw the giant python guarding a thousand-year-old ginseng, watching him with vigilance and a hint of fear in its eyes.
Through the previous battle, the giant python knew Lu Fan's combat power was beyond its reach. Now that Lu Fan had arrived, how could it let him have his way?
"You are no match for me. Hand over the thousand-year ginseng, and I will spare your life!" Lu Fan spoke again. "This is my final ultimatum. Otherwise, after living for a thousand years, you will perish today."
This was something it had protected all along. The giant python showed no intention of retreating, continuing to guard the thousand-year ginseng. This item was more important to it than its own life, so how could it easily abandon it?
Seeing the situation, Lu Fan felt a touch of helplessness. He directly unleashed his powerful internal energy, striking towards the giant python. Let alone a giant python, even a true Grandmaster would be no match for Lu Fan.
The sounds of fighting echoed from within the cave, filling everyone with worry, especially Xuanwu. Regardless, Lu Fan was his savior. If anything happened to him inside the cave, Xuanwu would not be able to find peace.
"Rest assured, Sir's actions will not lead to any problems," Han Yunhai said with a faint smile. "Let alone this giant python that hasn't reached the Grandmaster realm, even a true Grandmaster might not be able to withstand Sir."
Though his words were simple, Xuanwu was slightly startled. He wondered who Lu Fan truly was to possess such an aura.
Even Gu Wen, standing beside him, was greatly surprised. Although he had taken Lu Fan as his master, he didn't know the extent of Lu Fan's strength. Now, hearing Han Yunhai's words, Lu Fan's power likely surpassed his imagination.
Just as they were marveling, Lu Fan emerged from the cave, covered in blood, looking somewhat unsettling.
"Master, are you alright?" Gu Wen asked with concern.
"Of course, I'm fine!" Lu Fan waved his hand, smiling. "This is the python's blood, not mine!"
"I see!"
Gu Wen breathed a sigh of relief. He had thought Lu Fan was seriously injured, but Lu Fan was completely unharmed. This matter seemed to be trivial to him.
"Sir, did you obtain the item?" Han Yunhai inquired.
"Naturally, I did!" Lu Fan nodded, then produced the thousand-year ginseng.
Looking at the thousand-year-old herb before them, everyone was somewhat awestruck. Even from ten meters away, they could smell its medicinal fragrance, indicating the potency of the thousand-year ginseng.
"Such an item is rare. Obtaining it is a great fortune," Lu Fan said with a smile. "Our trip to Ox Head Mountain concludes here!"
Gu Wen and the others nodded. Xuanwu, however, looked somewhat dejected. He had come to Ox Head Mountain specifically for the thousand-year ginseng, but he was no match for the thousand-year-old serpent.