"I am one of the Four Divine Guards of the Eighth Prince's Estate. I have come to the Sword Furnace today with no other intention than to find a severely injured person. Have you seen him, senior?" Xuanwu cupped his fists slightly, his words extremely respectful.
"I have not seen him!" the aged voice echoed again.
After the voice finished, there was no further sound, causing Xuanwu's brow to furrow. He hadn't expected the person within the Sword Furnace to be so arrogant, seemingly unimpressed by him, even after he revealed his affiliation.
Xuanwu was about to turn and leave, but the gazes of several fierce beasts were fixed on the Sword Furnace. There was likely something unusual going on, and he felt he couldn't leave without investigating thoroughly.
With this thought, Xuanwu spoke no more, and his figure suddenly stepped into the Sword Furnace. He wanted to see what capabilities the person hidden within the Sword Furnace possessed to be so aloof, disregarding even the Eighth Prince's Estate.
"I have already stated that outsiders are not welcome!"
The aged voice sounded again, and an invisible sword energy surged forth. Before Xuanwu could react, he felt a sword mark on his body. Such terrifying strength was simply beyond his ability to contend with.
Knowing he was outmatched, Xuanwu quickly retreated a few steps. "It was my recklessness. Thank you for showing mercy, senior."
There was no sound from within the Sword Furnace, as if no one was there at all. It appeared very peaceful.
However, Xuanwu knew very well that anyone who dared to step half a step into the Sword Furnace would likely be in mortal danger. He never doubted this.
Helpless, Xuanwu retreated. Such a powerful individual was not someone he could afford to provoke.
After Xuanwu left, within the Sword Furnace, Lu Fan, lying on a bamboo mat, gradually woke up. He had heard the entire conversation between Xuanwu and the old man clearly.
At this moment, the old man was sharpening a sword, his back appearing quite aged, yet possessing a certain divine aura.
"You should have been awake long ago, boy," the old man said. "The trouble has been resolved, and there's no need to pretend. But you are quite something, daring to offend the Eighth Prince's Estate."
"Why did you save me, old senior?"
Lu Fan asked in surprise, "I don't quite understand."
"Because your bone structure is exceptional, and you will surely be a talent of great potential in the future. Is that reason enough?"
The old man smiled. "I don't meddle in others' affairs. If I hadn't seen you severely injured and unconscious in the Sword Furnace, I wouldn't have intervened."
At these words, Lu Fan felt a bit embarrassed. "So I was unconscious in the Sword Furnace. I apologize for startling you, old senior."
"What is there to be startled about? I've already made it clear that I saved your life because of your excellent bone structure," Chen Banxian waved his hand. "But how exactly did you offend the Eighth Prince's Estate to provoke such a large number of experts to attack you, leading to your severe injuries?"
"It's a long story!"
Lu Fan slowly sat up. "Staying in the Sword Furnace has been a disturbance to you, senior. I will leave now to avoid burdening you."
"I think you're not afraid of burdening me, but afraid that I can't defeat the people from the Eighth Prince's Estate, so you're rushing to escape?" Chen Banxian smiled. "You can rest assured, this is my Sword Furnace. No one can enter without my permission, not even the people from the Eighth Prince's Estate!"
Lu Fan's expression shifted. He hadn't expected the old man to speak so sharply, with a hint of pride in his words.
"You misunderstand, senior. I'm not trying to escape, I just don't want to implicate you!" Lu Fan said again. "After all, this matter is no small thing. The Eighth Prince's Estate will not give up easily. If you truly intend to protect me, you will inevitably come into conflict with them."
"I don't care about that!"
Chen Banxian waved his hand. "What I care about is your bone structure. If you follow me, I can guarantee your safety for life, and perhaps even allow you to roam the entire Spirit Realm in the future."
"Roam the Spirit Realm?"
Lu Fan was slightly surprised. He wondered who this old man was to speak such words. Roaming the Spirit Realm was no easy feat.
"What, you don't believe me?" Chen Banxian glanced at him. "Even if it's a bit of an exaggeration, roaming the entire White Dragon Dynasty should be no problem."
"Your strength is formidable, senior. I naturally believe you," Lu Fan nodded. "However, we are not related, and it seems unusual for you to help me so much."
"I've already said that your bone structure is exceptional. You are likely not of ordinary constitution. If you can inherit my legacy, you will surely achieve great things in the future," Chen Banxian stated directly.
"But I already have a master!"
Lu Fan said with a wry smile, "I'm afraid I will have to disappoint your good intentions."
"The path of cultivation is endless. Everyone's lineage has countless masters, and recent rapid growth is also common. Without someone to guide you, how can you embark on the path of cultivation?" Chen Banxian smiled. "I don't mind if you have a sect!"
"But..."
Lu Fan frowned. This old man before him was unfathomable, certainly not an ordinary person. If he refused him and angered him, the outcome might not be good.
"Since you are so kind, senior, I am deeply grateful!" Lu Fan cupped his fists.
"That's more like it!" Chen Banxian nodded with satisfaction. "In that case, you shall stay, and I will pass on my life's work to you!"
Lu Fan nodded, feeling a sense of unease. He felt something was strange. How could such good things happen in this world? Not only had he narrowly escaped danger once, but he had also gained such a powerful old man.
It was a pity that Elder Hong Meng was in a deep sleep after rescuing him. Otherwise, he could have asked him to assess the level of this old man, who seemed extremely powerful.
After leaving the Sword Furnace, Xuanwu did not give up. Instead, he sent people to inquire about who exactly was inside the Sword Furnace.
Unfortunately, there was no news, which left him somewhat disappointed.
"Xuanwu Divine Guard, have you found any trace of that young man?"
Bai Hu walked over, a smile on his face.
"Not yet, specifically, but I suspect that young man is hiding in the Sword Furnace!" Xuanwu said. "Unfortunately, there is a peerless expert within the Sword Furnace, whom even I am no match for. This matter is quite troublesome."
"In the entire White Dragon Dynasty, no one dares to offend the royal family."
Bai Hu's expression was cold. "I will go and see for myself who this expert is who disregards even the Eighth Prince's Estate."
"I have already announced my identity!"
Bai Hu shook his head. "This matter is of great importance. You must be extremely careful, my lord, not a single mistake can be made."
"Xuanwu Divine Guard, rest assured. I am not a reckless person," Bai Hu waved his hand, his expression becoming even colder.
"My lord, even the White Tiger Divine Guard couldn't handle it. Perhaps we shouldn't try to force our way in!" Elder Tian quickly reminded him.