The members of the Tianhu Gang also turned grim upon seeing this. They were helpless against Lu Fan's actions, and a surge of anger welled up within them, though they didn't know how to respond.
If Lu Fan were to kill their leader, it would undoubtedly be a massive blow to them. Unfortunately, the situation had escalated to this point due to their own doing.
Had they not stolen the Nine Dragon Grass, none of this would have happened, and Lu Fan wouldn't have taken action against them. However, with events unfolding as they had, they were caught off guard.
"The main culprit isn't him, but the Temple of Heavenly Gods!" Liu Ruyan declared, her voice sharp. "Isn't the Temple of Heavenly Gods' conduct utterly despicable? To send people to do such things, it's truly shameful!"
"Since that's the case, then take them to the Temple of Heavenly Gods and demand an explanation!"
Lu Fan's gaze was piercing, exuding an aura of immense power. In his eyes, there was a profound anger directed at the Temple of Heavenly Gods.
Liu Ruyan nodded slightly at his words, as this aligned perfectly with her intentions.
The Temple of Heavenly Gods, having committed such acts, naturally had to pay the price. Otherwise, how could their dignity be upheld?
Not long after, Liu Ruyan and Lu Fan, along with the members of the Tianhu Gang, arrived outside the gates of the Temple of Heavenly Gods.
Inside the temple, numerous elder monks stood erect, their expressions serene and indifferent, as if none of this were out of the ordinary in their eyes.
Witnessing the scene before him, Lu Fan let out a cold laugh. "The Temple of Heavenly Gods has done such a thing, shouldn't you be giving me an explanation?"
"Why has the King of the Northwest returned?" Puzhi asked with a slight smile. "Could there be some misunderstanding?"
"The Temple of Heavenly Gods incited others to commit such acts, and now you intend to deny it?" Lu Fan narrowed his eyes, his presence radiating an imposing aura. To him, the actions of the Temple of Heavenly Gods had crossed a line.
"What a joke! Even the King of the Northwest cannot falsely accuse people. This is the Temple of Heavenly Gods, not some ordinary place!" an elder monk spoke up. "If you truly don't know your place and insist on causing trouble here, don't blame the Temple of Heavenly Gods for showing no mercy!"
"You think I'm afraid?"
A slight smile played on Lu Fan's lips. "I have already handed over the Diamond Sutra in exchange, as you agreed. Now that the Temple of Heavenly Gods has done this, deliberately sending people to ambush and seize it, shouldn't you provide an account?"
"King of the Northwest, your accusations are baseless and quite inappropriate!" Puzhi said with a smile. "What happened is not a trivial matter for our Temple of Heavenly Gods!"
Lu Fan burst into laughter at his words. "Your tone is quite bold. I never expected you to be so arrogant. Do you truly believe I will let the Temple of Heavenly Gods act with impunity?"
Puzhi's brow furrowed slightly. "Your Excellency, as the King of the Northwest, the Temple of Heavenly Gods does not wish to be your enemy. However, this does not mean the Temple of Heavenly Gods fears you. I hope you will consider this carefully."
"This is utterly ridiculous! The Temple of Heavenly Gods has already violated all principles of common decency with its actions, and now you lecture us? Do you really think we are easy to provoke?" Liu Ruyan cursed, her aura intensifying.
Following her words, the expressions of the elder monks in the Temple of Heavenly Gods turned cold. A subtle energy began to surge around them, creating an invisible pressure that caused unease.
"Tianhu, tell me, did the Temple of Heavenly Gods instruct you to do this?" Lu Fan narrowed his eyes, his gaze fixed on Tianhu.
"So what if it did? So what if it didn't?" Tianhu sneered. "Is this matter really that important?"
"Do not spew baseless accusations. Our Temple of Heavenly Gods would never do such a thing!" Puzhi shrugged. "You must know that the Temple of Heavenly Gods has no dealings with the underground merchant association."
"I originally thought the eminent monks of the Temple of Heavenly Gods were upright individuals. I never expected them to be so despicable, daring to act but not admitting it. You have truly disappointed me!" Tianhu suddenly laughed, disdain evident in his eyes.
At these words, Puzhi's face instantly turned ashen. He could not tolerate such mockery. In that instant, he lunged towards Tianhu, aiming directly for his throat without any hesitation.
Seeing this, Lu Fan's brow furrowed slightly. He simultaneously leaped into the air and in a flash, repelled Puzhi. "Your audacity is truly remarkable, daring to silence a witness before me. Do you truly believe that by killing him, I will let this matter rest?"
"Of course, I don't believe that!"
Puzhi smiled, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "The King of the Northwest has come here today with such a grand display, likely prepared to sever ties with our Temple of Heavenly Gods. However, has the King of the Northwest considered this carefully? Our Temple of Heavenly Gods is not an ordinary force. If you truly intend to make an enemy of us, it will not be beneficial for you!"
"Are you threatening me?" Lu Fan sneered. "If you truly believe that, then you are gravely mistaken. I am the King of the Northwest, and my backing is the Heavenly Court. I know your Temple of Heavenly Gods has the Heavenly God Palace overseeing it, but I am curious: which is more powerful, the Heavenly God Palace or the Heavenly Court!"
At these words, the expressions of everyone present turned grim and uncertain. They had not expected Lu Fan to speak in such a manner, and his words caused them considerable apprehension. If what Lu Fan said was true, it was indeed surprising.
Puzhi also frowned instantly. Lu Fan's words gave him pause, as this was no trivial matter. If it truly led to a conflict between the two sides, it would undoubtedly stir up endless turmoil.
"Very well, since the situation has reached this point, our Temple of Heavenly Gods does not wish to engage in a dispute with you!"
Puzhi stated directly. "Let today's matter end here. What are the King of the Northwest's thoughts?"
"You have not apologized, so this matter is not concluded!" Lu Fan said coldly. "If you believe an apology is unnecessary, I will find other special ways to let you know that the King of the Northwest is not to be trifled with!"
"Don't think I don't know that you, the King of the Northwest, don't carry much weight!"
A smirk played on Puzhi's lips as he chuckled coldly, his aura radiating confidence. In his eyes, Lu Fan was still not being taken seriously.
Lu Fan said nothing further. He directly summoned the Haotian Tower, a smile on his lips. "Since that is the case, then do not blame me for my ruthless actions!"
Sensing the power of the Haotian Tower, the faces of the elder monks instantly turned ashen. They had not expected Lu Fan to be so decisive and to act without any reservation.
"Do you truly intend to resort to violence within our Temple of Heavenly Gods?" Puzhi's gaze was icy as he looked at Lu Fan.