"Originally, I intended to leave a path for escape, but it seems unnecessary now!"
Lu Fan displayed a faint smile, exuding an aura that suggested Tie Tou was already a corpse in his eyes.
"You talk too much, kid!" Tie Tou retorted unceremoniously, stepping forward with immense power. However, under Lu Fan's vast spiritual energy, it appeared insignificant.
In the blink of an eye, Tie Tou’s gaze fell upon Lu Fan. Before he could even get a clear look, his head was severed, presenting a rather bloody scene.
Witnessing this, the people of Qing Cao Village were astonished. They had never imagined Lu Fan's strength to be so formidable. Even Tie Tou, who had practiced forbidden arts, was no match for Lu Fan.
Da Hu was also completely stunned by the sight. Tie Tou had cultivated ancient forbidden arts, and under normal circumstances, ordinary spiritual practitioners would have little effect on him. Lu Fan and the others must be exceptionally extraordinary to have become so powerful.
"Thank you for your assistance!" Da Hu clasped his fist and said, "If you hadn't intervened, Qing Cao Village would likely be awash in blood. Given Tie Tou's nature, he would have shown no restraint."
"Qing Cao Village allowed me to recuperate here, which is a kindness to me. It's nothing for me to do these things!" Lu Fan smiled faintly. "However, my injuries have mostly healed, and it's time for me to leave Qing Cao Village!"
"Perhaps you could stay a few more days so I can host you properly and apologize for any previous shortcomings. Please bear with us!" Da Hu said quickly, his gaze earnest.
"No need. I have matters to attend to and cannot stay here indefinitely," Lu Fan shook his head. "However, there is indeed abundant spiritual energy within Qing Cao Village, which seems different from other places. If I'm not mistaken, Qing Cao Village must have a significant history."
"Indeed, in ancient times, many powerful individuals emerged from Qing Cao Village. Unfortunately, the forbidden arts they developed were not ordinary means and could even kill without a trace, hence they were strictly prohibited," Da Hu said with a wry smile. "It's just unexpected that Tie Tou would do something like this."
"Since it's a forbidden art, why not destroy it directly!" Lu Fan shrugged. "After all, such things are of no use in the world and could even be a source of disaster!"
"That's true!" Da Hu nodded. "It's just that I am not the true village chief of Qing Cao Village. This decision can only be made after the village chief returns!"
"How long has the old village chief been gone?" Ling'er asked with some curiosity.
"It's been many years, and there's been no news. I don't know what happened!" Da Hu said helplessly. He hadn't been anywhere else, so he didn't know where to inquire.
"If I'm not mistaken, the old village chief may no longer be with us!" Lu Fan stated directly. "The entire Heavenly Realm is a mix of all sorts, and it's not easy to survive!"
"This..."
Da Hu stood there stunned, tears welling up in his eyes. He had often thought the same – after the old village chief left, he never returned. Had something happened to him? Otherwise, why would this be the case?
"In any case, I've told you, these ancient forbidden arts should not be kept. Whether to keep them or not is your business!" Lu Fan said. "I should be on my way!"
With that, Lu Fan and his companions departed. His injuries had largely healed, and he was preparing to head to the imperial capital. This journey to the imperial capital would surely lead them to confront the Northwest County Lord.
Meanwhile, within Qing Cao Village, as everyone watched Lu Fan's retreating figure, they felt a sense of gratitude. If not for Lu Fan, the entire Qing Cao Village might have fallen into chaos and endless trouble.
As night fell, a group of people suddenly arrived outside Qing Cao Village. These individuals exuded an aggressive aura, their gazes fixed on the villagers. "We heard that your Qing Cao Village has taken in some outsiders!"
"What business is it of yours?"
Several men from Qing Cao Village spoke up, their demeanor equally imposing.
"So, that person is indeed in Qing Cao Village?"
The head of the Situ family narrowed his eyes, a powerful aura emanating from him, as if the villagers of Qing Cao Village were already corpses in his sight.
"We don't know anything about the person you're referring to!" Da Hu walked over. "I am the acting village chief of Qing Cao Village. You are not welcome here, so you should leave quickly!"
"A mere acting village chief dares to be so arrogant?"
The head of the Situ family sneered. "You truly impress me!"
Da Hu frowned. He could clearly sense that these individuals were not simple. Offending them would likely lead to endless trouble. However, they would never reveal the whereabouts of Lu Fan and the others. Doing so would be a betrayal of trust for the entire Qing Cao Village, a reputation Da Hu would not bear.
"What, you still intend to protect those people even now?"
The head of the Situ family let out a cold laugh. "I find you utterly laughable. Do you know what kind of experts they are? Do you need to risk your lives for them? Tell me quickly where they went, and perhaps I won't make things difficult for Qing Cao Village!"
"Even if it means death, we, the people of Qing Cao Village, will not do so!" Da Hu said resolutely, his gaze serious.
At the same time, the villagers of Qing Cao Village echoed his sentiment, their spirits high, their faces filled with determination.
"I truly didn't expect things to turn out this way!"
The head of the Situ family shrugged slightly, a smile appearing on his face. "Since you are unwilling to speak, then don't blame my Situ family for showing no mercy. I've said all I can."
"Show me whatever skills you have!" Da Hu said indifferently. "I'd like to see what kind of methods you people have to dare to cause trouble here!"
The head of the Situ family burst into laughter. "I've seen people who are not afraid of death, but I've never seen anyone as fearless as you. Since that's the case, I shall grant your wish!"
Just as the head of the Situ family was about to make a move, a young girl from Qing Cao Village walked over, her eyes darting around, and looked towards the head of the Situ family.
"They went to that place!"
The little girl pointed towards a distant high mountain, as if she knew everything.
"It's still the little girl who is sensible!"
The head of the Situ family let out a cold laugh. "Eliminate everyone in Qing Cao Village. As for this girl, don't leave her alive!"
"This won't do!" The little girl quickly shook her head, her expression solemn. She hadn't expected things to be so tragic, or she wouldn't have acted this way.
"What won't do?" The head of the Situ family narrowed his eyes.