Xuanwu was startled. This giant python was no ordinary creature; a slight misstep could mean death. Lu Fan's casual words surprised him even more.
"Sir, this giant python has achieved sentience!" Han Yunhai exclaimed. "Please be very careful not to be harmed!"
"Don't worry, this old platform isn't capable of that!" Lu Fan shrugged, projecting his emotions towards the python.
Xuanwu's face turned grim. "Little brother, this is no game. Leave this place quickly, or you'll be buried here today!"
But Lu Fan paid no heed, instead gazing at the python. For some reason, upon seeing Lu Fan, the python stopped its attack. It coiled beneath the waterfall, watching Lu Fan warily, as if showing considerable apprehension.
"I want the spiritual 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 refuse to see reason, I won't be so polite!"
The python let out a sky-piercing roar, as if understanding Lu Fan's words. It poised to attack, unwilling to easily relinquish the medicinal herbs he had guarded for a thousand years.
After all, he had sacrificed much to protect this spiritual herb over the years. It was crucial for his transformation into a Flood Dragon, so how could he hand it over?
"It seems you wish to fight?" Lu Fan sneered. "In that case, I shall oblige you."
Lu Fan leaped into the air, exuding an immeasurable aura. Light flickered around him, and currents of dark energy gathered in his palm.
Witnessing Lu Fan leap more than ten meters high, Xuanwu was inwardly shocked. He had initially thought Lu Fan to be an ordinary person, but he had misjudged him. With such skills, Lu Fan had at least reached the pinnacle of martial arts.
Unfortunately, the python possessed the prowess of a Grandmaster. Even if Lu Fan was a martial arts expert, he might not be able to subdue it.
With this thought, Xuanwu's worry intensified, unsure of what to do. He knew very well that this matter was far from simple.
*Boom...*
A massive impact resounded from dozens of meters in the sky. The python fell, crashing heavily beside the waterfall, sending spray into the air.
*Hiss...*
The python, severely wounded, bled from its mouth and flicked its tongue. Its eyes were filled with resentment, but it dared not make a rash move. It had already experienced Lu Fan's capabilities, and his strength was not inferior to its own.
Xuanwu was internally shaken. The ability to severely wound the giant python suggested a strength that likely reached the Grandmaster realm.
"How is this possible? A Grandmaster so young?" Xuanwu muttered, greatly astonished.
In his opinion, becoming a martial arts Grandmaster was the domain of the older generation of experts. How could such a master emerge among the younger generation?
Knowing it was outmatched, the python quickly retreated into the cave. Utilizing the water flow, it reached extreme speed and vanished into the waterfall in an instant.
Lu Fan also descended slowly, looking towards the cave behind the waterfall. "This beast runs when it can't win!"
"Sir, the cave holds the thousand-year spiritual herb. But with that beast inside, how can you obtain it?" Han Yunhai asked.
"I will go personally. You all wait outside," Lu Fan stated plainly, then headed towards the cave.
"The cave is its territory, and it's likely filled with danger," Xuanwu urged. "While the medicinal herb is precious, it's not worth risking your life for."
"Risking my life?" Lu Fan glanced at him. "This giant python isn't capable of that!"
With that, Lu Fan stepped inside without the slightest hint of fear.
Xuanwu was even more astonished. Someone with such courage was likely no ordinary person, earning his admiration.
"Master, is it truly alright for you to go in like this?" Gu Wen asked worriedly. "After all, it's the giant python's cave."
"Since Master has made his decision, there will be no problem," Han Yunhai said directly. "You don't need to worry too much."
Gu Wen didn't know what to say. He never expected Han Yunhai to place such trust in Lu Fan, showing no concern for whatever might happen.
Upon entering the cave, Lu Fan saw the giant python guarding a thousand-year-old ginseng. It watched him warily, its eyes filled with a hint of fear.
Through the recent battle, the python had realized Lu Fan's combat power was beyond its own. Now that Lu Fan had arrived, it could not afford to falter.
"You are no match for me. Hand over the thousand-year ginseng, and I will spare your life!" Lu Fan declared again. "This is my final ultimatum. Otherwise, the thousand years you have lived will end today."
This was something it had guarded for so long. The python showed no intention of retreating, continuing to guard the thousand-year ginseng. It was more important to it than its own life, so how could it easily give it up?
Seeing this, Lu Fan felt a sense of helplessness. He directly unleashed his powerful inner energy, charging towards the python. Let alone a giant python, even a true Grandmaster would be no match for him.
The sounds of battle echoed within the cave, filling everyone with worry, especially Xuanwu. Regardless, Lu Fan was his savior. If anything were to happen to him inside the cave, Xuanwu would find it difficult to bear.
"Rest assured, Master's actions never result in any problems," Han Yunhai smiled faintly. "Let alone a giant python that hasn't reached the Grandmaster realm; even a true Grandmaster might not be able to withstand Master."
Though his words were simple, Xuanwu was slightly taken aback, wondering who Lu Fan truly was to possess such an aura.
Even Gu Wen 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. Hearing Han Yunhai's words now, Lu Fan's power likely exceeded his imagination.
As they were contemplating this, Lu Fan emerged from the cave, covered in blood, appearing somewhat unsettling.
"Master, are you alright?" Gu Wen asked with concern.
"Naturally, I'm fine!" Lu Fan waved his hand, smiling. "This is the python's blood, not mine!"
"So that's how it is!"
Gu Wen breathed a sigh of relief. He had thought Lu Fan was seriously injured, but Lu Fan showed no signs of harm. This matter seemed trivial to him.
"Sir, have you obtained the item?" Han Yunhai inquired.
"Naturally, I have!" Lu Fan nodded, then produced the thousand-year ginseng.
Looking at the thousand-year-old herb before them, everyone marveled. Even from dozens of meters away, the medicinal fragrance could be smelled, indicating the potency of the ginseng.
"Such a thing is rarely seen. To obtain it is a great fortune," Lu Fan said with a smile. "Our trip to Niutou Mountain ends here!"
Gu Wen and the others nodded. Xuanwu, however, felt a sense of loss. He had come to Niutou Mountain for the thousand-year ginseng, but he was no match for the thousand-year-old serpent.