"If Senior is unwilling to take me as a disciple, I naturally wouldn't dare to force it," Huang Dajian said, cupping his fists. "But Senior cannot demean me like this. In my current state, how could I be addressed so by Senior?"
"Huang Dajian is quite renowned in these ten miles and eight villages. My sudden arrival has caused much disturbance," Lu Fan said with a smile. "I've disrupted Huang Dajian's mood. I hope Huang Dajian will not hold it against me."
"This junior naturally wouldn't dare!" Huang Dajian nodded repeatedly. "As the saying goes, the virtuous are the elders. Senior's medical skills and feng shui mastery are both above mine. I have offended you before, and I hope Senior can forgive me!"
"Huang Dajian is too polite!" Lu Fan waved his hand, unconcerned. "After traveling so far, why not sit down and have a drink together?"
Huang Dajian hesitated for a moment before taking out several jars of realgar wine from his cloth bag. "This is a fine vintage I've treasured for many years. Since Senior is here today, let us drink together!"
Chen Pangzi stepped forward, sniffed, and said with satisfaction, "Huang Dajian has really gone the extra mile this time. This must be your most cherished realgar wine! I've never seen you willing to drink it before, yet today you've brought two jars."
"To be honest, after all these years, I've been reluctant to drink this wine. If not for Senior's presence, I would never have opened the realgar wine," Huang Dajian said proudly. "I once said that I would only open the realgar wine with a true confidant!"
With these words, everyone else also smiled. They merely listened to Huang Dajian's words and didn't take them too seriously.
As prominent figures from Jiangnan, they were, of course, well-acquainted with such aged vintages.
After five rounds of drinks, everyone was thoroughly drunk. They slept for the afternoon at Uncle Wang's house, and only then did Lu Fan and his group leave Niutou Mountain and return to the capital.
As soon as they returned to the capital, Han Yunhai, along with many subordinates from the Azure Dragon Sect, came to greet them. However, his brow was furrowed, as if something had happened.
"Sect Master Han's personal reception is quite grand. We should learn from this," Chen Pangzi said with a smile.
Boss Chu also nodded, "No wonder he became a trusted confidant. Sect Master Han truly has a way."
Facing their remarks, Han Yunhai did not say much, but his gaze fell on Lu Fan. "Sir, something terrible has happened!"
"What happened?" Lu Fan raised an eyebrow. "For Sect Master Han to frown so, this must be no small matter."
"Someone has come to Jiangnan and killed more than ten disciples of the Azure Dragon Sect," Han Yunhai stated directly. "Even I almost died by his sword!"
"Who dares to be so bold?" Old Man Zhao said, "To actually dare to lay a hand on the people of the Azure Dragon Sect? Are they tired of living?"
"I have investigated and found out. This person is named Gui Jianchou, the chief disciple of the Ghost Gate's Sect Master. He has come to Jiangnan this time specifically to deal with you, sir," Han Yunhai said with a grave expression.
"Gui Jianchou?" Old Master Zhao frowned. "I heard this name many years ago. He was quite a formidable figure and still holds considerable fame in the martial arts world."
"That's right, I've also heard of his reputation," Han Yunhai said directly. "I heard he has already reached the Grandmaster realm. As for whether it's true or not, that remains unknown."
"The many disciples of the Azure Dragon Sect are also my subordinates. I will not let them die in vain!" Lu Fan's expression was cold. "Send word to Gui Jianchou that three days from now, by the West Lake, we shall settle this life and death matter!"
As soon as his words fell, everyone trembled. They were well aware of Lu Fan's strength, but for some reason, when Lu Fan was truly about to act, they felt quite worried.
"Sir, Gui Jianchou has always been insidious and cunning, not a straightforward person," Han Yunhai said directly. "Why must you face him so openly? It would be better for me to send people to act in secret!"
"No need!" Lu Fan waved his hand. "Just do as I say!"
Han Yunhai quickly nodded and didn't dare to say more. He wouldn't dare to interfere with Lu Fan's decisions.
"Sir, I've heard long ago that Gui Jianchou has a great reputation in the martial arts world. If you confront him, you might not come out on top," Chen Pangzi said, cupping his fists. "I hope you will reconsider!"
"Thank you for your concern. I have my own judgment!" Lu Fan waved his hand, his expression calm.
However, just then, Lu Fan looked at Han Yunhai again. "Have you investigated the matter I asked you to look into?"
"Sir, what you're referring to..." Han Yunhai hesitated, his expression changing, as if he wanted to hide something.
"What? Are you unwilling to speak the truth even in front of me?" Lu Fan frowned. "I asked you to investigate the matter of the Lu family from years ago, and there's still no news?"
"Although the matter of the Lu family from years ago has not been clarified, it involves a great deal," Han Yunhai said, cupping his fists. "I hope Sir will not inquire further!"
"Insolence!" Lu Fan stood up abruptly. "I asked you to investigate precisely because I wanted to know the truth, and you dare to speak like this!"
Han Yunhai retreated three steps and cupped his fists again. "I am doing this for you, sir. I know your capabilities are immense, but the Lu family matter is extremely complicated. I have exerted all my strength and only managed to uncover some truths."
"Speak!"
Lu Fan's eyes held a cold glint. The hatred for his family and nation must not be forgotten. He had worked tirelessly precisely to avenge himself sooner. Now that there was news, how could he let it go so easily?
"This matter involves hidden families," Han Yunhai said directly. "These families possess powerful financial groups and have also recruited many experts. With your current strength, sir, it is impossible to contend with them!"
"Which hidden aristocratic family is it?" Lu Fan narrowed his eyes. "I am very curious to know."
"The specific details are not yet very clear. The Azure Dragon Sect is still investigating," Han Yunhai said, cupping his fists. "However, it is possible that the five hidden aristocratic families of Jiangnan are involved."
Chen Pangzi and the others stood by, their hearts filled with shock. To be considered a hidden aristocratic family meant they were dozens of times stronger than these overt magnates. In terms of both financial resources and talent, they were beyond their reach.
"Continue to investigate. I need more detailed information!" Lu Fan's expression was cold. Regarding the events of that year, he could not let go of his resentment.
The feud of his family must not be forgotten, and how could he not know this?
After Lu Fan left, Han Yunhai finally breathed a sigh of relief, his eyes filled with helplessness.
In fact, he had already investigated the specific situation quite thoroughly, but he was not entirely certain. After all, this matter involved five hidden aristocratic families. If that were truly the case, Lu Fan's adversaries would be extremely powerful.
"Sect Master Han, what exactly is going on?" Boss Chu stepped forward to inquire. "Does it truly involve hidden aristocratic families?"