"I truly didn't expect these two to possess such terrifying strength. If this continues, I fear even the esteemed elders will be outmatched!"
A disciple spoke, his heart filled with dread. In his many years at the Snow Mountain Sect, they had never witnessed such an aura.
"It's a shame our strength is too meager to offer assistance!"
Another disciple lamented, "Otherwise, we could have shared the elders' burden."
Numerous disciples wore bitter smiles. Their own skills were ordinary; a rash intervention might not only fail to help but could also lead to their demise against such formidable power. They understood the nature of such terrifying battles all too well.
In a blink, Lu Fan had already injured four or five elders. The remaining elders, realizing the gravity of the situation, unleashed their ultimate techniques and surged towards Lu Fan, their auras immense.
Upon seeing the more than ten figures, Lu Fan rocketed skyward, a surge of powerful energy erupting, exuding a terrifying presence that filled all with awe.
*Boom…*
With a thunderous roar, the elders were sent reeling backward, despair in their eyes. Even their combined might could not match Lu Fan's level, filling them with utter reluctance.
The ten-plus figures stood resolute, and the disciples of the Snow Mountain Sect were instantly plunged into despair. These were the elders of their sect, yet they could not awe Lu Fan, clearly demonstrating his immense and terrifying strength.
"I thought the elders of the Snow Mountain Sect were quite formidable!"
Lu Fan shrugged, "It appears they are nothing special!"
At Lu Fan's words, the elders of the Snow Mountain Sect turned ashen-faced, blood trickling from their lips. Their united assault was no match for Lu Fan, a fact that brought them immense shame.
Regardless of anything else, they were elders of the Snow Mountain Sect. To fail even this, would they not be a laughingstock?
"Great Elder, the other elders of the Snow Mountain Sect are heavily injured. If you persist in confronting him, the outcome will be dire!"
Lu Fan narrowed his eyes, "If the Snow Mountain Sect were to be annihilated overnight, your Sect Master would surely regret it immensely upon his return!"
"What do you intend to do!"
The Great Elder, after exchanging a palm strike with Long Yi, coldly questioned, "I warn you, if you dare to act recklessly, your death will be certain upon the Sect Master's return!"
"Do you think I would care about all that?"
Lu Fan sneered, "I seek the Snow Lotus. As for other matters, I cannot be bothered. If the Great Elder still wishes to fight, I wouldn't mind killing a few more elders to test my abilities!"
The elders exchanged glances, despair etched on their faces. They had never imagined Lu Fan would be so overbearing, his words carrying such potent energy, causing them to worry.
If Lu Fan were to truly attack, they would have no means of resistance, like lambs awaiting slaughter. Not only them, but the other disciples of the Snow Mountain Sect would also be implicated.
"Great Elder, your strength is comparable to mine. If he were to join forces with me, it would not be long before you are defeated!" Long Yi smiled faintly. "I mean no disrespect, I only hope the Great Elder can think clearly. We do not ask for much, only a Snow Lotus is sufficient!"
"You are threatening me!" The Great Elder's expression turned cold. "The Snow Mountain Sect has never yielded to threats!"
"Since the Snow Mountain Sect does not yield to threats, then I shall slaughter all its people!"
Lu Fan's killing intent surged, accompanied by a terrifying aura. He had spoken courteously, but if the Snow Mountain Sect insisted on defiance, Lu Fan would not hesitate to make them suffer.
The faces of the Snow Mountain Sect elders immediately darkened. Lu Fan's gaze carried a murderous intent; if he were to truly act, his aura would be overwhelming, beyond their ability to resist.
"Great Elder, the safety of the Snow Mountain Sect is at stake!"
The Third Elder, dragging his severely wounded body, spoke, "If we do not agree to his terms, the Snow Mountain Sect may indeed face a crisis!"
The Great Elder's face was grim, his gaze sharp. He had never anticipated the Snow Mountain Sect would reach such a predicament, filling him with unwillingness.
As the Great Elder of the Snow Mountain Sect, he was usually filled with pride and an imposing aura. Yet, at this juncture, he was filled with helplessness.
"Very well! At this point, I am powerless!"
The Great Elder spoke, "However, after you obtain the Snow Lotus, I hope you will honor your promise and not harm my disciples. Otherwise, we will fight to the death!"
"My purpose in coming to the Snow Mountain Sect this time is solely for the Snow Lotus. I have no other intentions!" Lu Fan clasped his fists, "Great Elder, you need not worry."
"Wait here, I shall retrieve it!"
The Great Elder said coldly, preparing to lead the other elders away.
"Retrieving the Snow Lotus shouldn't require so many people, should it?"
Long Yi smiled faintly, "It would be better to have a disciple go and fetch it. That way, I can be at ease!"
"Are you implying you do not trust me?" The Great Elder turned around. "As the Great Elder of the Snow Mountain Sect, I conduct myself with integrity. Once my word is given, it cannot be retracted. If I promise, I will not disappoint you!"
"I trust the Great Elder's character!"
Lu Fan chuckled, "I shall wait here."
The Great Elder said no more, leading the people of the Snow Mountain Sect away.
Watching their receding figures, Long Yi frowned, "If they go and regret their decision, what then?"
"The entire Snow Mountain Sect is under our control. They should not be foolish!"
Lu Fan narrowed his eyes, "Moreover, with the Sect Master absent, and witnessing our strength, they would not dare to fight back!"
Long Yi stood by, looking at Lu Fan with renewed admiration. Lu Fan's confidence was truly remarkable.
Meanwhile, within the Snow Mountain Sect, the elders exchanged glances, their expressions filled with ill will and considerable dissatisfaction.
As elders of the Snow Mountain Sect, their current state of humiliation, if it were to be spread, would shatter their reputation.
"Great Elder, must we really hand over the Snow Lotus?"
An elder inquired, "If we do, how will the Snow Mountain Sect retain its honor?"
"These two possess heaven-defying strength, beyond our ability to contend with!"
"The Great Elder waved his hand. If the Snow Lotus is not surrendered, our lives may be forfeit, and the Snow Mountain Sect will be overthrown in an instant!" the Great Elder said with grave sincerity.
At these words, the elders nodded in unison. They were well aware of the Great Elder's reasoning but were left with no choice.
Lu Fan appeared young, but his combat prowess was undeniable. All they could do now was appease Lu Fan and await the Sect Master's return, at which time justice would surely be sought.
Some time later, the Great Elder arrived before Lu Fan with the Snow Lotus, "Young friend, you must think carefully. With this Snow Lotus in your possession, you will become an enemy of the Snow Mountain Sect. The Sect Master will never let you off easily!"
"I have already thought it through!"
Lu Fan shrugged, "Thank you for the reminder, Great Elder."