"You've said a lot of nothing!"
The Fourth Elder rolled his eyes. "Are you afraid of this impending crisis, boy?"
"Indeed I am!"
Lu Fan chuckled. "I nearly died in Cang Qiong Kingdom, but for the sake of our nation and the people of Long Country, even ten thousand deaths would be acceptable!"
"Well said!"
The First Elder smiled. "As long as the people of Long Country stand united, we will surely defeat Cang Qiong!"
"If my guess is correct, Cang Qiong Kingdom won't rashly attack again. They will prepare thoroughly!"
Lu Fan spoke, "This gives us the best opportunity. We must seize this time to improve our strength!"
"Young Lu is right!"
The Seventh Elder chimed in. "All these problems we face are due to our weak strength. If the elders can increase their combat power, dealing with Cang Qiong Kingdom in the future should be no problem!"
Upon hearing this, everyone nodded, quite in agreement with Lu Fan's words.
"Elders, you didn't summon me just to discuss this, did you?"
Lu Fan stood there, feeling a bit awkward. After all, what he had said earlier was essentially useless.
He knew the strength of the elders all too well. Although they possessed the power of War Kings, becoming a War Emperor seemed highly unlikely.
"We summoned you today to remind you of something!"
The First Elder said, "Long Yi is no ordinary person. Her approaching you must have another motive!"
"Indeed!"
The Third Elder nodded. "We have investigated. Long Yi is from an ancient sect. If she didn't have a purpose, she wouldn't be staying in Longdu!"
The other elders also looked solemn, paying close attention to these matters, especially since Long Yi was currently at Jiangjing Longting.
More importantly, Long Yi's strength was extraordinary. If they weren't careful, it would surely cause trouble in the future.
"So that's what this is about!"
Lu Fan shrugged. "Thank you for your concern, elders, but I understand Long Yi quite well. You don't need to worry too much."
"What? You mean you know she's from an ancient sect?" the First Elder asked, puzzled.
"I do indeed!"
Lu Fan nodded. "However, I saved her. There are many complexities involved, which I won't recount one by one. But one thing is certain: she wouldn't harm me!"
"You're quite confident, boy!" The Seventh Elder glanced at him meaningfully.
Lu Fan's scalp tingled, as if he had been misunderstood.
"If there's nothing else, I'll be taking my leave!"
Lu Fan shrugged. "Xiao Ke should have prepared dinner and be waiting for me!"
"We were hoping you'd join us for a drink. Since that's the case, you may go back," the First Elder said with a hint of helplessness.
"I'll host another time!" Lu Fan bowed his fists.
After Lu Fan left, the elders exchanged glances, their expressions filled with helplessness.
They had been worried about Long Yi all along, but seeing Lu Fan's demeanor, it seemed he hadn't taken it seriously at all.
Meanwhile, at Jiangjing Longting, Lin Ke had prepared dinner. Gu Wen and Han Qiushui were also present, along with several other people from the Qingyun Sect. Only Lu Fan was missing.
"Master is truly busy. He's still not back for dinner!" Han Qiushui said with a smile.
"That's natural. Master is no ordinary figure now, so being busy is normal!"
Gu Wen added, "It's a good thing we can try Master's wife's cooking today!"
Lin Ke was slightly taken aback by being called "Master's wife." It made her feel a bit uneasy.
The sound of a car approached. Lin Ke initially thought it was Lu Fan, but the person who alighted from the car was someone she didn't recognize.
"Excuse me, does Lu Fan live here?"
Yang Shiyun asked, her tone polite but somewhat hurried.
"Who are you?"
Lin Ke's expression shifted. The woman before her was so beautiful that even Lin Ke was momentarily captivated.
Her immediate question about Lu Fan's name made Lin Ke's mind wander. Had Lu Fan done something terrible outside to warrant a lady coming to their door?
"I am Xiao Fan's cousin!" Yang Shiyun said solemnly.
"So you're his cousin!"
Lin Ke quickly straightened her sleeves. "I am Xiao Fan's wife, my name is Lin Ke!"
"So you are Xiao Ke!" Yang Shiyun smiled slightly.
"It's just about dinner time, please come in, cousin!" Lin Ke said courteously.
Just then, Lu Fan arrived in the courtyard. Seeing Yang Shiyun, his face lit up with joy. "Sister Shiyun, what brings you here?"
"Xiao Fan, I finally found you!"
Yang Shiyun said repeatedly, "Something has happened to Uncle Er's family!"
"What happened to Second Uncle?"
Lu Fan's expression changed instantly, and his aura turned cold.
"Second Uncle offended the Tianhai Chamber of Commerce, and they've captured him!" Yang Shiyun hurried to explain. "Zi Xin asked me to come to Longdu to find you, saying you could resolve this matter!"
"Sister Shiyun, don't worry. I'll go to Chuzhou myself!"
Lu Fan reassured her, his anger growing. He hadn't expected anyone to be so foolish as to dare lay a hand on his loved ones.
"Xiao Fan, I'll go with you!" Lin Ke offered.
"That's good. It'll be a chance to see Grandmother!"
Lu Fan nodded. "After all, they are my only family!"
Lin Ke nodded solemnly and prepared to change her clothes.
"Xiao Fan, the Tianhai Chamber of Commerce has many experts, and their background is immense!"
Yang Shiyun warned. "How do you plan to rescue them?"
"Sister Shiyun, don't worry. I will handle this personally!" Lu Fan stated directly, then looked at Gu Wen. "Mobilize the experts of the Qingyun Sect and gather in Chuzhou. I want to see what kind of foundation the Tianhai Chamber of Commerce truly possesses!"
"Your subordinate obeys!" Gu Wen quickly cupped his fists.
Yang Shiyun, however, looked worried. Within Long Country, the Tianhai Chamber of Commerce could seemingly do as they pleased. Rumor had it that they had connections with an elder of Long Country. If that were true, even with Lu Fan's immense capabilities, he would be in grave danger.
Not long after, Lu Fan and his group set off for Chuzhou, with numerous Qingyun Sect experts following, creating a formidable presence.
Many experts within Long Country were puzzled, wondering why the Qingyun Sect was making such a grand mobilization. Was something major happening?
Soon after, news of the Qingyun Sect experts' departure reached Long Country Headquarters, causing the elders to frown.
"This is outrageous! The Tianhai Chamber of Commerce dared to harm Young Lu's relatives. Are they tired of living!"
The Third Elder's face was grim, filled with anger.
Lu Fan's sacrifices for Long Country were immeasurable. The elders, and even the citizens of Long Country, owed Lu Fan their gratitude.
Yet, to think that someone would commit such a foolish act.
"Seventh Elder, hurry to Chuzhou and demand the Tianhai Chamber of Commerce release the captives and punish them severely!" the First Elder ordered sternly. "We cannot let Young Lu be disheartened!"
"This..."
The Seventh Elder's expression changed. "I'm afraid I cannot go alone. I will need the Ninth Elder to accompany me!"
"Ninth Elder is recovering from his injuries. Why should he be sent?" the First Elder asked, confused.