Lu Fan's infiltration of Cangqiong spread like wildfire across Longguo, causing quite a stir.
Cangqiong was teeming with experts. Sneaking in alone, if discovered by Cangqiong's formidable cultivators, would likely spell certain death.
The martial artists of Longguo were well aware of these dangers. A deep respect, born from the heart, began to grow within them.
"To infiltrate Cangqiong alone, Lord Lu is likely in grave peril this time!"
On a high platform in Longdu, Jianying frowned, drowning his sorrows in wine.
As members of the Dragon Group, their duty was to defend Longguo's internal affairs during times of crisis. A sense of powerlessness gnawed at them.
"Lord Lu will surely create a miracle!"
Han Bing gazed at the night sky, her eyes filled with anticipation. "He has never disappointed us!"
"That's Cangqiong!"
Jianying's voice boomed, "Even if Lord Lu possesses all sorts of incredible abilities, he is still likely in dire straits!"
"Do you think I don't understand these things?"
Han Bing's expression turned grim. "But now that the situation is as it is, what else can we do?"
"Captain, I'm not blaming you!"
Jianying stood up. "The Dragon Group's overall strength is not weak. If we infiltrated Cangqiong, we might be able to help Lord Lu!"
"Are you out of your mind? Without orders from above, Dragon Group members cannot leave Longguo!"
Han Bing's gaze was cold. "Moreover, with just us, we would only be a burden to Lord Lu!"
Upon hearing this, the members of the Dragon Group felt a flush of shame.
As members of the younger generation, they were far outmatched by Lu Fan. More terrifyingly, they had previously believed that those within the Dragon Group were the true prodigies of Longguo.
It was only when the great battle loomed that they realized how useless they were.
At this moment, the people of Longguo held their breath, keenly aware of Lu Fan's perilous situation within Cangqiong. Any misstep could lead to his untimely demise.
Lu Fan was their guardian deity, the very object of their faith. No one wished for any harm to befall him.
Within Cangqiong, as night deepened, Lu Fan moved through the streets, an aura of coldness about him, his fists slick with blood.
Meanwhile, at Cangqiong's headquarters, numerous elders stood erect, their gazes sharp.
"All the elders dispatched have fallen, and even at Cangqiong's borders, elders have been killed!"
Cangqiong's Grand Elder spoke with cold disdain, "What exactly is going on?"
"Reporting to the Grand Elder, it is likely the work of Longguo's Lord Lu!"
A white-haired elder stated, "He may have already infiltrated Cangqiong. City Lords have been continuously killed, and besides him, no one from other nations would dare to act so audaciously!"
"Such audacious recklessness!"
The Grand Elder's fury ignited. "You elders of Cangqiong, are you merely going to sit idly by?"
The elders remained silent. Though they were Zhanhuang level experts, they had not received any directives from headquarters and thus dared not act rashly.
As they conversed, hurried footsteps approached. "Grand Elder, the City Lord of the Capital City has been assassinated and is dead!"
The elders present trembled. The City Lord of the Capital City was a peak Zhanwang expert, highly likely to become a true Zhanhuang expert within the year. Yet, he had met an untimely end.
"Who is responsible?" the elders questioned.
"Each City Lord, when assassinated, had the characters for Longguo affixed to their faces. It must be the work of a Longguo expert!" the man hastily replied.
"All elders, heed my command! Within three days, you must apprehend him!"
The Grand Elder's voice was chilling. "If the King learns of this, your very lives may be forfeit!"
The elders nodded in unison, their hearts burning with indignation. Throughout history, it was Cangqiong that had bullied others. Now, someone had defiled their very soil. How could they tolerate such an insult?
Instantly, Cangqiong's Zhanhuang level experts mobilized. If Lu Fan dared to show himself, he would be utterly annihilated.
Not long after, this news reached Longguo, igniting a surge of passion among its people.
After enduring so much bullying from Cangqiong, seeing them falter this time was immensely uplifting.
The martial arts experts who had been supporting various nations all returned. Initially, they had wondered why Cangqiong's reinforcements were so delayed. Only later did they learn that Lu Fan had not only intercepted them but had also been wreaking havoc within Cangqiong.
"Fourth Elder, Ziyue from Qingyun Sect requests an audience!"
In the headquarters' main hall, the Seventh Elder announced, "It is likely about young Lu!"
"Make them wait!"
The Fourth Elder spoke. The Grand Elder and the Second Elder had emerged from seclusion and were in the hall. He could not possibly leave at this moment.
"Fourth Elder, you have labored diligently overseeing the nation for these past ten years!"
The Grand Elder turned, "I am aware of young Lu's achievements and situation. Such iron-willed loyalty, if anything were to happen to him, what would become of Longguo's resolve!"
"The Grand Elder speaks the truth!"
The Fourth Elder nodded gravely. "For Longguo's safety, young Lu is in danger, and Longguo cannot stand idly by!"
"Convene Longguo's experts and march on Cangqiong!" the Grand Elder declared, his aura imposing.
At this juncture, if Cangqiong did not yield and hand over the person, Longguo would not rest.
The other elders beamed with joy. With the previous three elders in seclusion, they had lacked confidence. Now that they had emerged, coupled with alliances with various nations, they could at least instill some apprehension in Cangqiong.
Having received the Grand Elder's affirmation, the Fourth Elder, filled with delight, left the hall and proceeded to the headquarters' conference room. Elder Ziyue was already waiting.
"Fourth Elder!" Elder Ziyue rose and bowed. "Lord Lu's infiltration into Cangqiong is likely fraught with peril. Although Qingyun Sect has many experts, to challenge Cangqiong would be akin to striking a stone with an egg!"
"Elder Ziyue need not worry!"
The Fourth Elder stated, "The Grand Elder has emerged from seclusion and will soon unite with various nations to march towards Cangqiong. Should young Lu sustain even the slightest harm, we will make them pay!"
Elder Ziyue trembled, then rejoiced. The emergence of Longguo's Grand Elder was a monumental event for Longguo, finally providing them with a strong pillar of support.
"Since that is the case, I am relieved!" Ziyue nodded slightly.
"Qingyun Sect's timely intervention has been a great kindness to Longguo. If you require anything, please do not hesitate to inform me," the Fourth Elder said softly.
"There is no need, my lord. This is merely our duty as Qingyun Sect,"
Elder Ziyue cupped his fists in salutation and departed from Longguo's headquarters. Su Dan Novel Network.
Watching the retreating figure, the Fourth Elder felt a touch of emotion.
Meanwhile, within Cangqiong, it had begun to drizzle. Lu Fan found a noodle shop and sat down. "Boss, a bowl of Chunsi noodles, please!"
"Coming right up!"