A few days later, in a secret location in the Dragon Kingdom, Elder Shangguan stood atop a mountain peak, clad in black, exuding an aura of inherent authority.
"Elder of the Sea Kingdom, your arrival is truly unexpected."
Within the secret location, several white-haired elders, with graceful movements, arrived at the summit and clasped their fists in greeting with smiles.
"The three great sects of the Dragon Kingdom are not to be underestimated," Elder Shangguan stated directly. "The previous battle at Baiyun Peak, the North Sea Pavilion could have been involved!"
"Elder Shangguan, we three great sects have never interfered in the affairs of the Dragon Kingdom," the leading white-haired elder replied. "Why would we intervene?"
"Many of the Dragon Kingdom's experts are already tied up. Who was responsible for the battle at Baiyun Peak?" Elder Shangguan's expression was cold. "The three great sects have always been neutral, and if the Dragon Kingdom is defeated in the future, you will all be able to protect yourselves."
"Does Elder Shangguan not believe us?" the leading elder frowned. "Our North Sea Pavilion has always sought peace and has never participated in wars between nations. Moreover, our influence is widespread, and we are not to be bullied. Is Elder Shangguan not being unreasonable with such words?"
"You should be well aware that the Dragon Kingdom is in grave danger, having suffered repeated defeats on the outer battlefield," Elder Shangguan said directly. "If the Sea Kingdom were to commit its full strength, it could annihilate the Dragon Kingdom in an instant!"
"If the Sea Kingdom is so powerful, then that is truly good news!" the leading elder said with a faint smile. "As a reclusive sect, the North Sea Pavilion will absolutely not participate in wars between nations, nor will we offer secret assistance. However, if someone deliberately frames us, our North Sea Pavilion is not to be trifled with!"
"So be it!" Elder Shangguan nodded slightly. "As long as the three great sects keep their promise and do not participate in the war between nations, the Dragon Kingdom will not pose a threat to the three great sects if it falls in the future."
After Elder Shangguan finished speaking, he departed. This was the last sect among the three great sects. He had questioned them all and found no irregularities, which left him somewhat disappointed.
His purpose in coming to the Dragon Kingdom this time was to probe for information. Now that he knew the three great sects were not involved, he could not threaten them excessively.
After all, no matter what, the three great sects were not to be trifled with. As long as they did not participate in the Dragon Kingdom's war, they would pose no threat to the Tianhai Kingdom, and he was very clear about this.
After Elder Shangguan left, the elders of the North Sea Pavilion exchanged glances, their brows furrowed.
"The people of the Sea Kingdom are truly arrogant to have infiltrated the Dragon Kingdom's heartland!" the white-haired elder said coldly. "They even dared to issue threats. Do they truly think our North Sea Pavilion is made of clay?"
"Speak no more. As long as it does not involve the North Sea Pavilion, do not stir up further trouble," the leading elder stated directly. "The patterns of the world are such that unity leads to division and division leads to unity. This has nothing to do with our North Sea Pavilion!"
"Elder, what you say is true. But the North Sea Pavilion is also a part of the Dragon Kingdom. Should the Dragon Kingdom face hardship, will the North Sea Pavilion truly stand by and do nothing?"
The elder's eyes held seriousness, even a hint of dissatisfaction. He could not tolerate the rules of the three great sects.
"The Pavilion Master has ordered that if you disobey the North Sea Pavilion's directives, you will be expelled," the leading elder stated directly. "The reason the North Sea Pavilion has stood for so many years is because we do not participate in wars between nations. Everyone, please remember this!"
The elders exchanged glances and then nodded slightly. They understood perfectly what the leading elder had said.
Meanwhile, at the Tianquan Villa in Jiangnan, Lu Fan was enjoying a leisurely time. After staying for a few days, he felt a bit reluctant to leave.
"Sir, when are we returning to Chuzhou?" Han Yunhai asked with a smile. "You don't want to go back, do you?"
"What are you talking about? Of course, I want to go back," Lu Fan retorted with a glare. "My wife is still in Chuzhou! It's just that Tianquan Villa is so tranquil, and practicing here is twice as effective!"
"That's true!" Han Yunhai nodded. "But speaking of which, the Jiangnan City Lord has been coming here every day these past few days. I fear he has ill intentions."
"He's just a mere City Lord, no need to worry too much about him," Lu Fan waved his hand. "Besides, he has his reasons for acting this way."
"You speak the truth, Sir!" Han Yunhai nodded solemnly, then smiled again. "Sir, you are no longer the same as before. Let alone the Jiangnan City Lord, even other experts in the Dragon Kingdom will look upon you with newfound respect!"
"You've changed!" Lu Fan glanced at him. "You've learned to flatter!"
"You jest, Sir. I haven't changed at all. I'm simply speaking the truth," Han Yunhai said earnestly.
As they were conversing, Han Qiushui rushed over, looking hurried. "Master, something's wrong! Butler Fu has had an accident."
"Butler Fu is at Tianquan Villa, how could something happen?"
Lu Fan frowned. "What exactly happened?"
"Butler Fu was fishing in the back mountains of Tianquan Villa, and he was bitten by something. His breath is weak, and his body has turned purple," Han Qiushui explained seriously. "I'm not too sure why this is happening."
Lu Fan stood up abruptly and headed towards Butler Fu's room. Butler Fu was already old, and if something were to happen to him, it would be a considerable problem.
Moreover, for so many years, Butler Fu had worked tirelessly for the Lu family, sacrificing too much. Now that he was in his twilight years, he deserved a good rest. If anything were to happen to him, Lu Fan would never be able to forgive himself.
Upon entering the room, Lu Fan saw Butler Fu, with several attending doctors by his side, all of whom were helpless.
"Butler Fu, how are you feeling?" Lu Fan asked urgently. "What exactly bit you?"
"Young Master, don't worry, it's just a minor injury!" Butler Fu waved his hand. "Let them handle it!"
Lu Fan did not believe him. He then lifted Butler Fu's blanket and found that Butler Fu's thigh was purple and trembling incessantly, as if poisoned.
"You say you're fine!"
Lu Fan frowned slightly. "This poison is unusual!"
The attending doctors also quickly nodded. "This poison has already attacked the vital organs. It's too late now, too late!"
"Don't talk nonsense!" Butler Fu said sternly.
The reason he was acting this way was to prevent Lu Fan from worrying. He was well aware that his chest and heart pained him, and he likely did not have long to live. If it caused Lu Fan further sadness, wouldn't that be his fault? Sultan Novel Network
"Young Master, your old servant is fine!" Butler Fu forced himself to stay calm. "I just need a few days of rest. Why hasn't Young Master returned to Chuzhou yet?"
Lu Fan did not answer. He asked two doctors to step back, then used his silver needles to force out the toxic gas from Butler Fu's body.
Unfortunately, the poison had already entered the vital organs. Even with Lu Fan's immense power, it was impossible to expel the poison.
Seeing Lu Fan's forehead covered in sweat, Butler Fu smiled wryly. "When I was in the back mountains, I knew my time was short. Young Master need not be like this!"
"Butler Fu, rest assured, I will not let anything happen to you!"
Lu Fan's eyes were solemn as he sealed the poison with his silver needles. However, he was at a loss for what to do. The poison had entered the vital organs, and external forces alone were insufficient to completely clear it.
"Sir, is there no other way?"
Han Yunhai spoke, "Or is there some other antidote?"
"With the toxic gas entering the vital organs, even a celestial being might find it difficult to cure,"
Lu Fan shook his head, then asked Butler Fu to rest before stepping out of the room.
Han Yunhai and the others quickly followed, not daring to delay.
"Summon the Jiangnan City Lord here!"
Lu Fan's expression was cold. "Within three days, if the Blazing Flame Grass cannot be found, Butler Fu's life will be in danger!"
"Blazing Flame Grass?"
Gu Wen was slightly surprised. "This is a rare and precious spiritual herb known for its potent toxicity. Under normal circumstances, it is difficult to find even once in a hundred years!"
"A mere poisonous herb is so valuable?" Han Yunhai frowned slightly.