In the Central Plains, martial arts experts were as common as clouds, most of them here to participate in the Martial Arts Tournament. Lu Fan's scheduled duel with the Jiang family patriarch was particularly anticipated.
Meanwhile, on the surface of the Central Plains Lake, a small boat glided across. The Jiang family patriarch stood on the boat, his expression indifferent, like an old man.
"I hear the Jiang family patriarch is in the top ten of the Heavenly Rankings. He's a true master of this era!"
"Who says not? The top ten from the last Heavenly Rankings, their strength has probably increased even further!"
Many people spoke, their gazes turning towards the Jiang family patriarch, their eyes filled with admiration.
The Jiang family patriarch stood with his hands behind his back on the small boat, clad in white as pure as snow, his silver hair like a river of stars.
The crowd instantly felt a surge of excitement. Battles between such masters held immense significance for them, possibly even elevating their own cultivation. The exchanges between experts could deepen their understanding of the true meaning of martial arts.
After a long while, Lu Fan's figure still hadn't appeared. Many began to speculate if Lu Fan would default. After all, considering the Jiang family patriarch's formidable strength, it was not unusual for Lu Fan to be afraid to show up.
The Jiang family patriarch stood on the boat, his brow furrowed slightly. Lu Fan's absence stirred him, as he believed this battle was unavoidable.
"What's going on? Why didn't that kid show up?" Jian Ying frowned. "He's not actually scared, is he? If that's the case, it'll be a huge disgrace!"
"Didn't you just say his strength could sweep across the martial world? How could he not come?" Han Bing said directly.
As soon as these words were spoken, a figure, like a ghost, appeared on the banks of the Central Plains Lake under everyone's watchful eyes.
"You're finally here!" The Jiang family patriarch looked at Lu Fan. "I thought you were going to default!"
"Since I sent the challenge, why would I be afraid to fight!" Lu Fan smiled. "Actually, this matter has nothing to do with you. The Jiang family patriarch doesn't need to do this!"
"Going to my Jiang family to capture someone is an insult to the Jiang family," the Old Master Jiang said coldly. "How can my Jiang family tolerate such an insult."
"This reason is too far-fetched," Lu Fan chuckled. "If Old Master Jiang wants to fight, then let's fight."
"As one of the top ten on the Heavenly Rankings, I am considered an elder expert. For you to challenge me is unfair to you," the Old Master Jiang said directly. "Within ten moves, I will not take your life, but after ten moves, I will show no mercy."
"No need!" Lu Fan waved his hand. "Patriarch Jiang, feel free to attack. If I take even half a step back, I will concede defeat!"
On both sides of the Central Plains Lake, many people exclaimed. The Old Master Jiang was a Heavenly Rankings expert. Lu Fan's disregard and astonishing words sent tremors through their hearts.
"Very good, very good! You truly are young and impulsive," the Old Master Jiang sneered. "Since you are insistent on seeking death, I shall fulfill your wish!"
The Jiang family patriarch's expression turned cold. A powerful aura surged from his palm. In an instant, the water on both sides of the Central Plains Lake rippled, and a water dragon, controlled by the Jiang family patriarch, appeared ferocious and menacing.
On the lakeshore, the crowd watched the scene before them, their hearts filled with awe. To conjure a water dragon with a mere wave of the hand, the aura emanating from this water dragon made many fifth-level experts feel a sense of dread.
"Is this what a Heavenly Rankings expert is like?"
Many martial arts masters marveled. They had never witnessed such formidable techniques.
"If I'm not mistaken, the Jiang family patriarch might be a legendary powerhouse!"
The master of the Overlord Blade Sect spoke. "The top ten experts of the last Heavenly Rankings were not easy to deal with. This 'Lu' fellow is likely beyond escape this time."
The other elders of the Overlord Blade Sect nodded in agreement, their faces showing smiles. It was a relief to have someone else deal with Lu Fan, as they were more than happy to see it.
"Move like thunder!"
Lu Fan smiled. "Heavenly Rankings experts truly have powerful means!"
"If you kneel and admit your mistake now, and hand over Du Haisheng to my Jiang family, I can spare your life," the Old Master Jiang said. "I am an old man and do not wish to make enemies. For you to reach the Grandmaster realm at such a young age is a fortunate encounter."
"Thank you for your high regard, Patriarch Jiang," Lu Fan smiled faintly. "But unfortunately, I will never forget the deep enmity that has been forged in blood!"
"Since that is the case, I shall say no more!"
As soon as the Jiang family patriarch finished speaking, the water dragon shot towards Lu Fan like an arrow loosed from a bowstring, carrying with it an endless killing intent.
The Jiang family patriarch was infinitely close to the Grandmaster realm. The techniques he unleashed were beyond the ability of ordinary Grandmasters to withstand.
Gu Wen and the others held their breath, their hearts filled with anxiety. Although they believed in Lu Fan, the Jiang family patriarch's strength was extraordinary, and they were well aware of the danger involved.
Sensing the approaching water dragon, Lu Fan did not move an inch. He even stood with his hands behind his back, his eyes filled with calmness.
"Is this kid crazy?" Han Bing exclaimed. "If he doesn't make a move soon, he'll be killed on the spot!"
"Perhaps he has a trump card up his sleeve. This kid isn't simple," Jian Ying said directly.
As expected, just as the water dragon was about to strike Lu Fan, Lu Fan waved his palm. A world-shattering force extended from his arm. The water dragon collided with Lu Fan but did not make him retreat even an inch. Instead, it ultimately dissolved into nothingness, vanishing on the banks of the Central Plains Lake.
"How is this possible!" The Jiang family patriarch's expression changed. "You can actually dissolve it so easily!"
On the banks of the Central Plains Lake, many were even more astonished. Such a powerful water dragon was dissolved by Lu Fan with a mere wave of his hand. This was truly terrifying.
"You are, after all, not a powerhouse," Lu Fan chuckled lightly. "The strength you unleash is naturally limited."
"Powerhouse?"
The Old Master Jiang's body trembled slightly. He was indeed not a powerhouse, even if infinitely close, he was still not.
However, Lu Fan's words just now were filled with meaning, causing him to feel an involuntary dread.
"Patriarch Jiang, I have no grievances with you, nor do I wish to hunt you down relentlessly," Lu Fan said solemnly. "If you concede defeat, then leave on your own. If you insist on fighting, I will show no mercy."
The Jiang family patriarch stood still on the water surface for a long time, unsure of how to respond. He knew very well that with the means Lu Fan had just displayed, he was no match for him.
To be forced into such a desperate situation, only a true powerhouse could achieve it; no one else could.
"Could it be that he's been hiding his strength?" Han Bing spoke. "With the means he just displayed, even the two of us might not be able to do it. Could he already be at the Battle Spirit realm?"
"No need to guess. To be able to spar with me and remain undefeated, how could he be an ordinary Grandmaster?" Jian Ying said directly. "This kid's realm is unfathomable, but at the very least, he's at the Battle Spirit realm!"
"To reach the Battle Spirit realm without being cultivated by the Dragon Kingdom is truly rare for such a powerful individual," Han Bing was shocked. "No wonder the boss thought so highly of him!"
"Naturally!"
Jian Ying nodded slightly. "If he didn't have some strength, the boss wouldn't have had such a grim expression demanding he join."
On both sides of the Central Plains Lake, the crowd was also in discussion, especially the Jiang family patriarch who stood motionless on the lake, as if he was wary of something.