"Patriarch Gu jokes," Lu Fan said with a smile, "Gu Wen is also very young, only one step away from Grandmaster. I'm just a little stronger than him, nothing to speak of."
Patriarch Gu was stunned at first. Sensing Gu Wen's aura, he was even more delighted. Gu Wen was merely a peak martial artist before. After becoming Lu Fan's disciple, he had already reached the half-step Grandmaster realm, just a step away from becoming a true Grandmaster.
"Grandpa, we've traveled a long way. Let us go in and rest for a while!" Gu Wen said repeatedly.
"Look at this old fool, I've forgotten the hospitality of guests." Patriarch Gu quickly said, "Lord Lu, please!"
Lu Fan did not stand on ceremony and headed directly towards the Gu family.
Upon arriving at the Gu family's main hall, dishes were already being laid out on the table, looking extremely sumptuous, unlike a typical banquet.
"The Martial Arts Competition is still a month away. Lord Lu will stay at my Gu family," Patriarch Gu said. "Allow me to fulfill my duty as a host!"
"As the Patriarch invites, I dare not refuse," Lu Fan replied with a nod and a smile.
Staying at the Gu family saved a lot of trouble. With the elder's enthusiasm, it was difficult for him to refuse.
When all the dishes were served, everyone sat down at the table. Patriarch Gu insisted that Lu Fan take the head seat. Lu Fan was rather unwilling, but he couldn't resist and had to sit there.
"This Martial Arts Competition will surely gather heroes from all walks of life. Lord Lu's personal attendance should be for the Heavenly Ranking list," Patriarch Gu said with a smile. "With this combat strength, you will surely secure a spot on the list!"
"You flatter me, Patriarch. I merely wish to test myself," Lu Fan smiled. "Whether I can enter the Heavenly Ranking is not what I am concerned about."
"Does Lord Lu have other matters to attend to in Zhongzhou this time?" a white-haired elder beside him asked.
"I am looking for someone named Du Qianqiu," Lu Fan stated directly. "I heard he will also be coming to Zhongzhou!"
"Du Qianqiu?" Patriarch Gu frowned. "Why does this name sound so familiar!"
After thinking for a long time, Patriarch Gu said, "Could it be Du Qianqiu, the former number one on the Martial Arts Heavenly Ranking?"
"Indeed!" Lu Fan nodded. "There are rumors that he won first place on the Martial Arts Heavenly Ranking at the competition thirty years ago!"
"Does Lord Lu have a feud with him?" Patriarch Gu frowned. "This person is like a dragon, seen only by his tail, not his head. Before I became a Grandmaster, he was already renowned throughout the world, a supreme figure!"
"There is a bloody feud!"
Lu Fan said indifferently, "My purpose in coming to Zhongzhou this time is to find his whereabouts."
"I see!" Patriarch Gu nodded slightly. "I will help Lord Lu keep an eye out. If there is any news of Du Qianqiu, I will report it truthfully!"
"Then I thank you!" Lu Fan nodded solemnly.
The white-haired elder beside him frowned. Lu Fan's feud with Du Qianqiu, and his current stay at the Gu family, might implicate them.
While they were talking, the sound of a car could be heard outside the Gu family. A man in his thirties, with determined eyes and a majestic stride, walked in.
"Young Master is back!"
Steward Chen hurried forward, "Why didn't you notify us of your return?"
"The battles in the outer territories are busy. I've returned for a break this time," Gu Long said, walking directly towards the hall. Suzhou Novel Network
"Big Brother, why are you here?"
Gu Wen also looked somewhat surprised and stood up to look at Gu Long. He was the pride of their Gu family, having become the commander of the Shadow Guard at a young age, and was quite famous within the Dragon Country.
"I'm back for a break!" Gu Long said softly. "You've lost quite a bit of weight recently!"
"Not at all!" Gu Wen shook his head, greatly admiring his elder brother.
Few young people ventured into the outer territories, especially young masters from prominent families. Gu Long, however, was different from the rest, joining the Dragon Country's forces at a young age and becoming a member of the Dragon Country. He had experienced countless casualties in the outer territories.
"Xiao Long, your return is indeed timely," Patriarch Gu said with a smile. "This is Mr. Lu, your brother's master!"
"Mr. Lu?" Gu Long glanced at Lu Fan. Seeing him seated in the place of honor, his brow slightly furrowed.
In the Gu family, those who could sit in the place of honor were individuals who could be considered peers of his grandfather. Lu Fan's young appearance irked him somewhat.
"So the Gu family has a general," Lu Fan said with a smile. "Truly admirable!"
"Mr. Lu jokes. Gu Long has been diligent since childhood, which is why he has been in the outer territories. Becoming a true general is not that easy," Patriarch Gu said with a smile.
"Mr. Lu is so young, yet he can sit in the place of honor. You must have extraordinary strength," Gu Long said with a smile. "I have fought countless battles on the battlefield, and many have died by my hand on the outer borders. I would like to spar with Mr. Lu!"
"Big Brother, Master has remarkable skills. You are no match for him," Gu Wen said repeatedly. "I think it's better not to. Now that you're home, you should rest properly."
"Yes!" Steward Chen quickly said, "Prepare a set of utensils for Young Master."
"I have been fighting on the battlefield, and my cultivation has improved significantly. Now, Mr. Lu is so young, yet he can be considered a peer of Grandpa. If I don't fight today, I fear I won't be at peace," Gu Long said indifferently, still looking at Lu Fan.
Among the younger generation in Zhongzhou, there were fewer than one person who could compete with him. He was also known as a peerless genius rarely seen in Zhongzhou for a hundred years. Now, in the outer territories, he had broken through to the Grandmaster realm, and his words were naturally assertive.
"Mr. Lu, please do not take his words to heart!" Old Master Gu said with a smile. "He has grown accustomed to fighting in the outer territories, and his way of speaking is like that."
"It's alright!" Lu Fan waved his hand. "Since Young Master Gu wishes to spar with me, I cannot refuse. Let us stop when we reach a satisfactory point!"
Lu Fan stood up. He did not intend to display his skills, but seeing the person before him, he knew he would not back down. Lu Fan could only accept the challenge.
"Then, thank you!"
Gu Long nodded slightly and walked towards the center of the courtyard.
Old Master Gu also looked gratified. Gu Long had been fighting continuously in the outer territories and had actually broken through to the Grandmaster realm. Dealing with Lu Fan with Grandmaster skills was not considered provocative.
"Big Brother, be careful!" Gu Wen warned. "Master's skills are extraordinary; he is not as simple as you think!"
"Gu Wen, you may not realize it, but a Grandmaster forged in the battles of the outer territories is no ordinary person!" Gu Long smiled faintly. "Even if Grandpa were to face him, I might not lose."
Gu Wen had nothing more to say and could only sigh inwardly. He knew very well how strong Lu Fan was.
"Mr. Lu, I apologize for any offense!"
Gu Long took a step forward, his aura becoming terrifying, and a killing intent swept towards them.
This killing intent was extremely potent, clearly honed on the battlefield. If it were an ordinary person, they would have been intimidated before the fight even began.