Within Juling City, something unknown had happened, causing the Baili family to deploy numerous guards, stirring up a commotion. Many martial artists watched with curiosity.
"Could someone have offended the Baili family? I've never seen such a stir from them!"
"Don't you guys know yet? The Baili family leader was beaten at a noodle shop today!"
"Is that true? To dare lay hands on the Baili family leader, they must be insane!"
"Who knows! I heard it wasn't someone from Juling Country, otherwise, how could they dare to attack the Baili family!"
On the streets, many martial artists chatted, quite intrigued by the matter.
At the same time, in a secluded location within Juling City, several elders sat in a conference room, their expressions grave. The City Lord of Juling stood by, appearing quite deferential.
"Lord Lu from Dragon Country is already in Juling City?"
A white-haired elder spoke, occupying the head seat, exuding an imposing presence.
"Reporting to the Grand Elder, Lord Lu is at the Baihua family's residence!"
The City Lord of Juling stated solemnly, "This matter is of great importance, and I dared not act without authorization, so I specifically came to report!"
"You have done well!"
The Grand Elder of Juling nodded, "I will personally visit the Baihua family tomorrow!"
"The Grand Elder himself is going?"
The City Lord of Juling was slightly surprised, "Such a grand gesture, wouldn't it seem overly casual! After all, Lord Lu from Dragon Country is not the Grand Elder of Dragon Country!"
"I have long heard that Lord Lu of Dragon Country has outstanding achievements on the outer domain battlefield, defending the nation to his death!"
The Grand Elder of Juling stated directly, "Such a person, how can Juling Country afford to be negligent? I also very much wish to meet him. You go and make the arrangements!"
"Your subordinate obeys!"
The City Lord of Juling cupped his fists, his expression becoming even more solemn. He had initially thought the Grand Elder would send other elders to negotiate, but it seemed the situation was not as simple as that.
After the City Lord of Juling left, another elder spoke, "The Grand Elder personally going, showing so much concern for this matter, could it be that he truly wishes for an alliance!"
"The Cang Qiong Country has always been at odds with Juling Country. This alliance is imperative!"
The Grand Elder said seriously, "Moreover, the world is not as peaceful as it used to be. Dragon Country is vast and resource-rich. If we can form an alliance with them, it would be an excellent thing for Juling Country!"
"But allying with Dragon Country means becoming enemies with Cang Qiong Country. With Juling Country's current strength, we may not be able to resist Cang Qiong Country!"
"That is well said. Cang Qiong Country is too strong. If we ally with Dragon Country, it would pose a great threat to Juling Country!"
Several elders chimed in, their gazes turning serious. As elders of Juling Country, they dared not act rashly.
"I am aware of all these things!" the Grand Elder stated, "But if we don't ally now, when will we? Does Juling Country truly wish to wait for its demise? If the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold; I believe everyone understands this principle!"
The elders present fell silent. What the Grand Elder said was true. If Dragon Country were destroyed, Juling Country would be next.
They knew very well how ambitious Cang Qiong Country was.
By the next morning, the Grand Elder, along with several other elders, set off for the Baihua family's residence, with the City Lord of Juling following behind.
Their visit was a secret, and although there was no great fanfare, it still attracted some attention.
Upon arriving at the Baihua family's residence, the head of the Baihua family personally welcomed them, "The Grand Elder personally coming, the Baihua family is honored by your presence!"
"Brother Baihua, there's no need for such politeness!" the Grand Elder of Juling smiled, "Is Lord Lu from Dragon Country here!"
"Lord Lu is resting in the side courtyard. I will go and invite him!" Baihua Xue said.
"No need, guests are guests. I will go myself!"
The Grand Elder waved his hand and then strode towards the courtyard, with everyone following him.
"The Grand Elder himself is coming, why didn't you tell me earlier!" Baihua Liuyun looked at the City Lord of Juling.
"The trip was hurried."
The City Lord of Juling smiled wryly, "Brother Baihua, please bear with me!"
Inside the courtyard, as Lu Fan just stepped out of his room, he felt an immense pressure and looked towards the outside of the courtyard.
Others in the courtyard also became alert.
"Within Juling Country, someone has used their aura to suppress me!"
Gu Wen exclaimed, "Who exactly is it, to possess such strength!"
"Besides the Grand Elder of Juling Country, who else could it be!"
Lu Fan smiled faintly and walked towards the outside of the courtyard.
"Lord Lu!"
Baihua Liuyun smiled, "This is the Grand Elder of Juling!"
The two pairs of eyes met. The Grand Elder of Juling gazed at Lu Fan, his eyes unmoving for a long time, while Lu Fan stared directly back at the Grand Elder.
One gaze was sharp, the other was solemn.
"I truly did not expect Dragon Country to produce such a prodigy!"
The Grand Elder of Juling chuckled, "May I ask why Lord Lu has come to Juling Country this time!"
"The Grand Elder should know that Cang Qiong Country acts like a rampant tiger, and will eventually sweep across many nations!"
Lu Fan said earnestly, "If Juling Country is willing to ally with Dragon Country, then in the future, you can turn the tables!"
"Lord Lu jests!"
The Grand Elder stated, "With just Juling Country and Dragon Country, how can we possibly move Cang Qiong Country! If we ally with Dragon Country, Juling Country will surely be in an unfavorable position!"
"The Grand Elder coming in person is already full of sincerity!"
Lu Fan smiled, "But what you said just now seems to indicate some reservations."
"Lord Lu, Dragon Country's situation is not good right now. If you wish to join forces with Juling Country, you may need to show some sincerity!" another elder chuckled.
Han Yunhai frowned slightly. Judging by their words, the elders of Juling Country seemed to have other intentions.
"It seems my trip to Juling Country this time was a miscalculation!"
Lu Fan said with a wry smile, "If the elders feel that an alliance between Dragon Country and Juling Country would drag Juling down, then consider me as if I never came to Juling Country!"
As his words fell, Lu Fan looked at Han Yunhai, "Prepare the luggage, we are leaving Juling Country!"
"Yes!"
Han Yunhai nodded. Although he didn't understand Lu Fan's intentions, he dared not delay.
The Grand Elder of Juling frowned. He had heard of Lu Fan before, knowing him to be quite spirited. Seeing him today, he was truly impressed.
"Lord Lu, there's no need to rush!"
Baihua Liuyun quickly said, "Why not stay for lunch!"
"Juling Country has no intention of allying, so I shall not impose further!"
Lu Fan cupped his fists, "Thank you for your hospitality, head of the Baihua family!"
The City Lord of Juling stood aside, bewildered.
Last night, the Grand Elder intended to form an alliance, but what he said today was completely different.
"Lord Lu, why be in such a hurry!" the Third Elder of Juling chuckled, "Juling merely wants Dragon Country to show sincerity, not that we don't want to ally!"
"If you truly wanted to ally, why would you ask like that!"
Lu Fan stated directly, "Dragon Country sending me personally is enough to prove our sincerity!"
"Well said!"
The Grand Elder of Juling chuckled, "To have such courage at such a young age is truly rare in the world! I quite admire you."
"Thank you for your praise, Elder!"
Lu Fan smiled faintly, "Cang Qiong Country is ambitious and wants to annex many nations. We cannot simply wait for our doom. If Juling Country has no interest, Dragon Country will not force it!"
"Alright, you young fellow, stop provoking me!"
The Grand Elder chuckled, "An alliance between two countries is not a child's play!"