"If your Temple of Heavenly Gods insists on acting this way, then I will comply with your wishes!" Lu Fan's voice turned icy, carrying an imposing aura, as if all of this was beneath his notice.
Meanwhile, many of the elder monks, witnessing the scene before them, felt a growing sense of panic. The immense power of the Haotian Pagoda instilled terror in them, and any misstep could trigger boundless turmoil.
Not long after, within the entire Temple of Heavenly Gods, vast energies surged, causing widespread apprehension.
Lu Fan observed the unfolding events with a detached gaze, as if none of it held any significance in his eyes.
Concurrently, Puzhi's gaze sharpened. "This is the Temple of Heavenly Gods. Your actions here are highly inappropriate. If you retreat now, you might still preserve your life!"
"What a colossal joke!"
A slight curve formed on Lu Fan's lips, his expression growing colder. "No one can stop what I intend to do, and I have seen clearly the actions of the Temple of Heavenly Gods!"
Faced with these words, Puzhi's countenance darkened further, and he frowned. He hadn't expected Lu Fan to be so direct, catching him completely off guard.
As the Haotian Pagoda's power intensified, everyone within the Temple of Heavenly Gods felt immense pressure. Many eminent monks succumbed to fate, utterly defenseless against the pagoda's might.
Witnessing this, the onlookers grew solemn. They hadn't anticipated Lu Fan's terrifying presence and ruthless actions, which had escalated the situation so dramatically.
"This is the Temple of Heavenly Gods. Your conduct is most improper!"
At that very instant, a chilling voice echoed, and a figure appeared before them, radiating Buddhist light and an aura of sharp resolve.
"Temple Master!"
Puzhi and the others rejoiced instantly. The appearance of the Temple Master of Heavenly Gods was like a lifeline to them.
After all, the Temple Master was no ordinary individual. His personal appearance might not be able to turn the tide, but he would certainly not permit anyone to wreak havoc within the Temple of Heavenly Gods.
"Are you the Temple Master of Heavenly Gods?" Lu Fan looked at the elder, his words devoid of any reservation.
"Indeed, I am the Temple Master of Heavenly Gods!"
The Temple Master nodded. "May I ask who you are and why you are causing such a disturbance in the Temple of Heavenly Gods? Do you truly believe the Temple of Heavenly Gods can be bullied at will?"
"The Temple Master of Heavenly Gods should be aware of the actions of the Temple of Heavenly Gods!" Lu Fan narrowed his eyes. "I have come to the Temple of Heavenly Gods today merely to seek justice. I hope the Temple Master of Heavenly Gods can understand!"
"Since the item is already in your possession, why do you persist in this endless chatter!" the Temple Master said gravely. "Let this matter end here! You should leave the Temple of Heavenly Gods immediately, or I shall not be polite!"
"I thought the Temple Master of Heavenly Gods was here to uphold justice, but it seems you are merely here to show off your authority!" Lu Fan narrowed his eyes. "The Temple of Heavenly Gods cannot escape responsibility for what has happened here. And yet, you attempt to distance yourselves from it!"
At these words, the expressions of everyone present shifted slightly, a coldness creeping into their gazes. Lu Fan's statement was indeed not inaccurate.
"Temple Master, this person claims to be the King of the Northwest, which is why we showed him respect. We never expected him to attack our Temple of Heavenly Gods!" Puzhi said repeatedly. "Naturally, we cannot simply let this go!"
"King of the Northwest?" The Temple Master smiled. "I have heard of him. However, with matters having reached this point, there is no need for further conflict. As I said, let this matter end here, and no one should blame anyone else!"
Lu Fan's expression instantly turned frigid. He could sense the Temple Master of Heavenly Gods playing favorites, and he was naturally dissatisfied with such an outcome.
"The Temple of Heavenly Gods sending people to seize the exchanged items was a violation of the rules in the first place. Now, you are the ones pressing charges first!" Liu Ruyan said coldly. "Is this the inherent nature of the Temple of Heavenly Gods?"
With these words, the faces of many elder monks in the Temple of Heavenly Gods turned ashen. They had not anticipated Liu Ruyan's sharp tongue, which had caught them completely off guard.
"Little girl, you have quite a bit to say!"
With a cold glint in his eyes, the Temple Master of Heavenly Gods looked at Liu Ruyan, his aura intensifying, as if in his eyes, Liu Ruyan was merely a nobody daring to meddle in the affairs of the Temple of Heavenly Gods.
"The reason I say this is because the Temple of Heavenly Gods has acted improperly. Otherwise, why would it have come to this!" Liu Ruyan said coldly. "As the saying goes, acknowledging mistakes and correcting them is the greatest virtue. If you apologize, perhaps we can forgive you!"
"What a joke! This matter has nothing to do with our Temple of Heavenly Gods. Why should our Temple of Heavenly Gods apologize!"
With a cold demeanor, Puzhi retorted unceremoniously, as if everything seemed insignificant in his eyes.
"If you refuse to apologize, then do not blame me for being ruthless!"
Lu Fan's expression was cold, laced with a murderous intent, as if he viewed the Temple of Heavenly Gods' actions as courting their own demise.
"King of the Northwest, I know you are from the Heavenly Court, and I do not wish to make things difficult for you. How about we settle this matter amicably?"
The Temple Master of Heavenly Gods smiled. "We mind our own business, and each goes our own way. Wouldn't that be more pleasant?"
"If you wish for a settlement, you must show sincerity!"
Lu Fan's voice was icy. With a mere stomp of his foot, a supreme authority surged forth, appearing like surging waves, plunging the entire Temple of Heavenly Gods into crisis.
Witnessing such a powerful aura, the Temple Master of Heavenly Gods also furrowed his brow. He could clearly feel the aura Lu Fan exuded after controlling the Haotian Pagoda, an aura that even he might not be able to fully control.
"I request the Temple Master to act!"
The people of the Temple of Heavenly Gods clasped their hands and looked towards the Temple Master of Heavenly Gods, their eyes filled with anticipation, as if only the Temple Master of Heavenly Gods could save them.
The Temple Master of Heavenly Gods narrowed his eyes and looked at Lu Fan. "King of the Northwest, I have said all that needs to be said. If you insist on fighting, then do not blame me for being ruthless!"
His eyes glinted coldly, the Temple Master of Heavenly Gods stated in a low voice, staring directly at Lu Fan without any hint of reservation.
"If the Temple Master of Heavenly Gods wishes to fight, then do so directly. Why waste so many words!" Lu Fan's expression was indifferent, his gaze growing sharper, as if he did not take the Temple Master of Heavenly Gods seriously.
The Temple Master of Heavenly Gods was instantly enraged, his aura intensifying. "Since you insist on opposing my Temple of Heavenly Gods, then do not blame me for showing no mercy!"
As soon as the Temple Master of Heavenly Gods finished speaking, an aura surged from him, accompanied by an unparalleled imposing presence.