"Thank you for your kindness, but I will not serve the dynasty," Lu Fan shrugged. "You should give up on that idea."
As Lu Fan spoke, killing intent emanated from the old man. His mission was to kill Lu Fan, and if Lu Fan remained so stubborn, he would have no choice but to act.
"Senior Brother, why are you still wasting your breath with him!"
True Master Xia Qing strode over. "This brat cost me an arm; he cannot be allowed to leave."
Yuan Qing felt a sense of helplessness. He slowly rose into the air. Since things had reached this point, he would not hold back.
At that moment, Yuan Qing exuded a terrifying domain power, drawing everything around him into his world, as if it were an understanding of the Dao of Heaven.
"How is this possible? A Heavenly Venerate's power shouldn't be this strong."
Lu Fan frowned, retreating continuously. He could feel a threat, a fatal one. After all, in all his years in the Spirit Realm, he had never felt this way before.
"Young man, I gave you a chance, but you failed to cherish it."
Yuan Qing gave a wry smile. "I have already reached the Half-Saint realm. How can you escape today!"
"Half-Saint!"
Ye Fan gasped in shock, his heart trembling. He had never imagined that Yuan Qing before him would be a Half-Saint. If that were truly the case, it would likely be a devastating blow to him.
A Half-Saint was capable of killing him, Lu Fan had no doubt about that. Even with his greatly increased strength, he understood this fact clearly.
*Swoosh...*
The sound of wind breaking filled the air as Yuan Qing's arm, like an eagle's claw, lunged towards Lu Fan.
Seeing the dire situation, Lu Fan dodged with all his might. Unfortunately, within the Half-Saint's domain, he was greatly suppressed. Even with his immense power, a deep wound appeared on his chest, his clothes stained red with blood.
"Let's see how arrogant you can be!"
True Master Xia Qing sneered. "In front of my Senior Brother, you are nothing."
True Master Shang Qing also wore a cold smile. As long as they could deal with Lu Fan, they could return and report their mission. This matter was of no consequence.
"Is it too much for a few old men to bully a young person?"
At that sudden moment, an icy voice echoed, startling the three Qing masters. They wondered who had arrived with such presence.
A young man strode forward, his demeanor elegant. He floated in mid-air, holding a paper fan, exuding a hint of loftiness.
"Who are you?"
True Master Xia Qing said coldly, "This is a matter for our Taiyan Dynasty. You should not interfere, lest you bring about your own demise."
"It's just a small dynasty, and you think you can command respect like this?"
The young man sneered. "I am not talented, but I wish to spar a few rounds. Would you grant me this courtesy?"
Yuan Qing's brow furrowed. Although the young man was young, the aura emanating from him was unusual, as was a hint of superiority. He was likely a peerless prodigy from a super sect. If that were the case, they could not afford to offend him.
Although the Taiyan Dynasty was a great dynasty, it was nothing compared to super sects. A super sect could destroy a large dynasty at any time, a fact he knew all too well.
"What, are you not going to make a move?"
Tao Mao Cheng's expression was indifferent. "I wanted to see what capabilities you possess."
"Could you please state your name?"
True Master Yuan Qing frowned. "Why are you interfering in the Taiyan Dynasty's affairs!"
"I don't care about dynastic matters. I simply cannot stand seeing you bully others with your status."
Young Master Tao said coldly, "Besides, since I have encountered this matter, I have no reason not to intervene. Furthermore, I advise you not to make any moves. If you offend me, you will not be able to bear the consequences."
"Such big talk!"
True Master Xia Qing frowned. "So young, yet so arrogant. Are you not afraid of inviting trouble? I don't care if you are from a prominent clan. If you offend the Taiyan Dynasty, you will pay dearly."
"Too much nonsense!"
Tao Mao Cheng's expression was cold as he struck True Master Xia Qing with a palm, showing no mercy.
In that instant, True Master Xia Qing was sent flying, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. He had never imagined that Tao Mao Cheng would be so powerful, possessing such cultivation at such a young age.
"Senior Brother!"
True Master Shang Qing frowned, unsure of what to do. The young man before them was perhaps not an equal match for Yuan Qing, but they had to consider the power behind this young man.
Possessing the strength of a Heavenly Venerate at such a young age was likely only achievable by super sects capable of nurturing such peerless prodigies.
"Young man, do you truly intend to be our enemy?" True Master Yuan Qing frowned.
"If you do not leave within ten breaths, do not blame me for my ruthlessness," Tao Mao Cheng said coldly. As the young master of the Tao family, he naturally did not take these people seriously.
Yuan Qing's face turned ashen. He knew it was no longer possible to deal with Lu Fan today. His only option was to find another opportunity. After all, the young man before him was no ordinary person, and offending him rashly could implicate the entire dynasty.
Helplessly, the three retreated without the slightest delay, showing considerable apprehension despite the presence of a Half-Saint.
"Thank you, brother, for saving my life!" Su Dan Novel Network.
Lu Fan clasped his hands in thanks. "May I ask who you are, brother? And why did you intervene?"
"I am a direct descendant of the Tao family in the Eastern Region. I usually enjoy coming to the aid of others!"
Tao Mao Cheng waved his hand. "Seeing you besieged by several people, I felt rather displeased, which is why I acted!"
"The Tao family of the Eastern Region?"
Lu Fan was somewhat surprised. The Eastern Region was vast. Families that could be named as such were likely ancient aristocratic families. If that were the case, the person before him must have an extremely high status.
"Your subordinate has arrived late. Please forgive me, Divine King's Heir!"
At that sudden moment, dozens of figures appeared in the void, all kneeling on the ground, not daring to show the slightest negligence.
"When did I ask you to come?"
Tao Mao Cheng glanced at them. "Leave my sight within ten breaths!"
The many elders exchanged glances, not daring to delay. They quickly concealed their aura and vanished into the void.
Lu Fan stood frozen, dumbfounded. The dozens of elders who had just appeared possessed an aura that was undoubtedly that of true Saints.
With more than ten Saints escorting him, what kind of identity must one have to command such respect?
Most importantly, those Saints had been prostrate on the ground.
"Divine King's Heir?"
Lu Fan looked at Tao Mao Cheng. "If I'm not mistaken, you are a descendant of an ancient aristocratic family! A descendant of a Divine King!"
"None of that is important. I didn't want them following me because I wanted to be free."
Tao Mao Cheng waved his hand. "It's a good opportunity to tour the mortal realm. As for other things, I don't care. However, I feel a kinship with you. I'd like to become sworn brothers. What do you say?"