"Brother Xu, what do you mean by that? I don't quite understand," Zhao Tiannan asked, his brows furrowed as he looked at Xu Kuo. "According to you, you want to associate with people from the Assassin Dynasty? If that's the case, how will you explain yourself to the Holy Land once you return?"
"You misunderstand. I have no intention of associating with people from the Assassin Dynasty. I simply feel there's no need to be so dismissive!" Xu Kuo shook his head. "In the Eastern Domain, everyone had different stances, which led to past grievances. However, this is the Central Plains now. The past should not be brought into it!"
Zhao Tiannan was infuriated. Perhaps in his heart, he believed that all members of the Assassin Dynasty deserved to be put to death. Lu Fan stood to the side, his expression placid. He had never regarded people like Zhao Tiannan with any seriousness.
"It is a form of fate that we meet today!" Xu Kuo said frankly. "I have prepared a banquet and would like to invite all of you. I hope you will grace us with your presence!"
"That is only natural!" The young master of the Tao family nodded, his gaze remaining indifferent.
Seeing that Lu Fan had not spoken, Xu Kuo addressed him again. "Brother Haotian, I hope you can also attend. I have heard much about your exploits in the Eastern Domain. To be able to kill a Supreme Elder of the Holy Land, you must be a prominent figure amongst the younger generation, much like Chu Ao!"
"You flatter me!" Lu Fan smiled slightly. He suddenly felt that Xu Kuo was a decent person and someone worth befriending. As for Zhao Tiannan, Lu Fan did not consider him worthy of his attention.
As night fell, Xu Kuo hosted a banquet at the Drunken Immortal Tower, inviting Lu Fan and his companions. Hu Xian'er and Hu Yu were also present. Although Zhao Tiannan was displeased, he could not openly refuse. After all, regardless of the circumstances, Xu Kuo was also a Saint Son of the Yaoguang Holy Land, holding the same status as himself.
"Upon arriving in the Central Plains, I have already heard of your deeds, Brother Haotian. It is truly inspiring!" Xu Kuo looked at Lu Fan. "You even nearly wiped out the Huo family in Liuli City. Brother Haotian, you are truly formidable and have earned much admiration!"
"Your news is quite well-informed!" Lu Fan shrugged. "However, if the Huo family had not been so excessively arrogant, I would not have acted so decisively."
"That is a fair point!" Xu Kuo nodded slightly. "Brother Haotian has just arrived in the Central Plains. Under normal circumstances, he would not cause trouble lightly. It must have been the Huo family's excessive arrogance that led to such an outcome."
"Doesn't that sound ridiculous?" Zhao Tiannan said coldly. "I heard that he even killed the Huo family's only son. What is he incapable of doing? Someone who kills without batting an eye is quite similar to the Assassin Dynasty. Associating with him is hardly a good idea!"
Xu Kuo stood dumbfounded, a hint of embarrassment on his face. He had not expected Zhao Tiannan to speak in such a manner, putting him in a difficult position, especially since he was the one who organized this gathering.
"It seems you are quite displeased," the young master of the Tao family said, looking at Zhao Tiannan. "I advise you not to spout nonsense here. This is not the Eastern Domain, and no one can protect you. If my brother is unhappy, he might just kill you!"
Hu Xian'er sat beside them, slightly startled. She had not expected the young master of the Tao family to be so assertive, speaking without any reservation and exuding such a powerful aura.
At the same moment, Zhao Tiannan's face turned ashen. He abruptly stood up and exclaimed, "What do you mean by that? Do you truly believe I can be bullied at will? Or do you think my Taiyan Holy Land is merely a facade?"
"I didn't mean that. However, some things must be told, lest you remain ignorant and end up losing your life in the Central Plains," the young master of the Tao family stated coldly. "My brother is now the leader of the Assassin Dynasty. Forget about you, even the Holy Land's foundational power cannot do anything to my brother!"
"Your words are quite bold, but it's merely relying on external forces," Zhao Tiannan said coldly. "His peerless divine weapon has already been confiscated. What right does he have to be so arrogant!"
"It seems you are displeased, or perhaps you are unconvinced?" Lu Fan looked at Zhao Tiannan. "If that is truly the case, I can oblige you and spar with you!"
"Do you think I am afraid of you?" Zhao Tiannan abruptly stood up, his gaze fixed on Lu Fan. "I am the Saint Son of the Taiyan Holy Land, not someone to be bullied. Moreover, the Assassin Dynasty is already on the brink of collapse. Yet you dare to speak such arrogant words!"
Lu Fan remained unfazed, a faint glint of coldness in his eyes. He wanted to see what capabilities Zhao Tiannan possessed.
"No, no, no. This banquet was arranged by me tonight. I ask that you all give me face!" Xu Kuo quickly intervened, his face etched with embarrassment.
"The Saint Son of the Xuanguang Holy Land died by my hand. I don't mind adding another one!" Lu Fan said with a faint smile, his expression calm. If it weren't for Xu Kuo's presence, he would have likely acted already. Lu Fan did not take such individuals seriously.
Zhao Tiannan was furious. He could not accept Lu Fan's words.
"If not for Brother Xu's banquet, my brother would have already made his move!" the young master of the Tao family stated directly. "Although my brother doesn't speak much, he is a person of loyalty. He shows you respect because you are a good person, Brother Xu. But some people are not like that!"
"You don't need to beat around the bush and insult me. If you have the guts, just make a move!" Zhao Tiannan said coldly. "Just outside Liuli City, I will be waiting for him!"
With that, Zhao Tiannan turned and left, radiating anger. After all, he was a Saint Son of a Holy Land, and he would not be held captive by others. He was extremely displeased.
After Zhao Tiannan's departure, many people in the Drunken Immortal Tower watched with anticipation. It wouldn't be a bad thing to witness a spectacular battle.
"What should we do now!" Xu Kuo stood dumbfounded, feeling utterly helpless. He had intended to ease the tension, but he didn't know how to proceed.
"It seems this battle is unavoidable today!" Lu Fan said with a wry smile. "I have been restraining myself, but Zhao Tiannan insists on provoking me. He has only himself to blame."
"Thank you, Brother Haotian!" Xu Kuo clasped his fists. "However, the Assassin Dynasty has already offended so many Holy Lands. Offending the Taiyan Holy Land again might be extremely unwise."
"It matters not!" Lu Fan waved his hand and then stood up, walking towards the exit of the Drunken Immortal Tower, his gaze remaining calm, as if everything was within his control.
The young master of the Tao family did not try to stop him. Instead, he prepared to watch the unfolding drama. This was not the Eastern Domain. Even a Saint Son could only sit alone. If this were the case, Lu Fan would not lose to anyone, and he had the confidence for it.