Humans are all selfish.
The Second Elder couldn't recruit Chu Fan to the Mu Nan Sect, nor did he want him to get too close to the other five great sects.
This was because he knew that any sect that got close to Chu Fan might learn the shortcuts to the martial path from him.
As long as they obtained the shortcuts to the martial path, their development and growth would only be a matter of time.
The Mu Nan Sect also wanted this very much.
The Second Elder remained silent because he felt this matter was sensitive. Given his current relationship with Chu Fan, speaking out would yield no results and might even worsen their relationship.
He could only offer pleasantries, hoping that when people from the other five great sects found Chu Fan, they would consider the Mu Nan Sect. It was better to cooperate with the Mu Nan Sect, with whom he had established contact from the beginning, than with other forces.
Although the Second Elder's intentions were not very clear, Chu Fan could still understand them.
He chuckled and replied, "Second Elder, you worry too much. No force can recruit me, because they are not qualified!"
Hearing this, the Second Elder's anxiety immediately subsided. He laughed heartily, "Indeed, with your strength, young friend, they are truly unqualified."
Since it was impossible for other forces to recruit Chu Fan, the Second Elder no longer had any worries. He escorted Chu Fan down the mountain, seizing the opportunity to strengthen their relationship.
"Young friend, since you have matters to attend to, I won't keep you any longer!"
"If you ever get tired of staying in the city, you can come here. There are still many good places in the Mu Nan Sect that can offer significant help."
"The gates of the Mu Nan Sect are always open for you!"
Hearing this, Chu Fan's heart stirred, and he asked the Second Elder, "Second Elder, does the Mu Nan Sect have any Five Elements Veins, like a fire vein?"
Having arrived in the south, Chu Fan had been active everywhere but had never given up on finding a Five Elements Vein as a backup!
"Five Elements Veins?"
The Second Elder frowned, his face showing confusion, clearly not understanding what the so-called Five Elements Veins were.
Chu Fan quickly explained, "It's like places with underground volcanoes."
Among the Five Elements Veins, the most common were fire veins or wood veins. In contrast, water, earth, and metal veins were rarer than the former.
"Yes!"
The Second Elder gestured to the mountain on his left, "Do you see that black mountain?"
"That is an active volcano. It erupted more than ten years ago!"
"I wonder if it's what you're looking for!"
It was a casual question, but to his surprise, there was one. Chu Fan nodded and said, "It's useful!"
"However, I can't use it for now. When I can use it, I hope the Mu Nan Sect can provide convenience."
Finally, there was something that could hold Chu Fan's interest. The Second Elder knew that Chu Fan's relationship with the Mu Nan Sect was basically secured. He smiled and said, "Feel free to come whenever you can use it, young friend."
As they chatted, they unconsciously reached the foot of the mountain. Chu Fan stopped wasting words and left with Cui Fu in the car.
The Second Elder watched the car drive away with his hands behind his back.
He turned to look at the volcano, which the Mu Nan Sect had designated as a wasteland, and frowned, unable to fathom what use that place could be to Chu Fan.
In the car, Cui Fu wisely said nothing more, as the driver was from the Mu Nan Sect.
Whatever they said would be known to the higher-ups of the Mu Nan Sect later.
They returned to the Treasure Pavilion.
Quite a few people were gathered outside, waiting. All of them were ordinary individuals. Cui Fu's face stiffened, and he reprimanded, "Disperse, all of you!"
"Anyone who lingers will not be spared!"
The aura of a Grandmaster emanated from Cui Fu.
Faced with the expulsion, these martial artists, who were mostly Masters and Half-step Grandmasters, were displeased but dared not say anything more. They all retreated to the opposite side of the road.
After entering the Treasure Pavilion and sitting down, Chu Fan suddenly asked Cui Fu, "Old Cui, do you think the Qin family will show themselves because of the disturbance caused this time?"
Although Chu Fan did not want to completely confront the Qin family before his own problems were resolved, time was limited.
Things could be done concurrently.
While resolving his own issues, he would first find the entrance to the Qin family's special secret realm. That way, once his problems were solved, he could directly enter.
Otherwise, it would take a considerable amount of time to do this after his own problems were resolved, which was not Chu Fan's style of doing things.
The commotion he had caused earlier had alerted the other five great sects.
This situation made Chu Fan wonder if the five hidden aristocratic families would also be alarmed by this.
Cui Fu was silent for more than ten seconds before smiling helplessly and analyzing, "The possibility is not very high!"
"Although hidden aristocratic families and great sects are both major powers, their development models are very different."
"Take the Mu Nan Sect, for instance. As the largest sect in the south, its location is within the Ten Thousand Great Mountains. Outsiders may not know, but eighty percent of the ordinary people in Nanyun City know it and can give a general direction when the Mu Nan Sect is mentioned."
"In contrast, even someone like the Second Elder of the Mu Nan Sect does not know the specific entrance to the secret realm."
"From this, it can be inferred that the seclusion of hidden aristocratic families is truly about being hidden."
"It's difficult to attract them out with mere speculation and legends!"
"Unless something truly covetable appears, there's a chance the Qin family might show up!"
Cui Fu's analysis caused Chu Fan to narrow his eyes and ponder in silence.
At this moment, with Cui Fu's reminder, he had a flash of inspiration and thought of a method.
The Qin family was hidden within a special secret realm, and the entrance to this secret realm was like a hidden door. Unless one truly knew its location, searching for it would be like finding a needle in a haystack.
Proactively searching and passively waiting, the latter clearly held an advantage.
As Cui Fu said, if something sufficiently attractive appeared in the outside world, the Qin family, even if hidden, would actively show themselves. Then, it would be possible to find out where the Qin family's secret realm entrance was and how to enter it.
Immediately, Chu Fan made two plans in his mind.
Search first, then lure.
It would be best if he could find it.
But if he couldn't, he would have to set a trap, prepare some bait, and lure the Qin family out.
After confirming his subsequent plan, Chu Fan discussed the matter of finding the Star Compass with Cui Fu again.
The Star Compass was the origin of formations and restrictions. Finding it would not only further enhance his understanding of formations and restrictions but also allow him to break open the wooden box and see if the contents were the ancient pills he was looking for.
Therefore, Chu Fan was unwilling to delay this matter.
"Anytime, Chu Fan."
"However, according to the Second Elder of the Mu Nan Sect, people from the other five great sects are heading this way. Wouldn't you wait and talk to them?"
It seemed that the active involvement of five great sects had never happened in the history of the Dragon God Kingdom.
"Talk about what?"
"Unsolicited kindness is either perfidy or theft!"
"What benefits will they bring me by looking for me?" Chu Fan retorted.
Upon closer thought, it seemed so.
No profit, no early rising.
These six great sects were being so attentive, clearly for more than just forging connections.
"Master, is this the Treasure Pavilion?"
"Are you sure there is only one Treasure Pavilion in Nanyun City?"
"Alright, thank you, Master!"
From outside, a voice suddenly rang out.
Whoosh...
Chu Fan abruptly stood up.