Ji Liu Zi replied to Chen Fan, "I cannot give you the Dragon Pattern Compass fragment."
Having reached this point, Chen Fan understood very clearly.
Given the current situation, it was likely he could no longer maintain peace with Ji Liu Zi.
"I must have it," Chen Fan stated coldly after Ji Liu Zi finished speaking.
Since peace was no longer a strong possibility, Chen Fan did not mind a fight.
Although Ji Liu Zi did not even know of the elders of the three great academies of the Kunlun Secret Realm being replaced.
Although all these indications suggested Ji Liu Zi's identity was special.
Even knowing Ji Liu Zi's strength was formidable, Chen Fan had to obtain the Dragon Pattern Compass fragment at this moment!
This was Chen Fan's unyielding stance!
Upon hearing Chen Fan's words, Ji Liu Zi's expression turned somewhat helpless.
He forced a smile, shook his head at Chen Fan, and said,
"Alas! I am old, and have been in seclusion here for many years. I truly do not wish for fighting and killing."
Facing Chen Fan's stubborn attitude, Ji Liu Zi had made his position clear through his words.
Ji Liu Zi's statement meant that he preferred to avoid conflict if possible.
However, if a fight was unavoidable, he would naturally participate.
Moreover, as Ji Liu Zi spoke, he released his aura!
It was overbearing and terrifying!
Even Chen Fan, who had already fused the demon core and the power of dozens of shikigami to create chaotic energy, couldn't help but frown subconsciously.
Chen Fan felt that this person would definitely be an extremely troublesome opponent!
The aura emanating from the other party was so extraordinary that Chen Fan suddenly realized that Mitsui Kenji's success over the years must have been due to Ji Liu Zi's considerable contributions.
It was difficult to act now, yet impossible to obtain what he wanted without acting.
Thus, Chen Fan frowned deeply, temporarily shifting the topic, and asked Ji Liu Zi,
"You have been in seclusion here for many years? Could it be that Mitsui Kenji's current success was guided by you?"
Ji Liu Zi was somewhat surprised by Chen Fan's sudden change of topic.
After all, based on Chen Fan's demeanor earlier, Ji Liu Zi had felt that a fierce battle was inevitable today.
Chen Fan's shift from an aggressive stance to a calm one caught Ji Liu Zi off guard, his thoughts struggling to keep up.
"It wouldn't be considered guidance, I merely helped him avoid pitfalls a few times." So, after hearing Chen Fan's question, Ji Liu Zi paused for a moment, then smiled and replied humbly to Chen Fan.
Upon hearing Ji Liu Zi's answer, Chen Fan's gaze towards him filled with admiration.
Although Ji Liu Zi spoke very humbly, judging from his slightly smug demeanor as he spoke, this was clearly the typical polite humility often used by people from the Great Xia country.
The more Ji Liu Zi acted this way, the more the opposite was true.
He claimed he only helped Mitsui Kenji a few times, but the reality was likely that he had provided advice for most of Mitsui Kenji's endeavors!
"As expected of someone from the Kunlun Secret Realm, truly capable."
After hearing Ji Liu Zi's words, Chen Fan nodded, his tone filled with emotion and praise.
"Young friend, you flatter me. I see that you are also remarkably skilled, undoubtedly a leading figure among your peers. You are the one who is truly capable." Hearing Chen Fan's words, Ji Liu Zi raised both his hands, cupped them towards Chen Fan, and replied very humbly.
To Ji Liu Zi at this moment, Chen Fan's words were clearly a compliment.
They were meeting for the first time, and facing such praise, Ji Liu Zi naturally had to offer some polite words in return.
"However, young friend, no matter how nicely you put it, I still cannot give you the Dragon Pattern Compass. I apologize." But after exchanging pleasantries with Chen Fan, Ji Liu Zi added this sentence.
With Ji Liu Zi's statement, the matter was essentially settled.
Although Chen Fan's words were sincere and not meant to flatter, Chen Fan now knew that this white-haired Ji Liu Zi was like a stone from a latrine, both stinking and hard, impervious to all attempts.
Having tried both gentle and firm approaches, Chen Fan felt he had acted with a clear conscience and could no longer make any concessions.
Therefore, only one path remained.
"Since that is the case... then, I must offend you!"
Chen Fan took a deep breath, then adopted a fighting stance, preparing to draw his Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi.
At this very instant, a powerful killing intent erupted from Chen Fan's body!
This immense killing intent immediately suppressed Ji Liu Zi's aura!
Ji Liu Zi's expression changed instantly, realizing Chen Fan's strength was superior to his own!
Therefore, Ji Liu Zi immediately raised his right hand, waved it towards Chen Fan, who was about to draw his sword, and said two words with a forced smile!
"Wait!"
The two words Ji Liu Zi uttered were "Wait!"
He had never been fond of fighting, and now, realizing Chen Fan's formidable nature, Ji Liu Zi was even more unwilling to resolve the issue through combat.
Chen Fan, who had already decided to fight, naturally could not perceive Ji Liu Zi's thoughts at this moment.
Therefore, upon hearing Ji Liu Zi's "Wait!", Chen Fan's gaze, filled with murderous intent, fell upon Ji Liu Zi, and he asked coldly,
"Why?"
Ji Liu Zi, who had always disliked fighting, now, upon seeing Chen Fan's murderous gaze, did not even want to look him directly in the eye.
"I do not wish to fight. Perhaps we can decide the victor in a more peaceful manner." Thus, after hearing Chen Fan's question, Ji Liu Zi averted his gaze slightly and said with a hint of helplessness in his tone.
In Ji Liu Zi's view, there were many ways to solve problems besides violence.
Chen Fan did not mind using other methods to obtain what he desired.
Yes, Chen Fan's intention was simple: to obtain the Dragon Pattern Compass fragment.
The method of obtaining it was not important.
"What method?" It was precisely because of this thought that when Chen Fan's question ended, the killing intent emanating from Chen Fan's body lessened significantly. He asked Ji Liu Zi with a tone of curiosity.
As Chen Fan's question fell, Ji Liu Zi pointed behind himself.