A few days later, in a secret location in the Dragon Country, Elder Shangguan stood on a mountain peak, clad in black, exuding an imposing aura.
"Elder Haiguo, it is truly a lapse in hospitality that you have come."
Within the secret location, several white-haired elders, moving with ethereal grace, arrived at the mountain's summit, bowing in unison and smiling.
"The three great sects of the Dragon Country are not to be underestimated," Elder Shangguan stated directly. "The battle at Baiyun Peak last time, the Beihai Pavilion could have been involved!"
"Elder Shangguan, our three great sects have never interfered in Dragon Country affairs," the leading white-haired elder said frankly. "Why would we intervene?"
"Many of Dragon Country's experts have been tied up. Who was responsible for the battle at Baiyun Peak?" Elder Shangguan's expression was cold. "The three great sects have always been at peace with other nations. Should the Dragon Country be defeated in the future, you can all protect yourselves."
"Elder Shangguan, do you not believe us?" the leading elder frowned. "Our Beihai Pavilion has always been detached from worldly affairs. Why would we participate in a war between nations? Moreover, our influence is widespread, and we are not to be bullied. Elder Shangguan's words are quite inappropriate!"
"You should be well aware that the Dragon Country is in peril, having suffered repeated defeats on the extraterrestrial battlefield," Elder Shangguan stated. "If the Sea Country were to commit all its forces, it could annihilate the Dragon Country in an instant!"
"If the Sea Country is so powerful, then that is truly good news!" the leading elder smiled faintly. "As a reclusive sect, the Beihai Pavilion will never participate in a war between nations, nor will we offer covert assistance. However, if someone deliberately frames us, our Beihai Pavilion is not made of clay!"
"So be it!" Elder Shangguan nodded slightly. "As long as the three great sects uphold their promise and do not participate in the war between nations, should the Dragon Country be conquered, it will not endanger the three great sects."
After speaking, Elder Shangguan retreated. This was the last of the three great sects he had inquired about, and finding no irregularities, he felt a tinge of disappointment.
His purpose in coming to the Dragon Country this time was to probe their strength. Now that he knew the three great sects were not involved, he could not exert excessive pressure.
After all, no matter what, the three great sects were not made of clay. As long as they did not participate in the Dragon Country's war, they would pose no threat to the Sea Country, a fact he was acutely aware of.
After Elder Shangguan departed, the elders of the Beihai Pavilion exchanged glances, their brows furrowed.
"The people of the Sea Country are truly arrogant, to sneak into the heartland of the Dragon Country!" the white-haired elder said coldly. "They even dared to issue threats. Do they truly believe our Beihai Pavilion is made of clay!"
"Say no more. As long as it does not involve the Beihai Pavilion, do not stir up trouble," the leading elder stated. "The world's order has long been united and will eventually divide, and vice versa. This has nothing to do with our Beihai Pavilion!"
"Elder, your words are wise. But the Beihai Pavilion is also a part of the Dragon Country. If the Dragon Country faces hardship, will the Beihai Pavilion truly stand by and watch!"
The elder's eyes held a serious, even dissatisfied, expression. He found the rules of the three great sects difficult to accept.
"The Pavilion Master has ordered that if you violate the Beihai Pavilion's directives, you will be expelled from the Beihai Pavilion," the leading elder stated. "The reason the Beihai Pavilion has stood for so many years is that it does not participate in wars between nations. Everyone, please remember this!"
The elders exchanged glances and then nodded slightly. They understood the leading elder's words very well.
Meanwhile, at the Tianquan Mountain Villa in Jiangnan, Lu Fan was enjoying a leisurely time. After staying for a few days, he felt a slight reluctance to leave.
"Sir, when are we returning to Chuzhou?" Han Yunhai asked with a smile. "You don't plan on staying here forever, do you?"
"What kind of talk is that? Why would I not want to return?" Lu Fan shot him a look. "My wife is still in Chuzhou! It's just that the Tianquan Mountain Villa is so tranquil, and practicing here is twice as effective!"
"That's true!" Han Yunhai nodded. "But speaking of which, the Jiangnan City Lord has been coming here every day for the past few days. I suspect he has ill intentions."
"He's just a mere City Lord, no need to worry too much about him," Lu Fan waved his hand. "Besides, he has his reasons for acting this way."
"Sir is right!" Han Yunhai nodded solemnly, then smiled again. "Sir is no longer what he used to be. Forget the Jiangnan City Lord, even other experts in the Dragon Country would look at you with new eyes!"
"You've changed!" Lu Fan glanced at him. "You've learned to flatter!"
"Sir, you jest. I haven't changed from beginning to end. I'm merely speaking the truth," Han Yunhai said earnestly.
As they were conversing, Han Qiushui rushed over, appearing hurried. "Master, something's wrong, Uncle Fu has had an accident."
"Uncle Fu is at the Tianquan Mountain Villa. How could something happen?"
Lu Fan frowned. "What exactly happened?"
"Uncle Fu was fishing in the back mountain of Tianquan Mountain Villa. He was bitten by something, his breath is weak, and his body has turned purple," Han Qiushui said seriously. "I'm not quite sure why this happened."
Lu Fan stood up abruptly and headed towards Uncle Fu's room. Uncle Fu was already elderly, and if something were to happen to him, it would be a significant problem.
Moreover, Uncle Fu had worked tirelessly for the Lu family for so many years, sacrificing a great deal. Now that he was in his twilight years, he deserved a good rest. If something happened, Lu Fan would never be able to forgive himself.
Upon entering the room, Lu Fan saw Uncle Fu, with several accompanying doctors beside him, all at a loss.
"Uncle Fu, how are you feeling?" Lu Fan quickly asked. "What exactly bit you?"
"Young Master, rest assured, it's just a minor injury!" Uncle Fu waved his hand. "Let them handle it!"
Lu Fan didn't believe him. He lifted Uncle Fu's blanket and saw that Uncle Fu's thigh was purple and trembling uncontrollably, appearing to be poisoned.
"You still say you're fine!"
Lu Fan frowned slightly. "This poison is unusual!"
The accompanying doctors also nodded quickly. "This poison has already entered the vital organs. It's too late now, too late!"
"Don't talk nonsense!" Uncle Fu said coldly.
The reason he acted this way was to prevent Lu Fan from worrying. He knew very well that his chest and heart were in pain, and he probably wouldn't live much longer. If he caused Lu Fan further sadness, it would be his fault. Sudan Novel Network
"Young Master, this old servant is fine!" Uncle Fu forced himself to remain calm. "I just need a few days of rest. Why hasn't Young Master returned to Chuzhou yet?"
Lu Fan did not answer. He motioned for the two doctors to step back, then used his silver needles to expel the poisonous gas from Uncle Fu's body.
Unfortunately, the poison had already entered his vital organs. Even with Lu Fan's immense abilities, it was impossible to expel the poison.
Seeing Lu Fan covered in sweat, Uncle Fu gave a wry smile. "When I was in the back mountain, I knew my time was short. Young Master, you don't need to do this!"
"Uncle Fu, rest assured, I will not let anything happen to you!"
Lu Fan's eyes were solemn. He used his silver needles to seal the poison, but he was at a loss. The poison had entered his vital organs, and external forces were insufficient to completely remove it.
"Sir, is there no other way?"
Han Yunhai asked, "Or is there some other antidote?"
"With the poisonous gas entering the vital organs, even the Great Luo Golden Immortal might find it difficult to cure,"
Lu Fan shook his head and then told Uncle Fu to rest before stepping out of the room.
Han Yunhai and the others also hurried to follow, not daring to delay.
"Summon the Jiangnan City Lord here!"
Lu Fan's expression was cold. "If the Blazing Flame Grass is not found within three days, Uncle Fu's life will be in danger!"
"Blazing Flame Grass?"
Gu Wen was slightly startled. "This is a rare and precious herb known for its potent poison. Under normal circumstances, it is difficult to find even once in a hundred years!"
"A poisonous herb is so valuable?" Han Yunhai frowned slightly.