"I believe he can resolve this matter well," the Fourth Elder stated directly. "He went to the Ten Thousand Great Mountains for a reason, and the Dragon Country Headquarters only needs to provide support."
"Fourth Elder, this matter is of great importance," Long Aotian said, cupping his fists again. "I implore the Elder to reconsider."
"With the three Elders in seclusion, all command authority in the Dragon Country rests with me," the Fourth Elder said directly. "Do I need to repeat what I just said?"
Long Aotian's expression shifted. "Your subordinate would not dare!"
The Fourth Elder said nothing and turned to leave, appearing displeased and quite dissatisfied with the matter.
Seeing this, the other Elders quickly followed. Only Long Aotian remained standing, his face turning ashen.
In the back mountains of the Dragon Country Headquarters, the Fourth Elder gazed at the flowers covering the mountainside, his expression finally calming.
"Why did you have to do that, Fourth Elder!"
The Ninth Elder approached. "Aotian is also dedicated to the Dragon Country."
"I think he has selfish motives, which is why he's acting this way!" the Fourth Elder stated directly. "As the captain of the Dragon Group, he should set an example and understand the situation clearly. Lu Fan is rising now, which is of immense use to the Dragon Country, yet he wants to suppress him at every turn."
"I don't think Aotian means that," the Ninth Elder said in a deep voice. "Is there some misunderstanding?"
"Originally, the Elder's Token should have been given to him," the Fourth Elder narrowed his eyes. "As long as young Lu doesn't appear within the Dragon Country, Long Aotian can wield power. I see this very clearly."
"So that's how it is!" the Ninth Elder frowned slightly. "Aotian manages the Dragon Group and has made many contributions to the Dragon Country."
"Of course, I know that!" the Fourth Elder nodded. "They are both promising talents for the future, and besides, young Lu is unwilling to join the Dragon Country."
"That would be for the best!"
The Ninth Elder nodded slightly. "I understand Aotian's temperament quite well, so there shouldn't be any issues! I'll go and persuade him again."
"Let's forget it. It's more meaningful for him to understand some things on his own than for others to tell him," the Fourth Elder waved his hand.
Meanwhile, at the Dragon Group Headquarters, Long Aotian returned to his courtyard and began drinking, appearing dejected, as if troubled by something.
"Captain, you went to headquarters today and came back unhappy?" Jian Ying approached. "What's going on?"
"I was acting for the good of the Dragon Country, but the Elders wouldn't listen to my advice," Long Aotian said with a wry smile. "Not only did they not stop him, they even ordered the Dragon Group to protect him closely." Su Dan Novel Network
"How could this be?" Han Bing frowned slightly. "Don't the Elders know? There are many tribes within the Ten Thousand Great Mountains, and there's even a force that the Dragon Country fears. If this escalates into conflict, it could lead to widespread suffering."
"How could I not know this!" Long Aotian waved his hand. "It's a pity the Elders won't listen to me!"
"Since that's the case, we should obey the Elders' orders," Jian Ying said. "We joined the Dragon Group for the Dragon Country. The Elders represent the destiny of the Dragon Country, and their decisions can't be wrong!"
"I'll go to Chuzhou myself!" Han Bing frowned. "The Ten Thousand Great Mountains are too dangerous, and Lord Lu plans to mobilize a hundred Grandmasters. That's a significant undertaking. If they encounter an ambush, they could all be wiped out!"
"The Elders have given their orders; your going would be useless," Long Aotian waved his hand.
Han Bing did not listen and turned to leave the Dragon Group.
Long Aotian paid no mind, grabbing his wine jar and drinking, appearing frustrated and full of worry.
"I say, boss, you weren't like this before," Jian Ying said. "Why are you like this now?"
"Before, I was full of ambition, believing the future was bright, and I was the future of the Dragon Country. I became the captain of the Dragon Group at a young age, carrying the burden of saving the common people from suffering," Long Aotian chuckled. "Now that Lord Lu has appeared, I seem to be useless."
"Boss, that's a biased view," Jian Ying waved his hand. "Boss, you are also a peerless prodigy, and you will surely have a place in the Dragon Country in the future. Besides, we joined the Dragon Group to protect our homes and our country, not for glory!"
Long Aotian trembled slightly and looked at Jian Ying. "Indeed, you have more awareness than I do!"
"In this life, why compete for fame and fortune?" Jian Ying smiled. "Besides, within the Dragon Country, apart from the Elders, you are the foremost figure. You can be said to have no regrets in this life."
Long Aotian smiled, and his expression instantly became enlightened. Perhaps it was Lu Fan's exceptional talent that put immense pressure on him, leading to his current state of mind.
Meanwhile, at the Jiangjing Villa in Chuzhou, dawn was approaching. The villa was filled with experts. After dawn, they would head to the Ten Thousand Great Mountains, which was also a test for them.
Han Bing, like a ghost, infiltrated the courtyard.
"A member of the Dragon Group!" Han Yunhai was startled. "Coming here late at night, for what purpose?"
"I want to see Lord Lu!" Han Bing said with a serious expression.
"I am right here!" Lu Fan strode forward. "Is there something you need from me?"
"You cannot go to the Ten Thousand Great Mountains!" Han Bing said seriously. "The Ten Thousand Great Mountains are extremely dangerous, with numerous tribes. More importantly, there are powerful forces within the Ten Thousand Great Mountains. If external forces intrude, they will surely attract their attention."
"A friend of mine has been captured, and I cannot stand idly by," Lu Fan shrugged. "I am not a member of the Dragon Group, nor do I represent the Dragon Country Headquarters. You have no reason to stop me."
"Then I will do so as a friend," Han Bing said seriously.
Lu Fan was dismissive. "Even if the Fourth Elder came, he couldn't make me give up."
"I am doing this for your own good!" Han Bing said again. "I hope you understand my intentions."
"I have already promised someone, and I must go today," Lu Fan stated directly. "You don't need to try to dissuade me any further!"
Han Bing looked on with helplessness, unsure of what to do. He hadn't expected Lu Fan to be so stubborn.
As dawn broke, the numerous experts of the Qingyun Sect set off, advancing towards the Ten Thousand Great Mountains. Such a grand procession caused countless people to exclaim, and many experts in the martial arts world watched with interest.
No one knew what major event had occurred to cause such a stir.
Even many people from the three hidden sects were observing, showing a degree of interest.
"Within the Dragon Country, there are three major sects openly capable of rivaling the nation, but in reality, there are four major powers."
"One Hall, one Pavilion, two Valleys! It's just a pity that the Tianyun Hall never emerges."
"Legend has it that the Tianyun Hall is filled with experts, and even our three hidden sects may not be able to contend with it!"
"I think it's just empty talk. If the three hidden sects truly joined forces, they could shake the nation!"
As the conversations continued, the elders displayed more pride. As powerhouses of hidden sects, the strength they exhibited was not simple, and they were quite confident in this regard.