In the Jiang family residence, the Patriarch emerged. Du Haisheng was the son of Du Qianqiu, and if anything were to happen to him, the Jiang family would not be able to escape the consequences.
"If I capture you, Du Qianqiu will no longer be able to hide," Lu Fan narrowed his eyes and strode directly towards Du Haisheng.
Du Haisheng intended to use his Grandmaster techniques, but Lu Fan struck his vital point, rendering him immobile.
"In all martial arts, speed is paramount!" Lu Fan sneered, "If you dare to move, you might lose your life."
Du Haisheng's face turned ashen, "If you move me, you will pay a heavy price."
"If I cared about that, I wouldn't be here today," Lu Fan said coldly, "You'll come with me!"
With that, Lu Fan sealed Du Haisheng's acupoints. This rendered him like an ordinary person, stripping him of his Grandmaster power. Without the acupoints being unsealed, he could not harm anyone else.
"Young man, it might not be appropriate to take him away like this!"
The Jiang family Patriarch spoke, "After all, he is a distinguished guest of my Jiang family. If you wish to take someone from my Jiang family, you must first obtain our consent."
"Old Master is a Heavenly Ranking expert. I do not wish to engage in conflict with Old Master Ye," Lu Fan stated directly, "I hope Old Master can understand! This is a personal grievance between me and Du Qianqiu."
"My Jiang family will absolutely not compromise on this matter!" the Jiang Patriarch declared, "This is, after all, Jiang family territory, and Du Haisheng is my guest!"
"If the Jiang family wants him, I will personally await you by the Zhongzhou Lake in three days!"
Lu Fan's expression was indifferent as he issued the challenge.
He was well aware that the Jiang family would not let this matter rest. If that were the case, Lu Fan wished to use this opportunity to escalate the situation, which would undoubtedly alert Du Qianqiu.
"You have great audacity! You dare to challenge the Patriarch?" a white-haired elder said coldly, "Do you think too highly of yourself?"
"Lord Lu of Jiangnan, even after fighting four Grandmasters, would not be afraid," Han Yunhai stated, "Although the Jiang Patriarch is a martial arts expert, this is a matter between Qingyun Sect and Du Qianqiu, and has nothing to do with the Jiang family!"
"Lord Lu of Jiangnan?" the Jiang Patriarch narrowed his eyes, "I truly didn't realize you had such a distinguished background. No wonder you dared to take someone from my Jiang family!"
"Old Master is too kind!" Lu Fan chuckled, "It's merely an undeserved reputation. Old Master is a Heavenly Ranking expert, while I am an unknown nobody. However, the deep hatred in my blood compels me to seek revenge."
"Well said, 'compels you to seek revenge'!" the Jiang Patriarch said coldly, "Three days from now, by the Qingzhou Lake, I accept your challenge. This old man wishes to meet Lord Lu of Jiangnan!"
Lu Fan cupped his fists in a salute before leaving with Du Haisheng.
Du Haisheng was extremely unwilling, but his acupoints were sealed, rendering him completely immobile. He wished to call for help from the Jiang Patriarch, but the Jiang family could do nothing.
After all, in conflicts between powers, it was generally the leaders who settled their differences, and they would not easily initiate a full-scale conflict, as it would result in significant casualties. The Jiang Patriarch was acutely aware of this.
After Lu Fan and his party departed, the white-haired elder asked, "Patriarch, are you truly going to accept the challenge in three days?"
"Lord Lu of Jiangnan does have some renown," the Jiang Patriarch stated directly, "Du Haisheng is a guest of my Jiang family. Now that he has been taken, how can I let this go unaddressed?"
"The martial arts大会 is fast approaching. Causing a major disturbance at this time is not the best course of action," the white-haired elder cautioned, "Patriarch, you should reconsider."
"There's no need for further discussion!" the Jiang Patriarch said coldly, "I am a Heavenly Ranking expert. If I cannot even deal with him, how can I establish myself in Zhongzhou?"
The white-haired elder dared not say more and could only nod slightly.
News of this matter spread throughout Zhongzhou: Lord Lu of Jiangnan was to engage in a battle to the death with the Jiang family Patriarch in three days.
Upon hearing the news, many people paid attention. One was a Heavenly Ranking expert, while the other, though a rising star, was also extremely formidable.
To face four Grandmasters alone and remain undefeated was a remarkable feat in the martial arts world.
Upon returning to the hotel, Du Haisheng looked at Lu Fan, "What exactly do you want? If you want to kill me, then kill me. Since I have been defeated by you, I have nothing more to say."
"Killing you would be simple," Lu Fan narrowed his eyes, "But keeping you is useful! I must clarify what happened back then."
"If you don't kill me, you will surely regret it later," Du Haisheng said coldly, "My father will never let you go!"
"Regret?" Lu Fan chuckled, "I always act decisively, and I never regret what I do!"
"In that case, you just wait!" Du Haisheng said coldly.
"You talk too much!" Han Yunhai stepped forward and slapped him, "If you spout any more nonsense, I'll castrate you right now!"
Du Haisheng's face turned ashen, further infuriated. He could not fathom why these people would act this way.
He was a dignified Grandmaster, when had he ever suffered such humiliation? He was filled with anger and indignation.
"Sir, this brat is not well-behaved. There's no guarantee he won't escape," Han Yunhai said, "Leave him to me! I will make sure to keep him in line!"
"Then as you say!" Lu Fan nodded, "In three days, by the Zhongzhou Lake, I expect a fierce battle."
Meanwhile, in the Gu family courtyard, the Gu family Patriarch frowned, his worry evident after hearing the report.
"Lord Lu's confrontation with the Jiang Patriarch is likely to be perilous," Gu Long stated, "The Jiang Patriarch was a Grandmaster in his early years and was among the top ten in the previous Heavenly Ranking. He has likely reached an even higher realm now, possibly even that of a Great Master."
"It's a pity the challenge has been issued. Even the Gu family cannot stop it," Old Master Gu shook his head, "The top ten on the Heavenly Ranking are all peak Grandmasters, and possibly Great Masters. Lord Lu's chances of victory are slim."
"I believe in my Master. He will be fine," Gu Wen stated, "Even when facing an ultimate expert!"
"Why are you so sure?" Gu Long asked in surprise, "Do you know the strength of the Jiang Patriarch?"
"Master has never disappointed me, nor has he disappointed the members of Qingyun Sect," Gu Wen said directly, "I believe he will not lose!"
Gu Long was somewhat helpless, "I greatly admire Lord Lu, but this matter is of great importance, and there can be no room for error!"
"Big Brother, what do you mean by that?" Gu Wen frowned, "I don't quite understand."
"For the next few days, stay at home. Do not leave the Gu family easily, nor interact with Lord Lu," Gu Long stated directly, "After all, he has not only offended the Jiang family but also captured Du Qianqiu's son."
"So what?" Gu Wen frowned, "Are you saying even Big Brother is afraid?"
"You are unaware, but in the Outer Battlefield, there is a mysterious team. The Dragon Country has investigated, and the leader seems to be Du Qianqiu from back then. If that is the case, their power is unimaginably vast!"
Gu Wen's face turned ashen. He wanted to retort but was powerless. In the face of absolute power, even the Gu family had to bow down.