The three great alliances had targeted Dragon Country, and he had remained an observer, neither aiding nor opposing. However, he had never expected that the alliance led by Cang Qiong Country would be annihilated by Dragon Country.
This had indeed exceeded his expectations. What surprised him even more was that the Qing Yun Sect had grown so powerful as to destroy an entire nation. Such a terrifying existence was likely no less formidable than the Black Shadow Organization.
"Valley Master, the Qing Yun Sect's influence is vast. If they are allowed to develop further, they will pose a significant threat to the Black Shadow Organization!"
An elder spoke, "The Valley Master has a grudge against the Qing Yun Sect Leader. I fear..."
"We will deal with whatever comes our way!" Du Qianqiu narrowed his eyes. "If my guess is correct, that item must be on that brat. Otherwise, how could he possess such strength? Even with exceptional talent, it's impossible to reach such a high realm within these few years!"
"The Valley Master has been searching for many years. Since you know the item is in his possession, why haven't you acted yet?" the elder asked in surprise.
"At first, it was merely a guess. Moreover, with Dragon Country protecting him, it was inconvenient for me to act openly. But now that it's confirmed, I naturally must meet him!"
Du Qianqiu said coldly, "Let him bask in glory for a few more days. When I find that item, it will be the day of his demise!"
The elder nodded solemnly. The Lu family massacre years ago was entirely orchestrated by Du Qianqiu, his sole purpose being to find a certain item. Unfortunately, despite slaughtering the entire Lu family, he had still not found it.
Now that a descendant of the Lu family had reappeared, the item was undoubtedly on him. Yet, Du Qianqiu remained indifferent, appearing unfathomable. Even with Lu Fan's current immense power, he seemed unconcerned, as if everything were within his control.
Returning to Dragon Country's capital, the disciples of the Qing Yun Sect finally settled down to rest. The Dragon Group, however, was not among them. They had parted ways upon entering Dragon Country's borders. After all, the Dragon Group's involvement in the annihilation of the Black Bear Country would not be beneficial for Dragon Country if known to outsiders.
Lu Fan brought Jiang Meili back to Jiang Jing Long Ting. Lin Ke and Jiang Meili's pale faces caused her to rush forward, "Meili, what's wrong? Why do you look so unwell?"
"It's nothing. She's just not used to it," Lu Fan chuckled. "It's her first time on the Outer Battlefield. To be like this is already quite good!"
Lin Ke nodded and helped Jiang Meili towards a room. She had been worried sick these past few days, fearing for Lu Fan and Jiang Meili's safety. Their safe return was already a great blessing.
"Xiao Ke, you've been worried these past few days," Lu Fan stroked Lin Ke's embroidered hair. Su Dan Novel Network.
"Indeed, I was extremely worried," Lin Ke nodded solemnly. "Sometimes I wish, oh how I wish, that I could also become a martial arts expert, that I could protect the one I love! And not let him suffer any harm!"
"I am Lord Lu of Jiangnan, the guardian deity of Dragon Country. How could I possibly get hurt!" Lu Fan smiled. "Silly girl, don't overthink it!"
Lin Ke nodded solemnly. She knew that Lu Fan faced life-and-death crises on the Outer Battlefield. While she didn't want him to endure such hardships, as a citizen of Dragon Country, she was proud of him for being willing to sacrifice everything for the greater good of the nation.
Meanwhile, at Dragon Country Headquarters, Han Bing and others were summoned to the conference room. Several elders sat in the room, their expressions rather indifferent.
Han Bing and the others stood, their faces showing a hint of awkwardness. Being called to headquarters immediately upon returning to Dragon Country suggested trouble. Although they had annihilated the Black Bear Country, they had acted without authorization. Such actions, in the eyes of Dragon Country's higher-ups, amounted to dereliction of duty.
"Speak, what exactly happened!" the Fourth Elder said, "And I expect a proper explanation!"
"Ahem..."
Long Aotian coughed a few times, his face also showing a hint of embarrassment. "I presume all the elders are aware of the annihilation of the Black Bear Country. The Dragon Group was involved, but it was not the Dragon Group's intention!"
"Not the Dragon Group's intention?" the Fourth Elder frowned. "Did young Lu tie you up and drag you there?"
"Something like that! The Dragon Group has strict rules and would never act rashly. If Lord Lu hadn't coerced us, we wouldn't have dared to be so bold!" Long Aotian stated righteously.
Han Bing stood to the side, his eyes somewhat unfocused. The other members of the Dragon Group also looked at Long Aotian. They knew very well that this was their voluntary decision, not forced by Lu Fan.
By saying this, Long Aotian had shifted the blame. In doing so, Lu Fan had become the scapegoat.
"If this brat is truly responsible, I will not let him off lightly!" the Fourth Elder said coldly. "He is utterly lawless, daring to threaten even members of the Dragon Group. Who knows, he might threaten me one day!"
"Exactly!" Long Aotian quickly chimed in. "Although Lord Lu is called the guardian deity and has achieved remarkable military exploits on the Outer Battlefield, such conduct is unacceptable!"
"The headquarters will not pursue this matter further!" the Fourth Elder waved his hand. "But if there is a next time, the headquarters will not take your word for it!"
"Thank you, Elder!"
Long Aotian quickly clasped his hands in salute. The other members of the Dragon Group also clasped their hands, not daring to delay. They could see that the elders were giving them an out. If they weren't smart about it, they would face punishment.
After they left, the elders finally revealed smiles. "These brats, they acted so convincingly and managed to wash all the dirty water away!"
"Isn't this good?" the Seventh Elder smiled. "This way, we don't need to find any excuses!"
Outside Dragon Country Headquarters, Han Bing and the others looked at Long Aotian with strange expressions.
"Don't look at me like that. Nothing is written on my face!" Long Aotian rolled his eyes. "If I hadn't said that, the elders would have blamed us, and the Dragon Group couldn't afford to bear that responsibility."
"But if you say this, and Lord Lu finds out, he won't let you go!" Han Bing shrugged. "I'm being serious!"
"I know, of course!" Long Aotian nodded. "Do I have any better options? Or should I just turn you all in?"
The members of the Dragon Group were somewhat helpless. As Long Aotian said, if they had told the truth, they would likely have been punished.
As members of Dragon Country's Dragon Group, they had acted without authorization. Even if they had achieved great merit, they would still face due punishment. They were all too aware of this.
However, they held no regrets. Even if all the credit went to the Qing Yun Sect, they had long harbored deep hatred for the many powerful individuals of the Black Bear Country who had killed Dragon Country's strong fighters on the Outer Battlefield. Now that this tumor could be eradicated, it was a great fortune.
As night deepened, Lu Fan was admiring the moon in the garden of Jiang Jing Long Ting when a figure arrived in the courtyard like the wind.
"Fourth Elder?"
Lu Fan was slightly surprised. "Why are you here? The victory celebration is in a few days, and Dragon Country should have many matters to attend to!"
"I came specifically to see you!" the Fourth Elder smiled.