"If Senior is unwilling to take me as a disciple, I naturally wouldn't dare to force it," Huang Dajian said, cupping his fists. "But Senior must not belittle me. In my current state, how could I be addressed as such by Senior?"
"Huang Dajian has quite a reputation in these ten miles and eight villages. My sudden arrival here has caused much disturbance," Lu Fan said with a smile. "I've disrupted Huang Dajian's mood, and I hope Huang Dajian will not hold it against me."
"This junior naturally wouldn't dare!" Huang Dajian nodded repeatedly. "As the saying goes, the wise are the elders. Whether it's in medical skills or Feng Shui and destiny, Senior is above me. I have offended you before, and I hope Senior can forgive me!"
"Huang Dajian is too polite!" Lu Fan waved his hand, unconcerned. "After traveling so far, why not sit down and share some wine?"
Huang Dajian hesitated for a moment before taking out several jars of Realgar wine from his cloth bag. "This is a fine vintage I've treasured for many years. Today, with Senior here, why not share some wine!"
Chen Pangzi stepped forward and sniffed, saying with satisfaction, "Huang Dajian has really gone all out this time. This must be your most cherished Realgar wine! I've never seen you willing to drink it before, yet you've brought two jars today."
"To be honest, I haven't been willing to drink this wine for so many years. If not for Senior's presence, I would never have opened the Realgar wine," Huang Dajian said proudly. "I declared back then that I would only open the Realgar wine with a true confidant!"
With these words, everyone else also smiled. They took Huang Dajian's words with a grain of salt, not taking them too seriously.
As influential figures from Jiangnan, they were naturally accustomed to such aged vintages.
After several rounds of drinking, everyone was quite drunk. They slept through the afternoon at Old Master Wang's house, and only then did Lu Fan and his companions leave Niutou Mountain and return to the capital.
As soon as they returned to the capital, Han Yunhai, along with many subordinates from the Azure Dragon Sect, came to greet them. However, his brow was furrowed, as if something had happened.
"Sect Master Han personally greeting us, this is quite a grand occasion. We should learn from this," Chen Pangzi said with a smile.
Boss Chu also nodded, saying, "No wonder he's become a trusted confidant. Sect Master Han truly has a way."
Facing their remarks, Han Yunhai did not say much. Instead, his gaze fell upon Lu Fan, "Sir, something terrible has happened!"
"What has happened?" Lu Fan raised an eyebrow. "For Sect Master Han to frown like this, this matter must be quite significant."
"Someone has come to Jiangnan and killed more than ten disciples of the Azure Dragon Sect," Han Yunhai stated directly. "Even I almost died by his sword!"
"Who dares to be so bold?" Old Man Zhao said from the side. "To dare to lay a hand on people from the Azure Dragon Sect, are they tired of living?"
"I have already investigated and found out that this person is named Gui Jianchou, the chief disciple of the Ghost Gate Sect Master. He has come to Jiangnan this time specifically to deal with you, Sir," Han Yunhai said with a grave expression.
"Gui Jianchou?" Old Master Zhao frowned. "I heard this name many years ago. He was quite influential and still holds considerable fame in the martial arts world."
"That's right, I've also heard of his reputation," Han Yunhai said directly. "I heard he has already reached the Grandmaster realm. Whether this is true or not, I cannot say for sure."
"The many disciples of the Azure Dragon Sect are also my subordinates. I will not let them die in vain!" Lu Fan's expression was cold. "Pass a message to Gui Jianchou. Three days from now, by the West Lake, we shall settle this life and death matter!"
As soon as his words fell, everyone trembled. They were well aware of Lu Fan's strength, but for some reason, when Lu Fan was truly about to make a move, they felt a sense of unease.
"Sir, Gui Jianchou has always been insidious and cunning, not a person of integrity," Han Yunhai said directly. "Why engage him so openly? Why not have me send people to act in secret!"
"No need!" Lu Fan waved his hand. "Just do as I say!"
Han Yunhai quickly nodded, not daring to say more. He did not dare to interfere with matters that Lu Fan had decided.
"Sir, I have heard long ago that Gui Jianchou has a considerable reputation in the martial arts world. If you confront him, you may not gain any advantage," Chen Pangzi said, cupping his fists. "I hope Sir will reconsider!"
"Thank you for your concern, I have my own judgment!" Lu Fan waved his hand, his expression appearing calm.
However, at this moment, Lu Fan looked at Han Yunhai again. "Have you investigated the matter I asked you to look into?"
"Sir, you are referring to..." Han Yunhai hesitated to speak, his expression changing, as if he wanted to conceal something.
"What? Are you unwilling to tell the truth even in front of me?" Lu Fan frowned. "I asked you to investigate the Lu family's affairs from back then, and there has been no news yet?"
"Although the Lu family's affairs from back then have not been clarified, they involve a great deal," Han Yunhai said, cupping his fists. "I hope Sir will not inquire further!"
"Presumptuous!" Lu Fan stood up abruptly. "I asked you to investigate precisely because I wanted to know the truth, and you dare to speak like this!"
Han Yunhai retreated three steps and cupped his fists again. "I am doing this all for your sake, Sir. I know you have extraordinary means, but the Lu family's affairs involve a great deal. I have exerted all my strength and only then managed to uncover some truths."
"Speak!"
Lu Fan's eyes were filled with a cold glint. Family and national grievances could never be forgotten. He had worked hard precisely to avenge himself sooner. Now that there was news, how could he let it go easily?
"This matter involves hidden families," Han Yunhai said directly. "These families possess powerful financial groups and have recruited many experts. With your current strength, Sir, it is impossible to contend with them!"
"Which hidden family is it?" Lu Fan narrowed his eyes. "I am very curious to know."
"The specific details are not yet very clear. The Azure Dragon Sect is still investigating," Han Yunhai said, cupping his fists. "However, this may involve the five hidden families of Jiangnan."
Chen Pangzi and the others stood by the side, feeling a sense of shock. To be a hidden family meant they were dozens of times stronger than the influential figures in the open, both in terms of financial resources and talent, which they could never surpass.
"Continue investigating, I need more detailed information!" Lu Fan's expression was cold. He had been dwelling on the events of that year.
The revenge for his family could never be forgotten, and how could he not know this?
After Lu Fan left, Han Yunhai finally let out a sigh of relief, his eyes filled with helplessness.
In fact, he had already investigated the specific situation quite thoroughly, but he was not entirely sure. After all, this involved five hidden families from back then. If that were truly the case, Lu Fan's adversaries would be immensely powerful.
"I say, Sect Master Han, what exactly is going on?" Boss Chu stepped forward to inquire. "Does it really involve hidden families?"