"A joke, a colossal joke!" Gui Jianchou said coldly, "Even a Grandmaster like myself does not fear you; what makes you think you have the right to say such things!"
"I originally had no intention of making an enemy of the Ghost Gate, yet you have repeatedly provoked me," Lu Fan stated with a cold expression. "If you leave now, I will spare your life. Should you dare to return, you will surely perish!"
"Stop with the nonsense. Show me your abilities!"
Gui Jianchou was unceremonious. His flute music resumed, seemingly endless. Those on the shore swayed their heads and their senses grew blurred.
"This flute music contains intent. You must not let it enter your ears!" Han Yunhai exclaimed, covering his ears. His eyes held a grave expression.
The powerful figures on the observation tower did not hesitate, sealing their ears. They were well aware that battles between martial artists were far more complex than they appeared.
"Since you are obstinate, I shall offer you to the heavens today!"
Lu Fan stomped on the water's surface, his body propelled upwards by a water column. His expression was cold as he stared directly at Gui Jianchou. "Let alone you, even if the Ghost King himself were to appear, he could not do anything to me!"
As soon as he spoke, Lu Fan unleashed a palm strike. Though it was an attack from a distance, its power was formidable. Gui Jianchou resisted with all his might, but his body was forced back on the water's surface. He spat out a mouthful of blood, disbelief etched on his face.
"How is this possible! An aerial palm strike capable of moving mountains and filling seas!"
Gui Jianchou cried out in shock, his body trembling. The techniques Lu Fan had displayed surpassed his understanding. Even a Grandmaster of martial arts could not possess such power.
"A mighty one, you are a mighty one!"
Suddenly recalling something, Gui Jianchou's eyes widened in panic and disbelief.
Those in the martial arts world knew that reaching the Grandmaster realm was the peak, but above the peak, there existed mighty ones who could move mountains, fill seas, and even summon the power of heaven and earth. Lu Fan's earlier display was undoubtedly a technique only a mighty one could execute.
Lu Fan said no more. He struck Gui Jianchou with another palm, killing him on the spot.
On the shores of West Lake, the onlookers were filled with astonishment. The scene was too surreal for them to believe.
"He's defeated! The challenger is defeated!"
The crowd shouted, their hearts filled with excitement. Gui Jianchou was a disciple of the Ghost Gate and possessed Grandmaster-level strength. His defeat at Lu Fan's hands would likely stir endless repercussions.
"So cool, he's incredibly cool!" Xiao Qi shouted from the shore, his heart filled with elation. He could not see Lu Fan's face clearly, but his imposing figure was enough to captivate him.
Lin Ke stood beside him, feeling a bit awkward. If Xiao Qi knew that the renowned Master Lu was actually Lu Fan, he wondered what Xiao Qi's reaction would be.
"He won!" Han Yunhai smiled. He had been somewhat worried, but now that the situation was settled, he regained his composure.
"Master Lu is a person of extraordinary caliber; how could he possibly lose!" Chu Laoban laughed from the observation tower. "I never doubted Master Lu would win, after all, he is the undefeated War God!"
"The Master hasn't arrived yet, and you're already flattering him!" Chen Pangzi said with a faint smile. "I recall you weren't saying the same thing before!"
"Before, I had eyes but failed to recognize Mount Tai and did not know of the Master's grace," Chu Laoban replied with a smile. "Now I have finally witnessed the Master's strength!"
"He's truly a sycophant!" Chen Pangzi said with disdain, but he didn't say much more. They all served Lu Fan, so it was best not to strain their relationship too much.
After killing Gui Jianchou, West Lake returned to tranquility. Lu Fan left directly. With Gui Jianchou's head severed from his body, there was no need for him to remain.
However, as he departed, an old man on the shore frowned, his gaze fixed on Lu Fan's appearance. He recalled events from over a decade ago.
"Why does he look so similar! And this young man's strength is extraordinary. If he is indeed the orphan from back then, wouldn't the Qin family be in danger!"
With this thought, the white-haired old man did not linger. He turned and left. Dressed in white robes, he appeared to be a sage, but his eyes clearly held a murderous intent.
After the white-haired old man departed, Fu Bo appeared not far from the shores of West Lake. His eyes held a cold glint as he intently watched the white-haired old man.
"Are you certain that is someone from the Qin family?" Fu Bo asked. "If so, the young master may not be able to remain in Qingzhou any longer!"
"I am absolutely certain!" Old Zhao cupped his fist. "He is Qin Hai of the Qin family, possessing half-step Grandmaster abilities! His strength is extraordinary. He likely noticed something when he saw the young master's display."
Fu Bo's face instantly turned ashen. He was naturally pleased with Lu Fan's formidable strength, but being seen by someone from the Qin family might reawaken a decade-old affair.
"Go tell the young master that I wish to catch up with him tonight at the Phoenix Pavilion," Fu Bo instructed. "At the same time, you must ensure the young master's safety. He must not encounter any trouble."
Old Zhao nodded, a hint of helplessness on his face. Lu Fan's strength far surpassed his own, and asking him to protect Lu Fan felt somewhat contradictory. However, Lu Fan was the sole young master of the Lu family and Fu Bo's only hope, so he dared not refuse.
Lu Fan left West Lake, changed out of his casual attire, and arrived at Taikang Pharmaceuticals as if he had never been to West Lake.
"So cool, absolutely so cool!" Upon arriving at Taikang Pharmaceuticals, Xiao Qi exclaimed again. "This Master Lu is just too handsome!"
"You didn't even see him clearly, how do you know he's handsome!" Lin Ke said awkwardly. "That doesn't quite add up."
"The way he moved was like a god descending from heaven," Xiao Qi exclaimed. "If I could marry him, I'd be willing to die!"
"Cough... cough..." Lin Ke coughed lightly, unsure how to respond.
Just as they entered the company, Manager Chen came down from upstairs. Seeing them, he couldn't help but frown. "What's going on with you two? Why are you wearing casual clothes? It's working hours!"
"We..." Xiao Qi was slightly embarrassed. They had snuck out and were caught red-handed, unsure how to explain.
"I'm taking him out for some practical experience on a sales department assignment," Lin Ke stepped forward with a smile. "After all, he's now the team leader in the sales department, which is a significant responsibility."
"I see!" Manager Chen nodded. "I have some other matters to attend to, so I'll be going now!"
After Manager Chen left, Xiao Qi breathed a sigh of relief. "That scared me to death. He's the oldest manager in the company, usually gruff and overbearing, but Little Ke is truly amazing!"