"Originally, I wanted to leave an escape route, but it seems unnecessary now!"
Lu Fan revealed a faint smile, exuding an aura as if Tie Tou were already a corpse in his eyes.
"You talk too much, brat!" Tie Tou retorted unceremoniously. He took a step forward, exuding a powerful presence, but it paled in comparison to Lu Fan's immense spiritual energy.
In the blink of an eye, Tie Tou's gaze fixed on Lu Fan. However, before he could get a clear look, his head was cleanly severed. The scene was quite bloody.
Witnessing this, the villagers of Qingcao Village were amazed. They had never imagined Lu Fan to be so powerful. Even Tie Tou, who had practiced forbidden arts, was no match for him.
Da Hu was also stunned by what he saw. Tie Tou had practiced ancient forbidden arts, and normally, ordinary spirit cultivators would have little effect on him. Lu Fan and his companions must be extraordinary to be so formidable.
"Thank you for your assistance!" Da Hu clasped his fists. "If you hadn't intervened, Qingcao Village would likely have been drenched in blood. Given Tie Tou's nature, he would have shown no mercy."
"Qingcao Village allowed me to recuperate here, which is a kindness to me. It's nothing for me to do these things!" Lu Fan smiled. "However, my injuries are mostly healed, and it's time for me to leave Qingcao Village!"
"Perhaps you could stay a few more days so I can properly host you. Please forgive any previous shortcomings in our hospitality!" Da Hu said quickly, his gaze earnest.
"No need. I have matters to attend to and cannot linger here indefinitely," Lu Fan shook his head. "However, Qingcao Village does possess considerable spiritual energy, appearing different from other places. If I'm not mistaken, Qingcao Village must have a rich history."
"That's right. In ancient times, many powerful figures emerged from Qingcao Village. Unfortunately, the forbidden arts they developed were not ordinary means, capable of killing people invisibly, hence they were strictly prohibited," Da Hu said with a wry smile. "It's just that no one expected Tie Tou to do something like this."
"Since it's a forbidden art, why not destroy it!" Lu Fan shrugged. "After all, such things are of no use in this world and could even be a source of disaster!"
"That's true!" Da Hu nodded. "Unfortunately, I am not the true village chief of Qingcao Village. This decision can only be made after the chief returns!"
"How long has the old village chief been gone?" Ling'er asked curiously.
"It's been many years, and there has been no news. I don't know what's happened!" Da Hu said helplessly. He hadn't traveled elsewhere and thus had no way to inquire.
"If I'm not mistaken, the old village chief may no longer be with us!" Lu Fan stated directly. "The entire Heavenly Realm is a melting pot of all sorts, and survival is not easy!"
"This..."
Da Hu stood stunned, tears welling in his eyes. He had often thought the same: the old village chief had gone out and never returned, had something unfortunate happened to him? Otherwise, why would it be like this?
"I've told you what I know. These ancient forbidden texts should not be kept. Whether you keep them or not is your decision!" Lu Fan said. "I must be on my way!"
With that, Lu Fan and his companions departed. His injuries had largely healed, and he was preparing to head to the Imperial Capital. This journey to the capital would be to bring down the Northwest Prefecture Lord.
Meanwhile, within Qingcao Village, everyone watched Lu Fan's retreating back with gratitude. Had it not been for Lu Fan, Qingcao Village would likely have fallen into chaos and endured endless troubles.
As night fell, a group of people arrived outside Qingcao Village. They radiated an aggressive aura, their gazes sweeping over the villagers. "We heard that Qingcao Village has taken in some outsiders!"
"What business is it of yours?"
Several young men from Qingcao Village retorted, their stances equally resolute.
"So, that person is indeed in Qingcao Village?"
The Sitou family head narrowed his eyes, exuding an aura as if the villagers of Qingcao Village were already corpses in his sight.
"We don't know anything about the person you're referring to," Da Hu stepped forward. "I am the acting village chief of Qingcao Village. You are not welcome here, so you should leave immediately."
"A mere acting village chief dares to be so presumptuous?"
The Sitou family head sneered. "You truly impress me!"
Da Hu frowned. He could clearly sense that these people were not ordinary. Offending them would likely lead to endless trouble. However, they would never reveal the whereabouts of Lu Fan and the others. To do so would be a betrayal of trust for the entire Qingcao Village, a reputation Da Hu could not bear.
"What, are you still trying to protect those people even now?"
The Sitou family head sneered. "I find you all utterly ridiculous. Do you know what kind of experts they are? Do you need to sacrifice yourselves for them? Quickly tell me the direction they left, and perhaps I won't make things difficult for Qingcao Village!"
"Even if it means death, the people of Qingcao Village will not do so!" Da Hu said, bracing himself, his gaze serious.
At the same time, the villagers of Qingcao Village echoed his sentiment, their spirits high and their faces filled with determination.
"I truly didn't expect things to turn out this way!"
The Sitou family head shrugged slightly, a smile playing on his lips. "Since you refuse to speak, do not blame the Sitou family for being unmerciful. I have said what I needed to say."
"Bring whatever abilities you have against me!" Da Hu said indifferently. "I wish to see what means you outsiders possess to dare cause trouble here!"
The Sitou family head burst into laughter. "I've met people who aren't afraid of death, but I've never met someone as suicidal as you. Since that's the case, I shall fulfill your wish!"
Just as the Sitou family head was about to act, a young girl from Qingcao Village walked forward, her gaze shifting evasively as she looked at the Sitou family head.
"They went to that place!"
The little girl gestured towards a distant high mountain, seemingly knowing everything.
"It's good that the little girl is sensible!"
The Sitou family head let out a cold laugh. "Deal with everyone in Qingcao Village. As for this girl, leave no trace of her!"
"This is unacceptable!" the little girl quickly shook her head, her expression grave. She hadn't expected things to be so tragic, otherwise, she wouldn't have acted like this.
"What is unacceptable about it?" the Sitou family head narrowed his eyes.