The waiter's heart skipped a beat upon seeing the spirit stone; its spiritual energy was exceptionally potent, marking it as a top-grade spirit stone.
Never before had they seen such a high-grade spirit stone in their town, which filled him with trepidation.
"Esteemed sir, this is Qianlong Town!"
The waiter spoke, "You must be from out of town, esteemed sirs?"
"Qianlong Town?"
Zhao Xiaotian asked with slight confusion, "In this Ziwei Realm, who is the overlord?"
The waiter's expression changed, and he quickly said, "Esteemed sir, such matters cannot be spoken of lightly, lest you invite a deadly calamity!"
"And why is that?"
Zhao Xiaotian's expression was calm, his demeanor composed.
"You may not know, but throughout the entire Ziwei Realm, there are three great dynasties. Who dares to easily ascertain their strength or weakness!"
The waiter continued, "Therefore, when you speak, you must be cautious. If someone with ulterior motives overhears you, your life could be in danger!"
Upon hearing this, Zhao Xiaotian nodded slightly. He hadn't expected there to be so many taboos.
"We've eaten and drunk our fill, it's time for us to leave!"
Lu Fan spoke, "We might as well take a stroll through Qianlong Town. I have a feeling there's something peculiar about this place!"
Zhao Xiaotian nodded in agreement with Lu Fan's sentiment.
However, as they had just risen, several figures in the tavern also stood up and walked towards Lu Fan's location.
The waiter could only shake his head helplessly.
Lu Fan and his companion were so young; they were likely in for great trouble.
The superior spirit stone he had casually produced moments ago had been seen by others. It was likely that they would soon be targets for robbery and murder.
Not long after they left, Lu Fan suddenly stopped and glanced back.
A few men with fierce, menacing expressions were present, but they didn't make a move directly. This was within the town, and acting rashly would be inappropriate.
"What is it?"
Zhao Xiaotian asked curiously and looked back, only to see a group of people staring at them with predatory gazes.
"It seems we've been targeted!"
Lu Fan said with a hint of awkwardness, "This Ziwei Realm seems rather unsettled!"
Zhao Xiaotian was taken aback and felt a bit embarrassed. Lu Fan's remark left him feeling somewhat helpless.
"They've got quite the nerve to dare lay hands on us!"
With coldness in his eyes, Zhao Xiaotian declared, "I'll go deal with them right now!"
To this statement, Lu Fan shook his head and said, "Since they haven't made a move, let them be. There's no need to escalate into conflict!"
Zhao Xiaotian felt a little helpless but didn't press the matter further. In his opinion, these rabble were hardly worth mentioning.
Only after they had left the town did the few men reveal their true intentions, surrounding Lu Fan and the others with a chilling aura.
"Hand over the spirit stones, and we'll spare your lives!"
The leading man spoke coldly, threatening Lu Fan and the others with an icy tone.
Facing this declaration, Lu Fan smiled slightly, "Are you here to rob us?"
"Indeed!"
The leading man said coldly, "You possess a top-grade spirit stone, which is no ordinary item. How can we let you go so easily today!"
"Since I have a top-grade spirit stone, you should know I am no ordinary person. You still dare to come and rob me?"
Lu Fan sneered, "Aren't you considering the consequences at all?"
"So much nonsense. You think you can scare me with that? You're not qualified!"
The leading man spoke coldly, his anger rising. In his view, if Lu Fan didn't hand over the spirit stone today, he wouldn't back down.
"I advise you to behave yourselves!"
Zhao Xiaotian shrugged, "Otherwise, you'll lose your lives!"
"A joke. We are many, and even if you have some skills, what can you do!"
The leading man spoke coldly, exuding an aura that suggested he considered it all beneath him.
"It seems I have no choice but to act today!"
Zhao Xiaotian gave a wry smile, his presence emanating a palpable aura, his gaze carrying a chilling intensity.
"Such bold words from a young lady!"
The leading man sneered, and with a mere wave of his hand, he signaled his companions to attack, their movements sharp and fierce.
"Court death!"
Lu Fan glanced at them indifferently, and with a flash of light, he sent everyone flying back, showing no restraint.
*Boom...*
The men recoiled violently, their hearts filled with dread. They had never imagined things would turn out this way, catching them completely off guard.
"You think you can snatch spirit stones with just this?"
Lu Fan shrugged, his aura instantly erupting.
The multitude of men felt this powerful presence, their faces turning ashen, some even foaming at the mouth.
"My lords, spare us! We know our mistake!"
The men pleaded in unison, their hearts filled with apprehension. Lu Fan's immense aura truly shocked them.
"Hmph!"
Lu Fan shrugged and said, "There's no such thing as a free lunch in this world. You must pay the price for your actions!"
"My elder brother is a disciple of the Beast Taming Sect. If you kill me, my elder brother will never forgive you!"
The leading man threatened, "I hope you understand that killing me will bring you more trouble than not killing me!"
Lu Fan's lips curled into a slight smile; he paid it no mind.
What he hadn't expected was to be threatened during his travels across the myriad realms, which only served to displease him greatly.
"Let alone the Beast Taming Sect, even the most powerful existence in the Ziwei Realm is no match for my lord!"
Zhao Xiaotian shrugged and said, "No matter who comes today, they will die!"
Seeing this, the men's hearts were thrown into utter panic. It appeared Lu Fan had no intention of showing mercy, meaning their lives were likely forfeit.
Just as Lu Fan was about to strike down the men before him, a voice suddenly sounded, "Esteemed fellow daoist, though they have committed many wicked deeds, their crimes do not warrant death. Would you be so kind as to spare their lives?"
An old man appeared, his words earnest and showing no trace of fear.
Looking at the old man before him, Lu Fan narrowed his eyes, "And who might you be? Why should I listen to you!"
"A mere wanderer, not worth mentioning!"
The old man in green chuckled, adopting an air of superiority, which seemed rather unusual.
"Since you are not worth mentioning, why should I show you respect?"
Lu Fan's gaze was indifferent, showing no concern.
"This old man does not wish to resort to force. I hope young friend will not compel me to act!"
The old man in green spoke again, his voice carrying a subtle aura, as if he had everything under control.
"Could it be that you are True Master Shangqing?"
The leading man trembled and looked at the old man with adulation.
Within the Imperial Dragon Dynasty, experts were numerous. Those who were addressed as 'True Master' were no ordinary individuals.
"Indeed!"
True Master Shangqing nodded, appearing somewhat haughty and exuding an aura of his own.
As expected, his name carried considerable weight within the Imperial Dragon Dynasty.
"So it is True Master Shangqing!"
The leading man quickly knelt, his eyes filled with emotion, "I implore the True Master to save our lives!"