Jiang Meili nodded solemnly. While enjoying a peaceful life within Dragon Country, she had fully experienced the horrors of the outer realms. Now, she could deeply feel and finally empathize.
After the annihilation of Black Bear Country, everyone felt remarkably relaxed, their expressions growing even more indifferent. Black Bear Country's fate was self-inflicted.
"Master, many martial arts experts from Black Bear Country met untimely deaths. However, if this matter is investigated, Sky Country will likely not let it go!"
Gu Wen spoke, "Should we cover our tracks and make some arrangements, so that Sky Country remains unaware? At least they won't have sufficient evidence!"
"Black Bear Country attacked Dragon Country; this is a foregone conclusion. Why should we make any cover-ups?"
Lu Fan said coldly, "Black Bear Country attacked first, so how could Dragon Country not retaliate? Wouldn't that be unreasonable!"
"This..." Gu Wen was slightly startled. He hadn't expected Lu Fan to speak like this, which left him somewhat surprised.
"Lord Lu is correct!"
Long Aotian said in a deep voice, "No matter how we cover this up, everyone will know that Dragon Country did it, and how could Sky Country not know!"
"Not only should they know, but we should also make a grand announcement!" Lu Fan stated coldly. "Let them know that Dragon Country is not to be trifled with. We repay kindness with kindness and vengeance with vengeance!"
"Indeed, sir!" Han Bing nodded. "Dragon Country and Sky Country have long since broken ties. We don't need to kowtow to them. This time, by destroying Black Bear Country, we've sounded a warning bell. If they truly wish to annex Dragon Country, they will have to pay a heavy price!"
The other members of the Dragon Group also largely agreed. They understood this point clearly: "A single punch thrown in strength prevents a hundred blows." If one is constantly bullied, they will ultimately be annexed by other nations.
Only by being strong and resolute can one command respect from other nations. Otherwise, the consequences would be unimaginable.
Meanwhile, at Dragon Country's headquarters, Elder Nine furrowed his brow and entered the conference room. "I just received news that the Azure Dragon Sect is not in Dragon Capital! Young Lu is also missing. Could something have happened?"
"Not in Dragon Capital?" Elder Four frowned. "Have the Dragon Group investigate where this young man has gone. The celebration banquet is imminent, and he is the protagonist. If he doesn't attend, it will be meaningless!"
"More importantly, the Dragon Group is also missing!"
Elder Nine said helplessly, "I've sent people to search, but unfortunately, there's no trace of them!"
"Did they leave Dragon Country?" Elder Five was surprised. "If that's the case, where did they go? The Azure Cloud Sect and the Dragon Group are both gone. Could they have acted without authorization?"
"Go investigate the news about Black Bear Country!"
Elder Four suddenly exclaimed, speaking at this moment. During the outer realms' battle, Lu Fan had vowed not to let Black Bear Country off. Now, the Azure Cloud Sect's many experts were gone, and even the Dragon Group was absent from Dragon Capital. This likely had something to do with Black Bear Country.
"No need to investigate!"
Just then, Elder Seven's figure approached. "I manage Dragon Country's intelligence network. I have the latest news here. Do the esteemed elders wish to hear it?"
"Stop beating around the bush. These are critical times!" Elder Nine said. "Any delay could lead to a loss of strategic initiative, especially since young Lu is still immature and will act rashly!"
"This young man did indeed go to Black Bear Country!" Elder Seven said helplessly. "Moreover, he engaged in a fierce battle with the Grand Elder of Black Bear Country, a fight that was incredibly intense!"
"This young man is truly audacious!" Elder Nine frowned. "That is a major nation, and he dared to act without authorization! We must rush to his aid and not let that young man suffer!"
Elder Four, however, waved his hand. "Young Lu always acts with a plan. If he felt Black Bear Country was the target, he must have thoroughly investigated. Furthermore, the Grand Elder of Black Bear Country may not be a match for young Lu."
"But this is too perilous!" Elder Nine's expression was serious. "A slight mishap could trigger an upheaval, even plunging Dragon Country into eternal damnation!"
"Without this young man, Dragon Country would likely have been doomed long ago!" Elder Four narrowed his eyes. "If my guess is correct, Black Bear Country is not far from its destruction!"
"As expected of Elder Four, your guess is spot on!" Elder Seven nodded. "News from the outer realms indicates that Black Bear Country was annihilated, and it was indeed done by Dragon Country's warriors. Apart from young Lu, no one else possesses such capability!"
"Annihilation..."
The several elders suddenly stood up, their expressions filled with shock. They had never imagined Lu Fan possessed such strength, leading the Azure Cloud Sect to destroy a major nation. What a terrifying aura!
"Too powerful, this young man is too powerful!" Elder Five exclaimed joyfully. "On the day of the celebration banquet, I must properly toast him!"
"Well said!" Elder Seven nodded. "We all must toast him properly. If not for him, Dragon Country would have perished. This young man even annihilated Black Bear Country, truly bringing glory to Dragon Country!"
"You can still laugh?" Elder Four frowned. "Black Bear Country has always been protected by Sky Country. No nation has ever dared to act against them. Now, this might lead to trouble!"
"Sky Country has already acted against Dragon Country, so why should Dragon Country fear them!"
Elder Seven stated directly. "We are all elders of the nation. Naturally, we must be wholeheartedly devoted to Dragon Country. With Sky Country's actions, we have no need to maintain any pretense!"
"While that may be true, Sky Country has an abundance of experts. Being enemies with them is ultimately not a good thing!"
Elder Four waved his hand, his expression becoming more solemn. "Young Lu is fine; he did something so sensational, not only without any concealment but also spreading the news so quickly!"
"I think this young man did it deliberately!" Elder Nine narrowed his eyes. "Indeed, he's young and impetuous, but I like it!"
Following these words, the other elders nodded in agreement. Lu Fan's actions were indeed deliberate, but such actions might not necessarily be a bad thing.
Lu Fan did what they dared not do, but now that it was done, Dragon Country would have no fear. In the realm of nations, people always pick on the weak. This saying was never wrong.
Following the news of Black Bear Country's destruction, numerous nations were astonished and incredulous. They were well aware that Black Bear Country had always been protected by Sky Country, and no nation dared to act against them lightly.
However, news of Black Bear Country's annihilation had now attracted considerable attention. Not only Dragon Country but also many other nations, such as Gathering Spirit Country, turned their gaze towards Black Bear Country.
Eventually, news spread that Black Bear Country was annihilated by the Azure Cloud Sect, causing quite a stir. If it had been destroyed by Dragon Country, it would have been understandable, but to be destroyed by the Azure Cloud Sect, an entire major sect, was something that had never happened in any nation.
In the outer realms, within the Shadow Organization, Du Qianqiu's eyebrows slightly rose upon hearing the news.