"I trust him to resolve this matter properly," the Fourth Elder stated directly. "He must have his reasons for going to the Hundred Thousand Mountains; the Dragon Country headquarters simply needs to provide support."
"Fourth Elder, this matter is of great importance," Long Aotian clasped his fists again. "I implore you to reconsider."
"With the three elders in seclusion, all command authority in the Dragon Country rests with me," the Fourth Elder declared. "Do I need to repeat what I just said?"
Long Aotian's expression shifted. "Your subordinate would not dare!"
The Fourth Elder did not reply, turning to leave as if displeased, clearly dissatisfied with the situation.
The other elders quickly followed suit, leaving Long Aotian standing alone, his face turning ashen.
In the rear mountains of the Dragon Country headquarters, the Fourth Elder gazed at the flowers covering the mountainside, his expression finally regaining its calm.
"Why did you have to do that, Fourth Elder!"
The Ninth Elder approached. "Aotian was also acting with the Dragon Country's best interests at heart."
"I believe he has selfish motives," the Fourth Elder said pointedly. "As the captain of the Dragon Team, he should be setting an example and understanding the situation clearly. Now that Lu Fan is rising, he is of immense use to the Dragon Country, yet Aotian seeks to suppress him at every turn."
"I don't think Aotian meant it that way," the Ninth Elder stated solemnly. "Could there be some misunderstanding?"
"Originally, the Elder's Token should have gone to him," the Fourth Elder narrowed his eyes. "As long as Lu is not present within the Dragon Country, Aotian can wield authority. This old man sees that quite clearly."
"So that's how it is!" The Ninth Elder frowned slightly. "Aotian manages the Dragon Team and has devoted himself to the Dragon Country, earning considerable merit."
"I am aware of that, of course!" the Fourth Elder nodded. "They are both potential talents for the future, and furthermore, Lu does not wish to join the Dragon Country."
"That would be for the best!"
The Ninth Elder nodded slightly. "I understand Aotian's disposition well, and there should be no issues! I will go and persuade him further."
"Let's not," the Fourth Elder waved his hand. "It is more meaningful for him to comprehend certain matters on his own than for others to tell him."
Meanwhile, at the Dragon Team headquarters, Long Aotian returned to his courtyard and began drinking, appearing dejected and troubled.
"Captain, you've been unhappy since returning from headquarters today," Jianying approached. "What's going on?"
"I've been working for the Dragon Country, but the elders wouldn't heed my advice," Long Aotian said with a bitter smile. "Not only did they refuse to stop him, they even instructed the Dragon Team to provide close protection."
"How could this be?" Han Bing frowned slightly. "Don't the elders know? There are many tribes within the Hundred Thousand Mountains, and one faction among them is a force that even the Dragon Country fears. If hostilities are provoked, it could lead to widespread suffering."
"How could I not know that!" Long Aotian waved his hand. "It's a pity the elders won't listen to me!"
"In that case, we shall obey the elders' orders," Jianying said. "We joined the Dragon Team for the sake of the Dragon Country. The elders represent the destiny of the Dragon Country, and their decisions can never be wrong!"
"I will personally go to Chuzhou!" Han Bing frowned. "The Hundred Thousand Mountains are too perilous. Lord Lu plans to mobilize a hundred Grandmasters; this is a significant undertaking. If they encounter an ambush, they could be wiped out!"
"The elders have issued orders; your going would be of no use," Long Aotian waved his hand.
Han Bing did not listen, turning and leaving the Dragon Team.
Long Aotian paid him no mind, grasping the wine jar and continuing to drink, appearing unfulfilled and full of sorrow.
"I say, boss, you weren't like this before," Jianying remarked. "Why are you like this now?"
"Before, I was full of vigor, believing in a bright future and the future of the Dragon Country. I became the captain of the Dragon Team at a young age, carrying the weight of saving the common people from hardship," Long Aotian chuckled. "Now that Lord Lu has appeared, I feel rather useless."
"Boss, those words are biased," Jianying waved his hand. "Boss, you are also a peerless prodigy. You will undoubtedly have a place in the Dragon Country in the future. Besides, we joined the Dragon Team to protect our homes and country, not for glory!"
Long Aotian trembled slightly and looked towards Jianying. "Indeed, you have more awareness than I do!"
"What's the point of living this life arguing over trivial fame and fortune?" Jianying smiled. "Moreover, within the Dragon Country, besides the elders, you are the foremost. One could say you have no regrets in this life."
Long Aotian smiled, his expression instantly becoming more open. Perhaps it was Lu Fan's extraordinary excellence that had placed immense pressure on him, leading to his current state of mind.
At this time, in the Jiangjing Villa in Chuzhou, the sky was nearing dawn. The villa was filled with experts. When daylight arrived, they would head to the Hundred Thousand Mountains, a test for them all.
Han Bing, like a phantom, infiltrated the courtyard.
"A member of the Dragon Team!" Han Yunhai exclaimed, startled. "Arriving late at night, what is the purpose?"
"I wish to see Lord Lu!" Han Bing said with a serious expression.
"I am here!" Lu Fan strode forward. "Is there something you need from me?"
"You cannot go to the Hundred Thousand Mountains!" Han Bing said earnestly. "The Hundred Thousand Mountains are extremely perilous, and tribes are everywhere. More importantly, there are powerful forces within the Hundred Thousand Mountains. If external forces intrude, they will surely attract their attention."
"A friend of mine has been captured, and I cannot stand idly by," Lu Fan shrugged. "I am not a member of the Dragon Team, nor do I represent the Dragon Country headquarters. You have no reason to stop me."
"Then I shall do so as a friend," Han Bing stated with seriousness.
Lu Fan was unfazed. "Even if the Fourth Elder were here, he couldn't make me give up."
"I am doing this for your own good!" Han Bing continued. "I hope you understand my intentions."
"I have already made a promise to someone, and I must go today," Lu Fan said directly. "You need not persuade me further!"
Han Bing felt helpless, unsure of what to do. He had not expected Lu Fan to be so stubborn.
As dawn broke, the many experts of the Qingyun Sect set off, marching towards the Hundred Thousand Mountains. Such a grand display caused countless people to exclaim in amazement, with many martial arts experts watching from afar.
No one knew what significant event had occurred to cause such a stir.
Even among the three hidden sects, many people were observing, showing a degree of interest.
"Within the Dragon Country, the forces that can contend with the nation are, on the surface, the three major sects, but in reality, there are four major powers."
"One Hall, one Pavilion, two Valleys! It is a pity that the Tianyun Hall never emerges."
"Legend has it that the Tianyun Hall is filled with experts, and even our three hidden sects may not be able to contend with it!"
"I think it's just empty talk. If the three hidden sects were to truly join forces, they could probably shake even the nation!"
As the conversation continued, the elders displayed even more pride. As powerful individuals from hidden sects, their displayed strength was far from simple, and they were quite confident in this regard.