In the core region of Dragon Country, three elders stood tall, their eyes filled with gravity.
"Aotian is held back, and clouds are stirring on Baiyun Peak! He's likely unable to provide support!"
The Sixth Elder frowned, "Shall I go personally?"
"Absolutely not!"
The Fifth Elder knitted his brows, "With the Great Elder and the others in seclusion, we are all responsible for overseeing the overall situation. If Baiyun Peak is merely a decoy, and the Sea Country's true objective is the core of Dragon Country, then it's an attack on the nation's foundation!"
"Precisely!" The Fourth Elder nodded, "The three of us absolutely cannot leave!"
"If that's the case, then the people of Baiyun Peak, won't they!" the Sixth Elder frowned.
The majority of Dragon Country's combat strength was deployed at the outer battlefield strongholds. Within Dragon Country itself, apart from the few of them holding down the fort, there were virtually no other experts.
"Within Dragon Country, besides us, there are also the three hidden sects. If they were to intervene, I believe they could resolve this stalemate!" the Fourth Elder stated solemnly, "I've already sent people to them. Whether they will act remains to be seen!"
"The three hidden sects?" The Sixth Elder's brow furrowed, "To preserve their strength, they likely won't act rashly. Why would they intervene?"
"In Dragon Country's time of crisis, as its hidden sects, they should naturally offer assistance!" the Fourth Elder stated directly, exuding a powerful aura, "If they don't act, they should never expect Dragon Country's protection in the future!"
"Fourth Elder, the three hidden sects possess a multitude of experts. Dragon Country's situation is tense. Unless it's an absolute last resort, we cannot afford to offend them," the Sixth Elder said earnestly.
"Indeed!" The Fifth Elder nodded, "After all, if the three sects were to join forces, even Dragon Country would treat them with caution!"
"I can't concern myself with all that!"
The Fourth Elder retorted angrily, "As hidden sects of Dragon Country, they must bear the responsibilities of Dragon Country!"
The two elders exchanged glances but said nothing. The Fourth Elder had always had a fiery temper, while the three hidden sects were extremely shrewd and unlikely to act easily.
Medicine King Valley was located in the northwest of Dragon Country. Outside Medicine King Valley, several figures stood.
"Kindly inform your superiors, I am an envoy of Dragon Country, and I have matters to discuss with the Valley Master of Medicine King Valley!" a man in battle armor shouted towards Medicine King Valley.
"Medicine King Valley is closed and not receiving guests. I kindly ask you all to return!"
An aged voice echoed, and the main gate of Medicine King Valley remained shut.
The leading man's expression changed. He had been sent on a mission, and to receive such a reply filled him with a sense of coldness.
"Leader, what do we do now?" another man frowned, "With the three hidden sects adopting such an attitude, they've likely already received the news and are simply unwilling to act!"
"We return!"
The leading man was helpless. The three hidden sects possessed formidable power, and now that they were unwilling to intervene, there was nothing they could do.
Meanwhile, atop Baiyun Peak, numerous martial arts experts huddled together, led by Han Bing and others, their eyes filled with vigilance.
Just moments ago, several Grandmasters had met untimely deaths, without even the ability to resist. This was enough to show that the people before them were beyond their ability to handle.
"Struggling in your death throes is utterly useless!"
Ouyang Qingmu narrowed his eyes, "Today's Baiyun Peak will be tomorrow's mass grave!"
"Don't speak too soon!" Jian Ying said coldly, "Dragon Group experts are arriving soon. When they do, you'll have nowhere to escape. You still have the leisure to boast!"
"Are you all anticipating Long Aotian?" Ouyang Qingmu sneered, "He's already been trapped by my brother and can't possibly come. Today, the many martial arts experts within Baiyun Peak will all perish here!"
"It seems you've already made all the arrangements!" Han Bing frowned, "Truly wolfish ambitions!"
"Dragon Country's three elders are in seclusion, and the others must guard Dragon Country. You won't be leaving alive today!" Ouyang Qingmu sneered.
Sea Rakshasa had over a dozen peerless experts, whereas Han Bing and the others had very few masters.
"Lord Lu, although you are not a member of the Dragon Group, please escort them away!" Han Bing called out, "The three of us will hold them off!"
"These individuals are all War Spirit realm powerhouses. The leader alone is someone you cannot contend with!"
Lu Fan stated directly, "Leaving today will likely be quite difficult!"
"We are all martial arts experts. At worst, it's death!"
A Grandmaster spoke, "We absolutely cannot let them be this arrogant!"
"Sea Rakshasa, heed my command, kill without mercy!"
Ouyang Qingmu's voice was icy. The members of Sea Rakshasa stepped forward, advancing towards the multitude of experts.
Han Bing and the other two resisted desperately, while Lu Fan also engaged several figures.
The other Grandmasters formed formations and clashed with the members of Sea Rakshasa.
Unfortunately, Sea Rakshasa possessed a vast number of experts. In a blink of an eye, everyone found themselves in dire straits and could not hold on for much longer.
Seeing that the situation was not optimistic, Lu Fan took a step forward, advancing towards Ouyang Qingmu.
Lu Fan was well aware of the strategy of capturing the leader first.
Han Bing and the others fought one against three, constantly retreating, blood trickling from their lips.
These individuals were all War Spirit realm powerhouses, their strength no less than their own. In such a situation, they feared they could not endure for long.
Meanwhile, in a valley, Long Aotian, upon learning that Baiyun Peak had no reinforcements, immediately launched an attack. Simultaneously, at the border of Dragon Country, the three elders dispatched numerous Dragon Group experts to provide aid.
On the outer battlefield, many experts learned of the troubles in Dragon Country and wished to return to support. However, without orders from Dragon Country's headquarters, they could only remain at their outposts.
It wasn't that Dragon Country didn't want them to return, but the outer battlefield strongholds were extremely important. Abandoning them easily would result in irreparable losses for Dragon Country.
Within Baiyun Peak, Ouyang Qingmu looked at Lu Fan, "Your strength is considerable. If you were to join the Sea Country, you would undoubtedly be a valuable asset!"
"Thank you for the compliment!"
Lu Fan narrowed his eyes, "But today, you must become my captive!"
"Is that so?" Ouyang Qingmu sneered, "Even Long Aotian wouldn't dare to boast such words!"
Lu Fan did not reply and instead attacked Ouyang Qingmu. With every step he took, he exuded a formidable aura.
There were too many important individuals within Baiyun Peak. He could not allow any harm to befall them, which was why Lu Fan had to capture Ouyang Qingmu.
Sensing the powerful aura, Ouyang Qingmu also unleashed his supreme dark arts, attacking Lu Fan.
He knew very well that Lu Fan, being so young, would undoubtedly become a general of Dragon Country. Such an existence, destroyed in its cradle as early as possible, was the sworn duty of Sea Rakshasa.
Han Bing retreated rapidly, blood oozing from her chest, and Jian Ying and the others' expressions grew increasingly grim.
Seeing the dire situation, Lu Fan instantly blocked in front of Han Bing, forcefully repelling three figures.
"How are you? Are you alright?"
Lu Fan embraced Han Bing.
"I'm fine!" Han Bing shook her head, "Protect them and ensure they escape. We cannot let Sea Rakshasa succeed!"
Lu Fan frowned slightly. Sea Rakshasa had numerous experts. If this continued, they might all be annihilated.
"Sea Country scoundrels, daring to act so recklessly in Dragon Country!"
An aged voice resonated throughout Baiyun Peak, causing the members of Sea Rakshasa to tremble.