The Grand Elder did not hesitate, directly handing the Snow Lotus to Lu Fan. His expression carried a hint of displeasure, but there was nothing he could do. He knew very well that this was the only way to protect the Snow Mountain Sect.
After receiving the Snow Lotus, Lu Fan cupped his fists. "Thank you, Grand Elder of Snow Mountain. If the Snow Mountain Sect ever faces hardship in the future, I will not shirk my duty!"
"Don't speak so boldly. Our Snow Mountain Sect is an ancient sect; you won't be needed! The Grand Elder said softly, "Now that you have the Snow Lotus, you are an enemy of our Snow Mountain Sect. No matter where you flee, the Sect Master will not let you go!"
Lu Fan smiled, not paying too much attention. After all, Lin Ke's life was at stake. He wouldn't hesitate to offend even numerous ancient sects, let alone the Snow Mountain Sect.
After Lu Fan left, the Grand Elder stood in place, his eyes filled with helplessness. The Snow Mountain Sect had been infiltrated, and its elders had been severely injured. If this news spread, how would their Snow Mountain Sect maintain its dignity?
"Third, Fourth, you two go!" the Grand Elder commanded. "You must remain hidden and make no mistakes!"
"Rest assured, Grand Elder!" The Third and Fourth Elders cupped their fists, their expressions becoming solemn. Since Lu Fan had taken the Snow Mountain Sect's Snow Lotus, how could they let him go easily? They naturally had to follow him, so that the Sect Master would know Lu Fan and his companions' whereabouts when he arrived.
Not long after, Lu Fan and Long Yi had left the Snow Mountain Sect and arrived in a forest. Looking at the Snow Lotus in his hand, Lu Fan said, "I have obtained the Snow Lotus. I still need the Fire Lotus Grass! However, this Volcano Sect seems not so simple!"
"The Volcano Sect has always been ruthless, and it is filled with countless experts. If we are still so reckless, I fear we will all perish here!" Long Yi said frankly, "Therefore, we need to come up with a plan."
"I know that, of course!" Lu Fan nodded slightly. "I will infiltrate the Volcano Sect tonight to scout it out. If I can obtain the Fire Lotus Grass, that would be best!"
"The Fire Lotus Grass is different from the Snow Lotus Grass. The Snow Mountain Sect has at least ten or more Snow Lotus Grass. Although it is a treasure of the sect, it is not a singular item," Long Yi said frankly. "The Fire Lotus Grass is different; it is a true treasure of the sect. If we were to snatch it rashly, it would likely cause a great uproar."
"That is also what worries me!" Lu Fan nodded. "There is only one Fire Lotus Grass. What if I can't get it?"
"So, we must succeed this time!" Long Yi's expression was solemn. "When we reach the Volcano Sect, we will make further plans!"
Lu Fan nodded slightly. Just then, they both raised their heads and looked into the distance. "The Snow Mountain Sect thinks too highly of you! With just the two of you, you think you can track us?"
As soon as the words fell, Long Yi also looked over. Sure enough, he spotted two hidden presences. The two elders trembled. They had hidden themselves well, but they never expected to be discovered by Lu Fan, and they were utterly helpless.
"Cough, cough..." The Third Elder stepped forward. "I truly didn't expect you to have such perceptive abilities!"
"It's just a Snow Lotus Grass, and you're still so incessant!" Lu Fan said coldly. "Do you really think I wouldn't dare to act against you!"
"Although it is just a Snow Lotus Grass, it is also a supreme treasure for the Snow Mountain Sect," the Fourth Elder said coldly. "You speak of it so lightly. To tell you the truth, the Snow Mountain Sect will never let this matter rest!"
"Since that's the case, I'd like to see what methods the Snow Mountain Sect possesses!" Lu Fan's imposing aura grew, and he prepared to strike. The two elders before him, speaking so defiantly, annoyed Lu Fan greatly. As long as Lu Fan wished, he could take their lives at any moment; Lu Fan had no doubt about this.
Seeing that Lu Fan was about to make a move, the Third Elder quickly said, "We didn't mean it that way. Regardless, you obtaining the Snow Lotus Grass has dealt a heavy blow to the Snow Mountain Sect. It is perfectly normal for us to come and track you. If you truly kill us, wouldn't that be repaid kindness with enmity?"
"That's right. No matter what, the Snow Spirit Grass in your hand belongs to our Snow Mountain Sect!" the Fourth Elder added. "If you act rashly, it might not be appropriate."
"Since you fear death, you shouldn't have followed!" Long Yi said coldly. "We already said this at the Snow Mountain Sect!"
"I will warn you one last time. If you dare to follow us again, be careful that your lives are not spared!" After Lu Fan finished speaking, he took Long Yi and left, a murderous aura on his face. He had indeed obtained the Snow Mountain Sect's Snow Lotus, but if he was followed, he could not proceed smoothly. Lu Fan would not let anyone disrupt his plans, especially when this matter threatened Lin Ke's life, and he would not allow anyone to ruin it.
Seeing Lu Fan and the other leave, the Third Elder finally breathed a sigh of relief. If he had said the wrong thing earlier, he might have died a tragic death. He knew this all too well.
"What now?" the Fourth Elder frowned. "Our whereabouts have been exposed. If we continue to follow, I fear for our lives!"
"We can only go back now!" The Third Elder gave a bitter smile. "Our strength is insufficient; otherwise, why would we be so easily exposed!" The Fourth Elder showed helplessness, and he naturally understood this point.
Not long after, in a certain secret place in Long Country, Lu Fan and Long Yi gazed into the distance, their expressions slightly solemn.
"The Volcano Sect is ahead, but there is a terrifying aura!" Long Yi exclaimed. "This operation will likely be quite dangerous!"
"It's alright. When night falls, I will infiltrate alone, and you will provide support outside!" Lu Fan said solemnly. "As long as we are careful, there will be no problem!"
"How can that be allowed!" Long Yi shook his head. "If you go in alone, what happens if something goes wrong? I will go with you!"
Long Yi knew very well that Lu Fan's decision was to prevent him from taking risks. However, Lin Ke had been poisoned because of her, so how could she stand by and do nothing?
"If there are really experts, even having you join me won't make a difference!" Lu Fan said with a light smile. "If I am captured by them, you go to Jiulong Mountain and ask the old man to save me!"
"But!" Long Yi's brows furrowed; he did not want Lu Fan to venture alone.
"You must understand, if the two of us are trapped, we will truly have no chance!" Lu Fan's expression was solemn.
"Alright, since you have decided, I won't say much more!" Long Yi nodded. "But you must be careful. If there is any situation, fire the signal flare!"
Looking at the signal flare in Long Yi's hand, Lu Fan took it and then smiled. "Don't worry, they might not be able to catch me!"
Long Yi nodded slightly, but his heart was still filled with worry. He knew very well that Lu Fan entering the Volcano Sect this time was like entering a tiger's den, and obtaining the Volcano Lotus would not be that easy.