The constant chatter of voices filled the air as Lu Fan and his companion were forced back, crashing hard onto the ground, blood trickling from their lips.
Before a true Battle Emperor, their strength was still far too weak; within three exchanges, they would have been sent to their deaths.
Lu Fan's mouth bled, but his eyes held a hint of helplessness. Even though he had obtained the snow lotus, it was of no use now. After all, if they couldn't get past the Volcano Sect, everything would be in vain.
"You two possess extraordinary talent. Reaching this realm at such a young age is already quite difficult!" the Ancestor spoke. "It's a pity you are so stubborn, insisting on seizing my Volcano Sect's treasure. Today, I fear I cannot spare you!"
"Saving a life is better than building a seven-story pagoda. Even if the Fire Lotus Herb is a treasure, is it more important than a life?" Long Yi interjected.
"Perhaps in your eyes, that person is very important!" the Ancestor narrowed his eyes. "But in my eyes, they carry no weight! Today, you have trespassed into my Volcano Sect and have now been defeated. You must leave your lives behind, which will serve as an explanation to my Volcano Sect!"
Lu Fan's face darkened, and he looked at Long Yi, "I will find a way to hold him off. You leave this place quickly and don't make any meaningless sacrifices!"
"It's useless. His strength is immense; even the two of us combined cannot shake him in the slightest," Long Yi shook his head, feeling a sense of helplessness. He was perfectly aware of this fact, as after their recent exchange, he had come to accept it.
Lu Fan also managed a wry smile. Did he not know that before a Battle Emperor, he was ultimately too weak? In that very instant, an idea formed in his mind: to become strong, so strong that no one could obstruct him.
Without a second thought, the Ancestor channeled his powerful inner energy into his palm and surged towards Lu Fan, an immense aura preceding him.
The Volcano Sect disciples all dodged. The Ancestor himself had taken action, unleashing extremely fierce techniques that they could not withstand. If there was even a slight misstep, they could perish on the spot; they were well aware of this.
Lu Fan and Long Yi tried their best to resist, but they had already lost their combat strength and possessed no means to withstand such a powerful blow.
A deep sense of despair filled Lu Fan with shame. Not only had he failed to obtain the Fire Lotus Herb, but he had also endangered Long Yi.
However, at that very moment, a figure flickered in the distance, arriving at the Volcano Sect in a flash. The Ancestor's strike was casually dispelled, making it seem effortless.
"You two are really something. I thought you could handle it!" Xiao Jiu shot them a look, seeming slightly displeased.
"Senior Sister Xiao Jiu!" Lu Fan was slightly startled. He hadn't expected Xiao Jiu to save him at such a critical moment.
Long Yi was also somewhat stunned. The technique Xiao Jiu had just displayed, while appearing ordinary, could actually neutralize a Battle Emperor-level expert, which was astonishing.
"Who are you to dare interfere in my Volcano Sect's affairs!" the Ancestor frowned, looking at Xiao Jiu with vigilance. His previous strike was not weak, yet it was easily resolved by Xiao Jiu. With such skill, how could she be an ordinary person?
"As the saying goes, where one can spare, one should spare. Old man, you've lived so long, why bother arguing with youngsters!" Xiao Jiu chuckled. "It's just the Fire Lotus Herb, it's not worth much. Why not let us take it? It'll be a kind gesture on your part!"
Lu Fan slowly stood up, a hint of awkwardness on his face. He hadn't expected Xiao Jiu to be even more shameless than him.
"What a joke! The Fire Lotus Herb is the treasure of our Volcano Sect. How can we easily hand it over to others!" an elder said coldly. "Now that the Ancestor has personally emerged, there is no room for negotiation. Who are you to speak so boastfully here!"
"When the elders speak, it's not your place to be unruly!" Xiao Jiu's expression turned cold. She glared sharply at the elder, her expression carrying clear displeasure. The elder was taken aback and quickly shut his mouth. Xiao Jiu's gaze alone was enough to strike fear into him.
"Little girl, your aura is not weak. I presume you also have a significant background!" the Ancestor smiled. "For your sake, I will not make things difficult for them. As long as you hand over the Fire Lotus Herb, I will let them go."
Lu Fan was unwilling. He had already obtained the Fire Lotus Herb; how could he easily hand it over? Furthermore, this matter was of grave importance. Lin Ke was in mortal danger. If he couldn't bring back both the Fire Lotus Herb and the Snow Lotus Herb, her life would be in peril.
"I say, old man, we must take this Fire Lotus Herb with us!" Xiao Jiu stated. "Though it might seem a bit forceful, this is how the world is; survival of the fittest!"
"Well said, survival of the fittest!" the Ancestor burst into laughter, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. Xiao Jiu's words had clearly provoked him, filling him with displeasure.
"Old man, don't be angry. I'm just stating facts," Xiao Jiu shrugged. "If you don't want to hear it, there's nothing I can do. But one thing you must understand: we must take the Fire Lotus Herb!"
"Very well, very well, very well!" the Ancestor sneered. "Since that's the case, let me see what skills you possess that allow you to speak such wild words!"
Xiao Jiu shrugged, looking quite carefree. She hadn't intended to fight, but it seemed unavoidable now.
"Senior Sister, you must be careful. This old man is not simple!" Lu Fan warned. "Even a slight oversight could be fatal."
"You brat, you're starting to care about me now!" Xiao Jiu waved her hand. "This old geezer can't do anything to me!"
Seeing Xiao Jiu's confidence, Lu Fan didn't say anything more. He remembered that when he was very young, Xiao Jiu had always followed an old man, suggesting her skills were extraordinary. In fact, when they sparred on the mountain, Lu Fan had failed to gain an advantage against Xiao Jiu multiple times. If Xiao Jiu could truly defeat the Volcano Sect Ancestor this time, her strength must be considerable.
Seeing Xiao Jiu's persistence, the Volcano Ancestor said no more, attacking her with powerful inner energy. He dared not be the slightest bit negligent. SuDan Novel Network.
Xiao Jiu, knowing he was a Battle Emperor, still dared to confront him. From this, it could be seen that Xiao Jiu did not fear him.
"Old man, you've lived for so long, have you ever heard of Nine Dragon Mountain?" just as the Ancestor was about to attack, Xiao Jiu suddenly spoke, her words light and airy, causing the Ancestor to halt abruptly. "Nine Dragon Mountain?"
"That's right. My junior disciple and I are from Nine Dragon Mountain!" Xiao Jiu said softly. "If you know of it, you should know what kind of existence Nine Dragon Mountain is!"
"So you are esteemed guests from Nine Dragon Mountain!" the Ancestor's body trembled slightly, and he quickly wore a smile. "We meet by chance through conflict. I was just rash just now; please do not take offense!"
Lu Fan stood frozen, somewhat at a loss. The Volcano Ancestor's change of expression was too rapid, catching him off guard.