After their injuries healed, Lu Fan and the others returned to Longdu, still shaken by the day's events. A single misstep could have led to the annihilation of their entire sect.
"It is the festive season now, elders. You may all return," Lu Fan said. "We must maintain vigilance across all regions of the dynasty. The ancient sects are watching, and we cannot afford instability in the Long Dynasty!"
"Rest assured, Your Majesty. We will be on high alert!" the elders replied. Regardless, they were all Battle Emperor level experts. As long as they didn't face masters from the Ghost Hall, they were confident in their ability to handle any situation.
Lu Fan returned to Jiangjing Longting, appearing quite weary. This battle had given him a clearer understanding of the Ghost Hall. Their members were all nefarious individuals, and any carelessness could cost one their life.
At that moment, Lin Ke turned to Lu Fan, "The New Year is fast approaching. Should we make preparations?"
"Indeed, we should," Lu Fan replied softly. "I'll accompany you to Jiangbei. It's a good opportunity to visit your father."
"That's not what I meant!" Lin Ke said, a little embarrassed. "Grandmother and the others couldn't attend our wedding last time. This year, for the New Year, let's go to Chuzhou! We can celebrate with them."
"This..." Lu Fan hesitated. "Won't you visit your father?"
"My father isn't on his deathbed. Besides, I visited Jiangbei not too long ago. This New Year, we're going to Chuzhou!" Lin Ke stated firmly. "I've already prepared gifts. It would be a waste if we don't go!"
"You are quite thoughtful!" Lu Fan nodded slightly. Since Lin Ke had made up her mind, he wouldn't refuse.
"While the New Year is festive, if you all leave, I'll be alone in Jiangjing Longting. It will be quite boring!" Long Yi shook his head. "Am I really going to spend this New Year by myself?"
"I think what you're saying implies you want to come with us!" Lu Fan chuckled. "In that case, let's go together. You don't have anything else to do anyway!"
"That might not be appropriate," Long Yi said with an awkward smile. "I was just speaking casually. Please don't take it seriously."
"Even if you said it casually, we're taking it seriously!" Lu Fan shrugged. "So, no matter what, we can't leave you alone at home during the New Year. Come with us!"
Seeing Lu Fan's sincerity, Long Yi nodded slightly. "In that case, let's go together! I'd like to see Chuzhou too!"
The next morning, Lu Fan and the others prepared their luggage and set off for Chuzhou. This year's Spring Festival was particularly lively. The establishment of the Long Dynasty had brought greater happiness to the populace, making the arrival of the festival even more vibrant.
Meanwhile, in a courtyard in Chuzhou, lanterns and decorations were already hung. In the center of the courtyard stood a statue, which was none other than Lu Fan.
"I wonder if Xiao Fan will come this year," Yang Zixin said. "It would be so lively if he did!"
"He's a very busy man now, and his status is extraordinary. Why would he come to Chuzhou?" Yang Shiyun remarked. "Moreover, the Long Dynasty has just been established, and Xiao Fan has many responsibilities."
"I was just saying that. Shiyun-jie, you seem to care so much. Could it be that you're also looking forward to it?" Yang Zixin asked with a serious expression.
"Of course, I hope he comes. We haven't seen each other in so long, and I don't know how he's doing. If he comes, it would bring great honor to our Yang family," Yang Shiyun stated frankly.
"Our Yang family is already shining brightly in Chuzhou, and it's all thanks to Xiao Fan. Without him, we might not be living so happily in Chuzhou," Yang Zixin said.
"You're both right. Without Xiao Fan, the company would never have been this successful," Yang Shihai chimed in. "The Yang family wouldn't have this status either. Now, the Yang family has returned to its peak, and no one dares to provoke us, because behind us stands a powerful figure!"
"Who is the powerful figure Second Uncle is referring to?"
As they were talking, Lu Fan entered the courtyard with a smile, his expression calm.
"Xiao Fan!" Yang Shiwen exclaimed. "How did you get here? And you didn't even notify us! I thought you wouldn't be coming!"
"If I had notified you, where would the surprise be!" Lu Fan said with a smile. "I didn't realize my two sisters were looking forward to it so much. If I had known, I would have come to see you days ago."
"You're becoming quite glib with your words, you brat!" Yang Shiyun playfully glared at him. "But you're still the same, unchanged. It's just that your status has reached an extraordinary level now, far beyond our reach!"
"At home, I'm younger than all of you, a junior. There are no distinctions in rank!" Lu Fan smiled. "Lin Ke has prepared many gifts for you all for the New Year!"
Lin Ke stepped forward slightly, carrying several large bags. The gifts looked quite thoughtfully chosen.
"And who is this?" Yang Shiwen asked, looking at Long Yi.
"Uncle, I am a friend of Xiao Fan!" Long Yi replied with a faint smile, his expression remaining indifferent.
Although Yang Shiwen was an ordinary person, he was Lu Fan's uncle, and Long Yi dared not treat him with disrespect.
"Oh, you're Xiao Fan's friend. Please, come in and sit!" Yang Shiwen said warmly.
Long Yi was momentarily unsure of how to respond.
"Anyone who can be friends with Xiao Fan must be an extraordinary person!" Yang Zixin remarked. "I'll go prepare some tea. Please wait a moment!"
"I've been standing here all day, and Zixin-jie hasn't even poured me a cup of tea," Lu Fan said with a playful glare. "You're quite enthusiastic towards him!"
"He's a guest, and you're different!" Yang Zixin smiled. "If you want water, go get it yourself!"
Lu Fan gave her a helpless look.
Entering the main hall, Granny Yang was already waiting impatiently. She hurried out and her face lit up with joy upon seeing Lu Fan. "Xiao Fan, you've finally arrived! Grandmother has been thinking of you!"
"I'll spend this Spring Festival with you, Grandmother!" Lu Fan said with a light smile. "Have you been well here in Chuzhou these past few days?"
"Naturally, I've been very well!" Granny Yang nodded quickly. "But I heard you've been quite tired!"
"What do you mean tired?" Lu Fan asked, puzzled. "I'm doing very well in Longdu!"
"Don't try to fool your grandmother. You've put in a great deal of effort for the country's affairs!" Granny Yang said earnestly. "No matter where I go now, people treat me with great respect. This is all your glory!"
"Cough, cough..." Lu Fan coughed a few times, his face instantly showing a hint of embarrassment.