"How is this possible? He hasn't even reached the seventh stage of Battle Emperor, yet he possesses such strength!" Hei Yu was shocked, but he couldn't afford to dwell on it. He leaped up abruptly, simultaneously circulating his internal energy. He knew very well that if he couldn't withstand this powerful attack, his life would be in grave danger.
Boom...
A colossal sound reverberated outside the ancient well, and the entire North Sea was obscured by light, appearing like the end of days. At this very moment, Hei Yu was sent flying violently, like a kite with a broken string, crashing hard against the stone wall. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, and his arm was rendered immobile. His entire being turned deathly pale.
The other members of the Ghost Hall were also sent flying, appearing so fragile under the immense aura that they seemed utterly insignificant.
"This..." Crab stood to the side, his heart filled with immense shock. The other villagers of North Sea Village also cried out in surprise. While they knew that the ancient relics would be extraordinary, they hadn't anticipated them unleashing such power. This was merely the combination of three swords; if all five were unleashed, the very sun and moon of the heavens would likely be shattered.
"My goodness, is this the might of divine swords?" Da Yu exclaimed in awe. "It's truly enviable. If I could obtain this divine sword, I would die without regret!"
"What are you talking about!" The old village chief glared. "This is an artifact of the ancient clans. We, the people of North Sea Village, must not covet it, or we shall face severe punishment!"
"I was just speaking casually; please don't take it to heart, Old Village Chief." Da Yu quickly offered a conciliatory smile.
At this moment, Hei Yu slowly regained consciousness, propping himself up despite his severe injuries. He looked at Lu Fan and said, "I never imagined you would possess such power. It seems I underestimated you!"
"The Ghost Hall will be annihilated one day!" Lu Fan stated coldly. "I will also avenge the destruction of my entire clan."
"With just you?" Hei Yu sneered. "While I may not be your match, the Ghost Hall is teeming with true powerhouses. You will then understand what helplessness truly means!"
After speaking, Hei Yu transformed into a streak of light and sped towards the outskirts of the North Sea, not daring to linger. He was well aware that if he didn't leave soon, his life would be in peril. His earlier battle was enough for him to understand everything.
"We can't let them escape!" Long Yi exclaimed, drawing his sword to pursue, but Lu Fan stopped him. "Let it be. Since they've left, it's fine!"
"But we finally managed to injure him, and now we're just letting him go!" Lin Ke frowned, feeling somewhat unwilling.
"Although he is severely injured, he is still a ninth-stage Battle Emperor. In a one-on-one fight, we might not be his match."
"You speak the truth!" Ye Shisan nodded. "Now that we have obtained the Dragon's Roar Sword, it is already a great fortune."
"By the way, since the five swords can merge, why didn't you make a move earlier?" Long Yi looked at Ye Shisan. "Don't you have a sword with you?"
"When have you ever seen me carry a sword?" Ye Shisan waved his hand. "To be honest, the divine swords of the Ye clan have always been in safekeeping and have not yet been revealed!"
"I see!" Long Yi nodded slightly. "I misunderstood you. But now that the Ghost Hall is acting so recklessly, why hasn't the Ye clan's sword been brought forth?"
"The Ye clan's sword is naturally meant for a grand entrance!" Ye Shisan smiled. "When all five swords are gathered, they will possess immense power."
"You have quite a perfect plan!" Lin Ke rolled her eyes. "But it makes sense. The Ye clan has an abundance of experts, and it's only natural for them to guard the divine swords."
"Everyone, I am very happy that you were able to wait for the divine swords," the old village chief said. "I am now in my twilight years and was severely injured today. I likely won't live much longer. I have a humble request."
"Please speak freely, Old Village Chief. As long as we can fulfill it, we will not disappoint you!" Lu Fan quickly replied.
"Now that North Sea Village has offended the Ghost Hall, it will likely face many hardships in the future. I don't have many years left to live, and I only ask that when North Sea Village is in trouble, you all lend your assistance!" the old village chief said with a solemn expression.
"North Sea Village offending the Ghost Hall is also because of our five great ancient clans. We will certainly keep this matter in mind!" Ye Shisan stated. "Village Chief, there's no need to worry so much."
"Indeed, if it weren't for the people of North Sea Village being able to stop the Ghost Hall members, we wouldn't have been so successful," Lu Fan said solemnly. "If North Sea Village faces trouble in the future, how could we stand by and do nothing?"
"With your words, this old man is at ease!" The old village chief nodded slightly, his expression becoming even more serious. He knew very well that the Ghost Hall would not let this matter rest.
Upon returning to North Sea Village, after having dinner, Lu Fan and the others went to the old village chief's room. The old village chief lay on the bed, appearing somewhat weak. Lu Fan had brought some elixirs and began to administer acupuncture to the old village chief.
"Don't trouble yourself too much. I am already at this age, and I likely won't live much longer," the old village chief waved his hand. "However, to see you all grow, my life has been without regret."
"Village Chief, please don't say that. What will happen to the people of North Sea Village if something happens to you?" Long Yi said with a smile. "Therefore, you absolutely cannot have any accidents. Moreover, after we eliminate the Ghost Hall, we will invite you to celebrate together!"
"You're right, you're right!" The old village chief smiled, appearing quite benevolent.
Leaving the old village chief's room, Lu Fan and the others went to the large tree at the entrance of North Sea Village. Sitting on the tree, they gazed at the starry sky, their eyes filled with anticipation.
"The air in North Sea Village is so good!" Lin Ke smiled. "After this matter is resolved, why don't we settle down in North Sea Village?"
"Okay!" Lu Fan chuckled. "As long as you like it!"
Holding Lin Ke in his arms, Lu Fan smiled with satisfaction.
"Ahem... what are you two doing?" Long Yi glanced at them. "Are you considering the people around you? Showing so much affection, isn't that inappropriate?"
"Exactly!" Ye Shisan nodded. "I, the young master of the Ye family, am also being subjected to this display of affection."
"You two just love to make sarcastic remarks!" Lin Ke rolled her eyes. "But I think you two have quite compatible personalities. Why don't you two give it a try?"
"Us?" Long Yi's expression changed dramatically, and he looked somewhat embarrassed. Although he was handsome and had been the senior disciple of Cang Long Academy, he had never been in a relationship. Now, being brought up like this by Lin Ke, he felt quite awkward.
"I'm too sleepy tonight; I'm going to bed now!" Long Yi said, turning and leaving, appearing somewhat hurried.
"I think he's just shy!" Lu Fan shrugged. "I've never seen him like this before."