"Indeed, this is the Grand Elder of the Dragon Country!"
The Third Elder spoke, "We were quite worried when you went to the Azure Vault alone this time, which is why we awakened the Grand Elder!"
The other elders also nodded slightly. If Lu Fan had not been trapped, the Grand Elder would likely still be in seclusion.
However, with Lu Fan's safe return, they could finally rest assured. Sultan Novels Network
"Grand Elder, the various masters are ready. Shall we proceed to the Azure Vault?" the Fourth Elder inquired.
To rescue Lu Fan, the Dragon Country had mobilized many of its hidden strengths. If Lu Fan had not returned, the masters of the Dragon Country would have undoubtedly marched towards the Azure Vault.
"Youngster Lu has returned safely. If we were to mobilize now, it would be disadvantageous to the Dragon Country!"
The Grand Elder's expression was grave, and he looked towards Lu Fan, "Youngster Lu, what are your thoughts?"
"Just as the Grand Elder said, the Dragon Country's strength is still too weak. Dealing with the Azure Vault Country will not be that easy!"
Lu Fan shook his head, "Moreover, the Azure Vault Country harbors sinister ambitions and will certainly not sit idly by. I expect they will make another move not long from now!"
The elders instantly fell silent. In terms of national strength alone, the Dragon Country still had a gap to bridge with the Azure Vault Country.
Even with the Grand Elder emerging from seclusion, it would likely be difficult to resolve this issue.
They were well aware that the Azure Vault Country was teeming with masters, and there were many War Emperor realm powerhouses. If a full-scale war were to break out, relying on the Dragon Country's might would still be too weak.
"Rest and recuperate, and improve the Dragon Country's masters. This is the only way!"
The Grand Elder stated, "I wonder how many Emperor realm experts there are within the Azure Vault."
"At least over a dozen!"
Lu Fan stated directly, "In the Azure Vault capital, I was pursued by these individuals. Each of them was an Emperor realm expert. Although I managed to kill two, it is enough to show the Azure Vault Country's strength!"
"Over a dozen War Emperor realm powerhouses?"
The Seventh Elder's expression shifted. Among the many elders of the Dragon Country, only three elders had broken through to the War Emperor realm. If what Lu Fan said was true, it was truly terrifying.
With the Dragon Country's current foundation, wouldn't it be like throwing an egg against a rock to deal with the Azure Vault Country?
"Although the Azure Vault Country has many masters, as long as the people of the Dragon Country unite as one, they will surely overcome everything!"
Lu Fan spoke, his eyes filled with determination.
Not long after, those who had come to see Lu Fan gradually departed. The Grand Elder, however, went to the garden.
"Grand Elder, you are here. Is there something you need?"
Long Yi glanced over, her expression becoming even more indifferent.
"If my guess is correct, Miss Long is no ordinary person!"
The Grand Elder stated directly, "Or, to be more precise, are you from an ancient sect?"
"Since the Grand Elder knows, why ask?"
Long Yi smiled faintly, "Whether I am from an ancient sect or not, it seems unimportant!"
"According to ancient records, the rules of ancient sects are strict, and they would never easily allow disciples to appear in the mortal world!"
The Grand Elder stated directly, "As a person from an ancient sect, you not only helped the Dragon Country but have also been here all along. May I ask why?"
"I'm afraid you've misunderstood!"
Long Yi shrugged her shoulders, "To be frank, I didn't save him for the Dragon Country, but because Xiao Ke asked me to!"
"Then why are you approaching Youngster Lu?" the Grand Elder inquired again.
His heart was filled with worry. People from ancient sects would not act rashly unless they were carrying out a mission.
Long Yi's appearance naturally filled him with questions, and even worry.
He was well aware that in this world, there were still many unknown powerhouses, and these were people from ancient sects. If they were provoked, let alone the Dragon Country, even the Azure Vault Country would likely not be able to withstand them.
"Grand Elder, you are asking too many questions!"
Long Yi shrugged her shoulders, "If it weren't for my friendship with Lu Fan, I wouldn't bother talking so much nonsense with you!"
The Grand Elder trembled slightly and then said awkwardly, "It was my impoliteness!"
Long Yi no longer paid attention, her expression becoming even more indifferent as she continued to play with the flowers in her hand.
After the Grand Elder and the others left, Lu Fan came into the courtyard, "I really owe you this time. Otherwise, I might not have made it back!"
"No need to thank me!"
Long Yi shrugged her shoulders, "If you want to thank someone, thank Xiao Ke! If he hadn't asked me, I wouldn't have gone to the Azure Vault!"
"Regardless, I must thank you!"
Lu Fan smiled, "The Azure Vault Country also suffered considerable losses this time. I expect that before long, the two countries will have a real battle!"
"That is indeed true!"
Long Yi nodded, "But have you noticed if anything is missing from you?"
Lu Fan paused and looked towards Long Yi, "Did you take my Starfall Stone?"
"You're only realizing it now!"
Long Yi shrugged her shoulders and tossed the Starfall Stone to Lu Fan, "I've taken a look. This Starfall Stone is indeed an ancient artifact, and it's by no means ordinary!"
'You know quite a lot!'
Lu Fan raised an eyebrow, "I thought you took the Starfall Stone to report back!"
"Report back?"
Long Yi gave a wry smile, "It's been a long time since I've contacted the Azure Dragon Academy. I expect that before long, experts from the Azure Dragon Academy will emerge!"
"To deal with you?" Lu Fan's brow furrowed.
"To deal with me is also to deal with you!" Long Yi stated directly, "You might not know how much the Azure Dragon Academy values this Starfall Stone!"
Lu Fan immediately fell into thought. For so many forces to covet it, the Starfall Stone was indeed extraordinary. It was just that Lu Fan couldn't understand what kind of power the Starfall Stone possessed that made the Azure Dragon Academy so concerned.
After a few days of recuperation, Lu Fan's injuries were completely healed, and he felt much more energetic.
"Lord Lu, the Headquarters Elder requests your presence!"
A member of the Dragon Group arrived, their expression solemn.
Lu Fan was not surprised and followed directly. Now that his injuries were healed, the elders would surely ask Lu Fan to visit. Lu Fan did not mind this.
Within the Dragon Country's headquarters, several elders stood, their eyes filled with solemnity.
Upon seeing Lu Fan arrive, their furrowed brows relaxed slightly.
"The elders asked me to come, surely not just to see your expressions, right?"
Lu Fan shrugged his shoulders, "Are you perhaps wanting to inquire about the specific situation of the Azure Vault Country!"
"You guessed it, why ask?"
The Seventh Elder gave him a sideways glance and said, "The Azure Vault Country is teeming with masters. If they make a move next time, they will certainly not hold back!"
"Naturally!"
Lu Fan nodded, "The Azure Vault Country has been holding back in their previous moves, which is why the Dragon Country had an opportunity. Now that they know the Dragon Country is not weak, they will undoubtedly send more experts!"
With these words, the elders' expressions became even more solemn. What Lu Fan said was not baseless, and they were all too clear about this.
"Youngster Lu, what are your thoughts?" the Third Elder asked, "And how do you plan to respond?"
"Ahem, I'm not quite sure of the specific plans!" Lu Fan said with a wry smile, "But the overall strength of the Dragon Country is indeed a bit weak!"