"The Fire Lotus Herb is a treasure of the Volcanic Sect; naturally, we will not mistreat the Volcanic Sect!" Xiao Jiu stated directly.
"Although the Fire Lotus Herb is a treasure, it is of no use to the Volcanic Sect. Please, esteemed guest, take it!"
The Ancestor of Volcanic Sect hurriedly said, appearing respectful, his attitude having completely changed.
The elders of the Volcanic Sect were confused. They could not fathom why Elder Volcanic would be so generous as to directly offer the Fire Lotus Herb. This would have been absolutely impossible in the past.
"Since Senior says so, then I shall respectfully accept!" Lu Fan cupped his fists, feeling a surge of joy.
"Third Elder, quickly prepare some food and drinks!"
The Ancestor of Volcanic Sect said solemnly, "We must not neglect our esteemed guests."
"This..."
The Third Elder looked bewildered, somewhat at a loss.
"What? Is my word no longer effective?" The Ancestor of Volcanic Sect's expression turned cold.
"I will attend to it at once!" The Third Elder quickly cupped his fists, thoroughly startled. The Ancestor had never acted this way before.
"It is already quite a feat to be gifted the Fire Lotus Herb, there is no need for a grand feast!" Xiao Jiu spoke up.
"You are all esteemed guests of the Volcanic Sect, naturally, you must eat before you leave!"
The Ancestor said repeatedly, "After you return to Nine Dragon Mountain, I hope you can convey my regards!"
"That is a certainty!" Xiao Jiu nodded slightly.
Lu Fan was bewildered. He had not expected the old man to possess such deterrence; merely by stating their affiliation, they could inspire apprehension.
Meanwhile, on the other side, the elders of the Volcanic Sect conversed, their expressions shifting.
"What has gotten into the Ancestor? Not only gifting the Fire Lotus Herb, but also hosting them!"
"Who can say? Such a thing has never happened in the Volcanic Sect before!"
"Everyone, be careful. It will be troublesome if they overhear. Even the Ancestor dares not provoke them, and we certainly cannot afford to!"
At this moment, in the main hall, the Ancestor had people serving tea and water, attending to them with great care, not daring to show any slightest neglect.
In earlier years, Nine Dragon Mountain had already been renowned in ancient times. The Ancestor was well aware of this, which was why he was so courteous.
The Volcanic Lotus was the treasure of the Volcanic Sect, and the Ancestor's willingness to part with it was enough to show the status of Nine Dragon Mountain in his heart.
"Ancestor of Volcanic Sect, the Volcanic Lotus is an unparalleled treasure. You must be reluctant to part with it now that it has fallen into our hands!" Xiao Jiu said, "However, lives are at stake, and we had no choice but to resort to this measure!"
"I dare not, I dare not!"
The Ancestor hurriedly plastered on a smile, "Although the Fire Lotus Herb is a treasure, it is useless to us here in the Volcanic Sect. Please, take it!"
Long Yi was perplexed and utterly confused. He knew the Volcanic Lotus best, and the Ancestor's actions made him even more puzzled.
"While the Volcanic Lotus is a treasure, this pill from my master is also an invaluable item!"
Xiao Jiu produced a pill and looked at the Ancestor of Volcanic Sect, "I hope the Ancestor will accept it!"
"How can I dare!"
The Ancestor of Volcanic Sect suddenly stood up, his expression tense. He knew very well that the pills from Nine Dragon Mountain were no ordinary items.
They could even be considered priceless, and how could he dare to accept them.
"If the Ancestor of Volcanic Sect refuses to accept it, are you still upset!"
Xiao Jiu chuckled lightly, "How many experts would desire the pills refined by my master!"
"Naturally not!"
The Ancestor of Volcanic Sect repeatedly said, "I have long heard that the pills of the Volcanic Sect possess heavenly abilities. I am merely afraid it would be improper!"
"Since it is a gift from Senior Sister, what could be improper!"
Lu Fan said softly, "Please accept it, Ancestor of Volcanic Sect. This will put my mind at ease!"
"Then thank you!"
The Ancestor of Volcanic Sect quickly expressed his gratitude, a look of joy surging within him. He knew the significance of this pill very well.
After accepting the pill, everyone moved to the wine table. The Ancestor of Volcanic Sect brought out a jar of fine wine, "This wine has been aged for a hundred years; it should taste excellent. You are all esteemed guests, so today we shall open this wine!"
"Having obtained the Volcanic Lotus and now being presented with fine wine, aren't we taking great advantage!"
Lu Fan chuckled, "Why must the Ancestor of Volcanic Sect be so polite."
"This is all as it should be. You are all esteemed guests, and naturally, we must entertain you with fine wine!"
The Ancestor of Volcanic Sect said earnestly, afraid of any lapse in hospitality, his words carrying sincerity.
"Since the Ancestor of Volcanic Sect is so enthusiastic, we shall respectfully accept!" Xiao Jiu chuckled.
The Ancestor of Volcanic Sect nodded slightly, then poured wine for everyone.
After drinking, Lu Fan was slightly surprised. This wine was indeed extraordinary, far superior to the Osmanthus wine he had tasted before.
"I truly never imagined the Ancestor of Volcanic Sect possessed such fine wine!"
Lu Fan exclaimed, "I thought ancient sects were merely powerful in terms of strength, but now it seems they have other specialties as well!"
"Thank you for your praise!"
The Ancestor of Volcanic Sect smiled, "No wonder I felt your strength was extraordinary during our exchange today, young friend. To think you are a distinguished disciple of Nine Dragon Mountain!"
"I dare not accept such praise!"
Lu Fan waved his hand, "However, I am curious, what sort of prestige does Nine Dragon Mountain possess that makes the Ancestor so apprehensive!"
"This..."
The Ancestor of Volcanic Sect trembled. He had not expected Lu Fan to ask such a question.
"Xiao Fan, are you asking too much!"
Xiao Jiu shot him a glance, "What kind of existence is Nine Dragon Mountain? Don't you know?"
Lu Fan said no more. In truth, Lu Fan did not really know the extent of Nine Dragon Mountain's prestige.
Having spent his years on the mountain, Lu Fan was not privy to the outside world and thus had no way of knowing Nine Dragon Mountain's standing among the ancient sects.
After they had eaten and drunk their fill, Lu Fan and the others left the Volcanic Sect, their pace hurried, not daring to delay.
Watching Lu Fan and the others depart, the people of the Volcanic Sect looked towards the Ancestor, "Ancestor, what is their identity that you would entertain them in such a manner?"
"People the Volcanic Sect cannot afford to offend!"
The Ancestor of Volcanic Sect sighed, "If you see them in the future, you must never offend them, or it will bring about utter ruin!"
The elders were bewildered. The Ancestor was a man of considerable stature, and his words caused them to feel a sense of disbelief.
On the peak of Nine Dragon Mountain, Lu Fan and the others arrived. The old man was basking in the sun, appearing quite indolent.
"Old man, the Snow Lotus and the Fire Lotus have been found!"
Lu Fan stated, "Is there now a way to cure Xiao Ke's condition!"
"You boy have indeed not disappointed me!"
The old man nodded, "The items are all gathered, and there will be no problem saving the person!"
After speaking, the old man went into a room. Inside, Lin Ke lay quietly, like a person in a vegetative state.
"Boil these two items into a medicinal soup and force-feed it to him!" the old man instructed, "Once he consumes it, he will awaken!"
"Thank you, Master!"
Lu Fan nodded solemnly, then took the two medicinal herbs. He truly owed the old man a debt of gratitude once Lin Ke woke up.
After all, no matter what, without the old man, Lin Ke would be in trouble.
"Master, if it weren't for me this time, he would be in a terrible state!"