"I truly didn't expect these two to possess such terrifying strength. If this continues, even the esteemed elders might find themselves outmatched!"
A disciple spoke, his heart filled with dread. In all his years at the Snow Mountain Sect, he had never witnessed such an aura.
"It's a pity our strength is too weak to offer assistance!"
Another disciple lamented, "Otherwise, we could have helped share the elders' burden."
Many disciples offered wry smiles. With their mediocre abilities, a rash intervention would likely harm their allies before they themselves fell victim to the terrifying combat unfolding. They understood the gravity of such a situation all too well.
In the blink of an eye, Lu Fan had injured four or five elders. The remaining elders, realizing the dire circumstances, unleashed their ultimate techniques and surged towards Lu Fan, their imposing presence filling the air.
Upon seeing the more than ten figures, Lu Fan shot into the sky. A surge of powerful energy erupted, accompanied by a terrifying aura that instilled widespread awe.
Boom...
With a thunderous roar, the elders were sent reeling backward. Despair flickered in their eyes; even with their combined might, they could not reach Lu Fan's level, a fact that filled them with immense regret.
The ten-plus figures stood firm, and the disciples of the Snow Mountain Sect were plunged into despair. These were all elders of the sect, yet they were unable to subdue Lu Fan. This clearly demonstrated Lu Fan's overwhelming strength, a truly terrifying prospect.
"I thought the elders of the Snow Mountain Sect were much more formidable!"
Lu Fan shrugged his shoulders. "It seems they are nothing special!"
At Lu Fan's words, the elders of the Snow Mountain Sect turned ashen-faced, blood trickling from their lips. Their united assault had proven futile against Lu Fan, a humiliation of the highest order.
Regardless of the outcome, they were elders of the Snow Mountain Sect. Failing in this duty would surely invite ridicule.
"Great Elder, the other elders of the Snow Mountain Sect are heavily injured. If you persist in fighting, the outcome will likely be unfavorable!"
Lu Fan narrowed his eyes. "If the Snow Mountain Sect is annihilated overnight, your Sect Master will surely regret it upon his return!"
"What do you intend to do!"
The Great Elder, having just exchanged a palm strike with Long Yi, questioned in a cold tone, "I warn you, if you dare to act recklessly, your death will be certain when the Sect Master returns!"
"Do you think I care about all that?"
Lu Fan sneered. "I want the Snow Lotus. As for anything else, it's not my concern. If the Great Elder still wishes to fight, I wouldn't mind killing a few more elders to test the waters!"
The elders exchanged glances, despair evident in their eyes. They had never imagined Lu Fan would be so aggressive, his words carrying a formidable aura that instilled apprehension.
If Lu Fan were to truly attack, they would be powerless to resist, like lambs awaiting slaughter. Not only them, but the other disciples of the Snow Mountain Sect would also be implicated.
"Great Elder, your strength is comparable to mine. If he joins forces with me, you will likely be defeated before long," Long Yi said with a slight smile. "I have no ulterior motives; I merely hope the Great Elder will think clearly. We do not ask for much; a single Snow Lotus is all we require!"
"You are threatening me!" the Great Elder stated icily. "The Snow Mountain Sect never succumbs to threats!"
"Since the Snow Mountain Sect does not yield to threats, then I shall slaughter everyone in the Snow Mountain Sect!"
Lu Fan's killing intent surged, accompanied by a terrifying aura. He had exhausted all pleasantries; if the Snow Mountain Sect insisted on defiance, Lu Fan would not hesitate to make them suffer.
The faces of the Snow Mountain Sect elders instantly darkened. Lu Fan's gaze carried a murderous intent; if he were to truly act, his aura would be overwhelming, far beyond their ability to resist.
"Great Elder, the safety of the Snow Mountain Sect is at stake!"
The Third Elder, dragging his heavily injured body, spoke, "If we do not agree to his terms, the Snow Mountain Sect may truly face a crisis!"
The Great Elder's expression was grim, his gaze sharp. He had never imagined the Snow Mountain Sect would be reduced to such a state, filling him with a sense of profound unwillingness.
As the Great Elder of the Snow Mountain Sect, he was usually full of spirit and possessed an imposing aura. Yet, at this juncture, he was filled with helplessness.
"Very well! At this point, I have no other recourse!"
The Great Elder spoke, "However, after you obtain the Snow Lotus, I hope you will honor your promise and not harm my disciples. Otherwise, we will fight to the death!"
"My purpose in coming to the Snow Mountain Sect this time is solely for the Snow Lotus, with no other intentions!" Lu Fan clasped his fists. "Great Elder, you need not worry."
"Wait here, and I shall retrieve it!"
The Great Elder said coldly, preparing to lead the other elders away.
"Retrieving the Snow Lotus does not seem to require so many people,"
Long Yi smiled faintly. "It would be better to have a disciple retrieve it, so I can be at ease!"
"Are you implying you do not trust me?" the Great Elder turned back. "As the Great Elder of the Snow Mountain Sect, I conduct myself with integrity. My word is my bond; since I have made a promise, I will not disappoint you!"
"I believe in the Great Elder's character!"
Lu Fan chuckled. "I shall wait here."
The Great Elder said no more and departed with the Snow Mountain Sect members.
Watching their retreating figures, Long Yi frowned. "What if they go back on their word?"
"The entire Snow Mountain Sect is under our control. They should not be foolish!"
Lu Fan narrowed his eyes. "Furthermore, with the Sect Master absent, and given their strength, they would not dare to fight further!"
Long Yi stood by, looking at Lu Fan with newfound admiration. Lu Fan's confidence was truly impressive.
Meanwhile, within the Snow Mountain Sect, the elders exchanged glances, their expressions unfriendly and filled with deep dissatisfaction.
As elders of the Snow Mountain Sect, their current predicament, if it were to spread, would surely tarnish their reputation.
"Great Elder, must we truly hand over the Snow Lotus?"
An elder spoke. "If we do, how will the Snow Mountain Sect maintain its dignity!"
"These two possess heaven-defying strength; they are beyond our ability to contend with!"
"The Great Elder waved his hand. If the Snow Lotus is not handed over, our lives may be forfeit, and the Snow Mountain Sect will be overturned in an instant!" the Great Elder stated earnestly.
At these words, the elders nodded in unison. They understood the Great Elder's reasoning all too well, yet they were powerless.
Lu Fan, though appearing young, possessed immense combat power, a fact that was undeniable. All they could do now was to stall Lu Fan, and when the Sect Master returned, they would certainly seek justice.
After a short while, the Great Elder returned with the Snow Lotus and approached Lu Fan. "Young friend, you must think clearly. By taking this Snow Lotus, you will become an enemy of the Snow Mountain Sect, and the Sect Master will never let you off easily!"
"I have already thought it through!"
Lu Fan shrugged his shoulders. "Thank you for the reminder, Great Elder."