Within the Jiang family's estate, Lu Fan sat casually, munching on melon seeds and gazing at the stars with an indifferent expression.
Jiang Meili, on the other hand, was filled with worry. This matter was originally a Jiang family affair, but it had now entangled Lu Fan and Lin Ke, causing her considerable unease. She deeply regretted bringing Lu Fan and Lin Ke to the North Sea, having initially intended for them to enjoy some sightseeing. Now, it seemed unlikely they would get the chance.
"Meili, you don't need to worry too much!" Lin Ke comforted her. "There will surely be other ways. Things aren't as bad as you think!"
"I hope so!" Jiang Meili nodded slightly. She didn't know Lu Fan well and was unsure of his true strength. Currently, the entire Jiang family could only rely on Lu Fan. If they were to oppose the Shen family, the Jiang family was utterly incapable of doing so.
"They've arrived!" Lu Fan announced. The members of the Jiang family immediately tensed, though they couldn't sense any presence.
"Ten miles out!" Lu Fan added. "You don't need to worry too much. Since I've decided to intervene, I will give the Jiang family an explanation!"
"Mr. Lu, the Jiang family is eternally grateful for your kindness!" The Jiang family head clasped his hands. "We implore Mr. Lu to promise that if you find yourself unable to win, you will retreat safely, and our Jiang family will do our utmost to cover your escape!"
"It seems you still don't believe me!" Lu Fan chuckled wryly. "But it doesn't matter, they'll be here any moment!"
The Jiang family members wore solemn expressions. Lu Fan's nonchalance suggested he might not grasp the gravity of the situation. Shen Lao San was merely the weakest Grandmaster of the Shen family; if the Shen family head himself were to act, a significant upheaval would ensue.
Throughout the North Sea, many gazes were fixed upon the Jiang family, tinged with apprehension. They were well aware that this night would be sleepless. The Shen family had dispatched numerous experts, advancing towards the Jiang family, leaving no room for the Jiang family to survive.
Before long, the Shen family's numerous experts had the Jiang family estate completely surrounded. Leading them was the Shen family head, with Shen Lao San standing beside him, glaring fiercely at Lu Fan. Since becoming a Grandmaster, he had never been so humiliated, and he would not let this insult pass unavenged.
"The Jiang family truly has great audacity, daring to lay hands on my Shen family!" the Shen family head declared coldly. "A mere Jiang family can be wiped out with a wave of my hand!"
The Jiang family head's face turned ashen. The Jiang family held a respectable position in the North Sea, and being so openly scorned, how could he not feel indignant?
"Leave some room for maneuver when you act, and you'll have friends to meet later. The Shen family doesn't need to be so ruthless!"
Lu Fan narrowed his eyes and looked at Shen Lao San. "I let you leave earlier because I hoped the Shen family and the Jiang family could reconcile. Now, it seems that's impossible!"
"What a joke! What kind of figures are we, the Shen family? To deal with the Jiang family is merely a matter of blowing dust!" Shen Lao San sneered. "What right do you have to utter such grand pronouncements?"
The Shen family head also turned his gaze to Lu Fan. "I truly didn't expect someone so young to possess such courage, to dare to cross the Shen family!"
"The Shen family?" Lu Fan shrugged. "They are nothing in my eyes. I warned Shen Lao San earlier, and now I remind every member of your Shen family: if you leave now, there might still be time!"
The Shen family head immediately let out a cold laugh and looked at Lu Fan. "This is within the territory of the North Sea. For you to speak such words, isn't that laughable!"
"It seems my words are not effective!" Lu Fan shrugged. "It seems we'll have to settle this with fists!"
"Your tone is quite bold!" Shen Lao San sneered. "Do you truly believe my elder brother is as easily dealt with as I am?"
"Too much nonsense!"
Lu Fan stomped his foot forcefully, and a powerful shockwave instantly rippled outwards, surging towards the Shen family's numerous experts. The Shen family members were greatly alarmed and scrambled to evade. Even the Shen family head's face turned ashen. Lu Fan's casual move was enough to shock him, even making him question Lu Fan's true identity. In an instant, the Shen family's many experts were sent reeling, blood trickling from their lips, their faces pale, instantly losing their combat effectiveness. Only the three Grandmasters of the Shen family managed to barely withstand the residual force.
The Jiang family members rejoiced. Lu Fan, with just a single move, had rendered the Shen family's numerous experts unable to cope. Such formidable power was truly astonishing.
"What kind of divine figure is this! To possess such presence at such a young age!" Outside the Jiang family courtyard, many observing martial arts experts commented, showing great interest in Lu Fan.
Even the Shen family head began to treat Lu Fan with seriousness, clasping his hands towards him. "Young brother, your strength is formidable. I am quite impressed by your skill just now. Today's matter concerns the Shen family and the Jiang family. I hope young brother will not interfere!"
"I am going to get involved in this matter!" Lu Fan shrugged. "Your Shen family, with merely three Grandmasters, acts so overbearingly. Isn't that somewhat unreasonable?"
"Elder brother, this person is likely not simple!" Shen Lao Er, the second son of the Shen family, spoke up. "If we act rashly, it will surely lead to unforeseen disaster!"
"The Shen family has mobilized its entire force today. If we cannot subdue the Jiang family head, how can we maintain our standing in the North Sea in the future!" the Shen family head said with a dark expression.
"You speak the truth!" Shen Lao San stated gravely. "My dignified Shen family Grandmaster has been bullied. How can we let this go unpunished? He must pay the price!"
Shen Lao Er's expression shifted, unsure how to respond. Although their Shen family had three Grandmasters, based on Lu Fan's previous actions, it was evident that Lu Fan did not fear Grandmasters. As for how strong Lu Fan truly was, they had no idea.
"Young brother, you may not be aware, but my Shen family is not just the Shen family!" the Shen family head narrowed his eyes. "You must understand, this is the North Sea territory. Besides the Shen family and the Jiang family, there are even more terrifying existences!"
The Jiang family members trembled violently, as if recalling something, and a sense of dread arose within them. Lu Fan, however, appeared bewildered, having not understood a word. "Why so much nonsense? The Shen family has come today, likely prepared. Why bother with threats!"
The Shen family head's brow furrowed slightly. "The Dragon Country has three great hidden sects, and one of them is the North Sea Pavilion. Does young brother not know?"
"Three great hidden sects?" Lu Fan frowned. He had not expected the insignificant Shen family to be entangled with the three great sects.
Seeing Lu Fan's expression change, the Shen family head's interest was piqued. "To be frank, the Shen family has a close relationship with the North Sea Pavilion and will become an affiliated force of the North Sea Pavilion in the future. Young brother, if you act against the Shen family today, you will be drawing trouble upon yourself!"
"Mr. Lu, what they say is true!" The Jiang family head said gravely. "This matter is indeed a Jiang family affair. The Jiang family is deeply grateful for Mr. Lu's assistance! We implore Mr. Lu to leave first, and our Jiang family will resolve this matter ourselves!"
The Shen family head let out a cold laugh. Without Lu Fan, the Jiang family was nothing to fear. In the North Sea region, no one dared to defy their Shen family, not even a strong individual like Lu Fan, because they had more powerful entities behind them.