The elders fell silent one after another, their expressions shifting. As the Eighth Elder had said, the current situation was largely due to Dragon Country's indulgence.
However, they were also acutely aware that Dragon Country's weakness stemmed from its limited national strength and scarcity of martial arts experts, which allowed sects to act so presumptuously.
It was naturally disheartening for Dragon Country, a vast and powerful nation, to be constrained by sects. Yet, for centuries, powerful sects had existed within the country, not only failing to aid the nation but also siphoning off its experts, a situation that had long displeased many kingdoms.
But the deeply entrenched power of the sects made their eradication no easy task.
Meanwhile, within Medicine King Valley, the Valley Master sat cross-legged, accompanied by a group of elders, all appearing solemn.
They dared not show any negligence when the Medicine King Valley Master convened a meeting, as he had never been this serious in many years.
After all, Medicine King Valley had remained secluded from worldly affairs for so long, and the Valley Master had never left the deep valley. However, after this excursion, his mood had been volatile since his return.
"First Elder, do you know your crime!" the Medicine King Valley Master said coldly. "Not only did you act rashly, disobeying my orders, but you nearly met your demise and implicated Medicine King Valley!"
"Thank you, Valley Master, for saving me, but I believe I have committed no wrong." The First Elder retorted stubbornly. "The man named Lu exterminated my entire Xia family; how could I let him go!"
"Are you unaware that he is connected to Dragon Country!" the Medicine King Valley Master said coldly. "I have already investigated this matter. Your Xia family members disregarded the law and offended Lord Lu of Jiangnan, thus bringing about their doom!"
"It seems pointless to debate right and wrong now!" the First Elder said with a grim expression. "He annihilated my entire Xia family; I will never let this matter rest!"
"Insolent!" the Medicine King Valley Master roared. "As a powerful figure of Medicine King Valley, you do not even obey my destiny; what use are you!" The Medicine King Valley Master's expression turned icy. "To this day, you still fail to see clearly, insisting on bringing disaster upon yourself!"
The First Elder remained silent, but on this matter, he would not yield an inch and was resolute. Su Dan Novel Network.
The hatred of clan annihilation was irreconcilable; if an opportunity arose in the future, he would make Lu Fan pay the price.
"The three great sects harbor their own agendas; true unity is not easily achieved!" the Medicine King Valley Master said coldly. "If it were other elders, I would have no fear, but only the top three elders of Dragon Country, whom even I fear!"
"Those three elders have been in seclusion for many years and have never emerged; why should the Valley Master worry." the First Elder interjected. "I absolutely do not believe Dragon Country will go to war with Medicine King Valley for him!"
The other elders also nodded in agreement, finding merit in the First Elder's words. After all, Dragon Country had repeatedly shown leniency towards the three great sects over the years; why would they act for Lu Fan?
"You are truly too naive!" the Medicine King Valley Master said coldly. "Do you really think that brat has ordinary standing!"
"What do you mean!" the First Elder asked in surprise. "Even if he is a War King, what is there to fear!"
"I have ordered people to investigate; he has led many experts from Qingyun Sect across the entire battlefield, and they have established two major strongholds!" the Medicine King Valley Master said coldly. "With time, they will reach higher levels, perhaps even surpassing Medicine King Valley!"
"Valley Master, you worry too much. I don't think that brat will succeed!" the First Elder said dismissively, showing no concern for Lu Fan.
"Among the two strongholds, one is in Sea Country!" the Medicine King Valley Master sneered. "If he can occupy a stronghold in Sea Country without being reclaimed, what kind of relationship do you think he has with Dragon Country!"
"How is that possible!" the First Elder's face contorted in shock. "Sea Country has many experts, and even Dragon Country dares not provoke them. How could Qingyun Sect possibly make Sea Country act in such a manner!"
"Some matters are not as simple as they appear on the surface!" the Medicine King Valley Master said coldly. "If not for Dragon Country, why would Sea Country be so apprehensive? These intricate affairs are beyond our prediction!"
The First Elder's face turned ashen, and he had nothing more to say. Since the Medicine King Valley Master had spoken so plainly, he should understand the implications.
However, the hatred of clan annihilation was irreconcilable; he would quietly remember this matter and, when the opportunity arose, deliver a thunderous blow to Lu Fan.
After the elders departed, the Medicine King Valley Master looked at the First Elder. "I reprimanded you in front of everyone today; do you know my intention?"
"Your subordinate does not know!"
The First Elder clasped his hands. "Is the Valley Master not blaming me?"
"If I truly blamed you, why would I let you leave Medicine King Valley!" the Medicine King Valley Master said coldly. "This matter ultimately had an unexpected turn. You could easily kill him; it seems I underestimated his strength!"
"The Valley Master's words are rather baffling to me!" the First Elder expressed surprise. "He has no grievances with the Valley Master; why does the Valley Master harbor such animosity towards him?"
"Some matters are not as simple as you perceive!"
The Medicine King Valley Master narrowed his eyes. "This brat possesses formidable strength and immense talent. If you can kill him, Medicine King Valley will face less pressure in the future! After all, with Dragon Country's might, the three great sects are bound to face a crisis!"
"If that is the case, why doesn't the Valley Master kill him!" the First Elder sneered. "He is in Dragon Capital right now; if the Valley Master personally acts, he can surely kill him!"
"You are truly muddled!" the Medicine King Valley Master said coldly. "Dragon Country's elders are already aware of this matter. If we try to deal with him now, it will be as difficult as ascending to heaven. Moreover, any failure would be a significant blow to the entire Medicine King Valley!"
"However, this is a rare opportunity!" the First Elder said repeatedly. "If we miss this, who knows when the next one will come!"
"Those who achieve great things are not bound by trivialities!" the Medicine King Valley Master said coldly. "Do not act rashly in the near future, or you will stir up trouble!"
"Since the Valley Master has said so, I will naturally not disobey!" the First Elder said repeatedly, his expression earnest.
Seeing the First Elder's words, the Medicine King Valley Master nodded slightly and said no more.
After all, no matter what, the First Elder was a high-ranking member of Medicine King Valley, and he could not say much more.
Meanwhile, at Jiangjing Longting, Lu Fan sat cross-legged, circulating internal energy towards his chest, his eyes filled with solemnity.
Although he appeared outwardly unharmed, the Medicine King Valley Master's strike had injured Lu Fan's internal organs, posing a grave crisis.
"Xiao Fan, here are the fruits I prepared for you!" Lin Ke walked over with a plate of fruit, opening the door.
Seeing the sweat on Lu Fan's face, her expression instantly turned grim. "Why do you look so unwell? Is your injury not too serious!"
"It's nothing!" Lu Fan waved his hand. "Don't worry too much; I'll adjust myself. You should go out first!"
"How can that be? You're so seriously injured, how can I just stand by and watch!"