Back at the Bailong Hotel, it was already evening. Han Yunhai sat in the conference room, with a group of influential figures beside him.
"Brother Han, we've only prepared a humble meal. We'd like to invite Master Lu for a few drinks," Boss Chu said earnestly. "We'll have to trouble Brother Han to help us."
"Mr. Lu is extremely busy and doesn't care for such social engagements," Han Yunhai stated directly. "You should all give up on this idea."
"Brother Han, please don't worry. We will absolutely not disturb Master Lu," Fatty Chen quickly added. "Didn't you just say that Master Lu wants to expand his influence? We are all willing to follow his lead!"
"How about this! I'll go and ask!" Han Yunhai nodded. "If Mr. Lu doesn't agree, then there's nothing I can do."
Boss Chu and the others nodded repeatedly, their faces showing joy. After Han Yunhai left, they spoke with gravity. "Stepping on air, surging inner energy, the Grandmaster realm. A single palm strike can destroy a city. Such terrifying means! If we can curry favor with him, we won't have to fear any enemies in the future!"
"More than that, with such strength, he will surely become the Chu Ao of Jiangnan in the future. If we follow his lead, it will be of great use later," Fatty Chen agreed wholeheartedly.
Lu Fan had just arrived in his room when Han Yunhai walked in. "Mr. Lu, we are truly indebted to you for your help today. Otherwise..."
"The events by the West Lake are of great consequence," Lu Fan stated directly. "After returning, investigate the Ghost Gate!"
"Yes!"
Han Yunhai nodded and then said, "Several influential figures from Jiangnan wish to invite Mr. Lu for dinner tonight. I wonder if Mr. Lu has the time?"
"They are inviting me to dinner?" Lu Fan smiled. "I have no prior connection with them. Why is this?"
"Mr. Lu's display of skill today has already intimidated them," Han Yunhai quickly explained. "They likely wish to curry favor with you, so they won't have any reservations in Jiangnan in the future."
"Then let's go!" Lu Fan nodded. "If we can win them over, they might be of great use in the future."
"Thank you, Mr. Lu!" Han Yunhai nodded hastily.
Not long after, accompanied by Han Yunhai, Lu Fan arrived at the Huahai in Bailong Town. In the center of the Huahai stood a pavilion, from which the fragrance of flowers wafted, making it exceptionally distinct.
"Master Lu!"
Old Master Zhao and the others quickly rose and clasped their fists. "Master Lu's presence here brings glory to our humble abode."
As they spoke, everyone's eyes subtly glanced at Lu Fan, their hearts filled with shock. According to their expectations, Lu Fan, as a martial arts Grandmaster, should be at least fifty or sixty years old. But now, he appeared to be no more than twenty. Su Dan Novel Network
"You are all influential figures of Jiangnan. How could I refuse your personal invitation?"
Lu Fan entered the pavilion, his expression growing even more indifferent.
"We are merely businessmen. How can we be compared to Master Lu!" Old Master Zhao smiled.
Heiluocha, standing beside Lu Fan, poured him wine, a hint of trepidation in his heart. He, Heiluocha, was at least at the peak of the Great Accomplishment realm, yet before Lu Fan, he felt an intangible pressure.
"Master Lu, I have a pair of Peacock Feathers in my collection, preserved in excellent condition," Boss Chu said with a smile. "Although it's not a valuable item, please accept it, Master Lu."
"Master Lu, in my home, there is a luminous pearl. I heard years ago that it was a treasure, but it's of no use to me," Fatty Chen smiled. "Therefore, I wish to gift it to Master Lu."
The influential figures vied with each other, showing no hesitation. If they could gain Lu Fan's favor, their influence would reach a new height in the future.
"You all don't need to do this," Lu Fan said indifferently. "I do not accept rewards without merit!"
Seeing that Lu Fan refused to accept, the influential figures became troubled again, wondering if the items were too cheap to attract Master Lu's attention.
"We're just here to admire the flowers and have some drinks. Why make it so formal?" Han Yunhai said with a smile. "You are all influential figures of Jiangnan. As long as you don't make things difficult for the Azure Dragon Sect in the future, you will be on good terms with Mr. Lu!"
Lu Fan also nodded slightly. "You are all influential figures of Jiangnan. You don't need to be so subservient before me; I cannot bear it. However, the Azure Dragon Sect needs to develop. I hope you influential figures can lend a hand, and in the future, we will never let you suffer losses!"
"We all obey Master Lu's words."
Everyone present quickly clasped their fists, their expressions serious. They were naturally overjoyed to be able to board Lu Fan's ship.
"Seeing Master Lu's skills today truly makes us admire you," Old Master Zhao said with a smile. "I wonder if Master Lu has broken through to the Grandmaster realm? I've heard that those who reach the Grandmaster realm are all extraordinary individuals."
Lu Fan's expression was indifferent. "You are merely merchants and do not understand the martial way. In fact, I myself do not know if I have reached the Grandmaster realm!"
Lu Fan's words were profound. Old Master Zhao quickly offered a fawning smile, not daring to show any offense, and poured Lu Fan more wine. "I was momentarily foolish just now. Please do not blame me, Master Lu."
Lu Fan smiled faintly and said nothing more. At that very moment, a surge of inner energy spread from his body towards the Huahai. "Fine wine and delicacies, coupled with this sea of flowers, makes for a rather pleasant scene!"
Before everyone could react, they felt the Bailong Town Huahai enveloped in a flurry of flowers. Under the enhancement of the inner energy, the blossoms spun in the sky, like celestial maidens descending. Sitting amidst the sea of flowers, everyone appeared even more noble.
"Is this the power of a Grandmaster!"
Heiluocha marveled inwardly, his respect for Lu Fan deepening. With such prowess, it was no wonder he could control everything.
"A magnificent feat, truly magnificent!" Boss Chu exclaimed with laughter.
However, the others did not respond, creating a moment of awkwardness. Lu Fan also sat aside, his expression slightly indifferent, even a touch cold.
It was as if the people present were like ants in his eyes, not worth mentioning.
Boss Chu and the others exchanged glances, sweat beading on their foreheads. They were all extremely cautious when dining with such a powerful expert, fearing they might offend Lu Fan.
"Mr. Lu, the Azure Dragon Sect wishes to expand into Xuzhou in the future. Will we encounter any obstacles?" Han Yunhai asked with a smile after taking a sip of wine.
Lu Fan also smiled, and the wine cup in his hand instantly turned to powder, scattering with the dancing petals. "If anyone dares to cause trouble, they will be like this cup."
The few exchanged glances and nodded in unison. "That's right, if anyone dares to cause trouble, we will absolutely not let them off easily!"
With the influential figures speaking their minds, Han Yunhai felt quite relieved. With their words, it would naturally not be a problem for the Azure Dragon Sect to expand into Xuzhou.
After passing through Bailong Town, and following a great battle, the Azure Dragon Sect's status in Jiangnan would undoubtedly soar. At that time, perhaps no one would dare to oppose the Azure Dragon Sect, because behind the Azure Dragon Sect stood an unparalleled expert, the current Lu Fan.
The battle at the Martial Arts Tournament had already made him famous, even instilling fear and making people hesitant to offend him.