"I didn't expect your alertness to be so high, no wonder you've managed to live this long."
Bai Hu's cold sneer echoed, and in the blink of an eye, he appeared before Lu Fan, accompanied by Tian Lao and others, looking imposing.
"If I'm not mistaken, there should be a few more, right?"
Lu Fan narrowed his eyes. "With just these few people, you wouldn't dare to be so reckless!"
"You are indeed sharp."
A cold voice rang out, and Qing Long's figure also materialized, exuding an icy aura. "I truly didn't expect that during the Fire Domain, I thought you were trapped within. If the Young Master hadn't informed me, I would still be in the dark."
"It's because you are too foolish!"
Lu Fan shook his head. "How could I possibly stay in the Fire Domain forever? But this time, you are even more foolish for daring to lay a hand on Princess Linglong. You must surely know Princess Linglong's status in the Dragon Emperor's heart!"
"Stop trying to threaten me, you brat."
Bai Hu sneered. "You can barely protect yourself now, yet you still have the leisure to think about other matters!"
"Where is Princess Linglong now?" Lu Fan asked again.
"We brought Princess Linglong out precisely to deal with you," Bai Hu said with a cold laugh. "You don't actually think I'd be foolish enough to harm the Princess, do you? She is the Dragon Emperor's most beloved daughter."
"So all your actions today are aimed at me?" Lu Fan smiled faintly, seemingly unconcerned.
"Actually, I never imagined you would become the驸马 (fù mǎ - consort)," Bai Hu said with a cold smile. "In my eyes, you are like many other disciples of the Northern Sea Academy, lowly beings. How could you possibly rise above me!"
"Hmph!"
Lu Fan snorted. "Now that I am the dynasty's consort, you should be aware of the consequences of attacking the consort!"
"That's why people shouldn't be too smart, or they'll live short lives," Bai Hu sneered. "Do you think you can still leave here alive?"
Lu Fan remained unfazed. "Bai Hu, although you are the Young Master of the Eighth Prince's manor, attacking the consort is a heinous crime. I advise you not to act rashly."
"We lured you here today precisely to kill you. There's no point in saying more now!"
Bai Hu's expression was cold, filled with killing intent. He would show no mercy to Lu Fan.
"Apologies!"
Qing Long said coldly and instantly charged towards Lu Fan, exuding an overwhelming aura.
Lu Fan dodged sharply, but he knew he was no match for Qing Long. Even if he could now contend with a third-rank Spirit Venerable expert, he was still far from qualified in front of Qing Long.
"This time, we cannot let him escape!"
Bai Hu's expression was indifferent as he watched from the side. He wanted to see how Lu Fan could possibly escape this time. He had gone to great lengths to deal with Lu Fan, and he would not show any mercy this time.
After a few exchanges, Lu Fan was instantly at a disadvantage, blood seeping from the corner of his mouth. He was still unable to withstand Qing Long.
"I think you should just surrender!"
Qing Long let out a cold laugh, his expression appearing even more indifferent.
Seeing the dire situation, Lu Fan knew that Bai Hu would not dare to harm Princess Linglong. He leaped up, intending to escape this place. As long as he could return to Nine Dragon City, he would be safe.
Unfortunately, Bai Hu and the others had foreseen this and had no intention of giving Lu Fan a chance. In the blink of an eye, Xuan Wu and the others also attacked fiercely, their movements sharp and powerful.
In that instant, Lu Fan was struck by three palm forces, spitting out a mouthful of blood, his face turning extremely pale.
"You're still too green to fight me!" Bai Hu shook his head. "You should know by now that the Eighth Prince's manor is not someone you can offend with impunity!"
"One day, I will make you pay the price!" Lu Fan sneered, filled with immense dissatisfaction.
"I see you're still tough-mouthed!"
Tian Lao attacked Lu Fan unceremoniously with a palm strike. Lu Fan was already heavily injured and had no power to resist. His timing was perfect, not only ensuring Lu Fan's death but also not endangering himself.
However, in the next moment, a brilliant light appeared above Lu Fan's head. A massive cauldron shielded Lu Fan, emanating a powerful aura.
It was a pity that Lu Fan could not fully control this Divine Emperor Cauldron; otherwise, dealing with these individuals would be trivial.
"It's that cauldron again!" Bai Hu frowned. It was this cauldron that had caused them to miss their opportunity in the Fire Domain last time.
"This is powerful, but unfortunately, you cannot fully control it."
Qing Long let out a cold laugh, his long sword thrusting out with immense power. At this point, Lu Fan had to die, or the Eighth Prince's manor would face disaster.
However, as his sword energy approached Lu Fan, Lu Fan entered the Divine Emperor Cauldron, seemingly without any resistance.
*Boom...*
Qing Long's sword energy struck the Divine Emperor Cauldron, and a clanging sound echoed from within. However, the cauldron remained unharmed, as if the sword energy was insignificant before it.
"If you have the guts, come out instead of hiding like a coward!" Bai Hu exclaimed, infuriated.
The Divine Emperor Cauldron was indestructible. With their combined abilities, opening it seemed like a pipe dream.
"A nice thought!"
Lu Fan's voice emerged. "You just want to deal with me, don't you? I won't let you have your way, and this Divine Emperor Cauldron is incredibly tough. You can't get in."
"Young Master, what do we do now?" Qing Long frowned, unsure of what to do.
"Take this Divine Emperor Cauldron back to the Eighth Prince's manor. Since we can't open it, we'll lock it in the Eighth Prince's manor's dungeon. Then he can live out his days in the dungeon!" Bai Hu said with a cold smile.
"Young Master, that's a good idea!"
Tian Lao exclaimed repeatedly, his face lighting up with joy. As long as Lu Fan was imprisoned in the dungeon, he would never have a chance to turn things around. It was no different from being dead.
Although Qing Long did not agree, it was the only option available at this point.
Meanwhile, in Nine Dragon City, Duan Tianya, with a worried expression, arrived at Princess Linglong's residence. Seeing Xiao Qing lying on the ground, he quickly called out, "What's wrong? Why are you lying here?"
"Princess, the Princess has been abducted!" Xiao Qing said urgently, his voice filled with anxiety.
However, at that moment, he noticed the Princess lying in the room, seemingly unharmed.
"What's going on? Why is the Princess back?" Xiao Qing looked confused.
"Oh no, my master is in trouble."
Duan Tianya quickly rushed out, chasing in the direction Lu Fan had gone. It turned out they weren't after the Princess, but Lu Fan. Otherwise, the Princess wouldn't have been sent back.
Xiao Qing remained confused, not understanding what had happened.