With the departure of the two elders, Bai Hu let out a cold sneer, "Little brother, little brother, I didn't want to move against you, but you want to usurp my throne. How can I let it go? Don't be born into a royal family in the future, lest you have such a short life."
Meanwhile, within the Phoenix Forest, the combatants were locked in a fierce, inseparable struggle, igniting endless disputes. Elder Yun, the Pavilion Master of Heavenly Fire Pavilion, was engaged in battle, not finding it overly strenuous, but unable to overpower his opponent.
Lu Fan stood beside Bai Xi, appearing remarkably calm. His sole responsibility was to prevent Shadow from making a move. As for the others, they were incapable of harming Bai Xi, leaving him without any apprehension.
"With just you lot, I doubt you're qualified."
Lu Fan stated coldly, "If you intend to trap us here, it is you who will be defeated first today!"
At these words, everyone was slightly startled, their expressions shifting. They had not anticipated Lu Fan's audacious declaration, nor his apparent disregard for them all.
"My lord, perhaps you should escort the Prince away first,"
The Pavilion Master of Heavenly Fire Pavilion spoke, "I have a bad premonition. If my guess is correct, there must be a master from the royal city coming. If they are here to deal with Prince Bai Xi, then it will be troublesome."
Bai Xi also frowned slightly. Bai Hu had remained in the royal city all along but had never shown himself. It was likely he had already made his plans, and there was no need for him to act personally.
"Forget it. Seeing as we were on the same boat, I'll take you away now."
Lu Fan said, "But you mustn't be ungrateful. I'm risking my life to save you today, so you must repay me well in the future."
Bai Xi's face flushed with embarrassment. Lu Fan's words left him unsure of how to respond, and his expression grew a little awkward.
He, a dignified prince, had fallen to such a state that even he found it somewhat laughable. However, survival was paramount now, and he naturally couldn't afford to be so concerned.
Seeing Bai Xi agree, Lu Fan wasted no time, taking Bai Xi and heading towards the outside of the Phoenix Forest.
At this very moment, Shadow frowned, extremely displeased. If Lu Fan were to take Bai Xi away, all their efforts today would be in vain, and their own lives might even be in peril.
"We absolutely cannot let them take the Prince away."
Elder Yun's voice rang out, "Quickly, stop them."
"But I can't beat him!"
Shadow glanced at Lu Fan, his face instantly turning awkward. The aura emanating from Lu Fan was simply beyond his ability to contend with. A slight misstep could leave him unable to cope.
"I advise you not to act rashly!"
Lu Fan narrowed his eyes, "After all, the power of flames in my hands is not to be trifled with. If you don't want to die, you can try stepping forward."
Shadow's face turned ashen, unsure of what to do. He had no doubt about Lu Fan's words, especially since he had already suffered at Lu Fan's hands earlier. A single mistake could lead to his immediate demise.
Seeing Shadow hesitate to pursue, Elder Yun's face turned ashen. If Bai Xi escaped, they would likely face dire consequences. After all, the crime of assassinating a prince was a grave offense, and the Eighth Prince would not let them off easily.
Just as Elder Yun was at a loss, two figures appeared in the sky, crossing paths and blocking Lu Fan's way. They exuded a sharp aura, carrying a sense of deadly intent.
"Another two old men!"
Lu Fan exclaimed, "Your popularity is truly abysmal! To think that as a prince of the royal city, you've fallen to such a state!"
Bai Xi frowned and looked towards Elder Tian, "Have you also become my elder brother's lackey? Trying to kill me?"
"Young Prince, please do not blame us. If you had continued to feign madness, the Eldest Prince would not have moved against you. However, now that you have done such a thing, it will not be so easy."
With a cold glint in his eyes, Elder Tian stated directly, "Please, Young Prince, act yourself, lest I be forced to."
Faced with these words, Bai Xi burst into laughter, "You underestimate me too much. Even in a desperate situation, I will not yield to your wishes. When Father Emperor returns to the city, I will inform him of this matter and let you know the consequences of betrayal."
"Young Prince may not know, but the Eldest Prince has already taken control of the royal city and has been planning all along. Even the Eighth Prince is within his grasp. Even if the Eighth Prince learns of this matter, he will likely be powerless to turn the tide," Elder Tian stated directly.
"Impossible!"
Bai Xi shook his head. How could the Eighth Prince, the ruler of the royal city, be coerced? Bai Xi naturally did not believe this.
"Whether the Prince believes it or not is not important. What is important is that the Prince cannot escape today."
Elder Tian said coldly, "I hope the Prince can understand and cease his arrogance. In the end, it will still lead to a dead end."
"Why speak so much? Since you intend to act, then act directly."
Bai Xi said coldly, "I will remember each of your faces. If I survive today, I will make you pay the price."
Elder Tian revealed a look of helplessness, and his aura instantly surged forth as he threw a punch towards Bai Xi.
Lu Fan, seeing the situation turn dire, quickly stepped forward to intervene, his palm igner with sacred fire.
Rumble...
A tremendous explosion erupted, and Lu Fan was violently sent flying, his face instantly turning ashen. He had never imagined that Elder Tian's strength would be so formidable.
"It's not that I don't want to help you, but I can't."
Lu Fan looked at Bai Xi, "Take care of yourself! If you die tragically today, perhaps I can avenge you in the future!"
Bai Xi's face was ashen. Escaping from these three elders was practically impossible. More importantly, he had nowhere to flee.
"If I die like this, you probably won't be content, will you?" Bai Xi sneered, "Then all the blame will be on you. If I can live, I can contend with my elder brother. At that time, the Eighth Prince's mansion will also suffer heavy casualties. Isn't that what you most want to see?"
"I didn't expect you to understand me so well!"
Lu Fan narrowed his eyes, "You are right. The reason I want to help you is to sow discord in the Eighth Prince's mansion. I saw the many corpses at the Northern Sea Academy that day, and I will never forget it."
"Even so, I accept it, as long as you are willing to help me."
Bai Xi said, "I will surely do as you wish."
"Don't you see it yet? These two old men have powerful auras, and I cannot help them." Lu Fan said with a wry smile, "Right now, I'm afraid I can barely save myself."
Bai Xi frowned. How could he not see it? But with things having reached this point, he was also at a loss.
"None of you will escape today!"
Elder Yun said with a cold laugh, "Why not surrender and get it over with quickly!"
"Never!"
Sacred fire surged within Lu Fan's body, and his aura began to recover. He had been severely injured by Elder Tian's attack earlier, and he was well aware of Elder Tian's strength.