"Thank you for your kindness, but I will not pledge allegiance to the dynasty," Lu Fan shrugged. "You'd best give up on that idea."
As Lu Fan spoke, the old man's killing intent surged. His mission was to eliminate Lu Fan, and if Lu Fan remained so stubborn, he would have no choice but to act.
"Senior Brother, why are you still wasting words with him!"
True Master Xia Qing approached. "This brat severed one of my arms; he must not be allowed to leave."
Yuan Qing was somewhat helpless. He slowly ascended, and since matters had reached this point, he would no longer hold back.
At that very moment, Yuan Qing's entire being exuded a terrifying domain power, integrating everything around him into his own world, as if it were a profound understanding of the Heavenly Dao.
"How is this possible? A Heavenly Venerate's strength shouldn't be this formidable."
Lu Fan frowned, constantly retreating. He felt a threat, a fatal one. After all, in his many years in the Spirit Realm, he had never experienced such a sensation.
"Young man, I gave you a chance, but you failed to cherish it."
Yuan Qing said with a wry smile, "I have already stepped into the Half-Saint realm. How can you escape today!"
"Half-Saint!"
Lu Fan was startled, his heart trembling. He had never imagined that Yuan Qing before him would be a Half-Saint. If that were truly the case, it would likely be a devastating blow to him.
A Half-Saint was capable of killing him, and Lu Fan had no doubt about this. Even though his strength had grown considerably, he understood this truth very clearly.
*Whoosh...*
The sound of breaking wind echoed as Yuan Qing's arm, like an eagle's claw, lunged towards Lu Fan.
Seeing the dire situation, Lu Fan dodged with all his might. Unfortunately, within the Half-Saint's domain, he was severely suppressed. Despite his immense power, a deep wound appeared on his chest, his blood staining his clothes.
"Let's see how arrogant you can be!"
True Master Xia Qing sneered. "Before my Senior Brother, you are nothing."
True Master Shang Qing also revealed a cold smile. As long as they could deal with Lu Fan, they could return and report, and the matter would be settled.
"Is it too much for a few old men to bully a young man?"
At that very instant, a cold voice rang out, causing the three Qing masters to tremble. They wondered who had arrived, possessing such an aura.
A young man strode forward, his movements elegant. He floated in mid-air, holding a paper fan, exuding an air of aloofness.
"Who are you?"
True Master Xia Qing said coldly, "This is a matter of our Taiyan Dynasty. Do not interfere, lest you invite your own demise."
"Just a mere dynasty, and you act so high and mighty?"
The young man sneered. "I am not talented, but I wish to exchange a few moves. May I have the honor?"
Yuan Qing frowned. Although the young man before him was young, the aura he exuded was extraordinary, as was his air of superiority. He was likely a peerless prodigy from a super sect. If that were the case, they could not afford to offend him.
Though the Taiyan Dynasty was a great dynasty, it was nothing compared to super sects. A super sect could destroy a large dynasty at any time, and he knew this all too well.
"What, are you not going to make a move?"
Tao Mao Cheng's expression was indifferent. "This young lord wishes to see your capabilities."
"May I ask for your name, sir?"
True Master Yuan Qing frowned. "Why are you interfering in the affairs of the Taiyan Dynasty!"
"I don't wish to meddle in dynastic affairs, but I cannot stand by and watch you bully others."
Young Master Tao said coldly, "Besides, since I have encountered this matter, I have no reason not to intervene. Moreover, I advise you not to make any moves. Offending me will be more than you can bear."
"What a bold statement!"
True Master Xia Qing frowned. "To be so arrogant at such a young age, are you not afraid of inviting trouble? I don't care if you are from a clan family. If you offend the Taiyan Dynasty, you will regret it."
"Too much nonsense!"
Tao Mao Cheng's expression was cold. He struck out with his palm towards True Master Xia Qing, showing no mercy.
In the blink of an eye, True Master Xia Qing was sent flying. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth. He had never imagined that Tao Mao Cheng would be so powerful, possessing such cultivation at such a young age.
"Senior Brother!"
True Master Shang Qing frowned, unsure of what to do. The young man before them might not be a match for Yuan Qing, but they had to consider the forces behind this young man.
To possess Heavenly Venerate strength at such a young age, only some super sects could cultivate such peerless prodigies.
"Young man, do you truly intend to make enemies of us?" True Master Yuan Qing frowned.
"If you do not leave within ten breaths, do not blame me for being merciless," Tao Mao Cheng's expression was icy. As the young lord of the Tao clan, he naturally did not take these people seriously.
Yuan Qing's face turned ashen. He knew that it was unlikely he could act against Lu Fan today. His only recourse was to find another opportunity. After all, the young man before him was no ordinary person, and offending him rashly might implicate the entire dynasty.
Helpless, the three retreated without delay. Even with a Half-Saint present, they were still quite wary.
"Thank you, brother, for saving my life!" Su Dan Novel Network
Lu Fan cupped his fists and said, "May I ask who you are, brother? Why did you intervene to help?"
"I am a direct descendant of the Tao family in the Eastern Domain. I usually enjoy drawing my sword to help!"
Tao Mao Cheng waved his hand. "Seeing you besieged by several people, I felt rather displeased, so I acted!"
"The Tao family of the Eastern Domain?"
Lu Fan was somewhat surprised. The Eastern Domain was vast. Those who could be named after a family were likely ancient aristocratic families. If that were the case, the person before him must have an extremely high status.
"This subordinate arrived late. Please forgive me, Divine King's Heir!"
At that very moment, dozens of figures appeared in the void, all kneeling on the ground, not daring to delay in the slightest.
"When did I ask you to come?"
Tao Mao Cheng glanced at them. "Leave my sight within ten breaths!"
The many elders exchanged glances, not daring to delay. They quickly concealed their auras and vanished into the void.
Lu Fan stood stunned, his eyes wide with disbelief. The dozens of elders who had just arrived exuded an aura that was undoubtedly that of true Saints.
With more than ten Saints escorting him, what kind of identity did one need to possess such honor?
Most importantly, those Saints had been prostrate on the ground.
"Divine King's Heir?"
Lu Fan looked at Tao Mao Cheng. "If I'm not mistaken, you are a descendant of an ancient aristocratic family! A descendant of a Divine King!"
"None of that is important. I didn't want them to follow me because I wanted freedom."
Tao Mao Cheng waved his hand. "It's a good opportunity to travel the mortal world. As for other things, I don't care. However, I feel a kinship with you and would like to become sworn brothers. What do you think?"