Steward Zhao's expression was placid, as if he hadn't taken the matter seriously at all. In his eyes, he showed no fear, even when facing the Sect Master of Heavenly Dragon.
Witnessing this scene, the expressions of the onlookers turned solemn and uncertain. They didn't know if Steward Zhao was a match for the Sect Master of Heavenly Dragon, but judging by his demeanor, Steward Zhao seemed to possess immense confidence. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been so self-assured, as a single misstep could lead to his demise.
In that instant, the Sect Master of Heavenly Dragon appeared before Steward Zhao, exuding an invisible aura. A smile played on his lips, as if he had never considered Steward Zhao a worthy opponent.
It was only natural, after all. Steward Zhao was merely a steward. If even the King of the Northwest couldn't do anything to him, what was Steward Zhao in comparison? He was nothing more than cannon fodder.
With this thought, the Sect Master of Heavenly Dragon grew even more enraged. How could he tolerate mere cannon fodder daring to insult him indirectly?
At that very moment, a surge of spiritual energy erupted from the Sect Master of Heavenly Dragon's hand and shot towards Steward Zhao, without any hint of reservation.
However, in that instant, spiritual energy surged within Steward Zhao's body. In the blink of an eye, he forcefully repelled the Sect Master of Heavenly Dragon, causing everyone present to gasp in shock. They were utterly incredulous, never having expected things to unfold this way. Su Dan Novel Network
*Pfft...*
The Sect Master of Heavenly Dragon spat out a mouthful of blood, his mouth twitching. He could never have imagined that an inconspicuous steward would be so formidable.
Lu Fan was utterly stunned by what he witnessed, finding it almost unbelievable. He clearly hadn't anticipated such a turn of events, which caught him completely off guard.
Concurrently, the gazes of the onlookers became even more grave. They were acutely aware of the Sect Master of Heavenly Dragon's strength. Just how powerful was this Steward Zhao to have inflicted such damage on him?
Indeed, true masters always remained hidden. Someone like Steward Zhao was truly astonishing.
"You've truly impressed me!" Lu Fan said to the steward. "I never realized that my Northwest King's Mansion harbored such a skilled individual. How did I never notice before!"
"I was holding back previously, not revealing my full strength, all to help the King resolve difficulties. Now that the time has come, I will no longer hold back!" Steward Zhao replied earnestly.
Lu Fan was quite pleased with these words. Steward Zhao's hidden strength was all for his sake, which was naturally a great joy to him.
With this thought, Lu Fan looked towards the Sect Master of Heavenly Dragon. "Actually, this matter has nothing to do with the Heavenly Dragon Sect. It's a pity you insisted on getting involved. In the end, you've only brought suffering upon yourself!"
"I truly didn't expect the Northwest King's Mansion to be so full of hidden talents, harboring such a formidable enemy!"
A smile touched the Sect Master of Heavenly Dragon's lips as he looked at Lu Fan. "But rest assured, one day you will pay the price for your actions. No one can replace you, not even the King of the Northwest!"
"Quite the boastful words!"
A smile played on Lu Fan's lips, his expression growing indifferent. In his eyes, all of this seemed insignificant.
Meanwhile, Steward Zhao also turned his gaze towards the Sect Master of Heavenly Dragon. "You are merely a defeated foe, yet you dare to speak such grand words? Aren't you afraid of twisting your tongue?"
"I truly didn't expect you to be so powerful. With just one move, you've gravely injured me. It truly makes me feel that I'm far behind," the Sect Master of Heavenly Dragon said coldly.
"It's best to be humble, otherwise, you'll end up slapping yourself in the face!" Steward Zhao said coldly. "Now, take your people and leave quickly. Don't stir up any more trouble, or you'll regret it profoundly!"
"My Heavenly Dragon Sect has arrived late, and our purpose is to seek justice!" the Sect Master of Heavenly Dragon said coldly. "Regarding my nephew's affairs, shouldn't you provide a proper explanation? At least let me understand how the Sect Master of Flame died!"
"Is there a need to say more?"
Lu Fan let out a cold laugh. "The Sect Master of Flame was killed by me. If you have the ability, come at me!"
"Very well. Since you have admitted it, I have nothing more to say. When my strength reaches its peak, I will definitely come to trouble you. Even he won't be able to protect you then!" The Sect Master of Heavenly Dragon narrowed his eyes and glanced at Steward Zhao.
Steward Zhao's expression remained indifferent, as if nothing had happened. A powerful aura emanated from him, not inferior to anyone else.
"Let's go!"
The Sect Master of Heavenly Dragon's voice rang out. He knew that the situation was beyond recovery. All they could do now was to leave in disgrace. At least this way, they could preserve their lives. Being too arrogant would lead to the loss of their lives.
After all, Steward Zhao's strength was extraordinary, and even the Sect Master of Heavenly Dragon was no match for him. This was enough to indicate the magnitude of the shift.
After the Sect Master of Heavenly Dragon departed, Lu Fan turned his gaze towards Steward Zhao. "I never realized you possessed such strength, Steward Zhao. Why did you keep it hidden? If you had acted forcefully earlier, perhaps you could have suppressed the Heavenly Dragon Sect's arrogance completely!"
Before Lu Fan's words had even finished, Steward Zhao suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood, his face turning pale. He appeared utterly drained.
"What's wrong? How did it come to this?" Lu Fan asked abruptly, his gaze fixed on Steward Zhao. He hadn't expected Steward Zhao to be in such a state.
"This person's strength is far superior to mine!" Steward Zhao shook his head. "If I hadn't forcefully resisted earlier, the Sect Master of Heavenly Dragon might have discovered it, and that would have been troublesome!"
"So, everything Steward Zhao did just now was an act?" the Lord of Cloud City asked, his heart filled with immense admiration.
"There was no other way. The Heavenly Dragon Sect's power is too formidable. Only by using such a method could we deceive them," Steward Zhao said repeatedly, coughing up more blood. To briefly enhance his cultivation, he had consumed some specially formulated elixirs.
These elixirs were forbidden, and once consumed, they could even cause a cultivator to lose their spiritual energy. However, he had no choice. In this critical moment, if he didn't act, who else would help Lu Fan?
Lu Fan stood rooted to the spot, his expression filled with gratitude. He, along with everyone else, hadn't expected Steward Zhao to act in such a manner. He understood even more clearly that everything Steward Zhao had done was for him. With this thought, Lu Fan's heart was filled with a complex mix of emotions. He realized that even as the King of the Northwest, his situation was still precarious.