"While a million disciples are indeed formidable, I wouldn't have dared to come to the Blazing Flame Sect if I weren't prepared!" Lu Fan said with a faint smile, his gaze growing even more indifferent.
The various City Lords exchanged confused glances, unsure if Lu Fan's words were true. After all, for just the few of them to confront the Blazing Flame Sect would be no easy feat.
"With just you few, what preparation could you possibly have?" the Grand Elder asked with a smile. "Do you truly believe my Blazing Flame Sect's million disciples are mere decoration?"
As the Grand Elder spoke, several more elders descended from the sky, exuding an imposing aura, each of them clearly extraordinary.
Seeing the elders appear, the Grand Elder's confidence surged. These were the true foundations of the Blazing Flame Sect, each a Martial Emperor expert, genuine and powerful.
"My Lord, if we were to engage in combat, it might not be beneficial for us!" the Lord of the West City interjected. "This matter requires careful consideration. Perhaps we should withdraw for now, to avoid unnecessary trouble should a fight break out!"
"There's no need!" Lu Fan waved his hand. "My purpose in coming to the Blazing Flame Sect today is to teach them a lesson. If we were to be scared away now, what would become of the Northwest King's Mansion's reputation?"
The various City Lords exchanged glances. They understood Lu Fan's intentions, but the situation had escalated unexpectedly. They had certainly not anticipated the Blazing Flame Sect's ferocity.
"Everyone, stand down!"
At this moment, a calm voice echoed, and a white-haired old man descended, appearing resolute and surrounded by an aura.
Upon seeing the man before them, the assembled crowd showed signs of relief. This was the Sect Master of the Blazing Flame Sect, appearing in person. His presence would surely suppress Lu Fan and his companions, further elevating the Blazing Flame Sect's prestige.
"If I'm not mistaken, this young brother should be the Northwest King, correct?" the Blazing Flame Sect Master clasped his hands. "May I ask the reason for the Northwest King's visit to our Blazing Flame Sect?"
"If you had appeared sooner, we wouldn't have had to go through all this trouble!" Lu Fan shrugged. "My visit to the Blazing Flame Sect today has no other purpose than to inform you, Sect Master, that some things are permissible and some are not. The actions of your Blazing Flame Sect are all recorded in our historical annals!"
"So the Northwest King has come to my Blazing Flame Sect merely to threaten me?" the Blazing Flame Sect Master smiled, but his eyes held a hint of displeasure. Lu Fan's words had clearly angered him.
Facing the situation, Lu Fan remained unfazed and retorted coldly, "The crimes of the Blazing Flame Sect are too numerous to count, and yet you, as its Sect Master, seem utterly unconcerned!"
"What a joke! The affairs of our Blazing Flame Sect are not for others to interfere with!" the Grand Elder stated icily.
"Grand Elder, do not be so presumptuous. He is, after all, the Northwest King. We should grant him some respect!" the Blazing Flame Sect Master waved his hand. "After all, no matter what, he has the Heavenly Court Dynasty backing him!"
"The Sect Master speaks wisely. It is I who have been ignorant of the heavens and earth," the Grand Elder apologized, a smile playing on his lips, as if subtly mocking Lu Fan.
Lu Fan remained indifferent and stated directly, "If the Blazing Flame Sect Master is willing to yield and guarantee that such actions will not be repeated, I naturally will not make things difficult for you. However, if the Blazing Flame Sect Master insists on this path, my Northwest King's Mansion will never let it go!"
"Northwest King, you must also realize that I am the Sect Master of the Blazing Flame Sect. If I were to bow to you, the other members of the Blazing Flame Sect would never agree!" the Blazing Flame Sect Master smiled. "It is better to avoid trouble than to create it. You might as well leave now, to prevent unnecessary complications!"
With these words, Lu Fan's gaze sharpened, and he slowly ascended into the air. "Since you have said your piece, there is nothing more to discuss. Let us fight directly! Let me witness the might of this Blazing Flame Sect!"
"You are the Northwest King, and I do not wish to be your enemy. However, that does not mean the Blazing Flame Sect fears you!"
The Blazing Flame Sect Master said coldly, "Have you ever considered the consequences of a battle fought here today?"
"The consequence will be the death of the Blazing Flame Sect Master!"
Lu Fan's eyes gleamed with cold light. "The Blazing Flame Sect will pay the price it deserves!"
At these words, everyone's expression shifted instantly. They had not expected Lu Fan's words to be so sharp.
"Since the Northwest King insists on a fight, I shall not hold back!"
The Blazing Flame Sect Master's aura surged, his power reaching its zenith. He had initially not wanted to engage Lu Fan in combat, but now it seemed the matter was not so simple.
In that very instant, the Blazing Flame Sect Master lunged towards Lu Fan. As the Northwest King, he dared not kill Lu Fan rashly. However, Lu Fan's arrogance, his disregard for the Blazing Flame Sect, demanded that he make Lu Fan pay a price to salvage the situation.
Simultaneously, the Blazing Flame Sect Master's expression grew solemn. He was acutely aware that offending the Northwest King would undoubtedly bring dire consequences for the entire Blazing Flame Sect.
In the blink of an eye, the two figures collided, emitting a series of resounding impacts. The onlookers quickly retreated, not daring to delay.
In the next moment, Lu Fan's figure recoiled sharply, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. The Blazing Flame Sect Master also staggered back several steps, spitting out a mouthful of blood. His internal organs seemed unable to withstand the force, and he appeared to be on the verge of death.
"Sect Master!"
The various elders rushed forward, their hearts filled with shock. They could not fathom how Lu Fan, so young, could have injured the Blazing Flame Sect Master. After all, the Sect Master was a peak Martial Emperor expert, and under normal circumstances, he should have few rivals in the entire Northwest region. Yet, it seemed that was not the case.
"I am unharmed!"
The Blazing Flame Sect Master waved his hand. In that instant, he coughed up another mouthful of blood, his body unsteady.
Witnessing the scene, the crowd felt a sense of helplessness, unsure of what to do. They had certainly not expected things to turn out this way.
"Are you alright?" Liu Ruoyan stepped forward, approaching Lu Fan with a look of concern. The Blazing Flame Sect Master was no ordinary individual, and exchanging several blows with him would not be a simple matter.
"I am fine!" Lu Fan waved his hand, his expression serious. Although he had coughed up blood earlier, it was merely a minor injury.
The other disciples of the Blazing Flame Sect looked on with mixed emotions. Even they had not expected their Sect Master to be injured by Lu Fan. In their eyes, the Sect Master was an invincible existence, but now, they found themselves bewildered.