As the eighteen gates of Jiuzhou began to disperse, Lu Fan smiled and said, "Thank you, Uncle-Ancestor Lin. The eighteen gates of Jiuzhou are now under the protection of my Assassin Dynasty. You cannot infiltrate them. I hope you will conduct yourselves wisely and not provoke conflict. Otherwise, the Assassin Dynasty will never stand idly by."
"Young man, I still have a word of advice for you!"
Uncle-Ancestor Lin smiled, "Do not be too arrogant, especially the Assassin Dynasty. Since ancient times, the Assassin Dynasty has been unwelcome by many sacred lands. Now, the Assassin Dynasty is exceedingly arrogant and will surely face retaliation in the future!"
"Does the Lin family wish to retaliate?" Lu Fan asked, his eyes veiled. "If that is the case, I wouldn't mind sending the most skilled assassins of the Assassin Dynasty to teach the Lin family a lesson and let them know the consequences of offending the Assassin Dynasty!"
Uncle-Ancestor Lin's face instantly turned ashen. He was rendered speechless by Lu Fan's words. He had never expected Lu Fan to say such things, and with such openness and assertiveness.
At this moment, Lu Fan soared into the sky, preparing to leave the eighteen gates of Jiuzhou. With no one else remaining within the eighteen gates, there was no need for him to linger.
"Are you just going to let him leave like that?" Elder Bei Tian stepped forward, his gaze filled with solemnity. He clearly remembered that Elder Zhulong had been harmed by Lu Fan. Now that Lu Fan was before him, he could not act rashly.
"He possesses a peerless divine weapon. It would not be wise to engage him rashly," the Sect Master of Wuji Sect stated. "I know you are indignant about Elder Zhulong's situation, but some matters require calm consideration. Otherwise, it will only be counterproductive."
"Thank you for your guidance, Sect Master!"
Elder Bei Tian cupped his fists, his eyes becoming sharp. He understood the Sect Master of Wuji Sect's intentions, but he was still quite unwilling and even wished to confront Lu Fan alone. Unfortunately, his strength was insufficient, and he could only resign himself to the situation.
Meanwhile, on a mountaintop, Gui Ying waited with the people of the eighteen gates of Jiuzhou, feeling a sense of worry. He wondered if Lu Fan was safe.
"I'll go to the eighteen gates of Jiuzhou to check!" Xu Fei said. "If anything truly happens to Xiao Fan, I will not stand idly by."
"That won't do. The helmsman instructed us to protect you. You cannot be in any danger!" Gui Ying replied. "I have already dispatched assassins to the eighteen gates of Jiuzhou. We should have an answer soon."
"The Old Ancestor has not returned yet. He should still be in hiding. If Xiao Fan is in trouble, he will not stand idly by!" Old Master Han stated.
"With the Old Ancestor here, and coupled with the peerless divine weapon, he should be fine," Old Master Chen nodded. "However, this matter is ultimately my fault for harming the eighteen gates of Jiuzhou. If it weren't for me, we wouldn't have attracted so much trouble."
"Old Man Chen, don't say such foolish things. This is all fate, and it's not your fault!" Old Master Han said. "Moreover, this matter is of great importance. You should understand that many sacred lands have long been dissatisfied with the eighteen gates of Jiuzhou. Even if it weren't for this incident, they would not have let the eighteen gates of Jiuzhou off the hook next time!"
Old Master Chen nodded slightly. He did not deny this point, but regardless, he found it difficult to accept what he had done.
At this moment, Lu Fan had already left the eighteen gates of Jiuzhou. After confirming that no one was following him, he headed towards the mountain peak. Just then, a figure appeared behind Lu Fan. "I was right about you. You helped the eighteen gates of Jiuzhou this time, and they will surely follow your lead!"
"Shen Family Old Ancestor!"
Lu Fan cupped his fists slightly. "I was wondering why I always felt a presence around me. I didn't expect you hadn't left."
"For the eighteen gates of Jiuzhou, you put yourself in danger. Even if it meant sacrificing my life, I would not let you be in peril," the Shen Family Old Ancestor said directly. "But fortunately, they did not make a move, so we are safe."
"That may be so, but this matter is of great importance!"
Lu Fan's expression was solemn. "You must understand that they will not give up. We need to find a plan and not be led by the nose, or it will be difficult later!"
"I think so too, but their strength is too great. Conflict with them is ultimately unavoidable," the Shen Family Old Ancestor said helplessly, understanding this point clearly.
Meanwhile, Lu Fan also became somewhat solemn. This time, his forceful intervention was not a good thing for the Assassin Dynasty. However, he could not stand by and watch the eighteen gates of Jiuzhou suffer.
After a while, they arrived at a mountain peak, where the people of the eighteen gates of Jiuzhou had already gathered.
"Lu Fan, you're finally here! We thought something had happened to you!" Sister Zhao stepped forward, her gaze serious.
"What could happen to me!" Lu Fan shrugged and smiled. "If they want to deal with me, they are not capable enough. You don't need to worry too much about me!"
"That may be so, but if we don't worry about you, who else will we worry about?" Xu Fei rolled his eyes. "You are our great benefactor. We must thank you. From now on, the entire eighteen gates of Jiuzhou will be at your command."
"How can that be? I am just a junior. How can I command so many seniors!" Lin Fan shook his head.
"You might not have heard clearly, young man. Xu Fei says this because he is preparing for the people of the eighteen gates of Jiuzhou to join the Assassin Dynasty. This way, I can increase the strength of your branch!" Old Master Han smiled.
"Join the Assassin Dynasty?" Lu Fan was startled, his eyes filled with shock. "Have all the grandfathers thought this through? Do you really want to join the Dynasty?"
"Whether it's the Assassin Dynasty or the eighteen gates of Jiuzhou, both are thorns in the eyes of the major sacred lands. Since that is the case, why shouldn't we unite!" Old Master Chen said. "After joining the Assassin Dynasty, our strength will increase, and we will no longer need to fear others. At least we can make them pay a price."
"Since all the grandfathers have said so, I will do as you wish!"
Lu Fan nodded solemnly. "Once you officially join the Assassin Dynasty, I will teach you the Gui Xi Da Fa. Your combat power will also be improved by then!"
"Helmsman, it's getting late. Should we go back?" Gui Ying asked.
"There are many experts from the Wuji Divine Sect outside now. Returning at this time might expose our whereabouts," Lu Fan shook his head. "We will go to Huacheng and lie low for a while. After the situation calms down, we will think of other plans."