"The Fire Lotus Ginseng is a treasure of the Volcano Sect, and we will naturally treat the Volcano Sect with utmost respect!" Xiao Jiu stated directly.
"Although the Fire Lotus Ginseng is a treasure, it is of no use to the Volcano Sect. Please, esteemed guest, take it!"
The Volcano Ancestor quickly said, appearing respectful and his attitude having completely changed.
The elders of the Volcano Sect were perplexed. They could not understand how the Volcano Elder could be so generous as to directly offer the Fire Lotus Ginseng. Such a thing would have been impossible in the past.
"Since Senior says so, I shall respectfully accept!" Lu Fan cupped his fists, a hint of joy in his expression.
"Third Elder, quickly prepare some food and wine!"
The Volcano Ancestor said sternly, "We must not neglect our esteemed guests."
"This..."
The Third Elder looked bewildered and somewhat at a loss.
"What, are my words no longer valid?" The Volcano Ancestor's expression turned cold.
"I'll go do it now!" The Third Elder quickly cupped his fists, clearly frightened. The Ancestor had never acted like this before.
"It is already quite a feat to be gifted the Fire Lotus Ginseng, why bother with a grand banquet!" Xiao Jiu interjected.
"You are all esteemed guests of the Volcano Sect, you must eat before you leave!"
The Ancestor repeatedly said, "After you return to Nine Dragon Mountain, I hope you will convey my regards!"
"That is certain!" Xiao Jiu nodded slightly.
Lu Fan was somewhat flustered. He had not expected that the old man would possess such deterrence. Merely by mentioning his affiliation, he could make people feel intimidated.
Meanwhile, on the other side, the elders of the Volcano Sect conversed, their expressions changing.
"What is going on with the Ancestor? Not only is he gifting the Fire Lotus Ginseng, but he's also hosting them!"
"Who's to say? Such a thing has never happened in the Volcano Sect before!"
"Everyone, be careful. If they overhear us, it will be troublesome. Even the Ancestor dares not provoke them, and we certainly cannot afford to!"
At this moment, in the main hall, the Ancestor had people serving tea and water, attending to them with great care and not daring to be the slightest bit negligent.
In the early years, Nine Dragon Mountain had already become renowned in ancient times. The Ancestor was well aware of this, which was why he was so courteous.
The Volcano Lotus was the treasure of the Volcano Sect. The fact that the Ancestor was willing to part with it was enough to demonstrate the high regard he held for Nine Dragon Mountain.
"Volcano Ancestor, the Volcano Lotus is an unparalleled treasure, and you must feel resentful that it has fallen into our possession!" Xiao Jiu spoke, "However, lives are at stake, so this is the only course of action!"
"Dare not, dare not!"
The Ancestor quickly put on a smiling face. "Although this Fire Lotus Ginseng is a treasure, it is of no use to the Volcano Sect. Please, take it!"
Long Yi was mystified and utterly bewildered. He knew better than anyone about the Volcano Lotus and was even more puzzled by the Ancestor's actions.
"Although the Volcano Lotus is a treasure, this pill from my master is also priceless!"
Xiao Jiu took out a pill and looked at the Volcano Ancestor, "I hope the Ancestor will accept it!"
"How dare I!"
The Volcano Ancestor suddenly stood up, his expression tense. He was well aware that the pills from Nine Dragon Mountain were no ordinary items.
They could even be considered priceless and unobtainable in the market. How could he dare to accept it?
"The Volcano Ancestor refuses to accept it, are you still angry!"
Xiao Jiu chuckled, "My master's pills are desired by countless experts!"
"Certainly not!"
The Volcano Ancestor said repeatedly, "I have long heard that the pills of the Volcano Sect possess heavenly abilities. I merely fear it might be inappropriate!"
"Since it is a gift from Senior Sister, what could be inappropriate!"
Lu Fan said softly, "Volcano Ancestor, please accept it. This way, I can be at ease!"
"Then thank you very much!"
The Volcano Ancestor quickly expressed his gratitude, a surge of joy welling up within him. He was well aware of the significance of this pill.
After accepting the pill, everyone moved to the dining table. The Volcano Ancestor brought out a jar of fine wine, saying, "This wine has been aged for a hundred years, and its flavor should be excellent. You are all esteemed guests, so today we shall open it!"
"Having obtained the Volcano Lotus and receiving fine wine, haven't we gained quite a lot!"
Lu Fan chuckled, "Volcano Ancestor, why be so polite."
"This is only fitting. You are all esteemed guests, and naturally, we must entertain you with fine wine!"
The Volcano Ancestor said with a serious expression, afraid of any oversight, his words carrying sincerity.
"Since the Volcano Ancestor is so enthusiastic, we shall respectfully accept!" Xiao Jiu chuckled.
The Volcano Ancestor nodded slightly, then poured wine for everyone.
After drinking, Lu Fan expressed slight surprise. The wine was indeed extraordinary, far superior to the osmanthus wine he had tasted.
"I truly didn't expect the Volcano Ancestor to have such good wine!"
Lu Fan remarked, "I thought ancient sects were only strong in power, but now it seems they have other specialties!"
"Thank you for your praise!"
The Volcano Ancestor smiled. "No wonder I felt your strength was extraordinary when we sparred today. You are indeed a highly-skilled disciple of Nine Dragon Mountain!"
"I dare not accept such praise!"
Lu Fan waved his hand. "However, I am curious, what kind of prestige does Nine Dragon Mountain possess that makes the Ancestor so apprehensive!"
"This..."
The Volcano Ancestor trembled. He had not expected Lu Fan to ask such a question.
"Xiao Fan, are you asking too much!"
Xiao Jiu shot him a glance. "What kind of existence is Nine Dragon Mountain, don't you know?"
Lu Fan said no more. In truth, he genuinely did not know how much prestige Nine Dragon Mountain held.
Having spent his years on the mountain, Lu Fan was not aware of the outside world and thus did not know of Nine Dragon Mountain's standing among the ancient sects.
After they had eaten and drunk their fill, Lu Fan and the others left the Volcano Sect, hurrying their steps and not daring to delay.
Watching Lu Fan and the others depart, the people of the Volcano Sect looked towards the Ancestor, "Ancestor, what is their identity that you would entertain them in such a manner?"
"People the Volcano Sect cannot afford to offend!"
The Volcano Ancestor sighed. "In the future, if you see them, you must never offend them, lest you invite utter ruin!"
The elders were confused. The Volcano Ancestor was a man of considerable stature, yet he spoke these words, which left them astonished.
On the peak of Nine Dragon Mountain, Lu Fan and the others arrived. The old man was basking in the sun, appearing quite indolent.
"Old man, the Snow Lotus and the Fire Lotus have been found!"
Lu Fan stated, "Is there now a way to cure Xiao Ke's illness?"
"You truly haven't disappointed me!"
The old man nodded. "The items are all gathered, and curing the illness is certainly not a problem!"
With that, the old man went into a room. Inside, Lin Ke lay quietly, appearing like a person in a vegetative state.
"Boil these two items into a medicinal soup and force-feed it to him!" the old man instructed. "Once he consumes it, he will awaken!"
"Thank you, Master!"
Lu Fan nodded solemnly, then took the two medicinal herbs. Once Lin Ke woke up, he would truly have to thank the old man.
After all, no matter what, without the old man, Lin Ke would be in grave trouble.
"Master, if it weren't for me this time, he would have been in dire straits!"