Lu Fan, however, was no ordinary person. Even a mere Grandmaster was not enough to make Lu Fan flinch.
"Just make your move. If I take a single step back, I'll admit defeat!" Lu Fan said with a light laugh.
Gu Long's expression shifted, and he became extremely displeased. He was somewhat well-known in the outer territories, and even more so within the country. Lu Fan's words were difficult for him to accept.
"Xiao Long, don't go too far!" Gu Family Head spoke, "Lord Lu is a guest, we mustn't spoil the harmony!"
"Don't worry, Grandpa, I won't act recklessly," Gu Long nodded.
Within the courtyard, many Gu family experts exchanged glances, their curiosity piqued. Gu Long was a young Grandmaster who had gone to the outer territories at a young age, and his combat prowess was now extraordinary.
Although Lu Fan was quite famous, people had not yet witnessed his skills, which naturally made them curious.
The Gu Family Head stood to the side, with a hint of anticipation. Lu Fan's reputation was considerable; when he was in Jiangnan, he had dealt with four Grandmasters alone.
But these were merely rumors. Seeing is believing, as the saying goes. Now that Gu Long was personally testing him, they could gauge Lu Fan's strength.
Gu Long's palm, imbued with a powerful inner energy, moved towards Lu Fan.
Lu Fan remained motionless, yet a surge of energy rippled around him. At that precise moment, the very air around Lu Fan became razor-sharp.
As Gu Long drew closer, he discovered a formidable force obstructing him. It felt as if his skin was being sliced with a knife with every inch he advanced towards Lu Fan.
"What is happening!"
Gu Long was inwardly shocked. He had never witnessed such a technique before.
"Inner energy manifesting form!"
The Gu Family Head trembled violently. "Could this be a legendary Great Master? Only a Great Master can circulate inner energy to such a profound degree!"
Upon this thought, the Gu Family Head was even more astonished. Great Masters were legendary existences in the martial arts. To have a Great Master within their Gu family was truly the family's good fortune.
Gu Long persisted, attempting to break through Lu Fan's inner energy. However, he was met with a powerful impact, and his body was sent flying backward violently, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.
"How is this possible!"
Gu Long exclaimed again, "Even in the outer territories, I have never been so embarrassed."
"It was just a spar, don't take it to heart," Lu Fan smiled. "Anyone who can defend the borders is a pillar of the nation!"
"Mr. Lu's strength is extraordinary. I have learned my lesson," Gu Long said, nodding. "I concede defeat!"
"Brother, I told you long ago that Master's strength is remarkable," Gu Wen smiled. "Even a fully accomplished Grandmaster is no match for Master!"
"If I hadn't experienced it myself, how could I believe mere words?" Gu Long stated frankly. "However, having experienced it now, I am content."
"Mr. Lu, we of the Gu family were rude just now. I hope you won't hold it against us," the Gu Family Head said with a smile. "Gu Long has always been like this, acting without any restraint."
"It was just a friendly spar; it's quite normal," Lu Fan chuckled. "But will he also be participating in this martial arts tournament?"
"To win first place in the martial arts tournament, my current strength might not be enough," Gu Long smiled. "But with Mr. Lu making a move, I believe it shouldn't be a problem."
"Master has come to Zhongzhou specifically for the martial arts tournament this time," Gu Wen nodded. "And to claim a spot on the Heavenly Ranking!"
"So that's how it is!" The Gu Family Head nodded. "If Mr. Lu makes a move, securing a place on the Heavenly Ranking should not be difficult."
"Thank you for the compliment!" Lu Fan smiled.
After they had eaten and drunk their fill, Lu Fan and his companions returned to their rooms. They were quite exhausted after their journey.
"I heard Zhongzhou has many fun places, would you like me to take you?" the strange old man asked Lin Xiaojia. Sudan Novel Network
"I'm following Big Brother Lu, I won't wander off!"
Lin Xiaojia shook her head. "If you want to go, just go alone!"
"You little brat, you only ever follow him," the strange old man glared. "Since you're not going, I'll go by myself then!"
The strange old man left the Gu family directly, his expression appearing even more detached.
On the other side of the courtyard, the Gu Family Head sat in the main seat and said to Gu Wen, "You've now reached Half-step Grandmaster. It's all thanks to Mr. Lu."
"It is indeed Master's merit," Gu Wen nodded. "Master is not only powerful but also exceptionally skilled in medicine. A pill he refined can even increase one's cultivation."
"Are there such pills in the world?" Gu Long asked in surprise. "If that's the case, if all these pills were deployed on the battlefield, wouldn't the soldiers' overall combat strength be enhanced after consuming them?"
"Precisely!" Gu Wen nodded. "Unfortunately, spirit herbs are hard to find. Otherwise, with Master's methods, there would surely be many potent elixirs."
"When it comes to potent elixirs, my Gu family is most qualified to speak," the white-haired elder interjected. "Is Lord Lu's medical skill perhaps even superior to that of my Gu family?"
"Naturally!" Gu Wen nodded slightly. "Within the Gu family, my medical skills are also extraordinary, but compared to Master, there is still a considerable gap!"
Hearing these words, the Gu Family Head was inwardly shaken. Not only was he a Grandmaster at such a young age, but he also possessed extensive medical knowledge. Such individuals were rarely seen.
"Xiao Wen, you've been wandering outside these past few years. It's quite fortunate that you were able to become Lord Lu's disciple," the Gu Family Head said.
"Thank you for your praise, Grandpa," Gu Wen smiled. "I've truly learned a lot by following Master."
"But don't forget that you are a member of the Gu family," Gu Long interjected. "As a member of the Gu family, you must have the backbone of a Gu family member!"
"Brother, what do you mean by that? I don't understand," Gu Wen frowned. "Master is renowned throughout the land. What's wrong with me becoming his disciple?"
"He is, after all, of the younger generation. You become his disciple, yet he can be compared to Grandpa," Gu Long said. "His strength is indeed considerable, but one day I will also surpass him!"
"Brother is also a young Grandmaster, so it's natural to be proud," Gu Wen nodded. "But perhaps you don't know Master. He might not be a Grandmaster, but a legendary Great Master. If that's truly the case, then Brother, it might be difficult for you to surpass Master."
"Great Master?" Gu Long trembled slightly. He was acutely aware of what kind of existence Gu Wen was referring to when he mentioned a Great Master. Even in the outer territories, they were beings capable of destroying heavens and earth.
"Has Master truly reached the Great Master realm?" the Gu Family Head was inwardly shocked. "If that's true, this person must not be offended lightly, or it would be a disaster for the Gu family!"
"Master's strength has indeed reached the Great Master realm," Gu Wen stated again. "I'm not just boasting. He simply chooses not to reveal his true power. I'm saying all this only to make you understand, Brother, and to not cross Master's boundaries."
Gu Long fell into silence. He had become a Grandmaster through youthful ambition, never imagining that Lu Fan was also an unparalleled prodigy, possessing such fortune at such a tender age.