Yang Xian'er instinctively retreated, but the rogue Taoist was incredibly fast. In the blink of an eye, he snatched the precious sword and began to flee, a smug look on his face.
"You're incredibly bold, daring to rob someone from the Celestial Pavilion!"
Long San was instantly enraged. He had been questioning the truth of Lu Fan's words, but now it seemed there was no need to doubt. The rogue Taoist before them was clearly no pushover.
"My sword!" Yang Xian'er cried out, immediately giving chase.
The rogue Taoist's speed was astonishing, and he grinned, "You want to catch me? Your legs won't cut it. Anything I desire, I can obtain."
Suddenly, the rogue Taoist leaped into the air, and Lu Fan followed close behind. This rogue Taoist was too much; if he wasn't taught a lesson, Lu Fan would feel a pent-up resentment.
The three figures transformed into a streak of light, chasing after the rogue Taoist.
Inside the tavern, the owner shook his head helplessly. Such incidents seemed to happen frequently at their establishment, but he was powerless. The rogue Taoist had warned them, and they could only stick to their duties; they couldn't get involved in other matters.
A short while later, Lu Fan caught up to the rogue Taoist. The rogue Taoist was panting heavily. Despite his incredible speed, his stout body meant that if the chase continued, he might not be Lu Fan's match.
Yang Xian'er and Long San arrived panting, their discontent evident. "You arrogant Taoist, I am from the Celestial Pavilion!"
"I don't care if you're from the Celestial Pavilion or anywhere else. What's in my hand is mine now," the rogue Taoist said indifferently. "No one can take it away."
"You're unreasonable, Taoist. How can you say such things?" Long San said coldly. "I've met shameless people, but I've never met anyone as shameless as you."
"I am precisely that shameless. For you three to try and snatch something from my hands, your strength is likely still lacking," the rogue Taoist shrugged.
"Is that so? How will you know if you don't try?"
Lu Fan narrowed his eyes, and a cyan-white flame instantly ignited in his palm, his gaze sharpening.
"Youthful Sacred Fire!"
Yang Xian'er was slightly startled. "How is this possible? How can he possess the Azure Lotus Sacred Fire?"
"He is no ordinary person. I already knew this," Long San stated.
Yang Xian'er, however, was astonished. She knew very well that the Azure Lotus Sacred Fire belonged to the Heavenly Fire Pavilion, and it was highly unlikely to be in Lu Fan's possession under normal circumstances.
"Now is not the time to discuss this," Lu Fan said with a faint smile. "Seal off the surroundings and don't let this fellow escape. His methods are extraordinary. If he gets away, it won't be easy to recapture him."
Yang Xian'er nodded slightly, not daring to be negligent. She understood Lu Fan's words perfectly; if this rogue Taoist escaped, she would suffer a significant loss today.
In the blink of an eye, Lu Fan and the rogue Taoist had exchanged dozens of blows, but Lu Fan hadn't gained any advantage, and was, in fact, subtly at a disadvantage.
Sensing the aftermath of the battle, Yang Xian'er's heart pounded. Such a large-scale conflict was not something they, in the Spirit King realm, could participate in. Could it be that Lu Fan's strength had far surpassed the Spirit King realm? If so, that would be truly terrifying.
"It seems my guess was correct!"
Long San looked at Lu Fan, his heart filled with a measure of shock. Lu Fan's displayed strength was astonishing.
"Impressive, impressive. To be so powerful at such a young age, you'll be remarkable in the future," the rogue Taoist taunted. "Actually, I don't wish to be your enemy. Why don't we bury the hatchet and call it a day?"
"That won't do!"
Lu Fan closed his eyes. "Return what you took, and all will be well. If you refuse, then things will be different!"
"As I said before, once something is in my hands, there's no reason to return it," the rogue Taoist said with a smile. "Why don't we part ways here and go our separate ways?"
"Hmph!"
Lu Fan let out a low hum, his gaze instantly becoming sharp. With a sudden surge, Lu Fan launched another attack. He was quite displeased with the fellow before him, and now that he had the chance, he wouldn't let it pass easily.
"Should we offer some token assistance?" Yang Xian'er asked with an awkward laugh. "After all, just standing here isn't quite right."
Long San heartily agreed. The two exchanged a glance and immediately charged forward.
After a period of fighting, the rogue Taoist, panting, made a dash for it. "I only wanted a few treasures from you, and you're being too much, chasing me relentlessly."
Lu Fan and the others remained silent, but they had no intention of letting the old Taoist go easily.
Just as Lu Fan and the others were giving chase, a figure arrived on a sword, instantly blocking their path. "It doesn't sound good for a few youngsters to bully a single Taoist?"
"Who are you?"
Lu Fan frowned, his gaze fixed on the young man before him. The man carried eight swords on his back, and his handsome features exuded an aura of righteousness.
"Little brother, save me, save me! These people are desperadoes who want to steal my treasures and intend to kill me," the rogue Taoist shamelessly twisted the truth.
"Don't worry, with me here, I won't let them run rampant!" Lin Jianyi declared. "I handle matters of injustice. Wherever there's injustice, I will surely intervene."
"Little brother, you are truly chivalrous and upright. I admire you greatly!" the rogue Taoist said, cupping his fists.
"Don't be fooled by him!" Yang Xian'er quickly interjected. "This old Taoist is a swindler. If you fall for his tricks, won't you be abetting evil?"
"I think you are the swindlers!" Lin Jianyi said without hesitation. "I advise you to leave now. I can refrain from attacking you, otherwise, don't blame me for my ruthless actions."
Lu Fan stood by, his eyes narrowed. "Your words are quite bold, but I wonder about your strength. If you insist on supporting this rogue Taoist, I can oblige you!"
"You don't know the immensity of heaven and earth!" Lin Jianyi's expression turned cold. He performed a hand seal, and in an instant, eight divine swords appeared before him, radiating immense power.
"How can this swordplay be so familiar!" Long San exclaimed in surprise. "Carrying eight swords on one's back, could he be the peerless genius of the White Dragon Dynasty, Lin Jianyi!"
"Lin Jianyi?" Yang Xian'er's face also showed surprise. She knew very well what kind of existence Lin Jianyi was. He was a legend throughout the White Dragon Dynasty, ranking at least in the top 10 among the younger generation, the pinnacle of the young generation in the White Dragon Dynasty.