After their injuries recovered, Lu Fan and the others returned to Longdu. They were still shaken by what had happened that day; a moment's carelessness could have led to the annihilation of their entire sect.
"Now that it's the festive season, all elders may return," Lu Fan said. "We must maintain vigilance across all regions of the dynasty. The ancient sects are watching, and we must ensure the stability of the Dragon Dynasty!"
"Your Majesty, rest assured, we will be on high alert!" the elders replied. Regardless of anything else, they were all Battle Emperor-level experts. As long as they weren't facing masters from the Ghost Hall, they could handle the situation.
Lu Fan also returned to Jiangjing Longting, appearing quite weary. After the recent battle, he had gained a better understanding of the Ghost Hall. Anyone associated with the Ghost Hall was not to be trifled with, and a single mistake could cost them their lives.
At this very moment, Lin Ke turned her gaze to Lu Fan. "The New Year is fast approaching. Should we start preparing?"
"Indeed, we should prepare," Lu Fan replied softly. "I'll accompany you to Jiangbei, and we can visit your father."
"That's not what I meant!" Lin Ke said, a little embarrassed. "Last time, my grandmother and others couldn't attend our wedding. This year, let's go to Chuzhou for the New Year! It would be lively to celebrate with them!"
"This..." Lu Fan said directly. "Don't you want to spend time with your father?"
"My father isn't on his deathbed. Besides, I visited Jiangbei not too long ago. This year, let's go to Chuzhou!" Lin Ke said earnestly. "I've already prepared gifts. If we don't go, won't they be wasted?"
"You are indeed thoughtful!" Lu Fan nodded slightly. Since Lin Ke had put it that way, he naturally wouldn't refuse.
"While the New Year is lively, if you all leave, I'll be all alone in Jiangjing Longting. It will be quite boring!" Long Yi shook his head. "Will I really have to spend this New Year alone?"
"I think what you're saying implies you want to come with us!" Lu Fan chuckled. "In that case, let's go together! You don't have anything else to do anyway!"
"That might not be appropriate," Long Yi said with an awkward smile. "I was just saying that casually. Please don't take it seriously."
"Even if you said it casually, we're taking it seriously!" Lu Fan shrugged. "So, no matter what, we can't let you spend the New Year alone at home. Come with us!"
Seeing Lu Fan's sincerity, Long Yi finally nodded slightly. "In that case, let's go together! I also want to visit Chuzhou!"
The next morning, Lu Fan and the others prepared their luggage and set off for Chuzhou. This year's Spring Festival was exceptionally lively. The establishment of the Dragon Dynasty had brought greater happiness to the people, making the arrival of the Spring Festival even more vibrant.
Meanwhile, within a courtyard in Chuzhou, lanterns and banners had already been hung. In the center of the courtyard stood a statue, which was none other than Lu Fan.
"I wonder if Xiao Fan will come this year!" Yang Zixin said. "It would be so much more lively if he did!"
"He's a very busy person now, and his status is extraordinary. How could he possibly come to Chuzhou?" Yang Shiyun remarked. "Moreover, the Dragon Dynasty has just been established, and Xiao Fan still has many matters to attend to!"
"I was just saying that. Shiyun-jie, you seem to care so much. Don't you have expectations too?" Yang Zixin said with a serious expression.
"Of course, I hope he comes. After all, it's been so long since we last saw him. I don't know how he's doing now. And if he were to come, it would bring great honor to our Yang family," Yang Shiyun stated frankly.
"Our Yang family in Chuzhou is already shining brightly, and it's all thanks to Xiao Fan. If it weren't for Xiao Fan, we might not be living so happily in Chuzhou!" Yang Zixin said directly.
"You're right. Without Xiao Fan, the company would never have been this successful," Yang Shihai added. "The Yang family wouldn't have this kind of standing either. Now, the Yang family has returned to its peak, and no one dares to provoke us, because behind us stands a powerful figure!"
"Who is this powerful figure, Second Uncle?"
As they were talking, Lu Fan walked into the courtyard, a smile on his face, his expression appearing indifferent.
"Xiao Fan!" Yang Shiwen exclaimed. "Why are you here? And you didn't even notify us! I thought you wouldn't come!"
"If I had notified you, where would the surprise be!" Lu Fan said with a laugh. "I truly didn't know my two sisters were looking forward to it so much. If I had known, I would have come to see you all days ago."
"You're becoming more glib with your words, you rascal!" Yang Shiyun playfully chided. "But you're still the same. Your status has reached an extraordinary level, and we can only look up to you from afar!"
"At home, I am younger than all of you, a junior. There are no divisions of rank!" Lu Fan smiled. "Lin Ke has prepared quite a few gifts for you all this year!"
Lin Ke also stepped forward, carrying large bags and small packages, all of which looked quite thoughtfully prepared.
"Who is this?" Yang Shiwen looked at Long Yi.
"Uncle, I am Xiao Fan's friend!" Long Yi said with a faint smile, his expression even more indifferent.
Although Yang Shiwen was an ordinary person, he was Lu Fan's uncle, and Lu Fan dared not slight him.
"So, you're Xiao Fan's friend. Please, come in and have a seat!" Yang Shiwen said warmly.
Long Yi was momentarily unsure of how to respond.
"Anyone who can be friends with Xiao Fan must be no ordinary person!" Yang Zixin said. "I'll go pour some tea right away. Please wait a moment!"
"I've been standing here all day, and Zixin-jie hasn't even poured a cup of tea for me!" Lu Fan playfully retorted. "Yet you're so enthusiastic towards him!"
"He's a guest, but you're not!" Yang Zixin smiled. "If you want something to drink, go pour it yourself!"
Lu Fan gave a helpless glance.
Upon entering the main hall, Old Madam Yang, who could no longer wait, hurried out. Seeing Lu Fan, her face lit up with joy. "Xiao Fan, you've finally come! Your grandmother has been thinking of you!"
"I'll spend this Spring Festival with Grandma!" Lu Fan said with a light smile. "Have you been well here in Chuzhou these days?"
"Naturally, I've been very well!" Old Madam Yang nodded quickly. "However, I heard that you've been quite tired!"
"How could I be tired!" Lu Fan asked, confused. "I'm doing very well in Longdu!"
"Don't lie to Grandma. You've put in a lot of effort for the country's affairs!" Old Madam Yang said repeatedly. "No matter where I go now, people treat me with great respect. This is all your honor!"
"Cough cough..." Lu Fan coughed a few times, a look of embarrassment appearing on his face.