Facing Chen Yulan's words, Lu Fan remained indifferent, appearing confident and unconcerned.
Meanwhile, Zhao Xue frowned, "Can't you tell? He's deliberately picking a fight. Why did you agree? Now, even my Zhao family can't openly protect you!"
"If the Ouyang family makes a move, even if the Zhao family wants to help, it won't be that simple," Lu Fan said with a wry smile. "So, I want to see what kind of person this Madam Ouyang is!"
"He is a peak Great Sage level expert. Although not yet an Emperor, his strength is formidable. Challenging him to a decisive battle is likely seeking death," Zhao Xue said, shaking her head. "I'll help you find a way out tonight. Once you leave Tianhai City, don't come back. That way, even if the Chen family wants to cause trouble, they won't have a chance."
"Since I've accepted the challenge, I won't flee!" Lu Fan waved his hand. "You don't need to worry too much. Besides, my acceptance of the challenge is enough to show I have confidence!"
"Confidence?"
Zhao Xue rolled her eyes. "I know you're also a Great Sage, but the gap is too vast. He's a peak level expert, and facing him is no easy feat."
"I know all of that!" Lu Fan nodded, smiling as if he didn't take it too seriously.
Zhao Xue felt helpless. She wanted to say more, but ultimately remained silent. She understood the gravity of the situation; once involved, even her Zhao family might not be able to do much.
Chen Yulan, with Chen Jianbei, returned to the Ouyang family, a faint smile on her lips. She had worried that Lu Fan wouldn't accept the challenge, leaving her no legitimate reason to act against him. Now, it seemed her worries were unfounded.
"Aunt, be careful during the decisive battle three days from now!" Chen Jianbei warned. "That kid doesn't seem like an ordinary person. A slight misstep could cause endless trouble!"
"Don't worry. He's just an inexperienced brat. It'll be a simple matter for your aunt to deal with him," Chen Yulan waved her hand, appearing even more composed, as if it were all insignificant in her eyes.
Chen Jianbei didn't have much to say in response. He held Chen Yulan's strength in high regard, which was why he spoke so directly.
Meanwhile, news spread throughout Tianhai City, with various opinions emerging regarding the impending battle.
However, they greatly admired Lu Fan. A newcomer daring to accept Chen Yulan's challenge—Madam Ouyang, a peak Great Sage expert, one of the top five experts in Tianhai City.
No one in Tianhai City dared to offend Madam Ouyang, given she was the consort of a Half-Emperor.
Zhao Xue, however, was deeply worried by the public opinion. She knew Chen Yulan's immense strength, and Lu Fan's direct confrontation seemed likely to lead to trouble.
"Little girl, are you worried about him?"
Old Master Zhao approached. "With his strength, he's no match for Chen Yulan. This kid is doomed!"
"Grandpa, you are a Half-Emperor. Please think of a way, anything to salvage this!" Chen Yulan urged.
"This isn't something you can decide with just a word!"
Old Master Zhao shook his head. "It involves the Ouyang family. While the Zhao family doesn't fear the Ouyang family, they also have a Half-Emperor. Crossing them won't end well!"
"But if you say that, then there's no hope?" Zhao Xue frowned. "He's my savior."
"Savior? I think it's more than that!" Old Master Zhao sneered. "You clearly fancy this kid, hence your meticulous planning. But let me tell you, I won't agree!"
"Grandpa, don't talk nonsense. I just think he's a good person, and he's my savior!" Zhao Xue protested repeatedly. "Otherwise, why would I be like this!"
"Fine, fine. If you want to save his life, then let him leave Tianhai City!" Old Master Zhao stated directly. "Otherwise, whether he wins or loses, he won't survive!"
"Why?" Zhao Xue asked, puzzled.
"If he wins, he humiliates the Ouyang family. How could that Half-Emperor of the Ouyang family let him off easily!" Old Master Zhao said plainly. "If he loses, Chen Yulan won't let him live either!"
Zhao Xue stood frozen, somewhat at a loss. Hearing this, she furrowed her brow.
"Don't overthink it. If you can get him to leave Tianhai City, this kid might still have a sliver of hope. Otherwise, death awaits him!" Old Master Zhao stated directly.
After these words, Zhao Xue had nothing more to say, her worry deepening.
Three days later, the people of Tianhai City gathered at the arena, eager to witness the great battle. It was a clash of Great Sage level experts, a scale of combat they had never seen before.
Around the arena, a powerful protective barrier was in place to prevent internal energy from spilling outwards. The aura of Great Sage level experts was not to be trifled with.
Chen Yulan was already on the stage, waiting silently. She intended to defeat Lu Fan and avenge her elder brother, thus finding peace.
However, after a long while, Lu Fan had yet to appear, making people wonder if he had fled out of fear.
But it was understandable. The person before them was Madam Ouyang, not only a peak Great Sage but also the wife of a Half-Emperor—such a terrifying existence, who wouldn't feel apprehension?
"That kid didn't really run away!"
Several men from the Chen family spoke, their hearts filled with concern. They had strategized for a long time to deal with Lu Fan. Now, if Lu Fan truly left Tianhai City, all their efforts would be in vain.
Chen Yulan stood on the stage, her brow furrowed slightly. If Lu Fan had truly left Tianhai City, she would not let him off easily. She would hunt him down to appease the spirits of her fallen Chen family members.
Just as everyone was in doubt, Lu Fan, accompanied by Zhao Xue, arrived near the arena, appearing calm.
"I thought you were scared. It seems not," Chen Yulan said with a cold smile, looking at Lu Fan with a satisfied expression.
As long as Lu Fan hadn't fled, dealing with him would be a simple matter.
Lu Fan smiled. "Rest assured, I always keep my promises."