Treasure Pavilion.
As soon as Chu Fan arrived, he noticed quite a few people already gathered at the entrance.
Judging by their attire, it was evident they were all cultivators on the path of martial arts. Among them were members of the Mu Nan Sect.
Chu Fan was not surprised at all that the Mu Nan Sect had found their way here. As a major sect whose strength in the south was on par with the Qin family, if they couldn't even find one person, the term "major sect" would be questionable.
"It's him!"
"He's the one!"
"So it's him, truly young..."
As Chu Fan approached, the crowd gathered at the entrance became excited, quickly making way for him.
"Great Master, are you recruiting? I'm at the Half-step Grandmaster realm and willing to serve you!"
"Great Master, although I'm just a Master, my talent is quite good. Let me follow you from now on!"
Countless individuals, drawn by his reputation, sought to follow Chu Fan, shedding their pride and recommending themselves. These people belonged to their own circles and had likely received the news that both the Five Great Hidden Families and the other Five Great Sects were very interested in Chu Fan and hoped to have him as a honored guest.
Everyone understood the principle of rising tides lifting all boats. They knew that relying solely on themselves, they would never be treated with courtesy by the Five Great Hidden Families or the Six Great Sects in this lifetime. Conversely, if they could become Chu Fan's subordinate, then the Five Great Hidden Families and the Six Great Sects would have to treat them with respect. Moreover, Chu Fan, being a fourth or fifth-rank Grandmaster at such a young age, could offer them valuable advice if he were pleased. Following him diligently might lead to significant progress on their martial arts journey.
Despite their calculations, Chu Fan had no intention of wasting his time on these extraneous individuals. Whether Half-step Grandmaster or Master, in Chu Fan's eyes, they were no different from ordinary people. Therefore, he walked straight through the crowd and entered the Treasure Pavilion.
*Swish...*
The three Mu Nan Sect elders seated inside the Treasure Pavilion immediately stood up upon seeing Chu Fan's arrival.
"The Mu Nan Sect invited you as a guest. I neither accepted nor refused, so you decide!"
"The eldest among these three is the Fifth Elder of the Mu Nan Sect, Shen Qixing. He's an old friend of mine, and the other two are his disciples!"
Cui Fu came to Chu Fan's side, offering a brief introduction. His main intention was to inform Chu Fan that Shen Qixing, who was visiting, was his friend, and he hoped Chu Fan would be polite. Otherwise, knowing Chu Fan's personality, Cui Fu knew that whether it was the Mu Nan Sect or any other sect, showing a little politeness might earn some respect. But if they dared to act arrogantly relying on the Mu Nan Sect behind them, Chu Fan would directly throw them out.
Chu Fan naturally understood Cui Fu's intentions and nodded, stepping forward.
"Greetings, young friend. I am Shen Qixing of the Mu Nan Sect!" Shen Qixing's demeanor and tone were full of courtesy.
This was unavoidable. Upon learning that Chu Fan had a close relationship with Cui Fu and that Cui Fu had opened a shop in Nan Yun City to make a living, the Second Elder directly approached Shen Qixing. He was well aware of Shen Qixing's past and knew that Shen Qixing had a close relationship with Cui Fu in his early years due to their shared interest in formation arrays. Shen Qixing was also the most knowledgeable person in the Mu Nan Sect regarding formation arrays. Naturally, an acquaintance would have a higher success rate in extending an invitation. Before coming here, the Second Elder specifically instructed Shen Qixing not to pressure Chu Fan by mentioning the Mu Nan Sect. He was to adopt a humble attitude and be as courteous as possible to ensure Chu Fan's acceptance of the invitation to the Mu Nan Sect.
To resolve the situation with Wu Hong, both parties needed to sit down and discuss it properly. If the issues were not resolved and the relationship completely broke down, the Mu Nan Sect would entirely lose the young genius Wu Hong.
Chu Fan nodded and walked directly to the tea table to sit down. Shen Qixing and Cui Fu also sat beside him.
"Young friend, Elder Cui has already told you our purpose for being here. May I ask if you would be willing to visit the Mu Nan Sect?" Perhaps fearing that Chu Fan might perceive this as a trap, Shen Qixing followed up with an explanation: "Please rest assured, young friend, our invitation is sincere. We wish to befriend you and will not set any traps!"
"As for what happened earlier in the Hundred Thousand Mountains, it is true that the Mu Nan Sect acted rashly. Those who acted rashly have paid the price."
"They were inferior in skill, and their severe injuries were self-inflicted."
"The Mu Nan Sect does not hold you responsible for this matter!"
Chu Fan chuckled and spoke frankly, "It's not that your Mu Nan Sect doesn't want to hold me accountable, but that you dare not. Am I correct?"
Shen Qixing was surprised by Chu Fan's bluntness and chuckled to cover his embarrassment. If it were someone else who had injured Mu Nan Sect members like this, the Mu Nan Sect would certainly not have let the matter be so easily dismissed. However, Wu Hong's current situation still required Chu Fan's resolution. Furthermore, given the strength Chu Fan had displayed, and the fact that the Five Great Hidden Families and the other Five Great Sects were all showing interest in him, the Mu Nan Sect had no choice but to set aside their past grievances and sincerely invite Chu Fan to visit and forge a connection. First come, first served. The Mu Nan Sect was well aware that if they waited for the other forces to make their move and then extended an invitation, it would be too late.
"Elder Cui, what do you think? Should I go or not?" Chu Fan suddenly asked Cui Fu.
"Ah..." Cui Fu was startled, then rolled his eyes, thinking, Didn't I just say it's your decision? Why are you asking me again?
Seeing Chu Fan asking Cui Fu for his opinion, Shen Qixing looked at Cui Fu pleadingly, hoping he would help them out of consideration for their old friendship.
"If you want to go, then go!"
"Don't you also have some information you want to inquire about?"
"The Mu Nan Sect should know!"
Cui Fu knew to some extent about Chu Fan's search for the Qin family's main lineage. The Five Great Hidden Families and the Six Great Sects were forces on the same level. To quickly find out the location of the Qin family's hidden lineage, Cui Fu believed this was a good opportunity.
"Alright, let's go and take a look then!" Chu Fan nodded, his thoughts aligning with Cui Fu's. In fact, when he had used Wu Hong as a contingency, he had already planned this, forcing the Mu Nan Sect to come looking for him. He couldn't quickly obtain the location of the Qin family's hidden lineage, but the Mu Nan Sect, having been a dominant force in the south for many years and possessing strength comparable to the Qin family, must know the location of the Qin family's hidden lineage. By using Wu Hong's awakening as leverage, he could surely find out, couldn't he?
Seeing that Chu Fan had finally agreed to go to the Mu Nan Sect, Shen Qixing's anxious heart finally settled. He asked hesitantly, "Shall we depart now, or..."
"If Elder Cui has nothing else to do, let's go now!" Cui Fu immediately shook his head, "I have nothing. If we're going, let's go now. The sooner we go, the sooner we return!"
The group immediately set off. Upon learning that Shen Qixing had indeed invited Chu Fan and that he was on his way, the entire Mu Nan Sect mobilized. Those responsible for cleaning tidied up, and everything was arranged in a manner befitting the welcome of a distinguished guest.