"You speak with great confidence, young man. Whether you can survive Elder Seven is another matter entirely," the Grand Elder chided, rolling his eyes. "Prepare yourself. Try not to leave the academy unless it's absolutely necessary. As long as you're within the Beihai Academy, Elder Seven won't dare to lay a hand on you."
"Thank you for the reminder, Grand Elder!" Lu Fan bowed slightly, not taking it too seriously.
After discussing with Lu Fan, the Dean and the others departed. The Grand Elder shook his head, "This kid has good talent, but he's too arrogant. This attitude won't do him any favors in the long run."
"I don't find anything wrong with it!" the Beihai Dean chuckled. "This kid's spirit reminds me of when we were young. However, nothing must happen within Beihai Academy, especially an Elder killing a disciple. That's a major taboo for the academy."
"Don't worry, Dean. Old Seven has promised me he won't make a move within Beihai Academy," the Grand Elder stated directly. "As for outside the academy, we might not be able to control it. Regardless, his personal disciple was killed, and he's likely already displeased."
The elders nodded in agreement. Although Lu Fan possessed extraordinary talent, daring to oppose an Elder was akin to seeking his own demise.
Returning to his courtyard, Lu Fan found Long Yi poring over an account book, counting something with a radiant smile.
"What's happened? Why are you so happy, Long Yi?"
Lu Fan approached with a smile. "I've never seen you so joyous before."
"Does that need asking?"
Long Yi nodded. "You've been busy cultivating these past few days, so you might not know, but our Qingyun Sect now has over ten Great Spirit Masters. This formidable force, if placed in Yunzhou, would be quite renowned."
"Over ten Great Spirit Masters?"
Lu Fan was slightly surprised, not expecting the Qingyun Sect to have grown to such an extent. However, he hadn't really paid much attention to the sect's development.
"Sect Leader, the Peak Competition has concluded. I plan to return home!" Chu Ting announced. "Would you like to come with me? You can visit my Chu family and see the sights along the way."
"Go home with you?" Lu Fan was puzzled. Back on Earth, when a girl brought a boy home, it usually implied a deeper relationship. However, his relationship with Chu Ting was strictly platonic.
"Sect Leader, please don't misunderstand. I'm not inviting you alone!" Chu Ting quickly clarified. "I want all of you to come. It will be a good opportunity to relax. Everyone was on edge during the Peak Competition. Now that we finally have some free time, we can't let it slip away."
"Have they all agreed?" Lu Fan asked. "If they agree, I'll gladly join. I also want to get out and see the world."
"Then we'll set off tomorrow!" Chu Ting said eagerly. She had been away from home for quite some time and was rather homesick.
"You all go ahead tomorrow. I'll leave the day after," Lu Fan stated. "Just give me your family's address then."
"Why not travel together?" Long Yi stepped forward. "Wouldn't it be better to travel, chatting and laughing?"
"Have you forgotten? You haven't broken through to Spirit King yet, so you can't fly on swords. I'm different. My speed is more than ten times faster than yours, so even leaving a day later, I'll still arrive ahead of you," Lu Fan said with a faint smile.
Long Yi's expression turned peculiar. Only then did he realize Lu Fan was essentially bragging. Once one reached the Spirit King realm, they could fly on swords, making traveling together unnecessary.
In truth, Lu Fan's real intention was not to burden them. He knew very well that once he left Beihai Academy, Elder Seven would seek him out. Traveling with a group would likely be inconvenient.
The next morning, Long Yi and Chu Ting, having prepared their luggage, departed from Beihai Academy with a sense of urgency.
There was still a considerable distance to Chu City, and they dared not delay.
Watching their retreating figures, Lu Fan nodded slightly before returning to his courtyard to begin his secluded cultivation. Being alone in the courtyard felt much quieter.
However, outside the courtyard, Lu Fan could vaguely sense a spiritual consciousness constantly observing him, as if monitoring his every move.
"I never expected that old man to be so concerned about you," the Hongmeng old man remarked. "He's watching you daily. He'll likely make his move the moment you leave the academy."
"Hmph, I'm not the same person I used to be," Lu Fan scoffed. "He's a Spirit King, and so am I."
"Even so, he's a peak Myriad King expert," the Hongmeng old man chuckled. "You need to be careful, kid."
"Even if I'm no match, I still have you!" Lu Fan shrugged. "I won't be able to rest easy until this threat is eliminated."
The following day, Lu Fan tidied himself up and headed out of the academy. He had no intention of staying confined due to Elder Seven's words.
"Senior Brother Lu, are you leaving the academy?" the gatekeeper disciple asked. "The Dean repeatedly instructed me to be extremely cautious if you were to leave."
"Thank you for the warning!"
Lu Fan nodded slightly and turned to leave, paying little mind. Even if Elder Seven intended to deal with him, he was well-prepared.
On the peak of Beihai Academy, Elder Seven gazed at Lu Fan's departing figure and let out a wild laugh. He had been impatient for too long. Now that Lu Fan had left the academy, he would make him pay the price. As an Elder of Beihai Academy, being slandered by others was all Lu Fan's doing.
In the blink of an eye, Elder Seven vanished from the peak and gave chase to Lu Fan. Shortly after he left, two more figures appeared on the peak – Lin Beixuan and the Grand Elder.
"I wonder if that kid can overcome this peril," the Grand Elder said.
"I believe he can!" Lin Beixuan stated directly. "This kid not only has exceptional talent but also many secrets. You shouldn't worry about him; you should worry about whether Old Seven can return!"
"Worry about Old Seven?" The Grand Elder looked bewildered. Elder Seven was a peak Spirit King, with one foot already in the Emperor realm. How could a newly ascended Spirit King like Lu Fan possibly contend with such a powerful being?
"Don't forget the methods this kid displayed during the Peak Competition," the Dean said pointedly. "With such capabilities, he's no ordinary person. However, this matter is beyond the academy's handling. Let them resolve it privately. As for the outcome, that is fate."
"That's all we can do!" the Grand Elder nodded, a hint of helplessness in his voice.