"So young, yet possessing such cultivation. I was presumptuous," the elder in green said with a wry smile. "Thank you, Lord Lu, for holding back. Otherwise, I might not have made it out alive."
"No need for formalities. It was merely a spar, I wouldn't take your life," Lu Fan waved his hand. "Are there any others who wish to spar?"
The elders exchanged glances, none daring to step forward. The strength Lu Fan had displayed was enough to inspire fear in them.
"Elder Qingyi is the strongest among you elders," Sect Master Tieshan chuckled. "Naturally, the other elders are willing to submit."
"That is for the best then."
Lu Fan nodded slightly and sat down. He understood clearly that without demonstrating some strength, he would inevitably face doubt. His forceful display earlier was precisely for this reason.
"Lord Lu possesses great divine abilities. Would you be willing to take charge of the Tieshan Sect?" Sect Master Tieshan spoke directly, without any reservation.
The elders present were startled. They had not expected the Sect Master to speak so directly, as if wanting Lu Fan to become the Sect Master of Tieshan Sect.
"I have no interest in that," Lu Fan shook his head. "After staying at Tieshan Sect, I will depart directly."
"This..."
Sect Master Tieshan was disappointed. He had intended to win over Lu Fan, even willing to cede the position of Sect Master, but he hadn't expected Lu Fan to dismiss it so easily.
"Sect Master, you may not know, but Lord Lu has extraordinary talent. His purpose in coming to the Triangle Domain is to enter Tongtian Academy," Tie Bao stated frankly. "However, Tongtian Academy is quite mysterious, and entering it is not so easy."
"That is not entirely accurate. With Lord Lu's talent, he will surely be able to enter Tongtian Academy," Elder Feibiao chimed in repeatedly.
"Yes, yes, you are right. I misspoke earlier," Tie Bao quickly nodded.
"Is Tongtian Academy truly that difficult to enter?" Lu Fan frowned.
"Lord Lu may not be aware, but although Tongtian Academy is located in the Triangle Domain, even the nearby super dynasties dare not provoke it," Sect Master Tieshan said. "These dynasties have Saints sitting in them."
"So that's how it is!"
Lu Fan nodded slightly, a hint of contemplation in his expression. His purpose in coming to the Triangle Domain was to enter Tongtian Academy. If he couldn't get in, wouldn't this trip be in vain?
"But rest assured, adult. With your talent, you are more than qualified to enter Tongtian Academy!" Sect Master Tieshan said with a light chuckle. "Please stay with us for a few days, and I will personally notify you when Tongtian Academy begins its admissions!"
"Thank you very much then!"
Lu Fan smiled, quite courteously. Under normal circumstances, Tieshan Sect had no obligation to help him, so Lu Fan felt a sense of gratitude towards them.
After the banquet concluded, Lu Fan retired to his quarters. They were built along the mountainside, presenting a rather pleasant vista.
"Adult, are we really going to stay at Tieshan Sect for the entire duration?" Hu Yu suddenly asked.
"What, you're not willing?" Lu Fan chuckled lightly.
"That's not it. I just feel that it's inconvenient to stay here. The Triangle Domain is so vast, and there are so many places we haven't visited. Staying at Tieshan Sect all the time would be too boring," Hu Yu said with an awkward smile.
"I see!"
Lu Fan smiled faintly. "Since you feel bored, go out and explore. I won't keep you here."
"Adult is joking again. With my strength, if I really went out to explore, I don't even know if I could make it back," Hu Yu said with an awkward smile. "You know how chaotic the Triangle Domain is."
"In that case, if I have some free time, I'll accompany you," Lu Fan shrugged.
"Is that true?" Hu Yu's face lit up with joy. With Lu Fan accompanying him, he would feel much less afraid. Although the Triangle Domain was a chaotic place, Lu Fan's strength was formidable, and he could handle any situation that arose.
"Adult, if you plan to go down the mountain, we can accompany you," a woman said, stepping forward. Dressed in a red outfit, she appeared quite comely.
"Who are you? How dare you eavesdrop on our conversation?" Hu Yu frowned. "Is this the hospitality of Tieshan Sect?"
"Please don't misunderstand, young lady. I wasn't eavesdropping; I was just passing by," Xiao Hong quickly explained. "I am merely a disciple of Tieshan Sect. How could I dare to eavesdrop on your words?"
"So, you are familiar with the Triangle Domain?" Lu Fan looked at Xiao Hong. "Would you be willing to lead the way? I happen to be free tomorrow and wish to go out for a walk."
"Yes, yes!" Xiao Hong nodded eagerly, her face beaming with joy. She had appeared here intentionally, having prepared herself long ago. Given Lu Fan's youth and talent, many female disciples in the sect were quite captivated by him. Being able to lead the way for him was likely a dream come true for many of them.
"I think she's trying to be overly attentive for some ulterior motive!" Hu Yu remarked. "Perhaps we should just explore on our own."
"It's fine. Having someone who knows the way would be even better," Lu Fan waved his hand.
Hu Yu felt a touch of helplessness and could say no more. He wouldn't dare to disregard anything Lu Fan decided.
"Adult, I'll go and prepare now!" Xiao Hong said with a smile. "I'll accompany you to the city tomorrow."
Lu Fan nodded, not paying it much mind. His reason for wanting to go out was to understand the Triangle Domain. After all, he might be living here for some time, and being unfamiliar with the local situation would put him at a significant disadvantage.
Returning to his room, Lu Fan began to circulate his qi. After the arduous journey, his cultivation had advanced considerably. Even if he encountered a Heavenly Venerate-level expert, he would not be afraid. However, if he were to encounter a Half-Saint, Lu Fan would still have no choice but to flee. The Half-Saint realm was a crucial threshold, and reaching it would likely require many fortuitous encounters.
Cangying City was situated in the central region of the North Corner Domain, no more than a hundred kilometers from Tieshan Sect. Led by Xiao Hong, Lu Fan arrived at the city. Along both sides of the road, throngs of people were coming and going, creating a bustling scene. However, everyone carried a weapon for self-defense, and they were clearly not to be trifled with.
"Cangying City is the closest city to Beihaicheng," Xiao Hong said. "There are many trading posts here. However, within this city, murder and robbery are commonplace, so you must be cautious."
"Murder and robbery?" Lu Fan narrowed his eyes. "The Triangle Domain is indeed unusual. But it's also understandable. With no one governing this place, everyone can act as they please. It's only natural."
"Step right up, everyone! Don't miss out! Absolutely divine beasts! Absolutely divine beasts! You can buy them for just a thousand spirit stones!" Shouts rang out. In the center of the road, a group of spirit beasts was displayed.